Current Affairs - Defence

The model testing of the 'Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile' Barge was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam. This testing is crucial during the design stage to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the barge for transport and logistics in naval operations.

The Rampage missile, recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy, is a long-range supersonic air-to-ground missile. It is designed for precision strikes on ground targets, enhancing the combat capabilities of both forces. The missile's integration into the fleet of aircraft and naval fighters signifies a strategic enhancement in India's military capabilities.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has requested funding from the Ministry of Defence to develop the high-power laser weapon DURGA II, aimed at providing cutting-edge technology to the Indian armed forces for neutralising threats like drones, missiles, and artillery shells.

India tested the strike range air-launched ballistic missile, also known as ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, which originated from Israel. The missile was launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is designed to target stationary and relocatable targets in GPS-denied environments, including enemy long-range radar and air defence systems.

India ranked fourth globally in military spending in 2023, allocating $83.6 billion for defence. This expenditure surge reflects India's strategic focus on modernizing its military infrastructure, particularly after the Ladakh standoff in 2020, to enhance defence capabilities and address evolving regional security challenges.