February 3rd Week Current Affairs – CDSE/OTA (2025)

FEBRUARY 3RD WEEK CURRENT AFFAIRS CDSE – OTA • The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian is set to take place at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9, 2025. This joint military exercise between India and Japan aims to enhance interoperability between their armed forces. • It focuses on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate. The exercise follows the successful visit of India’s Chief of the Army Staff to Japan in October 2024, which laid the groundwork for stronger bilateral defence cooperation. • The primary objective is to improve operational readiness. Joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism drills will be conducted. Both forces will engage in tactical manoeuvres to address a range of security challenges. The exercise aims to refine coordination strategies and build mutual trust. • Dharma Guardian marks the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan. The Indo-Pacific region’s evolving security environment necessitates such collaborations. Both nations share a vision of stability and respect for international norms. This exercise reinforces their commitment to collective security. • The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 is currently taking place in Bali, Indonesia. This event runs from 15 to 22 February 2025. The Indian Navy is represented by the INS Shardul and the Long-Range Maritime Surveillance P8I aircraft The IFR is a prestigious multinational naval event that showcases naval forces from various countries and is reviewed by the President of Indonesia. • The IFR aims to strengthen maritime cooperation among nations. It facilitates discussions on maritime security and encourages goodwill among naval forces. • The event includes high-level engagements such as the International Maritime Security Symposium. Participating navies engage in tactical floor games to enhance operational readiness. • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the public sector undertaking Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Aero India 2025 event. This agreement focuses on the indigenous development of a special grade steel known as MDN100. This steel is designed for aeronautical applications, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The initiative supports India’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. • MDN100 steel is characterised by high strength and toughness. These properties make it suitable for use in highly stressed aircraft components. The steel’s excellent forgeability allows for weight-saving designs in aircraft construction. This is crucial for enhancing the performance and efficiency of modern combat aircraft. • MIDHANI is a Defence PSU specializing in the production of various special metals and alloys. It has been instrumental in supplying critical materials for aeronautical purposes. The collaboration with DRDO enhances the capability of Indian aerospace technology. MIDHANI’s expertise in materials science supports the indigenous development of advanced steel grades. • India’s BrahMos cruise missile is undergoing advancements with the development of the BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile system. This new iteration is expected to begin production by 2027-28, following its first flight tests anticipated next year. The BrahMos NG aims to enhance the capabilities of its predecessor while being lighter and more compact. • BrahMos NG will retain the effective range of 290 km. It will be designed to fit smaller delivery systems. The missile will weigh approximately 1.6 tonnes and measure 6 metres in length, compared to the older version which weighed 3 tonnes and was 9 metres long. It will feature a reduced radar cross-section and a homemade seeker with AESA radar technology. • The BrahMos NG is engineered for compatibility with various platforms. It can be mounted on the Russian- origin Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas .Its compact design allows for deployment across a wider range of military assets, enhancing operational flexibility.

Get the latest updates from the world of defense with key insights into military exercises, naval events, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations. This week covers the India-Japan Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025, International Fleet Review in Indonesia, DRDO-MIDHANI’s new MDN-100 steel, and BrahMos NG missile developments.

