💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3-24. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

  • Exercise Khanjar-XII

    Why in the News?

    The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII is set to be held in Kyrgyzstan.

    About Exercise KHANJAR-XII

    • KHANJAR-XII is the 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise, aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism and special operations capabilities.
    • It is a bilateral military exercise held annually since 2011, alternately hosted by India and Kyrgyzstan.
    • The 2025 edition is being conducted in Kyrgyzstan.
    • Participants:
      • Indian Contingent: Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
      • Kyrgyzstan Contingent: Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
    • The primary objective is to strengthen military cooperation, improve joint operational capabilities, and enhance interoperability between the two nations’ Special Forces.

    Key Features:

    • Counter-Terrorism Focus: Training in urban and high-altitude warfare to counter modern security threats.
    • Special Forces Interoperability: Strengthening coordination in joint military operations.
    • Mountain Warfare & Survival Skills: Enhancing operational effectiveness in challenging terrains.
    • Military Technology Exchange: Sharing expertise on weapons systems, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
    • Reinforcing India’s Central Asia Outreach: Strengthening India’s engagement with Central Asian nations under its Connect Central Asia policy.

  • ‘Brahmastra’ Missile

    Why in the News?

    Indian scientists have achieved a breakthrough in hypersonic missile technology, developing a modern-day ‘Brahmastra’ with an astonishing speed of 12,144 km per hour (Mach 10).

    'Brahmastra' Missile

    About Brahmastra (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile – LRAShM): 

    • Brahmastra is a state-of-the-art hypersonic glide missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • It is designed to neutralize enemy warships and strategic naval targets with extreme speed and precision.
    • With a speed of Mach 10 (12,144 km/h) and a range of 1,500 km, Brahmastra is one of the fastest and most lethal weapons in India’s defense arsenal.
    • The missile’s hypersonic glide vehicle technology allows it to evade enemy radar and missile defense systems, ensuring high-precision strikes on naval targets.

    Features of Brahmastra:

    • It can be launched from both land and naval platforms, enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities.
    • Due to its hypersonic speed, Brahmastra can destroy an enemy warship within 7 to 8 minutes of launch.
    • The missile is built with advanced heat-resistant materials, preventing it from disintegrating under extreme temperatures during flight.
    • Unlike conventional missiles, Brahmastra retains its structural integrity even at hypersonic speeds, ensuring precise impact.
    • It uses scramjet propulsion and glide vehicle technology for sustained hypersonic flight.
    • It can adjust its trajectory mid-flight, making it highly maneuverable and difficult to intercept.
    • Its stealth and radar-evading capabilities ensure low detection probability, reducing the risk of interception.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.

    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.

    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Exercise Dharma Guardian

    Why in the News?

    India and Japan are set to commence the 6th edition of the Dharma Guardian military exercise at Mount Fuji.

    Other India-Japan Military Exercises

    • JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise): Naval cooperation between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
    • Veer Guardian: Joint air force exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
    • Malabar Exercise: Japan participates along with India, the US, and Australia (Quad nations) in this high-level naval exercise.

    About Exercise Dharma Guardian

    • It is an annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), conducted alternatively in India and Japan.
    • It was commenced in 2018
    • The 6th edition will be held from February 25 to March 9, 2025, at Mount Fuji, Japan.
    • 120 Indian soldiers from the Madras Regiment will participate, focusing on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
    • Key Features:
      • Joint Counter-Terrorism Training: Focus on urban and semi-desert warfare.
      • Advanced Tactical Drills: Close-quarters combat, live fire, and battlefield medical evacuation.
      • 48-hour Validation Exercise: Tests real-time combat coordination.
      • Cultural and Professional Exchange: Strengthens India-Japan military ties.

    Significance:

    • Strengthens Strategic Ties: Expands India-Japan defence cooperation under the Indo-Pacific framework.
    • Enhances Regional Security: Aligns with Quad nations’ vision (India, Japan, US, Australia).
    • Boosts Defence Technology Collaboration: Includes co-development of Unicorn Stealth Antenna System.
    • Improves Military Readiness: Supports joint UN peacekeeping and disaster response operations.

  • [pib] Exercise CYCLONE-III

    Why in the News?

    The 3rd edition of Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.

    Note: India and the UAE held the ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ joint military exercise in Rajasthan in January 2024. One must not get confused with this.

    About Exercise CYCLONE-III

    • It is the 3rd edition of the Joint Special Forces Exercise between India and Egypt, aimed at enhancing interoperability, joint tactical operations, and counter-terrorism capabilities.
    • The exercise is conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from 10th to 23rd February 2025.
    • CYCLONE is an annual exercise, held alternately in India and Egypt.
      • The previous edition (CYCLONE-II) was conducted in Egypt in January 2024.
    • The exercise focuses on high-intensity special forces training in desert and semi-desert terrains.

