General Awareness

DEFENCE - March 2024

Mar 2024

Jul 03, 2026

UNICORN mast project: Japan-India defence co‑development

India and Japan jointly announced a defence co‑development project for the Naval Radio Antenna UNICORN, a Unified Complex Radio Antenna / NORA‑50 integration mast. The initiative aims to reduce radar cross section by consolidating antennas into a single radome, while housing TACAN, communications and IFF systems and ESM sensors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the collaboration as a new chapter in defence technology partnership, intended to strengthen regional peace, maritime security and the rules-based order. The UNICORN mast seeks to enhance ship stealth and information sharing across the Indian and Japanese navies.

UNICORN stands for Unified Complex Radio Antenna
NORA‑50 integration mast for naval use
consolidates radar antennas into a single radome
Joint project between India and Japan
Aims to strengthen regional maritime security

Air Marshal Jasvir Mann becomes AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command

Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann assumed command as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Air Command. The ceremony included a Guard of Honour at the headquarters. Commissioned into the fighter stream on 16 December 1989, Mann is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, the Higher Air Command Course and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London. A qualified Pilot Attack Instructor, he has logged over 3,000 flying hours on aircraft including the Apache, MiG‑21, Jaguar, MiG‑29, Su‑30 and Rafale. He has commanded a fighter squadron and held senior staff roles; AVSM and VM laurels mark his career.

Appointed AOC-in-C, Southern Air Command
Commissioned 16 December 1989
Over 3,000 flying hours on multiple aircraft
Former fighter squadron commander and senior staff roles
Recipient of AVSM and VM

Jul 02, 2026

IAF Concludes Fifth WASP Capstone Seminar in New Delhi

The Indian Air Force concluded the fifth edition of the Warfare and Aerospace Strategy Programme (WASP) with a Capstone Seminar held in New Delhi during June 2026. The event gathered senior military leaders, strategic experts, veterans, and programme participants to review air power concepts, joint operations, and advancing defence technology. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, attended as the chief guest, underlining the service’s focus on doctrine, training, and interoperability with civilian agencies. Delegates discussed case studies, shared deterrence insights, and outlined next steps for WASP, including transitional field trials and higher‑level planning.

Fifth edition of WASP Capstone Seminar held in New Delhi in June 2026.
Attended by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh as chief guest.
Discussion on air power doctrine, joint operations, and technology.
Plans for WASP transition to field trials and higher‑level planning.

Jul 01, 2026

BRAHMANK project marks 16th Raising Day; border-road resilience highlighted

Project BRAHMANK of the Border Roads Organisation celebrated its 16th Raising Day in June 2026. Raised on 29 June 2011 at Ranaghat in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, the project focuses on constructing and maintaining strategic roads and bridges in Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam. BRAHMANK supports border connectivity, troop and civilian mobility, and regional development along India’s eastern frontier. The anniversary emphasised ongoing maintenance, capacity building, and resilience to challenging terrain and weather, ensuring robust logistics and rapid response capabilities for security and development needs in the region.

BRAHMANK celebrates 16th Raising Day
Launched 29 June 2011 in Arunachal Pradesh
Maintains strategic roads and bridges in NE India
Supports border connectivity and mobility
Emphasises maintenance and resilience in tough terrain

Jun 25, 2026

Three Indigenous Naval Platforms Commissioned at Kolkata

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray into the Indian Navy in June 2026 at Kolkata’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). Dunagiri is a stealth frigate, Sanshodhak a survey vessel, and Agray an anti‑submarine warfare craft. Built domestically, the trio strengthens India’s maritime capabilities and self‑reliant defence production. The event highlighted Make in India efforts and enhanced naval strength for coastal and blue‑water operations. The three platforms reflect progress in indigenous shipbuilding, project timelines, and the government’s push for a more capable and self‑sufficient navy.

Vessels: INS Dunagiri (frigate), INS Sanshodhak (survey), INS Agray (ASW craft)
Venue: GRSE, Kolkata; commissioning in June 2026
Significance: indigenously built; strengthens maritime capability
Strategic angle: Make in India and self‑reliant defence
Role: enhanced coastal and blue‑water operations

Canada–Australia A-OTHR Radar Deal Boosts Arctic Surveillance

In June 2026, Canada finalised a defence cooperation agreement with Australia for an Arctic Over‑the‑Horizon Radar (A‑OTHR) system, involving BAE Systems Australia. The deal strengthens Canada’s NORAD modernization programme and enhances Arctic surveillance and early‑warning capabilities. Described as a major defence export milestone for Australia, the arrangement could expand co‑production and technology transfer in northern defence infrastructure. The radar system is intended to supplement existing northern security networks and provide timely intelligence for strategic decision‑makers amid increasing polar activity and geopolitical competition in Arctic regions.

Agreement date: June 2026
System: Arctic Over‑the‑ Horizon Radar (A‑OTHR)
Parties: Canada and Australia; involving BAE Systems Australia
Context: NORAD modernization and Arctic security
Implications: defence export milestone; potential tech transfer

Jun 24, 2026

First Made-in-India C295 aircraft to roll out from Vadodara facility in 2026

India’s Air Force is set to receive its first Made-in-India C295 transport aircraft from the Vadodara facility in Gujarat. The aircraft is part of a 56-aircraft contract with Airbus, which includes 16 aircraft delivered from Spain and 40 manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited. The programme represents a major milestone in India’s domestic defence manufacturing push and aims to boost strategic airlift capability, upgrade transport services, and create high-technology jobs. The first locally assembled unit is expected to roll out in September 2026, with full deliveries scheduled through the 2030s. Industry analysts say the project strengthens India’s bid to become a global defence manufacturing hub.

Contract: 56 C295 aircraft (16 Spain-made, 40 India-made)
Manufacturer: Tata Advanced Systems Limited (Vadodara) and Airbus
Aims: enhance airlift, upgrade transport services, create jobs
Roll-out expected: September 2026
Strategic importance: supports India’s defence manufacturing goals

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