General Awareness

DEFENCE - April 2024

Apr 2024

Dec 30, 2025

India Successfully Tests 120-Km Range Pinaka Rocket in Odisha

India conducted a maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket LRGR 120 at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket achieved its maximum range of 120 kilometres and performed in-flight maneuvers as planned. The trial coincided with Defence Acquisition Council approval for the project, and the missile landed on target with precision. The LRGR 120 test marks progress in indigenous missile development, reinforcing India’s capability in precision strike technology and contributing to the broader Make in India defence program.

Maiden flight test of Pinaka LRGR 120 in Odisha
Range demonstrated: 120 km with planned maneuvers
Test aligned with DAC project clearance
Demonstrates indigenously developed missile capability
Supports Make in India defence goals
Precise target impact reported

Indian Air Force, IIT Madras to Build India's First Indigenous Airborne Communication System

The Indian Air Force signed an MoU with IIT Madras to develop an indigenous digital communication system for airborne platforms. The collaboration between the IAF’s Software Development Institute (SDI) and IIT Madras aims to create secure networking and encryption tools for modern military operations. The project supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence self-reliance goals. The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal R. Guruhari, SDI Commandant, and IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, with Pravartak Technologies Foundation CEO Dr M. J. Shankar Raman. The effort will focus on algorithms for networking and encryption to enable fast, secure data exchange in flight.

MoU between IAF SDI and IIT Madras
Goal: indigenous airborne communication system
Focus on secure networking and encryption algorithms
Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence self-reliance
Key signatories include AVM Guruhari and Prof. Kamakoti
Part of broader defence technology development program

Dec 29, 2025

President Murmu Undertakes Dive Sortie Aboard INS Vaghsheer

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a dive sortie aboard INS Vaghsheer, a Kalvari-class submarine, off the Western Seaboard. The voyage began at Karwar Naval Harbour in Karnataka and lasted over two hours, during which the President interacted with the crew and observed sea demonstrations. She has become only the second Indian President to take a submarine sortie, following former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The event underscored the Navy’s operational readiness and the country’s maritime defence capabilities, highlighting the role of the President as Commander-in-Chief in observing frontline defence activities.

President Murmu completed a submarine sortie on INS Vaghsheer.
Event marked at Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka; duration over two hours.
She is the second Indian President to undertake such a sortie after Kalam.
Demonstrations showcased crew efficiency and naval readiness.
Significance lies in highlighting maritime defence capabilities.

Centre Launches First-Ever Weapon Database to Curb Terror

The Centre launched the first-ever weapon database to curb terrorism, titled 'Lost, Looted and Recovered Firearm'. Prepared by the National Investigation Agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the database will catalog government-owned weapons that have been looted, stolen, lost, or recovered from state police and CAPFs. The aim is to improve tracking, aid in investigations, and prevent illicit firearms from circulating. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the platform, calling it a crucial tool for national security and inter-agency coordination. The database is expected to evolve with new entries and cross-checks across agencies.

New database tracks looted, lost, or recovered government firearms.
Developed by NIA under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Aims to enhance tracking and inter-agency coordination.
Launched by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Will be updated with ongoing entries and cross-checks.

Dec 25, 2025

Akash-NG trials mark advance in India’s air defence capabilities

Defence Research and Development Organisation announced the successful user evaluation trials of the Akash-NG air defence missile system, paving the way for induction. The trials showed high precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed, low-altitude, and long-range high-altitude targets. The system intercepted targets at different ranges and altitudes, leveraging an indigenous RF seeker and a solid rocket motor. Akash-NG promises improved accuracy, faster response times, and greater resistance to countermeasures. The successful tests move India closer to modernizing its air defence with domestically developed missiles and sensors, strengthening national security and regional deterrence.

Akash-NG underwent successful user evaluation trials.
Demonstrated precision against varied aerial threats and target profiles.
Equipped with indigenous RF seeker and solid rocket motor.
Aims to improve speed, accuracy, and resistance to countermeasures.
Paves the way for induction into the armed forces.

Dec 24, 2025

INS Sindhughosh decommissioned after 40 years of naval service

INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of its class, was decommissioned after four decades of service in the Indian Navy. The Western Naval Command announced the retirement, with a formal ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, and other dignitaries attended the event. Lt Cdr Rajat Sharma commanded during the decommissioning, while Capt K. R. Ajrekar (retd) was the guest of honour as the submarine concluded its distinguished voyage. The decommissioning marks the end of a significant era in maritime defence capabilities.

INS Sindhughosh decommissioned after 40 years.
Ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan attended.
Lt Cdr Rajat Sharma commanded at decommissioning.
Significant milestone for Indian Navy.

SHEServes launched to promote women in defence forces

The National Commission for Women launched SHEServes, a programme to encourage young women to pursue careers in India’s defence services. The initiative was unveiled in Ranchi with Defence Minister Sanjay Seth acknowledging NCW’s role in expanding pathways for women in the armed forces. SHEServes aims to raise awareness, provide guidance on recruitment processes, and highlight education and training options, particularly in districts with limited access to information about defence careers. The program aligns with broader gender-inclusive policies and national security objectives, seeking to broaden participation and address gender disparities in defence.

SHEServes launched by NCW to promote women in defence.
Unveiled in Ranchi; Defence Minister attended.
Aims to raise awareness and guidance on recruitment.
Focus on district-level outreach and education.
Supports gender-inclusive defence policies.

Dec 23, 2025

Trump Unveils ‘Trump-Class’ Battleships for US Navy

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to build a new class of heavily armed battleships that would bear his name. The programme envisions the construction of two Trump-class vessels, with potential for future expansion. Officials described the ships as among the most lethal surface warfare platforms and the largest battleships in American history. The plan signals a bold push to modernise the U.S. Navy and expand strategic capabilities amid evolving global security dynamics. Details on ship specifications, funding, deployment timelines, and political approvals are expected in forthcoming defence and appropriations discussions.

Trump announces plan for two Trump-class battleships.
Vessels described as highly lethal surface warfare ships.
Programme contemplates potential future expansion.

DRDO and Rashtriya Raksha University Sign MoU for Defence and Internal Security

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) have signed an agreement to foster collaboration in the areas of research, education, training, and technology support for defence and internal security. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked by Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Production Coordination and Services Interaction), Dr. Chandrika Kaushik, and Vice Chancellor, RRU, Professor Dr. Bimal N. Patel, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
The MoU aims to strengthen country's self-reliance in defence and internal security technologies, in line with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the whole-of-nation approach during Amrit Kaal.

GRSE Delivers Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Anjadip to Indian Navy

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) delivered its fifth warship of the year to the Indian Navy. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) Anjadip is the third of eight platforms being built at GRSE. The vessel was handed over at the Chennai Port Trust and represents the 115th warship built by GRSE and the 77th delivered to the Navy. Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, CSO (Tech), Eastern Naval Command, accepted the warship. Anjadip strengthens the Navy’s ASW and littoral warfare capabilities, aligning with India’s maritime security priorities and GRSE’s production capacity growth.

GRSE delivered ASW SWC Anjadip to Indian Navy.
Fifth GRSE warship delivered in the year; third of eight ASW SWCs.
Anjadip is the 115th GRSE-built warship; 77th delivered to Navy.
Acceptance by Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, ECSO(T).

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