Current Affairs - Defence

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has renamed the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36) as 'Yashas' after making significant modifications to enhance its spin resistance and stability. The aircraft is equipped with an advanced glass cockpit, a FADEC-controlled AL55I engine, and Indian-made avionics, improving its efficiency for pilot training. 'Yashas' plays a crucial role in Stage II pilot training, counter-insurgency operations, and aerobatics, with the capability to carry a 1,000 kg armament load. The renaming aligns with HAL’s efforts to modernize Indigenous aircraft for defence applications.

The joint military exercise 'Cyclone 2025' between India and Egypt has commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. This 14-day exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation and interoperability between the special forces of both nations. The training focuses on counter-terrorism operations, reconnaissance, sniping, surveillance, and other specialized military tactics in challenging desert conditions. The Indian Army is represented by the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Egypt has deployed its Commando Squadron and Airborne Platoon. The exercise strengthens bilateral defence ties and improves coordination in tackling modern security threats.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) off the Odisha coast. This marks a significant milestone in the development of the VSHORADS system, which is designed to neutralize aerial threats, including drones, flying at very low altitudes and high speeds. The successful trials demonstrate the system's capabilities and its potential to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

TROPEX-25 is a biennial large-scale military exercise conducted in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It involves around 65 Indian Navy ships, 9 submarines, and over 80 aircraft, along with assets from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The exercise focuses on validating the Indian Navy’s maritime operational strategies and enhancing joint operational readiness against various threats, including conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid threats. By conducting TROPEX-25 in the Indian Ocean, India ensures the protection of its maritime interests, strengthens fleet management capabilities, and refines its combat readiness in real-world maritime scenarios.

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron, consisting of INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, arrived at Changi Naval Base on 6th February 2025. This visit is part of a Long-Range Training Deployment aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation. During their stay, engagements such as professional exchanges, cross-training visits, and sports fixtures with the Republic of Singapore Navy were planned, highlighting the significance of naval partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.