General Awareness

DEFENCE - July 2023

Jul 2023

Feb 20, 2026

President Murmu Presides Over International Fleet Review 2026 Off Vizag

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 off Visakhapatnam on 18 February 2026, reviewing a large multinational fleet as part of IFR-MILAN-IONS activities. Approximately 70 ships and dozens of aircraft participated, gathered in six columns for the ceremonial review aboard the Presidential Yacht INS Sumedha. The President delivered remarks on maritime diplomacy, unity, and the shared responsibilities of navies from around the world in safeguarding sea lanes. The event highlighted India’s growing role in blue-water operations and its capacity to host large-scale multinational maritime exercises, underscoring the country’s commitment to peaceful, cooperative security at sea.

IFR 2026 conducted off Visakhapatnam with 70+ ships and multiple aircraft.
President Murmu reviewed the fleet from INS Sumedha, the Presidential Yacht.
Event included a ceremonial guard and 21-gun salute.
International participation underlines India’s maritime diplomacy.
Theme reflected unity and cooperative security at sea.

Feb 18, 2026

H125 Helicopter India Plant: Private Sector Milestone

India’s first private helicopter manufacturing plant for the H125 family was launched virtually by Prime Minister Modi and President Macron. Located in Karnataka’s Vemagal Industrial Area, the facility will begin by producing 10 helicopters annually and aims to scale up to meet estimated demand over the next two decades. The project represents a strategic milestone in private aerospace manufacturing in India and reinforces bilateral defence collaboration with France, supporting domestic capabilities and potential exports. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-set-to-stake-claim-as-global-techbio-hub-with-bioasia-2026/articleshow/128434728.cms?utm_source=openai))

Private sector H125 plant underway
Initial production of 10 helicopters per year
Located in Vemagal, Karnataka
Aims for long‑term scale‑up to meet demand
Strengthens India–France defence ties

Modi & Macron Launch H125 Private Helicopter Facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated India’s first private‑sector helicopter manufacturing facility on 17 February 2026. The Final Assembly Line for H125 helicopters is located in Vemagal Industrial Area, Karnataka, near Bengaluru. The plant will initially produce 10 H125 helicopters per year, with plans to expand to meet domestic and export demand. The project marks a significant milestone in India–France defence partnership and strengthens the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in aerospace manufacturing by enabling domestic assembly of critical platforms and expanding export potential. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-set-to-stake-claim-as-global-techbio-hub-with-bioasia-2026/articleshow/128434728.cms?utm_source=openai))

Inauguration on 17 February 2026
First private helicopter plant in India
Location: Vemagal, Karnataka
Initial output: 10 H125 helicopters/year
Advances India–France defence cooperation

Feb 17, 2026

India-France Defence Pact: HAMMER Weapon to be Locally Manufactured

India and France are primed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for local production of the HAMMER air-to-surface weapon, marking a milestone ahead of the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru on 16 February 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin are expected to formalise the agreement, enabling joint production in India with Safran Electronics and Defense. The HAMMER is already integrated with the Indian Air Force Rafale fleet and was used in Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The deal is seen as a major step to boost indigenous capability and India’s stand-off strike posture in modern warfare.

MoU for local HAMMER production signed during defence dialogue in Bengaluru (16 February 2026).
Signatories: Rajnath Singh and Catherine Vautrin.
Joint production with Indian industry and Safran Electronics & Defense.
HAMMER already integrated with Rafale jets; used in Operation Sindoor (May 2025).
Aims to enhance indigenous capability and strategic autonomy.

IMACC 2026 to Be Hosted by Indian Army in Eastern Himalayas

The Indian Army will host the International Military Adventure Challenge Cup IMACC 2026 in the Eastern Himalayas from 18 to 23 February. Defence Ministry statements confirm participation from seven friendly foreign countries—Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia—alongside Indian Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and ITBP contingents. The event will feature endurance competitions designed to test physical fitness, teamwork, leadership and decision-making under pressure. Organisers hope IMACC 2026 strengthens military cooperation with partner nations and showcases India’s border regions and mountain warfare capabilities.

Event: IMACC 2026; dates 18–23 February.
Location: Eastern Himalayan region (India).
Participants: seven foreign nations plus Indian services.
Focus: endurance, fitness, teamwork, leadership.
Significance: enhances military ties and regional capabilities.

Feb 16, 2026

Northeast’s First Emergency Landing Facility Inaugurated in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Northeast India’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) at Moran, in Dibrugarh district, Assam. The ELF, located on the Moran Bypass, enables landing and take-off of military and select civil aircraft during emergencies, boosting defence readiness and disaster response in the region. The ceremony featured a 40-minute aerial display by the Indian Air Force, including fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters. This facility is the first of its kind in Northeast India and is expected to speed up rapid deployment during crises, strengthening security and relief operations in frontier areas.

Location: Moran Bypass, Dibrugarh district
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi
ELF enables emergency landings for military and select civil aircraft
40-minute IAF aerial display featured
First ELF in Northeast; enhances rapid deployment and disaster response

Feb 15, 2026

Defence Ministry Signs Rs 2,312 Crore Dornier Deal with HAL

The Defence Ministry signed a Rs 2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The agreement, finalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, reinforces Buy (Indigenously Developed) policy and strengthens coastal surveillance across India’s coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. The Dornier 228 aircraft will include specialised equipment to support coastal patrol, maritime reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions. This purchase reflects a broader push to expand domestic defence manufacturing and enhance India’s maritime security capabilities through indigenous production and technology transfer.

Contract value: Rs 2,312 crore
Eight Dornier 228 aircraft for ICG
Finalised with Defence Secretary present
Supports Buy (Indigenously Developed) policy
Enhances coastal surveillance and SAR capabilities

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