India’s Low-Cost Strike Drones

Introduction

  • Low-cost drones are reshaping warfare, evident in Ukraine for the last four years and now in the Iran war.
  • Iran’s low-cost Shahed drones have inspired the US’s LUCAS.
  • In India, low-cost, deep-strike drone projects such as Sheshnaag-150 and Project KAL are picking pace.

Why in news?

  • India has fast-tracked efforts to field low-cost, long-range strike drones comparable to systems seen in recent conflicts.
  • The Indian Army has inducted frontline, man-portable suicide drones and deployed loitering munitions in forward areas.

Background

  • Several Indian projects are tailored to the low-cost, long-range profile exemplified by the Shahed-136.
  • The focus spans deep-penetration strike systems and tactical loitering munitions, alongside air-launched swarming concepts.

Significance

  • Enhances deep-penetration strike options at low cost over long distances.
  • AI-enabled swarms can autonomously coordinate to saturate and overwhelm enemy air defences.
  • Tactical drones enable precision engagement of lower-end threats without risking soldiers.
  • Air-launched swarms can autonomously detect and strike air defence targets such as surface-to-air missiles and radars.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Sheshnaag-150 (NewSpace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru):
  • Range: Over 1,000 km
  • Payload: 25–40 kg warhead
  • Feature: AI-powered swarm technology enabling coordinated, autonomous saturation of air defences
  • Project KAL (IG Drones, Noida):
  • Type: Classified long-range kamikaze drone for deep-penetration strikes
  • Range: Up to 1,000 km
  • Endurance: 3 to 5 hours
  • Nagastra-1 (Solar Industries/EEL):
  • Role: Man-portable suicide drone for precision strikes
  • Accuracy: 2-metre
  • Range: Up to 30 km
  • Cost efficiency: Designed to cheaply target lower-end threats like terrorist launch pads without risking soldiers
  • SkyStriker (Alpha Design with Israel’s Elbit Systems):
  • Type: Loitering munition
  • Range: 100 km
  • Status: Recently deployed in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir
  • ALFA-S (HAL and NewSpace Research):
  • Concept: Swarm drones launched from fighter jets (e.g., Su-30MKI or Jaguar)
  • Capability: Autonomous identification and strike against targets such as surface-to-air missiles and radars

Lokayan 26 Expedition by INS Sudarshini

Introduction

  • Lokayan 26 is a 10-month transoceanic voyage by the Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini.
  • The voyage covers over 22,000 nautical miles with visits to 18 foreign ports across 13 countries.
  • It reflects India’s maritime heritage and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Why in news?

  • INS Sudarshini began the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20th January 2026.

Background

  • The voyage includes maritime partnership activities with host nations.
  • It advances the MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions vision.

Significance

  • Participation in the tall-ship events Escale à Sète in France and SAIL 250 in New York, USA, to showcase India’s maritime heritage and seafaring traditions.
  • Strengthening cooperation with host nations through engagements during port visits.
  • Training and capacity building for more than 200 Indian Navy and Coast Guard trainees through intensive sail training, long-range navigation, traditional seamanship, and interaction with trainees from other navies.

Facts/General knowledge

  • INS Sudarshini is the second sail training ship of the Indian Navy after INS Tarangini.
  • The ship has sailed over 1,40,000 nautical miles.
  • It serves as a symbol of India’s maritime professionalism and goodwill.

Exercise Amogh Jwala, Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

  • A field exercise focused on validating technology-driven mechanised warfare capabilities in a multi-domain operational environment.

Why in news?

  • Recently concluded at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Conducted over 13 days from 6–18 March 2026.

Significance

  • Demonstrated integrated employment of mechanised forces with attack helicopters, fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone systems, and network-enabled battlefield platforms.
  • Executed under a robust command and control architecture.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Conducted by the Indian Army’s Southern Command.

Stealth Frigate Taragiri (F41)

Introduction

  • Taragiri (F41) is a stealth guided-missile frigate of the Project 17A class, designed for multi-dimensional naval warfare across surface, air, and sub-surface domains.
  • Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
  • Incorporates over 75% indigenous content, with participation from 200+ MSMEs.

Why in news?

  • The Indian Navy is set to commission Taragiri (F41) on 03 April 2026 at Visakhapatnam.

Background

  • Part of India’s push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous naval capability under Project 17A.

