Indo‑US 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary Advances Defence Tech
India and the United States held the 24th Joint Technical Group Plenary at DRDO Headquarters in New Delhi on 3–4 February 2026 to advance cooperation in defence sciences and technology. Co‑chairs were DRDO’s Director General for Production, Coordination and Services Interaction and the US Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies. The discussions focused on joint projects, knowledge exchange and potential co‑development of defence technologies, with the aim of strengthening security collaboration and technological interoperability between the two countries.
Event: 24th Indo‑US JTG Plenary; DRDO HQ, New Delhi; 3–4 Feb 2026.
Participants: DRDO leadership; US War Department official for Critical Technologies.
Focus: Defence science collaboration and co‑development.
Outcome: Strengthened dialogue on technology sharing and projects.
Context: Part of broader defence partnership.
Adani-Leonardo Sign MoU for Military Helicopter Manufacturing in India
Italian defence major Leonardo and Adani Defence and Aerospace have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an integrated helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India. The partnership aims to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces as well as the civilian sector, strengthening India's self-reliance in helicopter production. The collaboration focuses on phased indigenisation, development of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and comprehensive pilot training. The MoU was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and A Anbarasu, Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence. The agreement follows closely after Adani's strategic collaboration with Brazil's Embraer for fixed-wing aircraft manufacturing in India.
Partners: Adani Defence and Aerospace; Leonardo (Italy).
Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Sector: Military and civilian helicopter manufacturing.
Key Features: Phased indigenisation; MRO capabilities; pilot training.
Objective: Enhance self-reliance in helicopter production in India.
Context: Follows Adani–Embraer collaboration for fixed-wing aircraft manufacturing.
Feb 05, 2026
Russia launches Khabarovsk submarine capable of Poseidon drone
Russia launched its new nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk, designed to carry the Poseidon underwater drone, at Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk. Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Naval Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev attended the ceremony. The Poseidon drone, described by some as a doomsday weapon, can travel long distances with potential for strategic impact. The launch signals continued modernization of Russia’s submarine fleet and its emphasis on next-generation underwater capabilities within its strategic deterrent landscape.
Khabarovsk nuclear submarine launched at Sevmash.
Designed to carry Poseidon underwater drone.
Poseidon described as a potential doomsday weapon.
Event attended by senior defence officials.
Feb 04, 2026
India-Kyrgyzstan joint exercise KHANJAR begins in Assam
The 13th edition of the KHANJAR joint military exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan began today at Misamari, Sonitpur district, Assam. Spanning 14 days, the exercise focuses on interoperability in urban warfare and counter-terrorism under United Nations mandates. India’s Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade will participate, practicing advanced skills such as sniping, room intervention, building clearance, mountain craft, and specialized counter-terrorism drills. Exercise KHANJAR has been held annually since 2011, with venues alternating between the two nations to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral ties.
KHANJAR 13th edition kicked off in Misamari, Assam.
Duration: 14 days; focuses on urban warfare and counter-terrorism.
Participants include Indian Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
Exercises emphasize sniping, room intervention, and building clearance.
Annually held since 2011 to deepen defence partnership.
DRDO demonstrates SFDR propulsion; India joins elite missile tech club
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. Officials stated the test places India among a select group with this advanced long-range propulsion capability for air-to-air missiles. The SFDR system comprises a nozzle-less booster, a solid-fuel sustainer, a hot gas valve, air intakes, and an onboard guidance suite. The test data confirmed performance across subsystems, including the nozzle-less booster and ramjet sustainer, enabling missiles to achieve extended ranges and higher speeds with improved maneuverability.
SFDR propulsion demonstration conducted at Chandipur, Odisha.
Test underlines India’s advanced long-range missile capability.
Key subsystems include nozzle-less booster and ramjet sustainer.
System supports higher speeds and extended engagement ranges.
