General Awareness

DEFENCE - November 2020

Nov 2020

Sep 16, 2026

Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada partner on DRDO UAV propulsion

Bharat Forge Ltd and Pratt & Whitney Canada agreed to evaluate the integration of turboprop engines into DRDO’s high-altitude, long-endurance UAV program. Pratt & Whitney Canada will assess engine compatibility and installation needs, while Bharat Forge will lead engine-airframe integration and systems interfaces. The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s strategic self-reliance and defence readiness by combining PWC propulsion technology with Bharat Forge’s engineering capabilities. Both companies emphasised the importance of a capable HALE platform for persistent surveillance and reconnaissance across land and maritime domains.

Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada collaborate on HALE UAV program
Engine compatibility and installation assessed by PWC; integration led by Bharat Forge
Goal: strengthen India’s defence self-reliance and HALE capabilities
HALE UAVs support long-endurance surveillance across domains
Part of broader efforts to advance domestic aerospace and defence sectors

India and Vietnam push defence and security ties, including co-production plans

India and Vietnam agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation during talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Vietnam’s Le Hoai Trung. The discussions, part of the 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting, emphasized co-production of Indian defence equipment, expanded trade and supply chains, and greater military-to-military engagement. Earlier transfers include the INS Kirpan (gifted in 2023) and several lines of credit signed in 2024. The partners highlighted the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and plans for capacity building, people-to-people ties, and collaboration across maritime, space, and cyber domains as key areas for the year ahead.

Defence and security cooperation deepened under JCM framework
Emphasis on co-production of Indian defence items
Historical transfers: INS Kirpan (2023); guard boats (2022)
Additional Lines of Credit signed in 2024; further commitments
Strategic partnership framework includes maritime, space, cyber collaboration

Sep 15, 2026

IAF Dronathon-2026 inaugurated at Pokhran Range

IAF Dronathon-2026 was inaugurated at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The three-day event showcases and evaluates Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) technologies developed by Indian defence companies, startups, and innovators. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the event, which features live demonstrations, testing protocols, and industry showcases. Organisers emphasise collaboration with defence labs and private partners to accelerate indigenous drone design, development, and production, strengthening India's security, border surveillance, and disaster-response capabilities.

Inauguration at Pokhran Range, Rajasthan.
Focus on UAS and CUAS technologies.
Involves defence companies, startups, and innovators.
Inaugurated by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit.
Aims to boost indigenous drone capabilities.

Sep 14, 2026

Yudh Abhyas 2026 begins between India and the United States

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, the 22nd edition of the bilateral drill between the Indian Army and the United States Army, runs from 9 September to 28 September 2026. The exercise adopts a two-theatre format, with activities at Bikaner in Rajasthan and Auli in Uttarakhand. Desert warfare training at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges and high-altitude warfare exercises in Auli form core components. About 700 personnel from both countries participate to improve interoperability, tactical skills, and operational readiness. The drills reinforce defence cooperation and shared security capabilities between the two nations amid evolving regional challenges.

Yudh Abhyas 2026 is the 22nd edition of the bilateral exercise.
Dates: 9 September to 28 September 2026; two theatres: Bikaner and Auli.
Desert and high-altitude warfare training included at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges and Auli.
Approximately 700 personnel from each side participate to build interoperability.

Sep 13, 2026

Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 strengthens IAF-JASDF air cooperation

Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is a bilateral air drill between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The second edition runs from 9 to 22 September 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan. India fields aircraft including LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale, while Japan deploys Mitsubishi F-2A fighters and personnel. The exercise aims to improve operational coordination and defence collaboration between the two countries. Officials say the drills cover joint air maneuvers, air-to-air refueling, and coordinated multirole operations, reflecting growing strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific region.

Veer Guardian 2026 runs 9–22 September at Jodhpur
IAF: LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI, Rafale; JASDF: Mitsubishi F-2A
Focus on interoperability and joint air operations
Strengthens India-Japan defence cooperation
Part of broader regional security cooperation

Sep 12, 2026

India–Australia defence ties strengthened; Canberra talks on maritime security

Defence ties between India and Australia have intensified, with high-level talks in Canberra focusing on maritime security, interoperability and potential joint exercises. Indian Navy leadership discussed future cooperation under the Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap and explored information sharing, joint training and defence industry collaboration. The discussions build on a broader pattern of strategic partnership between the two countries as both seek stability in the Indo-Pacific. Australia reaffirmed its commitment to deepening defence cooperation with India through ongoing dialogues, policy talks and planned joint activities to enhance regional resilience and security.

Bilateral defence talks in Canberra between India and Australia
Topics: maritime security, interoperability, joint exercises
Roadmap: Maritime Security Collaboration framework
Areas: information sharing, training, defence industry ties
Context: part of broader Indo-Pacific security partnerships
Outcome: strengthened strategic cooperation

Exercise Samudra Laksamana 2026 strengthens India–Malaysia maritime cooperation

Exercise Samudra Laksamana 2026 was conducted as a bilateral maritime drill between the Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The fourth edition of the India–Malaysia naval cooperation initiative took place at Lumut, Malaysia, with INS Mysore participating alongside RMN ships. The exercise focused on maritime interoperability, coordinated operations and professional exchanges to bolster defence relations. Participants trained in surface warfare, anti-submarine measures and navigation, enhancing mutual confidence and readiness. The drill aligns with ongoing regional security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and supports shared goals of maritime security and freedom of navigation.

Bilateral exercise: Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy
Location: Lumut, Malaysia; edition: 4th
Participants: INS Mysore and RMN ships
Focus areas: interoperability, coordination, professional exchanges
Outcome: strengthened India–Malaysia defence ties
Context: supports Indo-Pacific maritime security cooperation

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