General Awareness

DEFENCE - December 2020

Dec 2020

Apr 11, 2026

Exercise Cyclone 2026 strengthens India-Egypt defence cooperation

Exercise Cyclone 2026 strengthens India-Egypt defence cooperation. The Indian Army has sent a 25-person contingent to Egypt to participate in the fourth edition of Exercise Cyclone, a bilateral special forces drill. The exercise, held in Anshas, Egypt, is conducted annually in alternating locations and emphasises high-end operations by elite troops. The Indian contingent comprises personnel from specialised units who will train alongside Egyptian forces in desert and semi-desert terrains, mirroring realistic combat conditions. Activities include joint planning, airborne insertions, direct-action drills, reconnaissance and after-action reviews designed to improve coordination under challenging environments. The exercise underscores deeper security cooperation and shared strategic interests between New Delhi and Cairo.

25-person Indian Army contingent from specialised units.
Fourth edition of Exercise Cyclone; rotates between India and Egypt; held in Anshas, Egypt.
Focus on elite special forces operations in desert terrain.
Joint planning, airborne insertions, direct-action drills and after-action reviews.
Strengthens bilateral defence cooperation and regional security alignment.

Apr 05, 2026

Indian Army conducts Maru Sangram in Jaisalmer to test combat readiness

In a demonstration of operational readiness, Lt Gen AVS Rathee, GOC Konark Corps, reviewed combat drills during the Maru Sangram exercise in the Jaisalmer desert sector. The large‑scale drill featured Battle Axe Division and multiple senior officers, focusing on integrated battle strategies across arms in harsh terrain. Elements included armour, mechanised infantry, artillery, and the deployment of drones and counter‑drone systems. Attack helicopters provided aerial support, illustrating a multi‑domain approach. Lt Gen Rathee engaged with troops, praising professionalism and morale, and underscoring the importance of agility and precision in extreme desert conditions.

Exercise location: Thar Desert, Jaisalmer.
Participating formation: Battle Axe Division, Konark Corps leadership.
Key capabilities tested: armoured, mechanised infantry, artillery, drones, attack helicopters.
Strategic aim: validate integrated, multi‑domain warfare readiness.
Commander’s observation: emphasis on agility and coordination.

Lt Gen VMB Krishnan takes Eastern Command; successor to Lt Gen RC Tiwari

Lt Gen VMB Krishnan has taken over as General Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the Eastern Command, succeeding Lt Gen RC Tiwari. Commissioned in June 1988, Krishnan brings extensive field experience, including service in high‑altitude areas and border regions. His appointment is part of a broader reallocation of senior leadership intended to improve readiness and modernize operational capabilities across eastern theatres. Observers expect continued emphasis on border security, joint exercises, and the integration of new technologies to support rapid decision‑making and multi‑domain operations.

New post: GOC‑in‑Chief, Eastern Command.
Succession: succeeding Lt Gen RC Tiwari.
Commissioning year: 1988 (June).
Career emphasis: high‑altitude and sensitive regions.
Strategic aim: strengthen eastern theatre readiness and tech integration.

Lt Gen Sandeep Jain takes charge of the Southern Command

Lt Gen Sandeep Jain assumed the post of General Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the Southern Command. Commissioned in June 1988, his career includes significant operational experience in high‑altitude and sensitive regions such as Siachen. In his new role, he will oversee training, readiness, and operational planning across southern states and theatres. Colleagues noted his emphasis on logistics, personnel welfare, and jointness with other services to bolster regional security. The appointment aligns with the Indian Army’s push for enhanced technological integration and seamless coordination among commands.

Appointment date: 1 April 2026 (implied).
New post: GOC‑in‑Chief, Southern Command.
Commissioning year: 1988 (June).
Noted experience: high‑altitude operations, Siachen.
Focus areas: logistics, welfare, joint operations.

Indian Army appoints new commanders for Southern, Eastern and Western Commands

The Indian Army announced new command appointments for its three major formations effective 1 April 2026. Lt Gen Sandeep Jain was named to lead the Southern Command, while Lt Gen VMB Krishnan took charge of the Eastern Command and succeeded Lt Gen RC Tiwari. The Western Command also saw new leadership as part of a broader alignment aimed at enhancing operational readiness through technological integration and strategic planning. The changes reflect the army's ongoing focus on improved coordination across commands and modernization of its command structures during a period of heightened security considerations.

