General Awareness

DEFENCE - January 2025

Jan 2025

Mar 02, 2026

DRDO conducts three flight trials of VSHORADS off Odisha coast; induction planned

The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted three consecutive flight trials of the indigenous Very Short Range Air Defence System, VSHORADS, off the coast of Odisha. The tests occurred from Chandipur on 27 February 2026 and demonstrated the system’s ability to intercept high speed aerial threats across varying ranges and altitudes. Developed by DRDO and led by the Research Centre Imarat, the project involved collaboration with several DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners. The system is designed as a man portable air defence system and is now poised for induction into the Indian armed forces. This marks a milestone in India’s indigenous defence technology and self reliance.

Three flight trials completed on 27 February 2026
Interception of high speed aerial threats across ranges/altitudes
Indigenous development by DRDO; led by RCI
MANPADS design; channeled for close-range defence
Poised for induction into Indian armed forces

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia assumes charge as AOC‑in‑C, Eastern Air Command

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia took charge as Air Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief (AOC‑in‑C) of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Surat Singh who retired on 31 January 2026. Walia has extensive experience across multiple MiG variants and previously served as Defence Attache in Japan and South Korea. The appointment strengthens IAF leadership in the eastern theatre, including operations in the northeast and at surrounding airfields. Walia’s leadership comes as the IAF continues to modernize its fleet and expand regional capabilities.

New AOC-in-C: Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia
Command: Eastern Air Command
Prev. role: defence attache in Japan and South Korea
Succeeds: Air Marshal Surat Singh (retired Jan 31, 2026)
Context: IAF fleet modernization ongoing

Ravi Kota named next CMD of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from May 2026

Ravi Kota, currently HAL’s Director (Operations), is set to become Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in May 2026. Kota’s background includes leadership of the LCA Tejas program and negotiating HAL’s largest defense contract. His appointment follows the Public Enterprises Selection Board’s recommendation and is subject to requisite clearance. The move is seen as a strategic step to strengthen HAL’s role in Indian defense production and to advance the expansion of the LCA Mk1A fleet for the Indian Air Force.

Person: Ravi Kota named HAL CMD
Upcoming term: May 2026
Background: Director (Operations) at HAL
Notable work: LCA Tejas program leadership
Impact: strengthen HAL’s defense manufacturing

Agni Pariksha joint exercise conducted by Indian Army and ITBP in Arunachal Pradesh

The Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted the six‑day joint training exercise Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh. Held from 19 to 24 January at Sigar in East Siang district, the drill aimed to improve combat synergy, jointmanship and artillery procedures for infantry personnel. The exercise sought to familiarise non‑artillery units with artillery coordination and firing missions, breaking traditional role silos and enhancing cross‑force interoperability. Defence officials described the exercise as a meaningful step toward integrated operations and readiness in contested border environments.

Exercise: Agni Pariksha, 19–24 January
Locations: Sigar, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh
Participants: Indian Army and ITBP
Focus: artillery procedures, joint coordination, firing missions
Purpose: deepen inter‑force integration and readiness

Feb 28, 2026

IAF Prepares for Vayushakti-26 Full-Spectrum Exercise

On 27 February 2026, the Indian Air Force conducted preparations for the Vayushakti-26 exercise at the Pokhran air range in Jaisalmer as part of a major display of air power. The event will showcase full-spectrum capabilities, including Rafale and Tejas aircraft, and highlight interoperability with other services along the western border. Defence analysts say such exercises reinforce deterrence and demonstrate modernization of air operations. The exercise includes planned demonstrations of precision strike, air sovereignty, and rapid deployment capabilities, underscoring the importance of joint training for future security needs and regional stability.

Date: 27 February 2026; location: Pokhran, Jaisalmer.
Showcases Rafale and Tejas; full-spectrum capabilities.
Aims to demonstrate deterrence and modernization.
Highlights joint training with other services.

Army Chief Flags Off Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan at National War Memorial

On 25 February 2026, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi flagged off the Bharat RanBhoomi Darshan expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The 3,400-kilometre journey, led by the Regiment of Artillery, moves through Gujarat and Rajasthan to highlight border infrastructure development and promote national integration. Senior civil and defence dignitaries attended the event. The RanBhoomi initiative aims to connect people with India’s security history by visiting historically significant battlefields and border regions. The expedition underscores national service, veteran sacrifices, and the importance of border areas in national development across the country.

