Defense & Security Current Affairs - 2026-06-23

Background: India regularly conducts joint military exercises with friendly nations to enhance interoperability and share best practices in various operational domains. The 'Dustlik' series with Uzbekistan specifically focuses on counter-terrorism and mountain warfare. Current Context: The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, 'Dustlik VI,' commenced on June 20, 2026, in Uzbekistan. It involves troops from both armies, focusing on high-altitude operations, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism tactics. Impact: This exercise significantly strengthens bilateral defense cooperation, improves tactical skills, and fosters mutual understanding and trust between the armed forces. It also underscores India's commitment to regional security and stability in Central Asia.

Background: India has been consistently focusing on developing indigenous missile capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign imports and enhance its strategic deterrence. The Pralay missile is a conventional quasi-ballistic missile designed for battlefield support. Current Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of 'Pralay-II,' an advanced variant of the Pralay tactical ballistic missile, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island on June 22, 2026. This new version boasts an extended range of up to 700 km and improved precision guidance systems. Impact: The successful test significantly boosts India's conventional strike capabilities and strengthens its deterrence posture against potential adversaries. It marks a major milestone in indigenous defense research and development, further solidifying India's self-reliance in critical defense technologies.