    Features and Significance:

    • This exercise involves 25 personnel from each side, focusing on counterterrorism, CQB, hostage rescue, and heliborne operations in desert terrain.
    • The 48-hour final validation exercise tests combat strategies in semi-desert conditions, while an Indian defense technology showcase strengthens military ties.
    • The exercise enhances India-Egypt defense cooperation, improves joint counter-terrorism capabilities, and builds readiness for future operations.
    • It also boosts India’s strategic outreach in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, reinforcing defense collaborations and regional security.

  • [pib] TROPEX-25

    Why in the News?

    The 2025 edition of TROPEX is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region, involving all operational Indian Naval units along with significant participation from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

    About Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX)

    • TROPEX is the Indian Navy’s flagship biennial operational-level exercise, designed to test and enhance India’s maritime defense capabilities.
    • It is conducted in the Indian Ocean Region with participation from the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
    • It was first held in April 2005.
    • TROPEX-25 is being conducted over a three-month period from January to March 2025 in multiple phases:
    1. Harbour Phase: Focuses on strategic planning, joint training, and coordination before moving to sea operations.
    2. Sea Phase: Simulates real-time combat scenarios to assess the Navy’s operational readiness.
    3. Cyber and Electronic Warfare Operations:  Integrates modern cybersecurity and electronic warfare tactics to counter digital threats.
    4. Live Weapon Firings:  Includes real-world missile and torpedo firings to test combat effectiveness.
    5. Amphibious Exercise (AMPHEX):  Conducts joint land-sea operations, involving amphibious landings and coastal defence drills.

    Mandate and Significance of TROPEX-25

    TROPEX-25 plays a pivotal role in:

    • Strengthening India’s maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
    • Enhancing interoperability and joint warfighting capabilities among the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
    • Testing real-world combat readiness in dynamic operational environments.
    • Securing national maritime interests through proactive military preparedness.
    • Projecting India’s naval power to safeguard maritime trade routes and counter emerging threats.

  • Joint Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’

    Why in the News?

    The 13th edition of Exercise Ekuverin, the bilateral joint military exercise between India and the Maldives, commenced in the Maldives on February 4, 2025.

    About Exercise Ekuverin

    • The word “Ekuverin” means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language, signifying the close ties between India and the Maldives.
    • The exercise was first conducted in 2009 as part of an annual bilateral military engagement.
    • It is held alternatively in India and the Maldives, promoting military cooperation between the two nations.
    • In 2023, the exercise was conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11 to 24.
    • In 2025, the exercise is being conducted in the Maldives, further strengthening defence relations.

    Features and Significance:

    • The exercise aims to enhance military interoperability.
    • It focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, improving the preparedness of both nations.
    • The training includes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, equipping both forces to respond effectively to crises.
    • It seeks to strengthen defence cooperation and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    India’s Defence Exercises with Southeast Asian Neighbours

    India actively participates in joint military exercises with its Southeast Asian partners to bolster regional security and defence cooperation.

    Key Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises:

    • Garuda Shakti: Special Forces exercise with Indonesia, conducted in November 2022 at the Sangga Buana Training Area, Indonesia.
    • Mitra Shakti: Annual military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, last conducted in 2022.
    • VINBAX: Joint military exercise with Vietnam, with the 3rd edition held in 2022.
    • IMBEX: Bilateral exercise between India-Myanmar, with its last known edition in 2017-18.
    • Maitree: Annual India-Thailand military exercise, conducted since 2006.
    • CORPAT: Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) exercises with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia to ensure maritime security.
    • AIME 2023: The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) held in May 2023, involving navies from India and ASEAN nations (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).

  • Pinaka Rocket Systems

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army is bolstering its artillery strength with a significant ₹10,200 crore order for ammunition associated with the Pinaka Multi-Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

    About the Pinaka Rocket System

    Details
    • A multi-barrel rocket launcher developed by DRDO and manufactured by Indian defence firms.
    • Named after the legendary bow of Lord Shiva, symbolizing power and precision.
    Key Features  
    • Multiple Launch Capability: Fires 12 rockets in just 44 seconds, delivering overwhelming firepower.
    • Mobility: Mounted on 8×8 or 6×6 trucks, allowing rapid deployment in diverse terrains.

    Range:
    – Pinaka Mk-I: 40 km.
    – Pinaka Mk-II and Enhanced Versions: 60–75 km.
    – Guided Variant: 90 km, with improved accuracy and reduced collateral damage.

    • Guidance and Precision: Equipped with satellite-based guidance for precision targeting.
    • Payload Options: Carries multiple warheads, including high explosives, incendiaries, anti-personnel, and anti-tank bomblets.
    • Quick Deployment and Reloading: Rapid deployment enables swift counter-strikes.
    • Modularity and Expandability: Modular design supports advanced technology integration for network-centric warfare.
    Operational Use
    • Proven effectiveness in mountainous and rugged terrains.
    • Played a critical role in Indian Army operations, showcasing its adaptability and firepower.
    Significance  
    • Boost to Artillery Strength: Enhances the Indian Army’s firepower with new regiments and extended-range rockets.
    • Cornerstone of Modernization: Central to India’s artillery modernization for precision and operational flexibility.
    • Border Security and Deterrence: Secures borders and acts as a strategic deterrent against adversaries.
    • Global Success: Strengthens India’s defense export market and contributes to defense diplomacy.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.