Flag-off date: 25 February 2026.
Route covers Gujarat and Rajasthan over 3,400 km.
Led by the Regiment of Artillery, with senior dignitaries present.
Aims to promote border infrastructure awareness and national integration.

Feb 26, 2026

IAF conducts Kalari Leap exercise in Lakshadweep

The Indian Air Force’s Southern Air Command conducted a high‑tempo joint maritime exercise named Kalari Leap across the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago. The drill tested joint planning, rapid force projection, and precision operations in complex maritime environments. It involved the IAF, Armed Forces Special Operations Division, and the Indian Coast Guard, reflecting India’s focus on integrated island defense and maritime domain awareness in strategically sensitive waters. Command and control, air‑to‑surface coordination, and emergency response were stressed during the drill. (Source: Southern Air Command briefing)

Kalari Leap exercised across Lakshadweep and Minicoy
Joint effort by IAF, AFSO Division, Coast Guard
Emphasised island defence and maritime domain awareness
Tested planning, projection, and precision operations

Snow Leopard Squad launched to counter terrorists in high-altitude forests

Jammu and Kashmir Police have formed a specialised high‑altitude unit named the Snow Leopard Squad to counter terrorists operating in dense forests and remote mountain terrains. The squad undergoes a multi‑tier training program involving internal police leadership and external military institutions. The new unit aims to extend security coverage to vulnerable border and frontier areas where conventional operations are challenged by rugged geography. Officials emphasize enhanced reconnaissance, rapid response, and integration with other security agencies to deter infiltration through snowbound zones. The move reflects evolving security challenges in frontier regions and a shift toward mountain‑area capability. (Source: Jammu & Kashmir police release)

Snow Leopard Squad formed for high‑altitude forests
Trained through multi‑tier programs with external partners
Intended to counter terrorist infiltration in rugged terrain
Aims for better reconnaissance and rapid response

Feb 25, 2026

Dharma Guardian 2026 kicks off in Uttarakhand with 120 per side

Dharma Guardian 2026, the seventh India–Japan joint military exercise, commenced in Uttarakhand on 24 February and runs until 9 March. The event gathers 120 personnel from each nation for two weeks of joint training. Indian forces hail from the Ladakh Scouts, while Japan’s contingent comes from the 32nd Infantry Regiment. The exercise emphasizes interoperability for urban and semi-urban operations, counter-terrorism drills, and modern warfare concepts, including ISR integration and heliborne missions. This year’s edition highlights sustained defence cooperation and the practical sharing of best practices between Indian and Japanese forces.

Dharma Guardian 2026 begins 24 February; ends 9 March.
India and Japan: 120 personnel each side.
Indian contingent: Ladakh Scouts; Japanese: 32nd Infantry Regiment.
Focus: interoperability, semi-urban operations, urban warfare.
Significance: deepening defence ties in the Indo-Pacific.

7th India–Japan Dharma Guardian exercise starts in Uttarakhand

The seventh India–Japan Joint Military Exercise, Dharma Guardian 2026, commenced on 24 February at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, and will run until 9 March 2026. The biennial drill, held alternately in India and Japan, brings together 120 personnel from each side. Indian troops come from the Ladakh Scouts, while Japan is represented by the 32nd Infantry Regiment. The exercise focuses on interoperability for joint operations in semi-urban environments, planning, and combined tactics. Activities include setting up operating bases, ISR coordination, cordon-and-search, heliborne missions, and urban-entry drills, strengthening defence cooperation and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Dharma Guardian 2026 began on 24 February in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand.
120 personnel from India and 120 from Japan per side.
Indian contingent: Ladakh Scouts; Japanese contingent: 32nd Infantry Regiment.
Dates: 24 February to 9 March 2026.
Focus: interoperability, semi-urban operations, and urban warfare.

Feb 24, 2026

INS Anjadip to be commissioned on 27 February 2026

The Indian Navy will commission INS Anjadip, the third vessel of the eight‑ship Anti‑Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW‑SWC) project, on 27 February 2026 at Chennai Port. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Dinesh K. Tripathi. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, INS Anjadip strengthens India’s ASW capabilities and supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing vision. The vessel is designed for shallow‑water operations, with advanced sonar and tracking systems to enhance coastal defence and submarine detection in littoral waters.

Event: Commissioning of INS Anjadip on 27 February 2026.
Location: Chennai Port; presiding official: Chief of the Naval Staff Dinesh K. Tripathi.
Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
Role: strengthens anti‑submarine warfare in shallow waters.
Strategic context: supports Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

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