General Awareness

DEFENCE - May 2019

May 2019

Nov 12, 2026

Defence Ministry signs ₹498.58 crore contract for INS Betwa

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹498.58 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited in November 2026 for the normal refit and re-powering of INS Betwa, a Brahmaputra-class guided-missile frigate. The project will replace its steam propulsion system with diesel engines and upgrade weapon systems, sensors, and combat management. The refit involves over 50 MSMEs, supporting indigenous shipbuilding under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The work will extend the frigate's service life and enhance endurance, mobility, and integration within the Navy's modernization efforts. The contract reflects a broader push for domestic defence manufacturing and local industry participation.

₹498.58 crore contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited.
INS Betwa refit and re-powering; diesel propulsion upgrade.
Weapon systems and sensors upgraded.
Involves 50+ MSMEs; supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Extend service life and modernization of Navy.

8th India–Myanmar Naval Exercise IMNEX-26 begins in Visakhapatnam

The 8th edition of the India–Myanmar Naval Exercise IMNEX-26 commenced on 10 November 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and will run until 14 November 2026. Indian Navy ships INS Rana and INS Sumedha, along with Myanmar Navy ship UMS King Sin Phyu Shin, participate. The exercise supports India's MAHASAGAR vision by strengthening maritime cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding. It includes anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, seamanship, and communications drills, enhancing professional exchanges and joint readiness. The event underscores regional security in the Bay of Bengal and provides a platform to discuss future cooperation and learning. Maritime observers will monitor readiness and coordination.

IMNEX-26 runs 10–14 November 2026 in Visakhapatnam.
Participants: INS Rana, INS Sumedha (India) and UMS King Sin Phyu Shin (Myanmar).
Part of MAHASAGAR vision to boost interoperability.
Focus areas include anti-submarine and surface warfare.
Aims to enhance regional security and cooperation.

Indian Air Force unveils VAYU Vision to boost self-reliance

Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit unveiled the VAYU vision, a plan to strengthen the Indian Air Force's capacity and self-reliance. The framework rests on four pillars: V for Vigilance, Victory and Readiness; A for Aatmanirbharta; Y for Yukti (Ingenuity); and U for Unity of Effort. The strategy prioritises indigenous defense production, advanced training, and improved jointness among services. Officials say VAYU will guide modernization, procurement, and technology development while emphasizing cybersecurity, air defence, and maintenance ecosystems. Officials also emphasise collaboration with industry and academia to expand domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence. The move aligns with a broader national objective for defence self-reliance.

Four pillars: Vigilance, Aatmanirbharta, Yukti, Unity of Effort.
Emphasis on indigenous production and advanced training.
Focus on cybersecurity, air defence, maintenance ecosystems.
Industry-academia collaboration to expand domestic manufacturing.
Aims to reduce import dependence.

Nov 11, 2026

India–Myanmar Conduct First Tri‑Services HADR Exercise Rahat Mitra 2026

India and Myanmar conducted their first bilateral Tri‑Services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, Rahat Mitra 2026, in Chennai on 5–6 November 2026. Coordinated by the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force, the exercise involved over 300 personnel and aimed to enhance disaster response capabilities and bilateral defence cooperation. The two‑day event included joint planning, cyclone scenario tabletop scenarios, and demonstrations of flood relief and casualty evacuation capabilities. The exercise underscored strengthened interoperability and regional security collaboration, with a theme emphasizing humanity and partnership to address natural disasters and emergencies.

Dates: 5–6 November 2026; location: Chennai
Participants: Indian Navy, Army, Air Force; Myanmar delegation
Objectives: enhance HADR interoperability; disaster response
Activities: joint planning, cyclone tabletop, demonstrations
Outcome: strengthened bilateral defence cooperation

Nov 08, 2026

INS Sahyadri Arrives at Yokosuka for MALABAR 2026

The Indian Navy’s indigenous Guided Missile Stealth Frigate INS Sahyadri arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan on 4 November 2026 to participate in MALABAR 2026. The multilateral naval exercise, hosted by Japan, involves India, the United States, Japan and Australia, and runs from 5 to 12 November 2026. The deployment showcases India's growing maritime diplomacy and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise includes harbour and sea-phase activities, flag meetings, and joint drills intended to strengthen interoperability and professional exchanges among Quad partners and other participants.

Ship: INS Sahyadri
Arrival: Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan (4 November 2026)
Exericse: MALABAR 2026; participants: India, USA, Japan, Australia
Dates: 5–12 November 2026
Purpose: Enhance interoperability and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific

Nov 07, 2026

Indian Navy hosts Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026

The Indian Navy organised the eighth edition of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026 from 3 to 5 November 2026 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, in collaboration with the National Maritime Foundation (NMF). The conference, held under the theme Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, brought together representatives from 18 countries to discuss maritime security, ocean governance, emerging technologies, climate resilience and regional cooperation. Delegates examined collaborative opportunities in research, data-sharing and academic exchanges to strengthen India’s maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The event highlighted India's ongoing naval diplomacy and commitment to a secure, stable Indo-Pacific for trade and development.

IPRD 2026 held 3–5 November 2026.
Theme focused on science, technology and academic cooperation.
Delegates from 18 countries attended.
Discussions on maritime security and climate resilience.
Emphasised strengthening India's Indo-Pacific partnerships.

Nov 06, 2026

Bangladesh-US Conduct CARAT Bangladesh 2026 Naval Exercise

Bangladesh and the United States conducted the bilateral naval exercise CARAT Bangladesh 2026 in Chattogram, Bangladesh, during November 2026. The United States Navy participated with the mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM-10) and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security, interoperability in mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare and other joint operations, and on strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations. Training scenarios emphasized information sharing, professional exchanges and disaster response coordination.

CARAT Bangladesh 2026 held in Chattogram
US Navy contributed USS Warrior (MCM-10) and P-8A Poseidon
Focus on maritime security, interoperability and mine countermeasures
Joint training and information sharing
Strengthens Bangladesh-US defence ties

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