Current Affairs - Defence

India's defence production in fiscal year 2023-24 reached a record high of Rs 1,26,887 crore, marking a growth rate of 16.7% compared to the previous fiscal year. This substantial increase underscores India's advancing capabilities and commitment to bolstering domestic manufacturing in the defence sector, reflecting a significant milestone towards achieving self-reliance.

Signaltron, a Bangalore-based firm, provided the indigenous chip-based 4G mobile base station to the Indian Army. This base station, known as Sahyadri LTE, incorporates chips developed by Signalchip, an Indian semiconductor company. This development marks a milestone as it is the first time an Indian system using locally developed chips has been adopted for complex communication technology within the military. Signaltron's solution, procured through the government e-marketplace portal, underscores India's move towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies, enhancing security and operational control.

The Indian Air Force inaugurated the Weapon Systems School (WSS) in Hyderabad, signalling a significant advancement in its capabilities. Led by Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, this school aims to provide specialized training to officers of the newly formed Weapon Systems branch, integrating various weapon system operators and enhancing the IAF’s readiness and effectiveness in modern air warfare. The establishment of WSS underscores India's commitment to developing skilled personnel and cutting-edge capabilities in defence technology.

The Maitree Exercise 2024 is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army, taking place in Thailand at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province. This exercise, running from July 1 to July 15, 2024, focuses on enhancing military cooperation, improving skills in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, and conducting joint planning and tactical drills. It symbolizes the strong defence partnership and mutual cooperation between India and Thailand.

The military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is a joint initiative between India and Mongolia, aimed at bolstering interoperability between their armed forces. This exercise, held alternately in Mongolia and India, focuses on conducting semi-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains. It serves as a crucial platform for both countries to enhance their defence cooperation and strategic ties, reflecting their commitment to mutual defence preparedness and regional stability.