Defense & Security Current Affairs - 2026-06-25

Background: India and France regularly conduct joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and strategic cooperation. 'Shakti' series is a biennial exercise focusing on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Current Context: The sixth edition of the India-France joint military exercise, 'Shakti-VI', successfully concluded on June 24, 2026, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Troops from both armies participated in high-intensity drills, including special heliborne operations and intelligence gathering. Impact: This exercise significantly strengthens the defense ties between the two nations, fostering mutual understanding and sharing best practices. It also enhances the capabilities of both forces in dealing with contemporary security challenges, particularly in counter-insurgency scenarios.

Background: India has been consistently working on enhancing its indigenous missile capabilities, with DRDO at the forefront. The 'Pralay' series represents a new generation of conventional ballistic missiles designed for tactical battlefield use. Current Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its advanced hypersonic missile, 'Pralay-II', from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast on June 23, 2026. The test met all mission objectives, demonstrating enhanced precision and maneuverability. Impact: This successful test marks a significant leap in India's strategic defense capabilities, particularly in conventional deterrence. 'Pralay-II' will bolster the Indian Armed Forces' ability to strike high-value targets with greater accuracy and speed, reinforcing national security.