Significance

  • Strengthens India’s maritime combat capability with advanced stealth and weapon systems.
  • Promotes self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reduces import dependency.
  • Expands the indigenous defence ecosystem with strong MSME participation.
  • Enhances India’s capability in the Indian Ocean Region amid growing geopolitical competition.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Class/Type: Project 17A stealth guided-missile frigate.
  • Displacement: Approximately 6,670 tonnes, supporting long-duration, multi-role operations in blue-water environments.
  • Propulsion: CODOG configuration combining diesel engines for fuel-efficient cruising and gas turbines for high-speed bursts.
  • Stealth capability: Reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) minimises detection by enemy radars, enabling surprise attacks and improved survivability.
  • Weapon systems: Supersonic anti-ship missiles, air defence missiles, and anti-submarine warfare systems for comprehensive threat engagement.
  • Combat Management System: Integrates sensors, weapons, and data networks into a single interface for real-time situational awareness and faster decision-making.
  • Operational flexibility: Capable of warfare, escort duties, surveillance, and HADR missions.

Operation Urja Suraksha

Introduction

  • A strategic maritime security mission launched by the Indian Navy to ensure the safe transit of India-bound energy cargo from the Persian Gulf region
  • Focuses on protecting shipping routes in and beyond the Strait of Hormuz

Why in news?

  • Initiated amid escalating tensions in West Asia
  • Aimed at safeguarding energy supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz

Background

  • Ensures uninterrupted energy supply to India by safeguarding oil and gas shipments
  • Provides secure maritime navigation and escort services in conflict-prone waters

Significance

  • Energy Security Assurance: protects critical imports (crude oil, LNG, LPG), reducing vulnerability to supply shocks
  • Strategic Maritime Presence: enhances India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region

Facts/General knowledge

  • Naval escort mechanism: Indian warships escort vessels after they exit the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring safe passage through the Gulf of Oman into the Arabian Sea
  • Layered maritime security: deployment of destroyers and frigates with coordinated monitoring and communication systems
  • Safe route navigation: identification of secure maritime corridors to avoid threats such as sea mines and electronic disruptions
  • The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints

Exercise Kalari Leap (2026)

Introduction

  • A high-tempo joint maritime drill by the Indian Armed Forces to enhance security and operational readiness in the strategically vital Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago.
  • Led by the Southern Air Command (SAC), highlighting India’s focus on jointmanship and rapid force projection in the Arabian Sea.

Why in news?

  • Conducted in February 2026 in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago.
  • Featured notable para-dropping at Agatti Airport, special heliborne missions, anti-ship strike simulations, and maritime search and rescue missions.

Background

  • Designed as integrated operations bringing together air, maritime, and special operations elements.
  • Executed across complex, dispersed island environments to refine coordination and mission execution.

Significance

  • Enhances security and operational readiness in a strategically vital island chain.
  • Validates joint planning, rapid force projection, and precision strike capabilities across services.
  • Tests the ability to neutralise hostile threats in the Indian Ocean Region.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Conducted by: Southern Air Command (SAC) of the Indian Air Force.
  • Participants: Indian Air Force (IAF), Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
  • Location: Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago.
  • Integrated assets: IAF Su-30MKI, AN-32, and Mi-17V5; ICG ships and Dornier 228 aircraft; AFSOD units.
  • Special operations: Para-dropping at Agatti Airport, airborne/air-landed insertions, and special heliborne missions.
  • Mission profiles: Anti-ship strike simulations and maritime search and rescue missions.

Freedom Shield Joint Military Exercise

Introduction

  • Freedom Shield is a large annual defence exercise conducted by the armed forces of the United States and South Korea.
  • It focuses on improving coordination between the two allies and strengthening their ability to respond to possible security threats.

Why in news?

  • The current exercise began on Monday and will continue until 19 March.
  • Recent media reports suggest some U.S. military equipment in South Korea might be moved to support operations in the Middle East.

Background

  • The drills include:
  • Command-post simulations
  • Field training exercises
  • Joint military coordination activities

Significance

  • These drills are considered an important part of the defence partnership between the United States and South Korea.
  • They aim to improve coordination and strengthen the ability of both allies to respond to possible security threats.