FEBRUARY 3RD WEEK CURRENT AFFAIRS: CDSE – OTA

  • The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian is set to take place at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9, 2025. This joint military exercise between India and Japan aims to enhance interoperability between their armed forces.
  • It focuses on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate. The exercise follows the successful visit of India’s Chief of the Army Staff to Japan in October 2024, which laid the groundwork for stronger bilateral defence cooperation.
  • The primary objective is to improve operational readiness. Joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism drills will be conducted. Both forces will engage in tactical manoeuvres to address a range of security challenges. The exercise aims to refine coordination strategies and build mutual trust.
  • Dharma Guardian marks the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan. The Indo-Pacific region’s evolving security environment necessitates such collaborations. Both nations share a vision of stability and respect for international norms. This exercise reinforces their commitment to collective security.
  • The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 is currently taking place in Bali, Indonesia. This event runs from 15 to 22 February 2025. The Indian Navy is represented by the INS Shardul and the Long-Range Maritime Surveillance P8I aircraft. The IFR is a prestigious multinational naval event that showcases naval forces from various countries and is reviewed by the President of Indonesia.
  • The IFR aims to strengthen maritime cooperation among nations. It facilitates discussions on maritime security and encourages goodwill among naval forces.
  • The event includes high-level engagements such as the International Maritime Security Symposium. Participating navies engage in tactical floor games to enhance operational readiness.
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the public sector undertaking Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Aero India 2025 event. This agreement focuses on the indigenous development of a special grade steel known as MDN-100. This steel is designed for aeronautical applications, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The initiative supports India’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
  • MDN-100 steel is characterised by high strength and toughness. These properties make it suitable for use in highly stressed aircraft components. The steel’s excellent forgeability allows for weight-saving designs in aircraft construction. This is crucial for enhancing the performance and efficiency of modern combat aircraft.
  • MIDHANI is a Defence PSU specializing in the production of various special metals and alloys. It has been instrumental in supplying critical materials for aeronautical purposes. The collaboration with DRDO enhances the capability of Indian aerospace technology. MIDHANI’s expertise in materials science supports the indigenous development of advanced steel grades.
  • India’s BrahMos cruise missile is undergoing advancements with the development of the BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile system. This new iteration is expected to begin production by 2027-28, following its first flight tests anticipated next year. The BrahMos NG aims to enhance the capabilities of its predecessor while being lighter and more compact.
  • BrahMos NG will retain the effective range of 290 km. It will be designed to fit smaller delivery systems. The missile will weigh approximately 1.6 tonnes and measure 6 metres in length, compared to the older version which weighed 3 tonnes and was 9 metres long. It will feature a reduced radar cross-section and a homemade seeker with AESA radar technology.
  • The BrahMos NG is engineered for compatibility with various platforms. It can be mounted on the Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. Its compact design allows for deployment across a wider range of military assets, enhancing operational flexibility.

FAQs – February 3rd Week Current Affairs (CDSE/OTA 2025)

1. What is Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025?

Exercise Dharma Guardian is a bilateral military exercise between India and Japan, focusing on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate. The sixth edition will be held at Mount Fuji, Japan, from February 25 to March 9, 2025.

2. What is the objective of Exercise Dharma Guardian?

The primary objectives include:

  • Enhancing interoperability between Indian and Japanese armed forces.
  • Conducting joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism drills.
  • Strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations.

3. What is the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025?

The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 is a multinational naval event held in Bali, Indonesia, from February 15 to 22, 2025. The Indian Navy, represented by INS Shardul and P8I Maritime Aircraft, will participate in this prestigious event that promotes maritime security cooperation.

4. What is the role of the Indian Navy in IFR 2025?

The Indian Navy is actively participating in IFR 2025 to:

  • Strengthen maritime diplomacy and security cooperation.
  • Engage in high-level discussions on maritime security.
  • Participate in tactical exercises with naval forces from other nations.

5. What is MDN-100 steel, and why is it significant?

MDN-100 is a high-strength, lightweight steel developed by DRDO and MIDHANI for aeronautical applications, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This initiative supports India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing and enhances aircraft performance.

6. What are the key features of MDN-100 steel?

  • High strength and toughness, ideal for aircraft components.
  • Lightweight properties to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
  • Excellent forgeability, allowing for advanced aircraft designs.

7. What is BrahMos NG, and how is it different from the original BrahMos?

BrahMos NG (Next Generation) is a lighter, more compact version of the BrahMos cruise missile, expected to enter production by 2027-28. It retains the 290 km range but features:

  • Weight reduction (1.6 tonnes vs. 3 tonnes in the older version).
  • Smaller size (6 meters vs. 9 meters).
  • AESA radar technology for better targeting.
  • Compatibility with Sukhoi-30MKI and LCA Tejas.

8. When will BrahMos NG be operational?

The first flight tests of BrahMos NG are expected in 2026, with full-scale production starting by 2027-28.

9. How are these updates relevant for CDSE and OTA aspirants?

These topics are crucial for defense exams like CDSE, OTA, NDA, and AFCAT as they cover:

  • India’s defense capabilities and military collaborations.
  • Naval, aerial, and strategic advancements.
  • Key defense projects that reflect India’s self-reliance.

10. Where can I get regular defense current affairs updates?

Follow our weekly current affairs updates for CDSE, OTA, NDA, and AFCAT aspirants! Stay ahead with the latest developments in defense and strategic affairs.

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