General Awareness

DEFENCE - February 2020

Feb 2020

Aug 25, 2026

MAITREE-XV: India–Thailand joint exercise strengthens jungle warfare capabilities

Exercise MAITREE-XV, the 15th edition of the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise, ran from 18 to 31 August 2026 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand. An Indian Army contingent of 85 personnel, mainly from 9 Gorkha Rifles, joined 85 Royal Thai Army personnel. The exercise focused on jungle and semi-urban counter‑insurgency and counter‑terror operations under UN Charter provisions, with field training, demonstrations, and a culminating validation exercise. It reinforces defence cooperation, enhances interoperability, and promotes knowledge exchange between the two armies.

Dates: 18-31 August 2026.
Participants: 85 Indian Army personnel and 85 Thai Army personnel.
Location: Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Thailand.
Focus: jungle and semi-urban counter‑insurgency operations.
Significance: strengthens India–Thailand defence ties.

India and Japan explore defence cooperation, including naval shipbuilding and AI tech transfer

Reports on 24-25 August 2026 indicate India and Japan are deepening defence cooperation, including plans for joint naval shipbuilding and technology transfer. The broad framework covers collaboration in AI-enabled mobility, advanced manufacturing, and defence tech sharing to diversify supply chains and bolster security in the Indo-Pacific. The agreements align with ongoing strategic ties between New Delhi and Tokyo and reflect a preference for broader collaboration beyond traditional defence exports.

Strategic alignment with Japan on defence cooperation.
Areas: naval shipbuilding, AI-enabled mobility, tech transfer.
Aim: diversify supply chains and strengthen Indo-Pacific security.
Context: part of broader India–Japan strategic partnership.

Aug 22, 2026

India and Japan sign Maritime Security Cooperation Agreement

India and Japan signed a Maritime Security Cooperation Agreement to deepen collaboration in maritime affairs. The agreement covers maritime information sharing, Maritime Domain Awareness, joint exercises, search and rescue operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). It aims to strengthen coordination between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force (JMSDF) and to expand defence technology and shipbuilding cooperation under the Make in India framework. Officials say the pact will support secure sea lanes and joint training in the Indian Ocean region. The agreement signals a broadening strategic partnership between the two nations in defense, security and regional stability.

Maritime information sharing and MDA
Joint exercises and HADR focus
Coordination between Indian Navy and JMSDF
Expands defence technology cooperation under Make in India
Strengthens India-Japan strategic partnership

Aug 21, 2026

Indian Navy inaugurates LARS Test Plinth at Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy inaugurated the Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam. The facility supports shore-based trials, testing, and maintenance of the LARS used with the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The new infrastructure will enhance submarine rescue preparedness and operational capability, strengthening India's underwater rescue framework along the Eastern Seaboard. Officials say the plinth will enable realistic training scenarios and faster response in emergencies, aligning with overall maritime security objectives and the nation's push to modernize its naval rescue capabilities. The project involved collaboration with defence research agencies and industry partners, and is part of broader coastal security upgrades.

LARS Test Plinth inaugurated at Submarine Rescue Unit (East), Visakhapatnam.
Supports trials, testing, and maintenance for LARS with DSRV.
Aims to enhance submarine rescue preparedness and capability.
Strengthens underwater rescue infrastructure along the Eastern Seaboard.
Project involved defence research agencies and industry partners.

Aug 20, 2026

Lt Commander Shivam Kumar awarded Shaurya Chakra for gallantry

Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar of the Indian Navy received the Shaurya Chakra for exceptional gallantry. He repeatedly entered a burning LPG tanker in the Gulf of Aden to search for missing crew members as INS Trikand assisted the Cameroon‑flagged MT Falcon in October 2025. His actions under perilous conditions saved lives and demonstrated leadership and calm under pressure. The Shaurya Chakra is among India’s prestigious peacetime gallantry awards. Kumar’s rescue operation highlighted the navy’s role in maritime safety and humanitarian missions, reinforcing confidence in India’s response capabilities during high‑risk incidents at sea.

Operation location: Gulf of Aden
Date of incident: October 2025
Ship involved: INS Trikand supporting MT Falcon
Award: Shaurya Chakra (gallantry)
Significance: maritime rescue and leadership
Demonstrates navy’s humanitarian deployment

Aug 19, 2026

India-US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 Held at Kochi

The India–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise 2026 was conducted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, Kerala. The exercise brought together EOD teams from both countries to improve interoperability, share best practices, and strengthen capabilities to identify and neutralise explosive threats at sea, on coastal facilities, and in amphibious operations. Training included procedures for bomb disposal, underwater operations, and rapid response to maritime threats, with a strong emphasis on safety and decision making. The drill also aimed to build mutual trust and establish standard operating procedures for future joint missions, drills, and humanitarian response scenarios. Officials highlighted improvements in medical evacuation readiness and cyber-aware communications.

Exercise held at Southern Naval Command, Kochi
Aims to improve interoperability and knowledge sharing
Training includes bomb disposal and underwater operations
Focus on safety and rapid decision making
Seeks to establish joint procedures for future missions

India-Armenia Sign Defence Innovation MoU in Yerevan

A memorandum of understanding on defence research, development, innovation, and joint production was signed in Yerevan during an official visit by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The India–Armenia Defence Innovation MoU aims to deepen cooperation in defence technology, advanced manufacturing, and capability building. Both sides agreed to pursue collaborative projects in research, development, and potential co-production in areas of mutual interest. The agreement signals stronger bilateral ties in security, industry linkages, and technology transfer, with a focus on enabling indigenous capabilities and faster innovation cycles for both countries. Officials emphasised adherence to national laws and export controls while pursuing practical pilot projects.

MoU signed in Yerevan during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's visit
Aims to deepen defence technology, R&D, and co-production
Focus on indigenous capabilities and faster innovation
Collaborative projects in research and development planned
Export controls and national laws to be observed

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