Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Army is hosting the 2nd Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi on October 24-25, 2024. The event's theme, "Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth Through Comprehensive Security," underscores the role of security in national development. High-profile speakers, including Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and General Upendra Dwivedi, will lead discussions on topics like geopolitics, economic growth, social cohesion, sustainability, and technological advancement. This dialogue provides a platform for examining security’s multifaceted impact on India’s growth and resilience.

Visakhapatnam, a strategic port city on India's eastern coast, hosted the launch of the country's fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), S4*. This significant development enhances India's naval capabilities and contributes to its nuclear deterrence. The S4* boasts advanced features, including the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile with a 3,500 km range. The Indian Navy's expanding submarine fleet, including INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, strengthens India's maritime presence and underscores its commitment to national security. Visakhapatnam's Ship Building Centre plays a vital role in India's naval modernization efforts.

The Indian Army's Sudarshan Chakra Corps is currently conducting "Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI" at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi. This massive exercise, involving 1,800 soldiers, 210 armoured vehicles, and aircraft, aims to enhance the Army's combat capabilities by integrating advanced technologies. Scheduled to conclude on October 22, 2024, Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI is a significant step towards modernizing India's military might. By leveraging niche and emerging technologies, the Army seeks to bolster its readiness for future warfare scenarios.

The iDEX scheme (Innovations for Defence Excellence) was launched by the Ministry of Defence to promote innovation and modernization in the Defence and Aerospace sectors. It encourages startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators to engage in research and development, providing them with funding and technical support through partnerships with leading incubators. Managed by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), the iDEX scheme aims to develop military-grade products and advanced technologies that meet the critical needs of the Indian Armed Forces. The Ministry is now seeking additional funds to continue the scheme beyond 2021-26.

India has entered into a significant $3.5-billion defence agreement with the United States to purchase 31 MQ-9B drones, which include 16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian models. This deal is part of India’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities, particularly in response to rising concerns related to China. The drones will be distributed across India's military branches, with 15 going to the Navy and the remaining eight being shared between the Army and Air Force. This acquisition is conducted through the foreign military sales framework, reflecting the growing defence cooperation between India and the US.