Effective date: 1 April 2026.
Southern Command: Lt Gen Sandeep Jain takes charge.
Eastern Command: Lt Gen VMB Krishnan appointed; successor to Lt Gen RC Tiwari.
Western Command: new leadership named (context of broader reform).
Overall goal: strengthen readiness and integration across commands.

Apr 02, 2026

INS Sanshodhak Delivered as Fourth Indigenous Survey Vessel

The Indian Navy received INS Sanshodhak, the fourth and final ship under a key indigenous survey vessel project. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, Sanshodhak was delivered on 30 March 2026, following the earlier ships Sandhayak (commissioned February 2024), Nirdeshak (December 2024), and Ikshak (November 2025). The project emphasizes indigenous technology and strengthens India’s ocean survey capabilities and navigation safety. With all four vessels now in service, the Navy enhances its survey fleet for modern maritime operations, reflecting a broader push toward self‑reliance and modernization in defense manufacturing and infrastructure.

INS Sanshodhak delivered to Indian Navy on 30 March 2026.
Fourth ship in the four‑ship survey vessel project; GRSE built.
Predecessors: Sandhayak (Feb 2024), Nirdeshak (Dec 2024), Ikshak (Nov 2025).
Project highlights indigenous technology and advanced surveying capabilities.
Strengthens navigation safety and maritime operations.

First Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Launched in India

On 31 March 2026, the first of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa. The ceremony followed full naval traditions and was attended by senior officers from the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence, and GSL. Construction of NGOPVs is underway at two shipyards, GSL in Goa and GRSE in Kolkata, with each ship designed for multi‑domain operations such as defence, surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-piracy missions. The ships draw names from Indian mythology; the lead vessel, initially associated with GSL, is named Shachi. The crest features Ursa Major and a red and white lighthouse, symbolising guidance and navigation. The project furthers Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous shipbuilding.

First NGOPV launched on 31 March 2026 at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Two shipyards (GSL, Goa and GRSE, Kolkata) are building the class concurrently.
Lead vessel associated with GSL will be named Shachi.
Crest depicts Ursa Major and a red and white lighthouse.
Project aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Four‑Ship Survey Vessel Project Completed

The four‑ship survey vessel project for the Indian Navy is now complete with INS Sanshodhak joining the fleet. The earlier three vessels—INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, and INS Ikshak—were commissioned between February 2024 and November 2025. The program demonstrates India’s focus on building an indigenous capability for high‑end ocean surveys, navigation safety, and coastal mapping. The completed fleet enhances maritime reconnaissance, seabed assessment, and survey operations, aligning with defense modernization goals and showcasing domestic design and construction prowess within the Indian shipbuilding sector.

Four‑ship survey vessel project completed with INS Sanshodhak delivery.
Earlier vessels: Sandhayak (Feb 2024), Nirdeshak (Dec 2024), Ikshak (Nov 2025).
Emphasizes indigenous design and construction.
Enhances ocean surveys, navigation safety, and coastal mapping.
Advances defense modernization and domestic shipbuilding.

Apr 01, 2026

Dweep Shakti demonstrates India’s joint military readiness (24–28 March 2026)

Dweep Shakti, a high-intensity tri-service coastal and island defence drill, was conducted from 24 to 28 March 2026 to demonstrate coordinated capabilities among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise featured amphibious landings, maritime dominance operations, and complex beach landings. Advanced platforms, including drones and next-generation sensors, were deployed to enhance surveillance and targeting. Officials highlighted interoperability, precision, and real-time integration as key takeaways, reinforcing India’s maritime security posture for island territories and coastal defense. The drill aligns with ongoing strategic emphasis on rapid response and joint operations.

Exercise: Dweep Shakti (24–28 March 2026).
Participants: Army, Navy, Air Force; tri-service coordination.
Key activities: Amphibious assaults, beach landings, maritime missions.
Technology: Drones and advanced sensors deployed.

Mar 31, 2026

Adani Defense Delivers First Batch of Prahar LMGs to Indian Army

Adani Defense and Aerospace delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army. The 7.62 mm calibre weapons are part of a larger order for 40,000 units and are manufactured in India under the Make in India framework. The delivery was completed 11 months ahead of the schedule. The initial consignment was handed over to the company’s small arms manufacturing unit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The project is a collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries, combining global technology with domestic manufacturing and supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense production.

First batch comprises 2,000 Prahar LMGs (7.62 mm).
Total order size: 40,000 units.
Delivery completed 11 months ahead of schedule.
Made in India under Make in India; consignments to Gwalior, MP.
Collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries.

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