    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.

    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • India successfully tests Indian Army’s first ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone micro missiles

    Why in the News?

    India has achieved a significant milestone in defense technology by successfully testing its first domestically developed Bhargavastra micro-missile system, designed to counter swarm drone threats.

    'Bhargavastra'

    What is Bhargavastra?

    • Bhargavastra is India’s first micro-missile-based counter-drone system, developed to address the increasing threat posed by swarm drones.
    • It is capable of detecting and neutralizing small aerial vehicles at ranges exceeding 6 km.
    • Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd, the system is designed for the Indian Army, with interest also expressed by the Indian Air Force.
    • The system is tailored to provide a cost-effective solution for countering drone threats while preserving advanced air defense systems for larger challenges.

    Features of the Bhargavastra Missile System

    • Detection Range: Can detect small aerial vehicles at distances greater than 6 km.
    • Neutralization Capability: Employs guided micro munitions to engage and destroy drone targets.
    • Simultaneous Launches: Capable of launching over 64 micro missiles simultaneously, enabling effective countermeasures against swarm formations.
    • Mobile Platform: Mounted on a mobile platform for rapid deployment in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions.
    • Versatile Design: Engineered to operate across varied terrains, meeting the specific requirements of the Indian military.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer

    Commissioning of INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer

    Why in the News?

    Three frontline combatants—INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer—were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

    About the Ships/Vessels

    Details
    INS Nilgiri
    • Type: First Ship of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class stealth frigates)
    • Role: Multi-mission operations in deep-sea environments
    • Builders: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and GRSE, Kolkata
    • Features: Integrated construction, supersonic missiles, MRSAMs, advanced weaponry
    • Timeline: Keel laid Dec 28, 2017; Launched Sep 28, 2019; Delivered Dec 20, 2024
    • Significance: Enhances anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities
    INS Surat
    • Type: Last Ship of Project 15B (stealth guided missile destroyers)
    • Role: Advanced stealth destroyer for offensive and network-centric warfare
    • Builders: MDL
    • Features: AI-enabled systems, advanced weaponry (surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes), COGAG propulsion
    • Timeline: Commissioned in 2024; follows Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, and Imphal
    • Significance: India’s first AI-enabled warship with advanced IT tools
    INS Vaghsheer
    • Type: Last Submarine of Project 75 (Scorpene-class submarines)
    • Role: Stealthy, multi-role operations (anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare)
    • Builders: Collaboration with French Naval Group
    • Features: Diesel-electric propulsion, wire-guided torpedoes, modular design for future AIP upgrades
    • Timeline: Sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine; follows Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir
    • Significance: Enhances India’s underwater warfare capabilities

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship
    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine
    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, marking a significant step in modernizing India’s Armed Forces.

    Nine Broad Areas Listed for the ‘Year of Reforms’

    • Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): Enhance jointness and resolve inter-service disagreements for effective ITC implementation.
    • Emerging Domains and Technologies: Prioritize cybersecurity, AI, ML, hypersonics, and robotics, and develop tactics for future warfare.
    • Operational Collaboration: Strengthen inter-service cooperation through shared training and joint operational capabilities.
    • Acquisition Reforms: Simplify procedures to expedite procurement and facilitate technology transfers via public-private partnerships.
    • Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the defence sector and industries to foster innovation.
    • Civil-Military Coordination: Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize resources.
    • Defence Exports: Position India as a global defence exporter, promoting R&D and partnerships with foreign OEMs.
    • Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans and leverage their expertise.
    • Cultural Pride: Promote indigenous capabilities and instil pride in Indian culture alongside adopting modern military practices.

    Key Initiatives for Defence Modernization in India

    • Acquisition of Advanced Weaponry: Rafale jets (36 inducted, 26 more planned) enhance air power; S-400 air defence systems provide long-range protection; Arjun Mk-1A tanks boost indigenous capability and firepower.
    • Indigenous Development: LCA Tejas replaces ageing fighter jets and supports air-to-air refuelling; INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthens underwater deterrence.
    • Technological Advancements: Network-centric warfare improves situational awareness (e.g., Project Sanjay, E-Sitrep); AI and robotics enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; cyber warfare capabilities grow under the National Cyber Security Policy.
    • Defence Production and Export: Domestic production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, emphasizing indigenisation; exports hit $2.63 billion, supplying markets like Vietnam and the Philippines.
    • Strategic Infrastructure: Border security efforts include the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and Border Infrastructure Management, improving troop mobility and safeguarding boundaries.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?