Current Affairs - Defence

The India-U.S. collaboration on the co-production of sonobuoys is aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy’s submarine detection capabilities. The final assembly of U.S.-specification sonobuoys will take place in India, and the operational production line is expected to be ready by 2027. This initiative involves the partnership between U.S.-based Ultra Maritime and India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), marking a significant development in undersea warfare technology. The sonobuoys will provide advanced capabilities for detecting submarines, enhancing India’s defence and undersea domain awareness.

HIMKAVACH is a multi-layered cold weather clothing system developed by DRDO to enhance the operational efficiency of military personnel in extreme climates, from +20°C to -60°C. It offers superior insulation, breathability, and moisture protection, ensuring comfort and functionality in challenging conditions. The system successfully passed rigorous user trials, demonstrating its reliability in real-life military operations. Designed for soldiers operating in the harsh environments of the Himalayan region, HIMKAVACH addresses critical challenges posed by extreme weather. This innovation signifies a leap forward in military apparel, supporting the safety and effectiveness of armed forces in extreme cold conditions.

Vaghsheer is the 6th and final Scorpene-class submarine delivered to the Indian Navy under Project P-75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. It features advanced stealth capabilities and is equipped to execute precise attacks with torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles, both underwater and on the surface. This delivery marks the completion of Project P-75, which also included INS Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir.

The eighth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 22, was inducted at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on January 6, 2025. This event highlights the Indian Navy's efforts to enhance its operational capabilities. The barge was built by Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., an MSME shipyard contributing to the Make in India initiative. The induction of LSAM 22 reflects the Navy’s commitment to modernizing its fleet while supporting local shipbuilding industries and bolstering India's defence manufacturing sector.

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the Fast Patrol Vessels Amulya and Akshay, the third and fourth in a series of eight vessels built for the Indian Coast Guard. These 52-meter-long vessels, constructed with 60% indigenous content, are designed for fisheries protection, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and coastal patrols. The project, worth ₹473 crores, underscores India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the critical role of GSL in enhancing maritime security through indigenous shipbuilding.