Current Affairs - Defence

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched two indigenous fast patrol vessels, Adamya and Akshar, designed to enhance the protection of offshore assets, and island territories, and conduct surveillance operations for the Indian Coast Guard. GSL is constructing a total of eight fast patrol vessels (FPVs) for the Coast Guard, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision of self-reliance in defence production. The vessels, measuring 52 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth, demonstrate GSL's capabilities in designing and building advanced maritime assets for India's defence forces.

The Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative has had a profound impact on India's defence sector, leading to substantial growth and reforms. Defence production has seen a remarkable 174% increase from ₹46 thousand crore in 2014-15 to over ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24. Additionally, defence exports have skyrocketed from ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to over ₹21 thousand crore in 2023-24. The development of key platforms such as the Dhanush Gun System, ATAGS, Tank Arjun, Tejas, and submarines further underscores the sector's transformation. This growth demonstrates the initiative's success in boosting India's self-reliance in defence.

The TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, India, is specifically designed for the manufacturing of C-295 military aircraft. This project marks India's first private sector Final Assembly Line for military aircraft and is a collaborative effort between Tatas, public sector units like Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Ltd, and various private Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Under the C-295 program, a total of 56 aircraft will be delivered, with 16 being directly delivered by Airbus from Spain and 40 being manufactured in India.

The Indian Navy launched the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named 'Abhay,' on October 25 at L&T, Kattupalli. 'Abhay' is built by GRSE as part of an eight-ship contract with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to replace the Abhay-class ASW corvettes. Notably, over 80% of the materials used in its construction are indigenous, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and promoting self-reliance in defense shipbuilding. This development enhances local production and employment opportunities in the defence sector.

The maiden Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) between India and Germany involved the Indian Navy's INS Delhi and Germany’s frigate Baden-Württemberg, along with the tanker Frankfurt Am Main. This exercise in the Indian Ocean included complex operations such as cross-deck flying, underway replenishment, and weapon firing. MPX signifies an important step in strengthening naval interoperability and maritime relations between India and Germany, underscoring a shared commitment to regional security and defence collaboration.