General Awareness

DEFENCE - November 2024

Nov 2024

Feb 14, 2026

Defence Ministry signs ₹2,312 crore contract with HAL for Dornier 228 aircraft

The Ministry of Defence has signed a Buy (Indian) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, for eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of ₹2,312 crore. The signing occurred in New Delhi on 12 February 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The project aims to strengthen ICG surveillance and response capabilities and bolster HAL’s production ecosystem, with benefits for MSMEs and ancillary industries. The programme includes maintenance and life-cycle technical support to sustain the fleet over its operational life.

Contract value: ₹2,312 crore
Vendor: HAL, Transport Aircraft Division
Platform: Dornier 228 aircraft for ICG
Signing date: 12 February 2026
Location: New Delhi
Impact: jobs, MSME benefits, maintenance ecosystem

Feb 13, 2026

IAF, Royal Thai Air Force Conduct Joint Air Exercise to Enhance Interoperability

The Indian Air Force conducted a bilateral in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force to sharpen interoperability and mutual understanding of procedures during complex air operations. The exercise brought together frontline platforms including the Su-30MKI multirole fighters, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, alongside IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft, and the RTAF’s Gripen fighters. The programme emphasized joint planning, tactical coordination, and integrated surveillance and communication networks to practise allied air power in contested airspace. Officials said such drills reinforce defence ties between India and Thailand and improve readiness for regional security contingencies.

Interoperability across multiple platforms (Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C, IL-78) and RTAF Gripens.
Joint planning and execution of complex air operations.
Integrated surveillance and command-and-control links.
Strengthens defence ties and regional security readiness between India and Thailand.
Demonstrates ongoing India-Thai military cooperation.

Assam Rifles to induct indigenous dog breeds under Atmanirbhar Bharat

Assam Rifles will induct Indian dog breeds into its canine squad as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. A pilot program has already introduced the Tangkhul Hui breed from Manipur, with plans to add the Kombai breed from Tamil Nadu in April. Full induction is targeted by March 2027, with training at the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre in Jorhat, Assam. Union home ministry directives encourage greater use of native breeds due to disease resistance and suitability to local climates. Officials emphasise that indigenous dogs can enhance security operations while supporting national talent in animal husbandry and service roles.

Indigenous Tangkhul Hui already in service; Kombai to follow.
Full induction targeted by March 2027 at ARDTC, Jorhat.
Policy aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and home ministry guidance.
Indigenous breeds cited as disease‑resistant and climate‑suitable.

Defence Ministry signs Rs 2,312 crore Dornier deal for ICG aircraft

The Defence Ministry signed a Rs 2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard. The agreement, formalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, strengthens maritime surveillance and search‑and‑rescue capabilities along India’s coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone. The deal is part of the Buy Indian category, reinforcing indigenous defence manufacturing. The Dornier 228 aircraft will be equipped with mission equipment tailored to Coast Guard operations, enabling enhanced coastal reconnaissance, maritime patrols and rapid response in emergencies.

Contract worth Rs 2,312 crore for eight Dornier 228 aircraft.
Aircraft to bolster ICG coastal surveillance and SAR missions.
Part of Buy Indian category; emphasis on domestic manufacturing.
Equipment tailored to Coast Guard operational requirements.

IAF conducts joint air exercise with Royal Thai Air Force to boost interoperability

An in-situ joint air exercise was conducted between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force to enhance operational coordination and interoperability. The exercise involved frontline assets such as India's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, Airborne Warning and Control System platforms, and IL-78 mid‑air refuelling aircraft, in addition to the Royal Thai Air Force’s Gripen fighters. The drills emphasized coordinated air operations, including formation flying, threat engagement, and integrated surveillance and command‑and‑control functions. By practicing simulated multi‑domain tasks, the two air forces aimed to improve information sharing, targeting procedures, and reaction times under realistic conditions. The exercise reflects growing defence collaboration between India and Thailand.

Participants included Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C, IL-78 from IAF and Gripen from RTAF.
Focus on complex air operations, surveillance integration, and C2 coordination.
Aimed to enhance interoperability and timely joint decision making.
Part of ongoing defence cooperation between India and Thailand.

Feb 12, 2026

IAF–RTAF Joint Air Exercise Near Malacca Strait Demonstrates Indo-Thai Defence Cooperation

New Delhi, 12 February 2026 — The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) conducted their first international air exercise of 2026, signaling stronger Indo-Thai defence ties. The joint on-site drills featured IAF Su-30MKI multirole fighters alongside RTAF JAS 39 Gripen aircraft. The exercise took place near the Strait of Malacca, a critical sea lane that handles a large share of global trade and energy shipments. IAF assets included AWACS and airborne early warning and control aircraft, and IL-78 mid-air refuelers. RTAF contributed Gripen C/D fighters. Operations were staged from bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Thai air bases, focusing on interoperable air‑to‑air and air‑to‑surface tasks.

IAF Su-30MKI and RTAF Gripen aircraft participated
Drills conducted near the Malacca Strait
IAF assets included AWACS, AEW&C, and IL-78 refuellers
Bases used: Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Thai air bases
Emphasis on interoperable air‑to‑air and air‑to‑surface tasks

Feb 11, 2026

India, France Near SCALP Missile Deal After Operational Success

India and France are in advanced discussions to finalize a defence deal for SCALP cruise missiles, following the missiles’ successful combat deployment by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor. The proposed acquisition is valued at around €300 million and reflects growing strategic partnership. SCALP was deployed by Rafale fighters to strike terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan last year, alongside BrahMos missiles in other missions. The deal would strengthen India’s long-range strike capabilities and deepen cooperation with France in defence technology and procurement.

India and France near SCALP missile deal
Deal valued at around €300 million
SCALP used in Operation Sindoor by IAF
Rafale jets deployed against terrorist targets
Significant boost to defence cooperation

Feb 10, 2026

India and Greece sign defence industrial cooperation pact

India and Greece signed a joint declaration of intent to deepen defence industrial cooperation. The agreement pursues a structured five-year roadmap for collaboration, focusing on indigenous defence production, maritime security, and secure supply chains. The declaration followed bilateral talks between India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh and Greece’s minister of national defence Nikolaos Georgios Dendias at the Manekshaw Centre. The pact signals a long-term partnership rather than isolated projects and envisions joint research, technology transfers, and co-production. Officials stressed resilience of defence supply chains and closer military exchanges as both countries seek diversified strategic partnerships.

Declaration signed after talks between Rajnath Singh and Nikolaos Dendias
Five-year roadmap for defence industrial cooperation
Focus on indigenous production, maritime security, secure supply chains
Emphasis on joint research, technology transfer, and co-production
Long-term strategic partnership with Greece

Buddy Squadron: South Korea and US begin joint aerial exercise

South Korea and the United States launched the Buddy Squadron joint aerial exercise at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek this week. The drills aim to improve interoperability and integrated tactical capabilities between the two air forces, featuring fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. The exercises will run through Friday and have seen participation expand this year with more aircraft and sorties. Officials say the maneuvers focus on air-to-air combat, formation flight, and real-time data sharing to strengthen readiness against regional security challenges. Analysts note the exercise underscores ongoing security coordination between Washington and Seoul in the Indo-Pacific.

Buddy Squadron exercise started at Osan Air Base
Aims: interoperability and joint tactical capability
Involves fourth- and fifth-generation fighters
Runs through Friday; participation expanded this year
Reflects allied defense posture in the Indo-Pacific

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