Current Affairs - Defence

Vice Admiral CR Praveen Nair, a Surface Warfare specialist in Communications and Electronic Warfare, took over the command of the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, after Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty. Vice Admiral Nair, who was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1991, has held several key positions, including Commander of the Western Fleet and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Policy and Plans). His extensive experience and leadership in the Navy made him a suitable successor for this prestigious role.

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.