Facts/General knowledge

  • About 18,000 troops from South Korea are participating.
  • United States Forces Korea has not revealed the number of American troops participating.
  • According to Yonhap News Agency, large U.S. military transport aircraft — Lockheed C‑5 Galaxy and Boeing C‑17 Globemaster III — landed at Osan Air Base near Seoul and departed within a few days, leading to speculation that certain military assets might be relocated.

Cold Response Drill

Introduction

  • Large-scale NATO military exercise in the European Arctic
  • Conducted primarily in northern Norway and surrounding regions

Why in news?

  • Integrated with the Arctic Sentry mission to strengthen NATO’s presence in the Arctic
  • Involves a civilian preparedness component engaging hospitals, businesses, and public institutions to support military operations
  • Features medical and logistics drills such as treating mass casualties transported from a simulated frontline in Finland
  • Linked to Norway designating 2026 as the Year of Total Defence, emphasising society-wide resilience

Background

  • Core aims: strengthen NATO’s collective defence capability in the Arctic; enhance interoperability among allied forces operating in harsh Arctic environments; demonstrate deterrence near Arctic borders
  • Method: simulates collective defence scenarios under Article 5, incorporating amphibious operations, air support, logistics, and coordination between allied forces

Significance

  • Strengthening Arctic security as melting ice opens new sea routes and heightens resource competition
  • Deterrence against Russia by operating near the Russia–Finland border, reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank after Finland joined NATO

Facts/General knowledge

  • Conducted biennially
  • Approximately 25,000 troops participate from 14 NATO and partner countries
  • Arctic warfare conditions are simulated in snow-covered mountainous terrain and freezingtemperatures to test combat readiness

Exercise LAMITIYE-2026

Introduction

  • Exercise LAMITIYE-2026 is the 11th edition of the Joint Military Exercise between India and Seychelles.
  • It aims to strengthen defence cooperation and operational coordination between the two nations.
  • “LAMITIYE” means “Friendship” in Creole (official languages of Seychelles), reflecting the spirit of the exercise.

Why in news?

  • An Indian Armed Forces contingent is participating in the 11th edition.
  • This edition marks the first tri-service participation from India, involving personnel from the ASSAM Regiment, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force, including INS Trikand and a C-130J Super Hercules.

Background

  • Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE is a biennial exercise conducted since 2001 between the Indian Armed Forces and the Seychelles Defence Forces.

Significance

  • Enhances interoperability in sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments.
  • Strengthens peacekeeping coordination between the two forces.
  • Facilitates the exchange of tactical skills and new military technologies.
  • Gains added importance due to Seychelles’ strategic location along key maritime trade routes and its role as an important partner in India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision for maritime security.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Seychelles is an archipelagic state of 155 islands in the western Indian Ocean, located northeast of Madagascar and off the east coast of Africa.
  • It lies on the Mascarene Plateau and is Africa’s smallest country.
  • The capital is Victoria, situated on Mahé Island.

INS Nilgiri at Exercise Kakadu 2026

Introduction

  • INS Nilgiri, a frontline Indian Navy warship, has joined the multinational Exercise Kakadu 2026.

Why in news?

  • Participation of INS Nilgiri in Exercise Kakadu 2026 in Australia.

Background

  • Exercise Kakadu is the Royal Australian Navy’s flagship multinational maritime exercise, initiated in 1993 and held biennially to enhance maritime security cooperation, improve interoperability, and strengthen partnerships across the Indo‑Pacific region.
  • Project 17A (P‑17A) was initiated in 2019 to build a series of stealth guided‑missile frigates for the Indian Navy.
  • INS Nilgiri is the first of seven frigates under Project 17A.

Significance

  • Enhances naval cooperation and interoperability among Indo‑Pacific maritime forces through participation in a flagship multinational exercise.
  • Reinforces partnerships among regional navies engaged in collective maritime security.

Facts/General knowledge

  • INS Nilgiri is an advanced stealth frigate of the Indian Navy from the indigenous Project 17A class, designed for multi‑role operations including surface warfare, anti‑submarine warfare, and air defence.
  • The ship was launched in September 2019 and commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2025.
  • The six remaining Project 17A frigates are Himgiri, Udaygiri, Taragiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri, and Mahendragiri.
  • Project 17A frigates are being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

AVATAAR Amphibious Surveillance Drone

Introduction

  • AVATAAR (Amphibious Vehicle for Autonomous Tactical Aerial & Aquatic Reconnaissance) is India’s first amphibious drone capable of operating in both air and underwater.
  • It supports intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in maritime and coastal environments.

