India participates in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026, being conducted in Mongolia from 20 June to 3 July 2026. The event takes place at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar and marks the 23rd edition of the multinational exercise. The focus is on interoperability and peace support operations, with participants practicing joint planning, communications, and medical evacuation procedures. The exercise strengthens defense cooperation with partner nations and enhances regional security in the Indo-Pacific space. It highlights India’s commitment to collaborative security efforts and to building practical military partnerships with Mongolia and allied forces.
Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026 runs 20 June–3 July 2026 in Mongolia.
Location: Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar.
23rd edition of the multinational exercise.
Emphasis on interoperability for peace support operations.
India participates alongside partner nations.
Aims to strengthen regional security cooperation.
Jun 19, 2026
10th Thailand–India Defence Dialogue held in Bangkok
The 10th Thailand–India Defence Dialogue took place in Bangkok on 16 June 2026 to review bilateral defence cooperation and regional security issues. Co-chaired by Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich and India’s Joint Secretary for Defence, Satyajit Mohanty, the talks covered defence manufacturing, research and innovation, training exchanges, and maritime cooperation. The two sides reviewed ongoing engagements and discussed opportunities to deepen industry collaboration. The dialogue built on the elevation of India–Thailand relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2025, signaling intent to enhance strategic ties across security and defence sectors.
Date and place: 16 June 2026, Bangkok
Co-chairs: Admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich and Satyajit Mohanty
Context: strategic partnership established in 2025
Indian Coast Guard inducts first indigenous Air-Cushion Vehicle H-561 in Goa
On 6 June 2026, the Indian Coast Guard inducted its first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle, designated H-561, at Chowgule and Company Private Limited in Goa. The hovercraft is the first of six ACVs planned for the Coast Guard and is designed to operate in shallow waters, marshy areas, and mudflats, enabling rapid response along coastlines and inland waterways. The induction marks progress in Make in India and domestic defence manufacturing, with the ACV developed by Indian industries under the coast guard modernization programme. Officials say H-561 will improve coastal surveillance, search and rescue, and disaster response in challenging littoral environments.
Date and place: 6 June 2026, Goa; induction at Chowgule Shipyard
H-561 is the first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle for the Coast Guard
Part of a six-ACV programme to bolster coastal capability
ACV designed for shallow waters, marshy zones, and mudflats
Supports enhanced coastal surveillance, SAR, and disaster response
Jun 17, 2026
India to join Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia
India will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a biennial multinational air combat drill hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force in the Northern Territory. The exercise is scheduled from 20 July 2026 to 7 August 2026 and will involve air forces from several partner nations. The Indian Air Force will join in complex air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, focusing on interoperability and integrated air operations. The event seeks to improve tactical coordination, joint planning, and procedures across allied air components, while exposing Indian crews to varied mission environments. Observers and liaison teams will support logistics and debriefs to consolidate lessons learned.
Event: Pitch Black 2026
Dates: 20 July to 7 August 2026
Location: Northern Territory, Australia
Participants: Indian Air Force among multiple nations
Focus: Interoperability, joint planning, and mission readiness
Jun 15, 2026
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Named Next Army Chief
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff of India, with effect in June 2026. He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and will take charge on 30 June 2026 after General Upendra Dwivedi retires. The government announced the appointment as a significant leadership transition for the Indian Army. Seth has held multiple command and staff roles, bringing broad experience to the top post. The move aligns with ongoing defence reforms, budgetary planning and modernization programs. The appointment underscores India’s emphasis on stable strategic leadership across the Army’s future capability plans and regional security responsibilities.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth appointed as next Army Chief.
Currently Vice Chief of the Army Staff; will assume post on 30 June 2026.
Seth succeeds General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires this year.
Appointment signals continuity in Army modernization efforts.
Leadership transition aligns with broader defence-reform timelines.
Jun 10, 2026
Avantel wins DRDO satellite terminal contract
Avantel Limited has secured a ₹9.94 crore contract from DRDO to develop and test specialised satellite terminals under the GSAT-32/N3 programme. The terminals provide secure, reliable satellite communications used in defence operations and mission-critical tasks. The project aims to strengthen India's strategic communications infrastructure and ensure continuity in degraded environments. The work will involve field trials, integrated systems, and interoperability with existing military networks. The contract signals ongoing collaboration between the defence sector and private industry to expand secure communications capabilities, with potential spillovers into civilian secure communications and disaster response systems.
Contract value: ₹9.94 crore awarded by DRDO.
Purpose: develop/test specialised satellite terminals for GSAT-32/N3.
Benefit: secure, reliable defence communications.
Includes field trials and interoperability with military networks.
Signals private–defence collaboration in secure comms.
Lt Commander Suraj Prashar awarded Shaurya Chakra
Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar of the Indian Navy received the Shaurya Chakra from President Droupadi Murmu during Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026. He was honoured for displaying exceptional courage during Operation Chuntawadi in Jammu and Kashmir. The Shaurya Chakra recognises bravery and dedication in high-risk military operations. The ceremony also recognized other brave personnel and showcased India's defence achievements. The award underscores ongoing emphasis on recognizing frontline bravery and maintaining high standards of discipline within the armed forces. Prashar's service inspires national pride and demonstrates the operational readiness of India's maritime and land forces.
Award: Shaurya Chakra presented to Lt Cdr Suraj Prashar.
Event: Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026, presented by President Murmu.
Reason: courageous conduct during Operation Chuntawadi, J&K.
Significance: recognition of bravery and service.
Impact: fosters national pride and military readiness.
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