Stay updated with the latest current affairs for February 2nd week, covering NDA, Defence, Environment, and Military Exercises—essential for defence aspirants preparing for NDA, SSB interviews. Key highlights include India’s partnership with France’s Safran for HAMMER weapons, the UK-India Defence Partnership (DP-I) launch, and India’s agreement with Russia for Klub-S anti-ship missiles. Additionally, we explore Karnataka’s tribal village project in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the Indian Army’s Ex Winged Raider training exercise.
FEBRUARY 2ND WEEK CURRENT AFFAIRS : NDA
DEFENCE
- Recently, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense of France announced a partnership to manufacture the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) smart precision-guided air-to-ground weapon in India. Apart from this, Safran Aircraft Engines expanded partnership with the HAL for the LEAP engine programme.
- Joint Venture The joint venture between BEL and Safran aims to localise the production of the HAMMER weapon system. This localisation will reduce import dependency and support the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The partnership is expected to enhance India’s capabilities in advanced weapon systems manufacturing.
- About HAMMER Weapon System HAMMER is a powerful and accurate weapon system used in combat. Its modular design allows it to be used on different aircraft, including the Rafale and LCA Tejas fighter jets. The HAMMER is integrated with the Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- On February 10, 2025, the United Kingdom officially launched the Defence Partnership–India (DP-I). This initiative aims to deepen defence collaboration between the UK and India. The announcement coincided with the Aero India event, where several key agreements were signed. These agreements focus on advanced defence technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
- Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) The DP-I is a dedicated cell within the UK’s Ministry of Defence. It acts as a one-stop shop for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. The initiative is intended to strengthen ties and streamline processes related to defence procurement and technology exchange.
- India has recently finalised an agreement with Russia to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles. This move aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet. The specifics of the deal, such as the name, quantity, and cost of the missiles, have not been disclosed by the defence ministry. However, sources indicate that the deal involves the Klub-S missile system, part of the Kalibr missile family.
- Klub-S Missile System The Klub-S missile system is designed for submarines. It boasts a 400-kg warhead and can target various threats up to 300 kilometres away. The missile system includes a fire control system and vertical launcher units. It can navigate around obstacles and counter enemy fire effectively. The Klub-S is already in service with the Indian Navy, enhancing its diesel-electric submarine fleet.
ENVIRONMENT
- The recent decision by the Karnataka state government to construct a village for tribal communities within the buffer zone of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has sparked debate. This initiative is intended to address the housing needs of over 570 tribal families. However, it raises critical concerns regarding the potential increase in human-wildlife conflicts and the safety of the tribal communities involved.
- Background of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It spans approximately 181 square kilometres. The sanctuary is named after Brahmagiri Peak, which stands at 1607 metres. The Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of the Cauvery River, originates within this sanctuary. The diverse terrain features undulating hills and steep valleys.
EXERCISE
- The Indian Army recently completed training exercise named Ex Winged Raider. This operation focused on special airborne operations and brought into light the importance of inter-service collaboration. Conducted in the Eastern Theatre, the exercise showcased the Indian Army’s and Indian Air Force’s (IAF) commitment to enhancing their operational readiness and synergy.
- About Ex Winged Raider Ex Winged Raider aimed to improve the capabilities of both the Indian Army and the IAF. It involved rehearsing various airborne insertion techniques using both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. This training is crucial for ensuring troops can be rapidly deployed in diverse operational environments.
- India has recently finalised an agreement with Russia to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles. This move aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet. The specifics of the deal, such as the name, quantity, and cost of the missiles, have not been disclosed by the defence ministry. However, sources indicate that the deal involves the Klub-S missile system, part of the Kalibr missile family.
- Klub-S Missile System The Klub-S missile system is designed for submarines. It boasts a 400-kg warhead and can target various threats up to 300 kilometres away. The missile system includes a fire control system and vertical launcher units. It can navigate around obstacles and counter enemy fire effectively. The Klub-S is already in service with the Indian Navy, enhancing its diesel-electric submarine fleet.
FAQs on February 2nd Week Current Affairs – NDA, Defence & Military Updates
1. What is the HAMMER weapon system, and why is India partnering with Safran to manufacture it?
HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a smart, precision-guided air-to-ground weapon used by fighter jets like Rafale and LCA Tejas. India’s partnership with Safran Electronics & Defense aims to localize production, reduce import dependency, and strengthen the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in advanced weapon manufacturing.
2. What is the UK-India Defence Partnership (DP-I), and why is it significant?
The Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) is a dedicated cell in the UK’s Ministry of Defence launched during Aero India 2025. It serves as a one-stop platform for streamlining defence procurement, technology exchange, and collaboration between the two nations, enhancing India’s access to cutting-edge military technologies.
3. What is the Klub-S missile system, and how does it enhance India’s naval power?
The Klub-S missile system, part of the Kalibr missile family, is an anti-ship cruise missile designed for submarines. It features:
- 400-kg warhead
- 300 km range
- Advanced fire control & vertical launcher units
- High-precision strikes & navigation
- Already deployed in Indian Navy’s diesel-electric submarines
4. Why is the Karnataka government’s decision to build a tribal village in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary controversial?
The Karnataka government plans to relocate 570 tribal families within the buffer zone of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary to address housing needs. However, environmentalists argue that this could lead to:
- Increased human-wildlife conflicts
- Deforestation & habitat destruction
- Threat to biodiversity in the Western Ghats
5. What was the objective of the Indian Army’s Ex Winged Raider exercise?
Ex Winged Raider was a special airborne operation conducted in the Eastern Theatre to improve the rapid deployment capabilities of the Indian Army & Indian Air Force (IAF). The exercise focused on:
- Airborne insertion techniques
- Use of fixed-wing & rotary-wing aircraft
- Enhancing combat readiness & joint operations
