General Awareness

DEFENCE - August 2024

Aug 2024

Apr 02, 2026

INS Sanshodhak Delivered as Fourth Indigenous Survey Vessel

The Indian Navy received INS Sanshodhak, the fourth and final ship under a key indigenous survey vessel project. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, Sanshodhak was delivered on 30 March 2026, following the earlier ships Sandhayak (commissioned February 2024), Nirdeshak (December 2024), and Ikshak (November 2025). The project emphasizes indigenous technology and strengthens India’s ocean survey capabilities and navigation safety. With all four vessels now in service, the Navy enhances its survey fleet for modern maritime operations, reflecting a broader push toward self‑reliance and modernization in defense manufacturing and infrastructure.

INS Sanshodhak delivered to Indian Navy on 30 March 2026.
Fourth ship in the four‑ship survey vessel project; GRSE built.
Predecessors: Sandhayak (Feb 2024), Nirdeshak (Dec 2024), Ikshak (Nov 2025).
Project highlights indigenous technology and advanced surveying capabilities.
Strengthens navigation safety and maritime operations.

First Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Launched in India

On 31 March 2026, the first of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa. The ceremony followed full naval traditions and was attended by senior officers from the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Defence, and GSL. Construction of NGOPVs is underway at two shipyards, GSL in Goa and GRSE in Kolkata, with each ship designed for multi‑domain operations such as defence, surveillance, search and rescue, and anti-piracy missions. The ships draw names from Indian mythology; the lead vessel, initially associated with GSL, is named Shachi. The crest features Ursa Major and a red and white lighthouse, symbolising guidance and navigation. The project furthers Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous shipbuilding.

First NGOPV launched on 31 March 2026 at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Two shipyards (GSL, Goa and GRSE, Kolkata) are building the class concurrently.
Lead vessel associated with GSL will be named Shachi.
Crest depicts Ursa Major and a red and white lighthouse.
Project aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Four‑Ship Survey Vessel Project Completed

The four‑ship survey vessel project for the Indian Navy is now complete with INS Sanshodhak joining the fleet. The earlier three vessels—INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, and INS Ikshak—were commissioned between February 2024 and November 2025. The program demonstrates India’s focus on building an indigenous capability for high‑end ocean surveys, navigation safety, and coastal mapping. The completed fleet enhances maritime reconnaissance, seabed assessment, and survey operations, aligning with defense modernization goals and showcasing domestic design and construction prowess within the Indian shipbuilding sector.

Four‑ship survey vessel project completed with INS Sanshodhak delivery.
Earlier vessels: Sandhayak (Feb 2024), Nirdeshak (Dec 2024), Ikshak (Nov 2025).
Emphasizes indigenous design and construction.
Enhances ocean surveys, navigation safety, and coastal mapping.
Advances defense modernization and domestic shipbuilding.

Apr 01, 2026

Dweep Shakti demonstrates India’s joint military readiness (24–28 March 2026)

Dweep Shakti, a high-intensity tri-service coastal and island defence drill, was conducted from 24 to 28 March 2026 to demonstrate coordinated capabilities among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise featured amphibious landings, maritime dominance operations, and complex beach landings. Advanced platforms, including drones and next-generation sensors, were deployed to enhance surveillance and targeting. Officials highlighted interoperability, precision, and real-time integration as key takeaways, reinforcing India’s maritime security posture for island territories and coastal defense. The drill aligns with ongoing strategic emphasis on rapid response and joint operations.

Exercise: Dweep Shakti (24–28 March 2026).
Participants: Army, Navy, Air Force; tri-service coordination.
Key activities: Amphibious assaults, beach landings, maritime missions.
Technology: Drones and advanced sensors deployed.

Mar 31, 2026

Adani Defense Delivers First Batch of Prahar LMGs to Indian Army

Adani Defense and Aerospace delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army. The 7.62 mm calibre weapons are part of a larger order for 40,000 units and are manufactured in India under the Make in India framework. The delivery was completed 11 months ahead of the schedule. The initial consignment was handed over to the company’s small arms manufacturing unit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The project is a collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries, combining global technology with domestic manufacturing and supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense production.

First batch comprises 2,000 Prahar LMGs (7.62 mm).
Total order size: 40,000 units.
Delivery completed 11 months ahead of schedule.
Made in India under Make in India; consignments to Gwalior, MP.
Collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries.

Mar 30, 2026

India Hosts IONS Maritime Exercise in Kochi

Under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), India hosted a major maritime exercise at the Maritime Warfare Centre in Kochi. The event brought together naval representatives from multiple IONS member nations to address non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. Participants included Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Timor-Leste. The exercise highlights India’s growing role in regional maritime cooperation and security and occurred as India has been chairing IONS since 20 February 2026.

Event: IONS Maritime Exercise in Kochi
Participants: 16 IONS nations including Bangladesh, France, Maldives, Singapore
Purpose: address non-traditional maritime security challenges
Context: India chairs IONS since 20 February 2026
Location: Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi

INS Sunayna Harbour Phase: March 2026 Multinational Training

Harbour training operations associated with multinational maritime engagement continued in March 2026 as part of India’s IONS-related activities. The exercise included joint drills, professional training, and operational coordination among participating navies. The focus remained on interoperability, maritime security, and disaster-response readiness in the Indian Ocean region. The training concluded with coordinated exercises near Kochi, demonstrating India’s capability to lead coalition maritime efforts and strengthen regional defence cooperation.

Context: IONS-related maritime training
Location: near Kochi/coastal drills
Aim: interoperability and regional security
Participants: multiple navies under IONS framework
Outcome: enhanced multinational defence cooperation

Mar 28, 2026

Operation Urja Suraksha: Indian Navy's energy-security mission near the Strait of Hormuz

Operation Urja Suraksha is India's naval mission to safeguard energy security amid rising tensions in West Asia. The Indian Navy has deployed multiple frontline warships, including destroyers and frigates, to escort India-bound vessels through the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The operation aims to ensure the safe movement of cargoes such as crude oil, LPG, and LNG, at a time when nearly 20 vessels are at risk due to conflict. The mission demonstrates India's proactive stance to protect critical energy supplies and maintain maritime trade routes essential for the economy and power generation.

Operation Urja Suraksha launched to protect energy shipments.
Multiple frontline ships deployed near the Strait of Hormuz.
Vessels carry crude oil, LPG, and LNG; around 20 ships at risk due to conflict.
Aims to ensure safe movement of energy cargoes and preserve trade routes.
Reflects India’s energy-security strategy in a volatile region.

Surya Kiran aerobatic team to perform two-day air show in Chandigarh on March 27–28, 2026

The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will perform a two-day air show over Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh on 27 March 2026 and 28 March 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on both days. Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav chaired a review meeting with stakeholder departments to ensure flawless execution. The event, aimed at engaging the public and showcasing IAF aerobatic capabilities, underscores the force's outreach. Spectators have been urged to follow safety directions and use designated viewing areas. The show highlights the IAF's air-display tradition and demonstrates precision formation flying under the Surya Kiran banner.

Two-day air show by Surya Kiran Team scheduled for 27–28 March 2026, 10:00–11:30 AM.
Location: Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.
Chandigarh DC chaired inter-departmental review for smooth execution.
Event aims to raise public awareness of IAF capabilities.
Public urged to follow safety guidelines and viewing area rules.

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