India-France Defence Pact: HAMMER Weapon to be Locally Manufactured
India and France are primed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for local production of the HAMMER air-to-surface weapon, marking a milestone ahead of the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru on 16 February 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin are expected to formalise the agreement, enabling joint production in India with Safran Electronics and Defense. The HAMMER is already integrated with the Indian Air Force Rafale fleet and was used in Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The deal is seen as a major step to boost indigenous capability and India’s stand-off strike posture in modern warfare.
MoU for local HAMMER production signed during defence dialogue in Bengaluru (16 February 2026).
Signatories: Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin.
Joint production with Indian industry and Safran Electronics & Defense.
HAMMER already integrated with Rafale jets; used in Operation Sindoor (May 2025).
Aims to enhance indigenous capability and strategic autonomy.
IMACC 2026 to Be Hosted by Indian Army in Eastern Himalayas
The Indian Army will host the International Military Adventure Challenge Cup IMACC 2026 in the Eastern Himalayas from 18 to 23 February. Defence Ministry statements confirm participation from seven friendly foreign countries—Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia—alongside Indian Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and ITBP contingents. The event will feature endurance competitions designed to test physical fitness, teamwork, leadership and decision-making under pressure. Organisers hope IMACC 2026 strengthens military cooperation with partner nations and showcases India’s border regions and mountain warfare capabilities.
Event: IMACC 2026; dates 18–23 February.
Location: Eastern Himalayan region (India).
Participants: seven foreign nations plus Indian services.
Focus: endurance, fitness, teamwork, leadership.
Significance: enhances military ties and regional capabilities.
Feb 16, 2026
Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility Inaugurated in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Northeast India’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran, in Dibrugarh district, Assam. The ELF, located on the Moran Bypass, enables landing and take-off of military and select civil aircraft during emergencies, boosting defence readiness and disaster response in the region. The ceremony featured a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force, including fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters. This facility is the first of its kind in Northeast India and is expected to speed up rapid deployment during crises, strengthening security and relief operations in frontier areas.
Location: Moran Bypass, Dibrugarh district
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi
ELF enables emergency landings for military and select civil aircraft
40-minute IAF aerial display featured
First ELF in Northeast; enhances rapid deployment and disaster response
Feb 15, 2026
Defence Ministry Signs Rs 2,312 Crore Dornier Deal with HAL
The Defence Ministry signed a Rs 2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The agreement, finalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, reinforces Buy (Indigenously Developed) policy and strengthens coastal surveillance across India’s coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. The Dornier 228 aircraft will include specialised equipment to support coastal patrol, maritime reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions. This purchase reflects a broader push to expand domestic defence manufacturing and enhance India’s maritime security capabilities through indigenous production and technology transfer.
Contract value: Rs 2,312 crore
Eight Dornier 228 aircraft for ICG
Finalised with Defence Secretary present
Supports Buy (Indigenously Developed) policy
Enhances coastal surveillance and SAR capabilities
Feb 14, 2026
Defence Ministry signs ₹2,312 crore contract with HAL for Dornier 228 aircraft
The Ministry of Defence has signed a Buy (Indian) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, for eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of ₹2,312 crore. The signing occurred in New Delhi on 12 February 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The project aims to strengthen ICG surveillance and response capabilities and bolster HAL’s production ecosystem, with benefits for MSMEs and ancillary industries. The programme includes maintenance and life-cycle technical support to sustain the fleet over its operational life.
IAF, Royal Thai Air Force Conduct Joint Air Exercise to Enhance Interoperability
The Indian Air Force conducted a bilateral in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force to sharpen interoperability and mutual understanding of procedures during complex air operations. The exercise brought together frontline platforms including the Su-30MKI multirole fighters, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, alongside IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft, and the RTAF’s Gripen fighters. The programme emphasized joint planning, tactical coordination, and integrated surveillance and communication networks to practise allied air power in contested airspace. Officials said such drills reinforce defence ties between India and Thailand and improve readiness for regional security contingencies.
Interoperability across multiple platforms (Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C, IL-78) and RTAF Gripens.
Joint planning and execution of complex air operations.
Integrated surveillance and command-and-control links.
Strengthens defence ties and regional security readiness between India and Thailand.
Demonstrates ongoing India-Thai military cooperation.
Assam Rifles to induct indigenous dog breeds under Atmanirbhar Bharat
Assam Rifles will induct Indian dog breeds into its canine squad as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. A pilot program has already introduced the Tangkhul Hui breed from Manipur, with plans to add the Kombai breed from Tamil Nadu in April. Full induction is targeted by March 2027, with training at the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre in Jorhat, Assam. Union home ministry directives encourage greater use of native breeds due to disease resistance and suitability to local climates. Officials emphasise that indigenous dogs can enhance security operations while supporting national talent in animal husbandry and service roles.
Indigenous Tangkhul Hui already in service; Kombai to follow.
Full induction targeted by March 2027 at ARDTC, Jorhat.
Policy aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and home ministry guidance.
Indigenous breeds cited as disease‑resistant and climate‑suitable.
The Defence Ministry signed a Rs 2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard. The agreement, formalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, strengthens maritime surveillance and search‑and‑rescue capabilities along India’s coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. The deal is part of the Buy Indian category, reinforcing indigenous defence manufacturing. The Dornier 228 aircraft will be equipped with mission equipment tailored to Coast Guard operations, enabling enhanced coastal reconnaissance, maritime patrols and rapid response in emergencies.
Contract worth Rs 2,312 crore for eight Dornier 228 aircraft.
Aircraft to bolster ICG coastal surveillance and SAR missions.
Part of Buy Indian category; emphasis on domestic manufacturing.
Equipment tailored to Coast Guard operational requirements.
IAF conducts joint air exercise with Royal Thai Air Force to boost interoperability
An in-situ joint air exercise was conducted between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force to enhance operational coordination and interoperability. The exercise involved frontline assets such as India's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, Airborne Warning and Control System platforms, and IL-78 mid‑air refuelling aircraft, in addition to the Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen fighters. The drills emphasized coordinated air operations, including formation flying, threat engagement, and integrated surveillance and command‑and‑control functions. By practicing simulated multi‑domain tasks, the two air forces aimed to improve information sharing, targeting procedures, and reaction times under realistic conditions. The exercise reflects growing defence collaboration between India and Thailand.
Participants included Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C, IL-78 from IAF and Gripen from RTAF.
Focus on complex air operations, surveillance integration, and C2 coordination.
Aimed to enhance interoperability and timely joint decision making.
Part of ongoing defence cooperation between India and Thailand.
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