Current Affairs - Defence

Algeria and India have fortified their defence collaboration through a new MoU, fostering mutual understanding and strategic interests. The agreement, signed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army Saíd Chanegriha, encompasses capacity building, technology exchange, and initiatives related to Make In India. This development underscores the growing bilateral relations between India and Algeria, with President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit to Algeria marking a significant milestone in their cooperation. The partnership is expected to enhance India's diplomatic and economic footprint in Africa while promoting peace and stability in the region.

The third edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, Swavlamban – 2024, commenced on October 29, 2024, in New Delhi, at Bharat Mandapam. This seminar aims to foster innovation and indigenisation within the Indian Navy, enhancing defence capabilities through local resources and technology. The event brings together defence forces, private sector companies, and start-ups to showcase niche technologies in areas like surveillance, autonomous systems, AI, and quantum technologies. The participation of numerous agencies and exhibits underscores the importance of Swavlamban 2024 in promoting India's defence self-reliance.

The Indian Army is participating in the 9th edition of the joint exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 with Indonesia. A contingent of 25 personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) has been dispatched to Jakarta for the exercise, scheduled from November 1 to 12, 2024. The joint exercise aims to enhance interoperability and sharing of expertise between the two nations' special forces. It will focus on advanced skills, weapons, tactics, and techniques, culminating in a validation exercise to integrate these capabilities. This bilateral exercise strengthens the military ties and cooperation between India and Indonesia.

India and the United States are conducting the 15th edition of the joint Special Forces exercise, VAJRA PRAHAR, from November 2-22, 2024, at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US. This bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability and sharing of expertise between the two nations' special forces. The VAJRA PRAHAR exercise is the second India-US Army exercise in 2024, following the YUDH ABHYAS 2024 held in Rajasthan in September. This collaboration demonstrates the strengthening of defence ties and cooperation between India and the United States.

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched two indigenous fast patrol vessels, Adamya and Akshar, designed to enhance the protection of offshore assets, and island territories, and conduct surveillance operations for the Indian Coast Guard. GSL is constructing a total of eight fast patrol vessels (FPVs) for the Coast Guard, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision of self-reliance in defence production. The vessels, measuring 52 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth, demonstrate GSL's capabilities in designing and building advanced maritime assets for India's defence forces.