General Awareness

DEFENCE - August 2023

Aug 2023

Apr 28, 2026

Rajnath Singh to attend SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting. Held on 27–28 April 2026, the high-level gathering focuses on regional security challenges, terrorism, extremism and the evolving geopolitical environment across Eurasia and Asia. India will lead the delegation, with defence ministers from SCO member states in attendance. The forum serves as a platform for strategic dialogue, with India likely to press for stronger cooperation in intelligence sharing and joint security mechanisms to counter cross-border terrorism. The event underscores New Delhi’s emphasis on regional peace, stability and collective security within the SCO framework.

Rajnath Singh led India's delegation at the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting on 27–28 April 2026.
Venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; focus on terrorism, extremism and regional security.
India aims to push for stronger intelligence sharing and joint security mechanisms.

Defence expenditure rises 8.9% in 2025; global spend hits $2.887 trillion

Global defence expenditure in 2025 rose by 8.9% year-on-year, reaching about $2.887 trillion. The United States, China and Russia together accounted for more than half of the total. Europe reported the sharpest regional increase, linked to NATO rearmament in response to regional security dynamics. China’s budget rose 7.4% to about $336 billion. The rise reflects emergency procurements and improved readiness, including modernisation of air power. The data highlight sustained demand for advanced defence systems, strategic upgrades and cross-border security collaborations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Global defence spend: approximately $2.887 trillion in 2025; up 8.9%.
US, China, Russia together account for over 50% of spending.
Europe shows the sharpest regional rise; China up 7.4% to $336B.

India among top five defence spenders in 2025, says SIPRI

India was the world’s fifth-largest defence spender in 2025, according to a SIPRI report. Military expenditure reached $92.1 billion, accounting for about 3.2% of global defence spending. India ranks behind the United States, China, Russia and Germany. The rise reflects ongoing security concerns, border tensions and a push for modernisation of defence capabilities. SIPRI data indicate higher budgets across regions as nations prioritise air power, space capabilities and advanced technologies. The figure comes amid a broader global trend of elevated military spending and growing emphasis on strategic autonomy in defence planning.

India: 5th-largest defence spender in 2025; $92.1 billion spent.
Global share: about 3.2% of total defence expenditure.
Ranked behind USA, China, Russia, Germany.

Apr 23, 2026

INS Nireekshak visits Sri Lanka for joint naval training

Indian Naval Ship INS Nireekshak arrived at Colombo port, Sri Lanka, for an operational turnaround and joint training with the Sri Lankan Navy. The visit reinforces maritime cooperation, interoperability, and regional security collaboration between the two nations. Nireekshak, a diving support and submarine rescue vessel, will participate in diving exercises, humanitarian assistance, and defence cooperation activities. The 4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise is scheduled from 21 April to 27 April, with teams practicing underwater operations, rescue techniques, and coordinated response plans. The visit underscores ongoing bilateral commitments to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

INS Nireekshak arrives in Colombo for training
Diving support and submarine rescue vessel
Part of 4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise
Exercise runs 21–27 April with underwater operations
Aims to improve interoperability and regional security
Demonstrates ongoing defence cooperation

4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise underway

The 4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise is underway, running from 21 April to 27 April. The exercise brings together diving teams from both navies to conduct underwater operations, salvage, search and rescue, and related specialist activities. Participants focus on interoperability, coordinated procedures, and sharing best practices in diving and rescue missions. The program strengthens bilateral security cooperation and demonstrates practical readiness for maritime emergencies in the region. The exercise also supports disaster response planning and enhances the technical capabilities of both naval forces in complex underwater environments.

4th India-Sri Lanka Joint Diving Exercise dates: 21–27 April
Diving teams conduct underwater operations and rescue tasks
Emphasis on interoperability and shared best practices
Supports disaster response planning
Enhances regional maritime security capabilities
Demonstrates ongoing bilateral defence collaboration

Apr 20, 2026

Australia-Japan defence deal valued at $7 billion for Mogami-class warships

Australia and Japan signed a major defence agreement valued at around $7 billion for the supply of Mogami-class stealth warships to the Royal Australian Navy. The arrangement signals deepening Indo-Pacific security cooperation amid regional concerns and rising Chinese naval presence. Under the deal, the first three upgraded Mogami-class frigates would be delivered starting in 2029, with eight additional ships to be built in Australia. The program is part of Canberra’s broader naval modernization and seeks to strengthen maritime capabilities and secure critical sea lanes.

Deal price cited as $7 billion (defence context).
Mogami-class stealth frigates to be supplied to Australia.
First three upgraded ships from 2029; eight more built in Australia.
Part of broader Indo-Pacific security cooperation.

Apr 18, 2026

India to host first high-level CAPF conference

India announced the organisation of its first high-level conference devoted exclusively to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The event, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to strengthen internal security coordination among CAPFs, intelligence agencies, and state police. The Intelligence Bureau has already sought stakeholder input to shape the conference agenda, with topics including intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and streamlined communication. The gathering signals a shift toward centralised strategic direction for CAPFs in an evolving security environment, emphasising inter-agency collaboration and rapid response to emerging threats.

First high-level CAPF conference announced by India
PM Narendra Modi to chair the event
Aims to improve inter-agency security coordination
Intelligence Bureau to collect inputs for the agenda
Focus on intelligence sharing and operational synergy
Represents a move toward centralised CAPF governance

Apr 17, 2026

HAL-GE sign tech deal to co-develop F414 jet engines in India

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aerospace announced a technology agreement to co-develop the F414 jet engines in India. The deal includes transfer of critical manufacturing know-how to enable domestic production for India’s next generation indigenous fighters. This marks a major step in self-reliance for defense manufacturing and is expected to be followed by a commercial contract later this year. The engines are intended to power HAL’s future fighter platforms, reinforcing India’s aerospace sector and strengthening strategic ties with the United States. The collaboration is the first such partnership between HAL and GE on this engine family.

HAL and GE Aerospace sign a technology agreement for F414 engines.
Intended to enable domestic co-production and tech transfer.
Aims to power India’s next-generation indigenous fighters.
First such collaboration between HAL and GE on this engine family.

HAL-GE F414 engine deal advances with final negotiations in April 2026

Recent industry reports indicate progress toward finalizing the HAL-GE F414 engine deal with technical negotiations concluding in April 2026. The agreement enables domestic production of GE’s F414 engines to power HAL Tejas Mk2 aircraft, contingent on commercial terms and ToT arrangements. Officials describe the development as a milestone for India’s defence manufacturing and indigenous fighter programme, aligning with Make in India goals. While timelines for signing a final contract vary, the convergence signals a stronger domestic aerospace ecosystem and enhanced self-reliance in jet engine technology.

Negotiations on HAL-GE F414 engine deal progressed in April 2026.
Aims for domestic production for Tejas Mk2; 80% technology transfer cited in some analyses.
Part of broader push for India’s indigenous fighter programme.
Final contract timing to follow after technical and commercial terms.

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