Current Affairs - Defence

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.

China announced the "Northern United-2024" joint drills with Russia, focusing on naval and air operations in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk. The aim of the exercises is to enhance strategic cooperation and improve both countries' capabilities to address security challenges. This marks the fifth joint naval cruise between China and Russia in the Pacific, also involving Russia's “Great Ocean-24” exercise. These drills underscore the growing military partnership between China and Russia amidst increasing global security tensions.

The 20th edition of the Indo-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' began at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. This annual exercise, alternately held in India and the United States since 2004, focuses on enhancing counter-terrorism strategies in semi-desert conditions. Both nations aim to improve their joint operational capabilities under the UN Charter, fostering greater military cooperation and coordination between India and the United States.