General Awareness

DEFENCE - April 2024

Apr 2024

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.

Jan 24, 2026

Sikkim Police awarded President of India’s Colour Award

The Sikkim Police have been honoured with the President of India’s Colour Award, a prestigious national recognition for police forces. The award was announced by the state’s Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva during a press conference, who called it a historic moment for the force and the state. He credited the Ministry of Home Affairs for guidance and support. The Colour Award places Sikkim Police among a select group of forces recognised at the national level for sustained service. The conferment is expected to boost morale and highlight security achievements in protecting people and maintaining law and order across the region.

Sikkim Police awarded the President of India’s Colour Award.
Announcement made by DGP Akshay Sachdeva.
Recognised for sustained service and national standing.
Ministry of Home Affairs credited for support.
Award expected to boost morale and regional security profile.

Jan 20, 2026

INS Sudarshini sets off on Lokayan 26 voyage; training and diplomacy

Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini began its Lokayan 26 flagship voyage, a 10‑month transoceanic mission starting January 20, 2026. The vessel will cover more than 22,000 nautical miles and visit 18 ports across 13 countries, with 200+ trainees undergoing advanced seamanship and navigation training. The voyage includes participation in Escale à Sète (France) and SAIL 250 (New York, USA), showcasing India’s maritime heritage and international naval cooperation. The mission supports government strategic goals of MAHASAGAR and expands international naval exchanges with partner nations.

INS Sudarshini begins Lokayan 26 voyage
Duration: 10 months; 22,000+ nautical miles
Ports: 18 across 13 countries; 200+ trainees
Events: Escale à Sète and SAIL 250
Aligns with MAHASAGAR and naval diplomacy goals

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