Current Affairs - Defence

India is finalizing a repeat order for 73,000 SiG 716 assault rifles from the United States to equip its frontline troops. This follows a successful 2019 procurement of 72,400 SiG 716 rifles, driven by their superior performance, extended range, and automatic firing capability. The SiG 716 rifles have proven to be highly effective, aligning with the Indian Army's revised operational philosophy favouring the 7.62 x 51mm calibre. This procurement underscores the strong defence collaboration between India and the United States.

INS Mumbai, an Indian Navy ship, is scheduled for a three-day visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka. This visit is significant as it marks INS Mumbai's first-ever visit to Sri Lanka and represents the eighth visit by an Indian Navy ship to the country this year. During the visit, INS Mumbai will deliver spare parts for the Sri Lanka Air Force's Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and participate in various joint activities. The ship will also replenish its fuel and provisions, and the crew will have the opportunity to visit local sites in Colombo and Galle.

Japan is the country working with India to counter China's military assertiveness, as discussed during their recent 2+2 ministerial dialogue. The focus of the discussion was on enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including the transfer of critical technologies like UNICORN. Both nations emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledged to remove regulatory obstacles to strengthen their strategic partnership. The dialogue reflects the growing collaboration between India and Japan in addressing shared geopolitical challenges and maintaining regional stability.

The Philippine government reported collisions between two of its coast guard ships, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engano, and Chinese vessels conducting "unlawful and aggressive manoeuvres" near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. The incidents occurred amidst tensions in the region, with both countries claiming rights over the area. The Philippine vessels sustained damage after collisions with Chinese vessels, and both sides accused each other of initiating the collisions. China accused the Philippine ships of illegal entry and ramming, while the Philippine side claimed Chinese vessels initiated the collisions. The incidents highlight the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea involving multiple countries.

GAURAV is the name of the long-range glide bomb successfully tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on August 13, 2024, from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force. This air-launched 1,000 kg class bomb is designed to hit targets at long distances with high accuracy using a hybrid navigation scheme. The successful test marks a significant achievement in India's efforts to develop indigenous defence technologies, further enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces.