General Awareness

DEFENCE - June 2023

Jun 2023

Feb 04, 2026

India-Kyrgyzstan joint exercise KHANJAR begins in Assam

The 13th edition of the KHANJAR joint military exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan began today at Misamari, Sonitpur district, Assam. Spanning 14 days, the exercise focuses on interoperability in urban warfare and counter-terrorism under United Nations mandates. India’s Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade will participate, practicing advanced skills such as sniping, room intervention, building clearance, mountain craft, and specialized counter-terrorism drills. Exercise KHANJAR has been held annually since 2011, with venues alternating between the two nations to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral ties.

KHANJAR 13th edition kicked off in Misamari, Assam.
Duration: 14 days; focuses on urban warfare and counter-terrorism.
Participants include Indian Parachute Regiment and Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
Exercises emphasize sniping, room intervention, and building clearance.
Annually held since 2011 to deepen defence partnership.

DRDO demonstrates SFDR propulsion; India joins elite missile tech club

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. Officials stated the test places India among a select group with this advanced long-range propulsion capability for air-to-air missiles. The SFDR system comprises a nozzle-less booster, a solid-fuel sustainer, a hot gas valve, air intakes, and an onboard guidance suite. The test data confirmed performance across subsystems, including the nozzle-less booster and ramjet sustainer, enabling missiles to achieve extended ranges and higher speeds with improved maneuverability.

SFDR propulsion demonstration conducted at Chandipur, Odisha.
Test underlines India’s advanced long-range missile capability.
Key subsystems include nozzle-less booster and ramjet sustainer.
System supports higher speeds and extended engagement ranges.
DRDO-led initiative enhances air-to-air missile development.

Feb 02, 2026

Ravi Kota to Become HAL CMD in May 2026

Ravi Kota, currently Director (Operations) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is set to take charge as Chairman and Managing Director in May 2026. Kota has led fixed-wing programs, including the Tejas light combat aircraft, and negotiated HAL’s largest defense contract to date. His appointment is expected to strengthen HAL’s role in India’s defence manufacturing, expand the LCA Mk1A fleet for the Air Force, and boost high-technology research and production. The move aligns with government priorities to increase domestic defense output, export potential, and employment in the defence sector.

Appointment: May 2026; role: HAL CMD.
Experience: leads fixed-wing programs; Tejas program; major defense contract.
Objectives: strengthen domestic defense production and exports.
Context: supports expansion of LCA Mk1A and related technologies.

Agni Pariksha: Indian Army and ITBP Conduct Joint Exercise in Arunachal Pradesh

The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted a six-day joint exercise named Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh, from 19 to 24 January, at Sigar in East Siang district. The event, aimed at deepening inter-force interoperability, exposed infantry personnel to artillery procedures, coordination mechanisms, and firing missions in realistic scenarios. Defence officials emphasized breaking traditional role silos to improve joint planning and execution. The exercise highlighted cross-training between two major border security forces and reinforced readiness for high-altitude operations along India's northeastern frontier.

Dates and place: 19–24 January 2026, Sigar, East Siang, Arunachal Pradesh.
Forces involved: Indian Army and ITBP.
Objective: improve inter-force coordination and artillery familiarisation.
Outcome: enhanced jointmanship and cross-training between forces.

Indian Coast Guard Marks 50th Raising Day

The Indian Coast Guard marked its 50th Raising Day, commemorating its founding in 1977. The force has grown to 155 ships and 80 aircraft, with a goal of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft by 2030. The anniversary highlights the Coast Guard’s multi-faceted role, including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and humanitarian assistance. Officials emphasised ongoing modernization and expansion plans to strengthen India’s coastal defense and regional stability in the years ahead.

Anniversary: 50th Raising Day; founded 1 February 1977.
Current force: 155 ships, 80 aircraft; target 200 ships and 100 aircraft by 2030.
Functions: law enforcement, security, rescue, environment protection, humanitarian aid.
Future focus: modernization and expansion of capabilities.

Air Marshal Walia Takes Charge as AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia assumed command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Surat Singh who retired on 31 January 2026. Walia, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, has flown MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar and Sukhoi-30 MKI and logged over 3,200 hours of accident-free flying. He previously served as Defence Attaché in Japan and South Korea and has held senior roles within the IAF’s leadership. The Eastern Air Command remains a key strategic unit protecting India’s eastern borders and airspace.

Appointment: success from 31 January 2026; new AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command.
Background: over 3,200 hours; experienced in multiple aircraft types.
Previous roles: Defence Attaché to Japan and South Korea.
Significance: leadership for an important regional air defense command.

Jan 28, 2026

Bangladesh, China sign UAV manufacturing agreement

Bangladesh and China signed a government-to-government agreement to establish a UAV manufacturing and assembly facility in Bangladesh. The CETC International deal includes technology transfer and capacity building to enable long-term self-reliance in unmanned aerial systems. The collaboration comes as Dhaka navigates regional security dynamics and seeks diversified defense partnerships. Initial production targets include medium-altitude, low-endurance UAVs and VTOL platforms. The pact signals deeper Beijing-Bangladesh defence ties and adds complexity to regional defence planning, particularly in the Bay of Bengal region, where multiple powers monitor developments.

G-to-G UAV manufacturing facility planned in Bangladesh.
Technology transfer and capacity building included.
Initial focus on medium-altitude, low-endurance UAVs and VTOLs.
Part of broader China-Bangladesh defence cooperation.

40-hour BRO operation restores Chattergala Pass after heavy snowfall

In a 40-hour operation under Project Sampark, the Border Roads Organisation restored the Chattergala Pass in Jammu after heavy snow blocked the Bhaderwah-Chattergala route. The pass sits at about 10,500 feet. Snow began on January 23, 2026, and by January 25, teams from the 118 Road Construction Company of the 35 Border Roads Task Force cleared nearly 38 kilometres buried under 5–6 feet of snow. The road reopening enabled safe evacuation of 20 civilians and 40 personnel from 4 Rashtriya Rifles with essential supplies. The mission showcased high-altitude capabilities and cross-agency coordination.

Chattergala Pass at 10,500 feet cleared after 38 km snow removal.
Snowfall disrupted road link on January 23, 2026.
Operations conducted by BRO under Project Sampark.
Evacuations included civilians and security forces with supplies.

Jan 27, 2026

Indian Navy’s MAHASAGAR 1TS departs Belawan, strengthens maritime links with Indonesia

India’s MAHASAGAR First Training Squadron (1TS) departed Belawan, Indonesia, on January 23, 2026, after a three-day port call. The voyage reinforces maritime ties with Indonesia, a key IONS partner, and advances the MAHASAGAR vision. Trainees from INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi engaged in professional exchanges, training visits, and cultural and sports activities. The engagements deepened professional cooperation and people-to-people links between the two navies, underscoring continued collaborative maritime security and capacity-building efforts.

MAHASAGAR 1TS departed Belawan on Jan 23, 2026
Ships involved: INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, ICGS Sarathi
Visits included professional exchanges and sports events
Strengthens India-Indonesia maritime cooperation within IONS

Indonesia Receives Three Rafale Jets from France

Indonesia received three Rafale fighter jets from France on 26 January 2026, marking the first deliveries of a multi-billion defence deal. Jakarta, a key Dassault Aviation client, has ordered up to 42 Rafales along with frigates and submarines as it modernises its air power. The deal signals strengthened strategic ties with Paris under President Prabowo Subianto. The delivery aligns with Indonesia’s broader defence spending and regional security objectives in Southeast Asia, illustrating active diversification of defence partnerships and capabilities across the region.

Date: 26 January 2026; first Rafale deliveries to Indonesia.
Indonesia has up to 42 Rafales planned.
Deal includes frigates and submarines; produced by Dassault Aviation.
Part of broader defence modernization under President Prabowo.
Represents strengthened Indonesia-France strategic ties.

Jan 25, 2026

Delhi Police to deploy AI-enabled smart glasses for Republic Day security

On 21 January 2026, Delhi Police announced the deployment of AI-enabled smart glasses for Republic Day security. The glasses include facial recognition and thermal imaging and will connect to a central database to identify suspects in real time. Over 10,000 police personnel will be deployed with more than 3,000 CCTV cameras and multiple control rooms. Officials said procurement is ongoing, but the glasses will be used in high-security operations. The move adds a digital layer to crowd management during the Republic Day events and aims to enhance threat detection and response time.

AI-enabled smart glasses to be used for Republic Day security.
Facial recognition plus thermal imaging features.
Large deployment with 10,000 personnel and 3,000+ CCTV cameras.
Procurement in progress; real-time database access planned.

Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework released by CDS

On 23 January 2026, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework. The document outlines a plan to integrate quantum technologies across the Indian armed forces, covering Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and Quantum Materials and Devices. It stresses jointness, civil-military fusion, and coordinated execution under dedicated governance. Aligned with the National Quantum Mission, the policy seeks to strengthen defence capabilities through advanced quantum tools while addressing security, interoperability, and procurement challenges within Tri-Serves.

Policy framework released by CDS on 23 January 2026.
Four pillars: QC, CQ, QS and Metrology, QM Devices.
Emphasizes jointness and civil-military fusion.
Aligned with National Quantum Mission; governance in place.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26