General Awareness

DEFENCE - December 2018

Dec 2018

Feb 17, 2025

Philippines Set to Acquire $200 Million Akash Missile System from India

India is making strides in its defence exports, with a potential $200 million deal on the table for the supply of its Akash missile system to the Philippines. This deal, which is expected to be finalised in the current fiscal year, highlights India's growing presence in the global defence market and strengthens ties with the Philippines, a nation that is actively enhancing its military capabilities.
The Akash missile system, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has attracted international attention due to its advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency.

Feb 15, 2025

Saab & HAL Join Forces for Advanced Laser Warning System in India

Swedish defence firm Saab signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to collaborate on the Electronic Warfare Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310). The agreement focuses on strengthening India's defence sector by allowing HAL to manufacture the advanced laser warning system domestically. This move aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative and aims to enhance self-reliance in critical defence technology.
The primary objective of the MoU is to establish a structured partnership for the production and maintenance of the LWS-310 system in India. Saab will transfer critical maintenance technology to HAL under a Maintenance Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement, ensuring that India gains the necessary skills and infrastructure to support and sustain this advanced electronic warfare system.

Feb 13, 2025

India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise 'CYCLONE-III'

India and Egypt launched the third edition of their joint special forces exercise, 'CYCLONE-III', at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. This exercise, being held from February 10 to 23, 2025, is a crucial part of the growing military cooperation between the two nations. It follows the second edition held in Egypt in January 2024 and aims to enhance interoperability and strategic coordination between their special forces.
The India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE-III is designed to strengthen military collaboration, focusing on special operations tactics, counter-terrorism drills, and advanced military strategies. Both countries have deployed 25 personnel each, with the Indian contingent comprising troops from two Special Forces Battalions, and the Egyptian team including members from the Special Forces Group and Task Force of the Egyptian Special Forces.

India's Mightiest Cargo Drone, CargoMax 20KHC, Debuts at Aero India 2025

At the Aero India 2025 air show in Bengaluru, Bengaluru-based drone manufacturer Scandron introduced the CargoMax 20KHC, India's most powerful cargo drone. With a payload capacity of 200 kg, this autonomous aerial logistics platform is built to support the Indian armed forces, paramilitary units, and emergency response teams. To enhance accessibility for defence clients, Scandron has set up a manufacturing facility in Ladakh for the production of the drone.
The CargoMax 20KHC boasts an operational range of 15km and an altitude ceiling of 6,000 metres above sea level. It is engineered to operate in demanding environments, including high-altitude regions, deserts, and naval zones.

Feb 12, 2025

Indian Army and IAF Execute 'Winged Raider' in Eastern Theatre

The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the joint military exercise 'Winged Raider' in the Eastern Theatre. This strategic drill focused on special airborne operations to enhance coordination between the two forces. The exercise, held in a key operational zone, is part of efforts to improve rapid deployment capabilities and inter-service synergy.
The 'Winged Raider' exercise is a crucial step in refining airborne insertion techniques, especially in challenging terrains. The operation involved the use of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, demonstrating a high level of preparedness.

UK, India Boost Defence Ties with New Partnership

The UK-India strategic partnership took another major step forward with the formal launch of Defence Partnership-India (DP-I) and the signing of several defence agreements at the Aero India show. Announcing DP-I, UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker inaugurated the UK-India Defence Partnership Pavilion, establishing a dedicated programme office within the UK's Ministry of Defence to serve as a one-stop shop for strengthening bilateral defence collaboration between the two countries.
The UK and India agreed to expand their collaboration on next-generation weapons with Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Thales and BDL signed a contract to deliver Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), with an initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers set for delivery this year (2025).

Feb 11, 2025

DRDO Reshapes Research Focus for Stronger Defence R&D

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) took a major step towards enhancing its research focus by redefining and expanding its Research Verticals and Thrust Areas across its Industry Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Announced by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) at DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, this move aims to streamline research efforts, incorporate cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen India's defence capabilities.
Earlier, DRDO had 65 Research Verticals across 15 DIA-CoEs, but with this expansion, the number has grown to 82. This shift ensures that DRDO laboratories can explore future technology requirements in greater depth, especially in deep technology research areas. By refining the research focus, DRDO aims to enhance innovation, collaboration, and efficiency in defence research.
The primary objective behind this expansion is to minimise redundancy and optimise resource utilisation. This restructuring also allows for better synergy between academia, industry, and DRDO to accelerate the development of advanced defence technologies.

HAL Renames Its Jet Trainer HJT-36 as 'Yashas' at Aero India 2025

At the prestigious Aero India 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) revealed that the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36), a critical aircraft in the Indian Air Force's training fleet, underwent extensive modifications and was officially renamed 'Yashas'. The new name was unveiled by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Department of Defence Production), in the presence of D. K. Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director of HAL, and other senior officials.
The HJT-36, originally designed as an intermediate trainer aircraft, underwnr significant changes aimed at enhancing its departure characteristics and spin resistance across the entire flight envelope. The upgrades to the aircraft address vital aspects of its handling and stability, making it a modern, highly capable training tool for the evolving needs of military aviation.

India and Mongolia Border Forces Discuss Mutual Cooperation during DG-level Talks

The border forces of India and Mongolia decided to undertake joint exercises and enhance mutual cooperation in the frontier protection domain.
The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Mongolian General Authority for Border Protection (GABP) concluded their 10th Director General (DG)-level talks in New Delhi.
The Indian side was led by BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary while the Mongolian delegation was headed by Maj Gen Lkhagvasuren KH, Head of GABP and Commander of Border Troops.

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