Current Affairs - Defence

The Ordnance Clothing Factory (OCF), Avadi, executed India's first defence export order to the Republic of Suriname. This marks a significant milestone in India's defence exports, which have seen substantial growth, rising from Rs 2,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 21,000 crore in 2023-24. Suriname, located on the northeastern coast of South America, has historical ties with India dating back to the colonial period when Indians were brought as indentured labourers. The order includes advanced military gear like lightweight camouflage uniforms and ballistic helmets to enhance soldier mobility.

Wing Commander Akshay Saxena was honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal for his pivotal role in an anti-piracy mission in the Arabian Sea. He piloted a C-17 aircraft in a high-risk 10-hour operation, successfully executing a precision airdrop of marine commandos to rescue the hijacked ship Ruen. The Indian Navy, supported by INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra, intercepted the vessel, leading to the capture of Somali pirates and the safe recovery of the crew. His exceptional skills and bravery were instrumental in the success of this critical mission.

OCF Avadi, a unit under Defence PSU Troop Comforts Limited, successfully carried out India's first defence export order to Suriname on January 28, 2025. The shipment included 4,500 army uniforms valued at ₹1.71 crore, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic ties between India and Suriname. The factory is optimistic about future orders worth ₹5 crore, reinforcing the reputation of "Made in India" defence products on the global stage.

The bid from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), in collaboration with Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), cleared the technical evaluation for the ₹43,000 crore P-75I submarine project. The project involves the acquisition of six advanced conventional submarines with a focus on indigenous content and technological upgrades. MDL-TKMS’s offering is based on the Class 214 submarine design, known for its operational success and proven Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module, a key criterion for qualification. With commercial negotiations set to begin, this bid emphasizes the importance of indigenization in India’s defence capabilities.

India has joined the Eurodrone (MALE RPAS) programme as an observer, marking a significant step in international defence cooperation. This €7.1 billion initiative, led by Airbus Defence and Space and managed by OCCAR, focuses on various advanced capabilities like intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). With payload capabilities of up to 2.3 tonnes and endurance of 40 hours, Eurodrone aims to bolster maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and early warning systems.