Mod 5: Defense & Megaprojects

'Samudra Pradakshina' by Tri-Service Women Officers:

A joint sailing team of 9 women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force successfully completed the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition on July 22, 2026, traveling 25,500 nautical miles aboard the sailing vessel INSV Triveni. Led by Lt. Col. Anuja Warudkar, the expedition was flagged off from Mumbai on Sept 11, 2025. Over 314 days, they crossed the Equator twice and navigated past the three great capes (Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope). Previous similar missions include 'Navika Sagar Parikrama' (2017-18) led by Lt. Cdr. Vartika Joshi on INSV Tarini.

DRDO's Project Kusha:

Project Kusha is India's indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) defense system, developed by DRDO. Often dubbed the 'Indian S-400', its primary objective is to detect and destroy enemy aircraft, guided weapons, drones, and cruise missiles at long ranges, including stealth aircraft. It boasts an engagement range spanning from 150 km to 350 km, providing a three-tiered security shield to Indian airspace under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.