Current Affairs - Defence

India tested the strike range air-launched ballistic missile, also known as ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, which originated from Israel. The missile was launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is designed to target stationary and relocatable targets in GPS-denied environments, including enemy long-range radar and air defence systems.

India ranked fourth globally in military spending in 2023, allocating $83.6 billion for defence. This expenditure surge reflects India's strategic focus on modernizing its military infrastructure, particularly after the Ladakh standoff in 2020, to enhance defence capabilities and address evolving regional security challenges.

The Indian Navy conducted the 'Poorvi Leher' mega exercise along the East Coast to validate its procedures and assess its preparedness for maritime security challenges. This exercise involved multiple phases, including combat training and live-fire drills, showcasing the Navy's operational readiness and interoperability with other services.

India is planning to test the Astra Mark-2 air-to-air missile with a 130 km range, showcasing advancements in its defence capabilities and aiming to match the capabilities of other advanced missiles like Meteor.

India is delivering the first batch of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines as part of a deal worth nearly $375 million. This marks a significant milestone in India's defence exports, particularly with the BrahMos missile, which is jointly developed by India and Russia.