General Awareness

DEFENCE - April 2025

Apr 2025

Dec 23, 2025

Trump Unveils ‘Trump-Class’ Battleships for US Navy

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to build a new class of heavily armed battleships that would bear his name. The programme envisions the construction of two Trump-class vessels, with potential for future expansion. Officials described the ships as among the most lethal surface warfare platforms and the largest battleships in American history. The plan signals a bold push to modernise the U.S. Navy and expand strategic capabilities amid evolving global security dynamics. Details on ship specifications, funding, deployment timelines, and political approvals are expected in forthcoming defence and appropriations discussions.

Trump announces plan for two Trump-class battleships.
Vessels described as highly lethal surface warfare ships.
Programme contemplates potential future expansion.

DRDO and Rashtriya Raksha University Sign MoU for Defence and Internal Security

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) have signed an agreement to foster collaboration in the areas of research, education, training, and technology support for defence and internal security. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked by Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Production Coordination and Services Interaction), Dr. Chandrika Kaushik, and Vice Chancellor, RRU, Professor Dr. Bimal N. Patel, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
The MoU aims to strengthen country's self-reliance in defence and internal security technologies, in line with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the whole-of-nation approach during Amrit Kaal.

GRSE Delivers Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Anjadip to Indian Navy

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) delivered its fifth warship of the year to the Indian Navy. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) Anjadip is the third of eight platforms being built at GRSE. The vessel was handed over at the Chennai Port Trust and represents the 115th warship built by GRSE and the 77th delivered to the Navy. Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, CSO (Tech), Eastern Naval Command, accepted the warship. Anjadip strengthens the Navy’s ASW and littoral warfare capabilities, aligning with India’s maritime security priorities and GRSE’s production capacity growth.

GRSE delivered ASW SWC Anjadip to Indian Navy.
Fifth GRSE warship delivered in the year; third of eight ASW SWCs.
Anjadip is the 115th GRSE-built warship; 77th delivered to Navy.
Acceptance by Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, ECSO(T).

Dec 21, 2025

Fast Patrol Vessel 'Amulya' Commissioned into Indian Coast Guard

Indian Coast Guard ship Amulya, the third vessel in the new-generation Adamya class fast patrol vessels, was commissioned, officials said.
It will undertake a range of missions, including surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling operations and pollution response, reinforcing Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) role in safeguarding the country's eastern seaboard.
"This 51-metre FPV (fast petrol vessel), designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited, represents a new benchmark in indigenous shipbuilding.

Dec 20, 2025

Diaspro Intech Unveils MARICHIKA, Portable SAR Image Disrupter

Diaspro Intech Private Limited, Noida, unveiled MARICHIKA, described as the world's first portable Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image disrupter. This electronic warfare (EW) system counters adversaries' ability to obtain high-resolution radar imagery under adverse conditions. MARICHIKA’s portability enables rapid deployment at forward or temporary locations, offering flexible denial of reconnaissance. By disrupting SAR processing, the system can blur radar imagery without revealing its own presence in many scenarios. The company positions MARICHIKA as a milestone in modern EW, providing a portable capability to protect critical assets and sensitive installations in diverse environments.

MARICHIKA announced as world's first portable SAR image disrupter.
Portable EW system disrupts SAR processing; enhances mobility.
Useful for rapid deployment at forward or temporary sites.
Aims to counter adversaries’ high-resolution radar reconnaissance.

Dec 18, 2025

IAF hosts AviaIndra-2025 with RFASF

The Indian Air Force is hosting Exercise AviaIndra-2025, a bilateral drill with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force from 15 to 22 December 2025. Personnel will conduct joint flying operations on Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78, and Mi-17 platforms. The IAF describes the exercise as a platform to enhance bilateral cooperation, mutual understanding, and aerospace capability through sharing best practices and lessons learned. AviaIndra continues a series that began in 2014, reinforcing longstanding defence cooperation between India and Russia and showcasing interoperability across combat and support aircraft.

IAF conducts AviaIndra-2025 with RFASF (15–22 Dec 2025).
Operations include Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78, Mi-17.
Aims to enhance interoperability and knowledge exchange.
Part of the ongoing AviaIndra series since 2014.

ICG ship Sarthak calls at Chabahar; marks first port visit

Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarthak, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, made its first port call at Chabahar, Iran, and will remain until December 19. The visit includes engagements with the Iranian Navy and maritime agencies, plus joint training in Maritime Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, and Marine Pollution Response. The port call strengthens institutional linkages and supports India’s SAGAR and MAHASAGAR maritime vision. It follows a prior port visit to Kuwait and signals India’s growing maritime footprint in the region, with potential benefits for regional security and supply chains.

ICG Ship Sarthak makes first port call at Chabahar.
Stay until 19 December; engages with Iranian Navy.
Joint training in SAR, MLE, and MPR planned.
Supports SAGAR/MAHASAGAR regional objectives.

Desert Cyclone-II: India-UAE joint exercise in Abu Dhabi

Desert Cyclone-II is a joint India-UAE military exercise to be held in Abu Dhabi from 18 to 30 December 2025. The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, paired with a UAE counterpart of similar size. The exercise focuses on urban operations under UN mandate, including sub-conventional tasks in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations. The Defence Ministry says the exercise will improve interoperability and defence cooperation, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to security and regional stability through practical joint training.

Desert Cyclone-II conducted 18–30 Dec 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
India and UAE each contribute 45 personnel.
Emphasizes urban operations under UN mandate.
Aims to enhance interoperability and defence cooperation.

Army inducts tanks, artillery into Kashmir via special train

The Indian Army conducted a major logistics move by inducting tanks, artillery guns, and engineering equipment into the Kashmir Valley via a Military Special Train on 16 December. Equipment was moved from the Jammu region to Anantnag in south Kashmir as part of a validation exercise. The operation showcased enhanced mobility and logistical capacity, coordinated with Railways under the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link project. The milestone underscores the Army’s ability to rapidly project heavy equipment to critical sectors along northern borders and strengthen operational readiness.

Tanks and artillery moved into Kashmir via Military Special Train (16 Dec).
Movement from Jammu to Anantnag; linked to USBRL project.
Demonstrates enhanced mobility and logistics capability.
Supports rapid deployment in northern border areas.

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.

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