General Awareness

DEFENCE - January 2025

Jan 2025

Dec 17, 2025

Quad nations conclude first Field Training Exercise for disaster response

The Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—completed their first-ever Field Training Exercise focused on strengthening a shared logistics network for rapid civilian disaster response in the Indo-Pacific. Conducted at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on the sidelines of Operation Christmas Drop in December 2025, the exercise tested coordination and interoperability among the four countries. The initiative, known as the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPL N), seeks faster, coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Officials highlighted improved cross-border cooperation, information sharing, and joint operational readiness in response to natural disasters.

Quad Field Training Exercise completed in December 2025.
Participants: Australia, India, Japan, United States.
Location: Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; tied to Operation Christmas Drop.
Focus: shared logistics for civilian disaster response.
Aims: improve interoperability and rapid relief coordination.

Indian Navy commissions INAS 335 (Ospreys) in Goa

The Indian Navy commissioned INAS 335 (Ospreys), its second squadron of MH-60R multi-role helicopters, on 17 December 2025 at INS Hansa, Goa. The ceremony was led by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and attended by senior naval officers. The squadron strengthens maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue capabilities, contributing to enhanced regional security and readiness. This development mirrors ongoing modernization of the Navy’s aviation arm and expands operational reach along India’s western seaboard and beyond.

INAS 335 (Ospreys) commissioned on 17 December 2025.
Location: INS Hansa, Goa; Chief of Naval Staff presided.
MH-60R multi-role helicopters form the squadron.
Enhances maritime patrol, ASW, and SAR capabilities.
Advances naval aviation modernization.

Dec 16, 2025

Russia Ratifies Military Logistics Pact with India

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law ratifying the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics (RELOS) agreement with India after his visit. The pact provides a framework for deploying military formations, docking warships at ports, and using airfields for joint operations. It covers logistics support for exercises, training, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief, enhancing defence cooperation and interoperability between Moscow and New Delhi. Analysts view RELOS as a strategic step, complementing existing security arrangements and potentially shaping future bilateral exercises and defense-industrial collaboration in a changing global security environment.

Putin signs law ratifying RELOS with India.
RELOS covers logistics for joint exercises and operations.
Framework includes ports, airfields, and allied humanitarian work.
Enhances India-Russia defence cooperation and interoperability.

Dec 15, 2025

Sagar Defence to establish autonomous maritime shipyard in Andhra Pradesh

Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd received state approval to build India’s first autonomous maritime shipyard and systems development centre in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. Located at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, the facility will concentrate on autonomous and unmanned maritime platforms, including surface and underwater vessels, with advanced command and control systems. The project aims to position Andhra Pradesh as a hub for next‑generation defence technology. Officials say the shipyard will generate high‑skill jobs and attract industry collaborations, supporting national strategic capabilities and domestic capability building in naval and unmanned systems.

Autonomous shipyard planned in Nellore, AP
Focus: unmanned maritime platforms and systems
Location: Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour
Aims: hub for next‑gen defence tech; job creation

Dec 13, 2025

India moves to deploy indigenous Integrated Air Defence in Delhi region

India plans to deploy an indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to protect the Delhi National Capital Region from aerial threats. The multi-layered system would use homegrown missiles such as Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles and Very Short Range Air Defence systems, along with other equipment to create overlapping air defences. The Defence Ministry is processing the project amid efforts to boost self-reliant defence capabilities. The plan follows regional security concerns and past incidents, including during Operation Sindoor in May this year. Officials emphasise that domestic technologies are central to India's defence strategy, potentially reducing reliance on foreign systems.

Indigenous IADWS planned for Delhi region.
Uses homegrown missiles: QRSAM and VS-AAD systems.
Defence Ministry processing; aims for self-reliant defence.
Context includes Operation Sindoor-related tensions in May.
Shift from foreign systems toward domestic technology.

Dec 11, 2025

Indian Army Hot Air Balloon Expedition sets Asian record

An Indian Army Hot Air Balloon Expedition from Bhopal to Pune covered about 750 kilometres across central India. Flagged off on November 30, 2025, the route traversed the Narmada Valley and Western Ghats with halts at Mhow, Sambhajinagar, and Ahityanagar. Officials reported a major achievement: a non-stop flight lasting 8 hours and 44 minutes, earning a place in the Asian Book of Records for the longest duration Not Air Balloon flight in India. The mission showcased teamwork, discipline, and resilience, while also providing opportunities to engage with local youth about aviation and defence aspirations.

Hot Air Balloon Expedition covered ~750 km (Nov 30 – Dec 2025).
Non-stop flight of 8 hours 44 minutes; Asian Book of Records.
Route included Narmada Valley and Western Ghats.
Halts at Mhow, Sambhajinagar, and Ahityanagar.
Aimed to inspire youth and showcase Army aviation capability.

India and Brunei establish Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation

India and Brunei held the inaugural meeting of their Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi, signaling a new phase in bilateral security ties. The Terms of Reference were signed to formalise the mechanism. Discussions centred on expanding military-to-military exchanges, increasing joint training, and enhancing maritime security and humanitarian assistance with disaster relief. Capacity-building and opportunities for defence industry collaboration and technology partnerships were also highlighted. The meeting strengthens defence links in the Indo-Pacific, with officials emphasising a rules-based order and shared interest in advancing strategic cooperation and interoperability between the two nations’ forces.

Inaugural India–Brunei JWG on Defence Cooperation held in New Delhi.
Terms of Reference signed to establish the mechanism.
Focus on exchanges, joint training, and maritime security.
Emphasis on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Exploration of defence industry collaboration and tech partnerships.

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