Current Affairs - Defence

Senior Odisha cadre IPS officer Amrit Mohan Prasad has been appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), taking over from Daljit Singh Chaudhary. Prasad, previously serving as Special DG of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will hold this position until his superannuation on August 31, 2025, or until further orders. His leadership role in this crucial security force reinforces his long-standing service in the Indian police system.

The Kalvari Submarine Escape Training Facility, also known as VINETRA, was commissioned at INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief, Eastern Naval Command. Visakhapatnam is home to the Eastern Naval Command, one of the three command-level formations of the Indian Navy. This city hosts key naval establishments, including the Naval Dockyard, and serves as a strategic location for India's maritime defence. The VINETRA facility enhances the escape capabilities of the crew from distressed Kalvari-class submarines, aligning with India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and highlighting the nation's focus on self-reliance in defence capabilities.

INSV Tarini is set to embark on the historic Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, carrying Lt Cdr Roopa and Lt Cdr Dilna on their remarkable journey around the world. This voyage aims to promote maritime heritage, seamanship skills, and gender equality while showcasing India's growing prominence in global maritime activities. The Indian Navy has revitalized its sailing tradition through pioneering efforts, including circumnavigation missions aboard INSV Mhadei and INSV Tarini. With rigorous training and thousands of miles of sailing experience, the officers are well-prepared for this challenging expedition.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed the first phase of trials for the Light Tank ‘Zorawar’. This achievement highlights DRDO’s role in advancing India’s indigenous defence technology. The trials, conducted on September 13, 2024, demonstrated the tank’s exceptional performance in desert terrain and its readiness for high-altitude deployment. Developed in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, the Zorawar light tank showcases DRDO’s commitment to enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and technology.

The VL-SRSAM, or Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile, is a defensive weapon system designed to counter close-range aerial threats. India recently successfully tested it off the Odisha coast, demonstrating its capabilities. The test was conducted by DRDO in collaboration with the Indian Navy, and it met all performance expectations. Surface-to-air missiles like the VL-SRSAM play a crucial role in air defence by intercepting and neutralizing incoming aerial targets and enhancing the security of military installations and naval assets.