DEFENSE

GS 3 – DEFENCE Context: Fifty years after the Vietnam War (1955-1975), millions of Vietnamese continue to suffer from the devastating effects of Agent Orange. This toxic herbicide was sprayed by U.S. forces to destroy forests and food crops that provided cover and sustenance to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong …

GS III-Defence Context: Ahead of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, the President of India sanctioned gallantry awards to 80 personnel from the Armed Forces, of which 12 were awarded posthumously. Key Highlights of Gallantry Awards 2024: Kirti Chakras: 6 awarded (3 posthumous) Shaurya Chakras: 16 awarded (2 posthumous) Sena Medals …

UPSC Relevance GS-3: Defence & Security – Indigenous Weaponry, Counter-Drone Tech, Directed Energy Weapons GS-3: Science & Tech – Laser Technology in Defence Key Highlights Tested System Name: Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) Developer: DRDO Test Site: National Open Air Range, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh Capabilities Engages long-range targets, including missiles, …

GS 3 – Defense India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted release trials for the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav.’ These trials, held from April 8 to 10, 2025, utilized the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet, representing a significant milestone in strengthening India’s aerial precision and defence strategy. Overview …

GS III-Defence Context The i-DRONE initiative recently facilitated the successful drone-based transport of corneal tissue over a 20 km distance within 15–20 minutes, showcasing its potential in medical logistics. Overview of i-DRONE Full Form: ICMR’s Drone Response and Outreach in North East Developed By: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) …

GS III-Defence Context: India has recently participated in multiple bilateral military exercises, aimed at enhancing defense cooperation, operational readiness, and regional security. Key Military Exercises: Exercise Bongosagar 2025 Participating Nations: India and Bangladesh Location: Bay of Bengal Objective: Strengthening maritime security, improving tactical coordination, and enhancing joint operational planning between …

GS 3 – Defence Introduction Overview of BrahMos NG Development of BrahMos Next Generation (NG) missile Expected production commencement by 2027-28 First flight tests scheduled for next year Designed to enhance the capabilities of its predecessor Key Features of BrahMos NG Range: Retains an effective range of 290 km Compact …

GS 3 – DEFENCE Context : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will feature Pralay, India’s first short-range quasi-ballistic missile for conventional strikes, in the 2025 Republic Day parade. Overview of Pralay Missile Inception: Conceptualized in 2015. Type: An indigenous, short-range quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO, comparable to Russia’s …

GS 3 – DEFENCE On Army Day (January 15, 2025), the Defence Minister unveiled the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan website. Key Features: Objective: Promotes battlefield tourism at key military sites along India’s borders. Integration with Incredible India Campaign: The Ministry of Tourism has incorporated the initiative into the ‘Incredible India’ program …

GS 3 – DEFENCE  Context: India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has delivered the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy under Project P-75. About Scorpene-Class Submarines Scorpene-class submarines are diesel-electric attack submarines designed for: Stealth operations Anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare Intelligence gathering and area surveillance. Project P-75 Launched …

GS 3 – Defence Overview: Amid rising tensions in India-Bangladesh relations, reports suggest that Dhaka is considering purchasing the Abdali Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs), also known as Hatf 2 missiles, from Pakistan. The Abdali missile, also referred to as Hatf 2, is a short-range, road-mobile, solid propellant ballistic missile. …

GS 3 – DEFENCE Ahead of PM’s Paris trip, Rafale, Scorpene deals reach final leg The Rafale fighter jet is a 4.5-generation, twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed and manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation. Its acquisition by India has strategic, technological, and geopolitical implications. Below is a detailed analysis …

GS 3 – Defence Context: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the installation of air-independent propulsion (AIP) plugs. These will integrate the DRDO-developed AIP system into India’s Kalvari class submarines. Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) is …

GS 3 – Defence Context: India and Mauritius conducted a coordination meeting aboard the INS Sarvekshak to begin a Joint Hydrographic Survey. This ship, operated under the Southern Naval Command, plays a crucial role in mapping and surveying marine environments. Features of INS Sarvekshak: Type: Hydrographic Survey Ship Survey Equipment: …

GS 3 – Defence Why in news: Exercise Varuna 2025 is the 42nd annual naval exercise between the Indian and French Navies, highlighting their strong strategic partnership and boosting their operational coordination. Key Highlights: Participants: French Navy: Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de …

GS 3 – Defence  India’s defense exports have reached a record high, with significant contributions from the private sector. The government aims to further boost exports by streamlining policies and encouraging indigenous production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Make in India is a flagship initiative launched by the Government …