India Gifts Interceptor Boat PB Boudeuse to Seychelles
In a significant step toward bolstering maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India formally handed over the Indian Coast Guard Interceptor Boat C-449 to the Seychelles Coast Guard. The vessel, now commissioned as Patrol Boat (PB) Boudeuse, was presented during a ceremony presided over by Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan, underscoring the deepening defence partnership between the two nations. This handover marked the fifth Made-in-India patrol boat gifted to Seychelles, reinforcing India's commitment to its Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) vision, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Ramkalawan, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, lauded India's consistent support in strengthening his country's maritime capabilities. The ceremony, attended by senior officials from both nations, symbolized a shared commitment to regional stability amid growing asymmetric and non-conventional challenges in the IOR, including the expanding influence of external powers like China.
Mar 01, 2025
Exercise Desert Hunt 2025
An integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise named exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was conducted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur from February 24 to 28, 2025. The exercise involved elite Para (Special Forces) from the Indian Army, the Marine Commandos from the Indian Navy along with the Garud (Special Forces) from the Indian Air Force, participating together in a simulated combat environment.
This high-intensity drill was aimed at enhancing interoperability, coordination and synergy among the three Special Forces units to ensure swift and effective response towards emerging security challenges. The exercise included airborne insertion, precision strikes, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism operations, combat free falls and urban warfare scenarios wherein the combat readiness of the forces was tested under realistic conditions.
Feb 28, 2025
Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Kolkata Bag Three of Eight Tatrakshak Medals
The headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Region North East, based in Kolkata, received three of the eight Tatrakshak Medals (TM) awarded by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
This regional headquarters is in charge of operations along the West Bengal and Odisha coast. Those from the Region North East who received the coveted awards are DIG Anil Kumar Parayil, DIG Himanshu Nautiyal and Uttam Navik Mohit Kumar. While DIG Parayil is in charge of the ICG air enclave in Kolkata, DIG Nautiyal is the chief of staff, Headquarters North East Region. Both of them were awarded the medals for meritorious service. Uttam Navik Mohit Kumar was awarded the Tatrakshak Medal for gallantry for saving lives at sea.
CISF Names Recruits Training Centre in Arakkonam
The Recruits Training Centre (RTC) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in Arakkonam was renamed Rajaditya Cholan (RTC), Thakkolam, in memory of the Chola prince. Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, Director General of the CISF, issued the order for the change of name.
Feb 27, 2025
India Successfully Test Fires Naval Anti-Ship Missile
India has successfully conducted the test-firing of a first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha in. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter and successfully demonstrated its precision strike capability. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India's defence and naval warfare capabilities.
The test was conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Navy. According to the Defence Ministry, the missile successfully hit its target, a small ship, in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The successful flight test showcased India's advancements in missile technology, particularly in naval warfare systems.
Military Exercise 'Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025' Held at Bet Dwarka
The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police, conducted the large-scale military exercise 'Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025' at Bet Dwarka, Gujarat. The exercise aimed to strengthen island security, combat illegal encroachment, and enhance coordination between various security forces. The drill was observed by multiple government agencies, ensuring preparedness against potential security threats.
HAL Signs MoU with BEML for Strategic Collaboration in Learning, Development
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed an MoU with BEML Ltd to collaborate on leadership and technical training programmes aimed at skill development and professional excellence. As part of this strategic collaboration, the HAL Management Academy will design and deliver induction training, middle and senior management training, specialised workshops, and certification programmes in key areas such as six sigma, quality, reliability, data analytics, and industry 4.0.
The partnership will also facilitate industrial visits, knowledge-sharing sessions, joint conferences, internships, and project-based learning opportunities for BEML professionals.
This MoU represents a significant step towards fostering industry-academia collaboration, strengthening India's defence manufacturing ecosystem, and equipping professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
Feb 26, 2025
Indian Army Procures Critical CBRN Defence Equipment
Indian Army signed a contract for procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems with M/s L&T Ltd at a cost of Rs. 80.43 crore, under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category. This will give a significant boost to the GoI's Atamnirbharta drive since more than 80% of the components and sub-systems of the equipment will be sourced locally.
ACADA has been designed and developed by DRDO's Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior and marks a significant milestone in the nation's indigenisation initiative in the niche CBRN domain.
The ACADA system is used to detect chemical warfare agents (CWA) and programmed toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) by sampling the air from the environment.
Cingularity Aerospace Unveils Tow Body Haulers 'Pratyaksha' for Soft Target Training
Cingularity Aerospace, based in Bangalore, introduced an innovative solution for military training with their new Tow Body Haulers, dubbed 'Pratyaksha.' Designed as a Slow Speed Soft Reusable Target, this system aims to provide realistic, safe, and cost-effective training for air-to-air engagements.
The tow body comprises a cylindrical chute, measuring 5 meters in length and 3 meters in diameter, painted in daylight orange for visibility, ensuring it can be easily spotted during training exercises.
The tow body is designed to maintain a separation of 50 to 70 meters from the towing aircraft, providing a realistic target for engagement without risking collision or entanglement. `Pratyaksha' offers air forces a way to simulate real-world combat scenarios, particularly against slow-moving aerial threats, enhancing pilot proficiency in tracking and engagement.
By being reusable, the system reduces the cost associated with training, as opposed to using one-time-use drones or other expendable targets. The soft nature of the target minimises the risk of damage to aircraft or injury to pilots, making it ideal for both training and demonstration purposes. With the ability to carry payloads, the system can be adapted for different training objectives, from simple tracking to complex electronic warfare scenarios.