General Awareness

DEFENCE - March 2020

Mar 2020

Sep 24, 2026

United Kingdom launches first Space Squadron

The United Kingdom announced its first Space Squadron to protect and defend satellites. The unit, formed under the Royal Air Force (RAF), will support military space operations by monitoring space activities and safeguarding essential satellite systems. The move signals growing concern about space security, counterspace threats, and the need to ensure reliable space-based communications and navigation for defense and civil purposes. The squadron will work with international partners, civil agencies, and industry to detect debris, interference, and potential attacks, and to develop defensive and resilience measures for space infrastructure.

Organization: Royal Air Force (RAF) Space Squadron.
Purpose: protect and defend satellites and space assets.
Strategic significance: space security and resilience.
Collaboration: international partners, civil agencies, industry.
Key activities: monitoring space, counterspace defense, threat response.

Sep 22, 2026

HAL Delivers Indigenous HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft 'Ankur' to IAF

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun delivering the indigenously developed HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, officially named Ankur, to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under a contract to supply 70 trainers, three aircraft have been handed over as the initial batch. The HTT-40 is designed for basic pilot training and is equipped with modern avionics, a pressurized cabin, and advanced safety systems. Officials say the induction will help replace older trainer fleets and strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This milestone demonstrates growing domestic aerospace capacity and aligns with the government’s push for greater indigenisation of defence equipment, while enhancing the IAF’s training infrastructure.

HAL delivered the first three of 70 HTT-40 Ankur trainers to the IAF.
HTT-40 is an indigenously developed basic trainer aircraft with modern avionics.
Induction aims to replace older trainer fleets and boost self-reliance.
The milestone showcases increased domestic aerospace capacity.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 to Be Held in Jodhpur

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, a biennial multinational air-combat exercise, from 26 September to 12 October in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The first edition was held in 2024 and marked India’s debut as a major international air exercise. More than 40 countries are expected to participate, with several others sending observers and delegates, making it one of India’s largest multinational air engagements. Tarang Shakti aims to enhance interoperability, air superiority, and joint operational capabilities among participating nations, providing a platform for advanced training and cooperation in air combat and tactical operations.

Second edition scheduled from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan; multinational participation over 40 countries.
Builds interoperability and joint air-combat capabilities.
Follow-up to India’s 2024 inaugural Tarang Shakti exercise.

Sep 21, 2026

SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka naval exercise underway in Visakhapatnam

The 13th Sri Lanka-India bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026. Indian Navy ships INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti participate alongside SLNS Sindurala from Sri Lanka. The harbour phase included an opening ceremony onboard INS Kavaratti, cross-deck visits, and cultural activities, with the sea phase to follow to build operational interoperability. SLINEX-26 reinforces MAHASAGAR, India’s maritime vision, and strengthens bilateral friendship and security cooperation with Sri Lanka. The exercise underscores continued coordination in anti-submarine warfare, maritime security, and disaster response between the two nations.

SLINEX-26 runs 17–21 September 2026 at Visakhapatnam.
Indian Navy: INS Kavaratti, INS Jyoti; Sri Lanka Navy: SLNS Sindurala.
Harbour phase included opening ceremony and visits; sea phase ongoing.
Part of MAHASAGAR initiative; reinforces India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership.
Demonstrates interoperability and coordinated security efforts.

Sep 19, 2026

Mazagon Dock signs MoU for Greenfield Shipyard at Dugarajapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a Greenfield Shipyard at Dugarajapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The project is to be carried out with the National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park, Andhra Pradesh (NSHIP-AP). The shipyard is planned to build commercial vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and LNG carriers, expanding India’s shipbuilding capacity. MDL, a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, will anchor the development as part of a broader industrial cluster aimed at boosting coastal infrastructure and strategic maritime capabilities.

Parties: MDL and NSHIP-AP
Location: Dugarajapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Purpose: Greenfield shipyard for commercial vessels
Vessel types: tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, LNG carriers
MDL status: Navratna Defence PSU under MoD
Strategic aim: boost shipbuilding and coastal infrastructure

Sep 17, 2026

43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference Held in New Delhi

The 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference took place at the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi from 17 to 19 September 2026. Senior leadership discussed maritime security, coast guard operations, and environmental protection. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth addressed the opening day, outlining strategic priorities and coordination with other agencies. Delegates reviewed ongoing missions, asset deployment, training programs, and challenges posed by illicit trafficking and search-and-rescue operations. The conference highlighted emphasis on operational readiness, interoperability with neighboring navies, and strengthening coastal resilience across India’s extensive coastline.

43rd Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference held 17–19 September 2026.
Discussions on maritime security, operations, and environment.
Opening address by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth.
Review of missions, assets, and training programs.
Focus on interoperability and coastal resilience.

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