Ravi Kota, currently Director (Operations) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is set to take charge as Chairman and Managing Director in May 2026. Kota has led fixed-wing programs, including the Tejas light combat aircraft, and negotiated HAL’s largest defense contract to date. His appointment is expected to strengthen HAL’s role in India’s defence manufacturing, expand the LCA Mk1A fleet for the Air Force, and boost high-technology research and production. The move aligns with government priorities to increase domestic defense output, export potential, and employment in the defence sector.
Appointment: May 2026; role: HAL CMD.
Experience: leads fixed-wing programs; Tejas program; major defense contract.
Objectives: strengthen domestic defense production and exports.
Context: supports expansion of LCA Mk1A and related technologies.
Agni Pariksha: Indian Army and ITBP Conduct Joint Exercise in Arunachal Pradesh
The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a six-day joint exercise named Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh, from 19 to 24 January, at Sigar in East Siang district. The event, aimed at deepening inter-force interoperability, exposed infantry personnel to artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and firing missions in realistic scenarios. Defence officials emphasized breaking traditional role silos to improve joint planning and execution. The exercise highlighted cross-training between two major border security forces and reinforced readiness for high-altitude operations along India's northeastern frontier.
Dates and place: 19–24 January 2026, Sigar, East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Forces involved: Indian Army and ITBP.
Objective: improve inter-force coordination and artillery familiarisation.
Outcome: enhanced jointmanship and cross-training between forces.
Indian Coast Guard Marks 50th Raising Day
The Indian Coast Guard marked its 50th Raising Day, commemorating its founding in 1977. The force has grown to 155 ships and 80 aircraft, with a goal of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030. The anniversary highlights the Coast Guard’s multi-faceted role, including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and humanitarian assistance. Officials emphasised ongoing modernization and expansion plans to strengthen India’s coastal defense and regional stability in the years ahead.
Anniversary: 50th Raising Day; founded 1 February 1977.
Current force: 155 ships, 80 aircraft; target 200 ships and 100 aircraft by 2030.
Functions: law enforcement, security, rescue, environment protection, humanitarian aid.
Future focus: modernization and expansion of capabilities.
Air Marshal Walia Takes Charge as AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command
Significance: leadership for an important regional air defense command.
Jan 28, 2026
Bangladesh, China sign UAV manufacturing agreement
Bangladesh and China signed a government-to-government agreement to establish a UAV manufacturing and assembly facility in Bangladesh. The CETC International deal includes technology transfer and capacity building to enable long-term self-reliance in unmanned aerial systems. The collaboration comes as Dhaka navigates regional security dynamics and seeks diversified defense partnerships. Initial production targets include medium-altitude, low-endurance UAVs and VTOL platforms. The pact signals deeper Beijing-Bangladesh defence ties and adds complexity to regional defence planning, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region, where multiple powers monitor developments.
G-to-G UAV manufacturing facility planned in Bangladesh.
Technology transfer and capacity building included.
Initial focus on medium-altitude, low-endurance UAVs and VTOLs.
Part of broader China-Bangladesh defence cooperation.
40-hour BRO operation restores Chattergala Pass after heavy snowfall
In a 40-hour operation under Project Sampark, the Border Roads Organisation restored the Chattergala Pass in Jammu after heavy snow blocked the Bhaderwah-Chattergala route. The pass sits at about 10,500 feet. Snow began on January 23, 2026, and by January 25, teams from the 118 Road Construction Company of the 35 Border Roads Task Force cleared nearly 38 kilometres buried under 5–6 feet of snow. The road reopening enabled safe evacuation of 20 civilians and 40 personnel from 4 Rashtriya Rifles with essential supplies. The mission showcased high-altitude capabilities and cross-agency coordination.
Chattergala Pass at 10,500 feet cleared after 38 km snow removal.
Snowfall disrupted road link on January 23, 2026.
Operations conducted by BRO under Project Sampark.
Evacuations included civilians and security forces with supplies.
+91-85588-96644