Why in news?

  • In March 2026, AquaAirX Autonomous Systems unveiled AVATAAR.

Background

  • Developed by AquaAirX Autonomous Systems, a deep-tech startup.

Significance

  • Extends ISR coverage across maritime and coastal zones through amphibious operation.
  • Enables continuous, real-time maritime monitoring.
  • Supports automated surveillance and inspection missions.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Dual-domain operation with the ability to transition between air and underwater within seconds.
  • Equipped with imaging sonar, Doppler Velocity Logger (DVL), acoustic communication modem, Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lights and cameras, and an Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) navigation system for underwater navigation and real-time data collection in low-visibility conditions.
  • AI-assisted navigation and mission control software.
  • Achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), indicating a functional prototype has been successfully tested in operational environments.

Argentina’s Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

Introduction

  • Argentina has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why in news?

  • The withdrawal is effective in March 2026 after a one-year notification period.
  • The notification was initiated by President Javier Milei’s administration.

Background

  • The WHO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
  • Established on 7 April 1948.
  • Primary objective: attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health, defined as complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
  • Key functions:
  • Global health leadership: directing and coordinating international health work and partnerships.
  • Setting norms and standards: developing international guidelines, such as the International Health Regulations (IHR), and monitoring their implementation.
  • Health emergency response: identifying, assessing, and managing global health risks, including pandemics.
  • Policy and technical support: providing evidence-based policy options and technical assistance to help nations strengthen health systems.
  • Monitoring health trends: collecting and analysing global health data to assess performance and identify emerging threats.

Significance

  • Marks the completion of Argentina’s exit from the UN’s coordinating authority on global health after the stipulated one-year notification.

Facts/General knowledge

  • Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and the eighth-largest in the world; it is a federal republic known for rich cultural heritage (including Tango), vast natural resources, and highly diverse landscapes.
  • Location: occupies the southern portion of South America, stretching from the tropics in the north to the sub-antarctic region of Tierra del Fuego in the south.
  • Border nations:
  • North: Bolivia and Paraguay.
  • Northeast: Brazil and Uruguay.
  • West: Chile (separated by the Andes).
  • East: the South Atlantic Ocean.
  • Key geographical features:
  • The Andes Mountains run along the western border and include Mount Aconcagua (6,960 metres), the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere.
  • The Pampas are vast, fertile central plains serving as the agricultural heartland, famous for cattle ranching and grain production.
  • Patagonia is a rugged southern region with a vast, cold plateau, deep canyons, and massive glaciers such as Perito Moreno.
  • The Paraná River system feeds into the Río de la Plata estuary, providing a critical maritime link for the capital, Buenos Aires.

Prambanan Temple Restoration: India–Indonesia Partnership

Introduction

  • India and Indonesia are collaborating on the restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex to preserve one of South-East Asia’s most important heritage sites.
  • The project addresses the entire cultural landscape to maintain historical continuity.

Why in news?

  • On 16 March 2026, Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon met the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team in Jakarta to discuss the collaboration.
  • The engagement strengthened cultural ties and advanced the Prambanan restoration agenda.

Background

  • The Prambanan Temple complex in Indonesia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 9th‑century Hindu architecture.
  • It comprises multiple temples dedicated to Hindu deities.
  • Natural disasters and ageing have caused structural damage, making restoration essential.

Significance

  • Demonstrates growth in international cooperation in cultural conservation.
  • Emphasises an integrated approach by preserving Prambanan alongside nearby Sewu and Plaosan temples, which reflect a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
  • Blends the scientific anastylosis method with digital tools and artificial intelligence to enhance authenticity and effectiveness.
  • Adopts a phased, evidence‑based workflow to refine techniques before broader application.

Facts/General knowledge

  • The project extends beyond a single structure to the wider cultural landscape.
  • Anastylosis involves reconstructing structures using original stones from the site, with new materials added only when necessary for structural stability to ensure authenticity.
  • The ASI has identified several perwara temples requiring restoration through anastylosis.
  • A major challenge is the presence of thousands of scattered stones across the site.
  • The Indonesian government is interested in using digital tools and artificial intelligence to identify and reassemble temple stones.
  • The ASI provides technical expertise and has proposed beginning with a pilot on one or two temples to determine the most effective restoration strategy.