General Awareness

DEFENCE - September 2025

Sep 2025

May 21, 2026

India-South Korea Sign Defence MoU on Cybersecurity

India and the Republic of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 19 May 2026 in Seoul to cooperate on defence, cybersecurity, and defence information sharing. The MoU records areas of collaboration without creating a treaty obligation and covers training, logistics, technology exchange, and information sharing. The agreement aims to counter cyber threats, protect critical military infrastructure, and improve situational awareness. The two nations have sustained strategic engagement through defence dialogues and industry cooperation, with further talks on military ties and defence collaboration taking place on 20 May 2026.

MoU signed on 19 May 2026 in Seoul.
Covers defence, cybersecurity, and information sharing.
Includes training, logistics, and technology exchange.
Further discussions held on 20 May 2026.

PRAGATI 2026 Military Exercise Begins in Meghalaya

PRAGATI 2026, a multinational military exercise, began on 20 May 2026 at Umroi Military Station near Shillong, Meghalaya. The two‑week event involves armed forces from 13 countries and India hosts 12 partner nations: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. The exercise focuses on joint counter‑terrorism operations in jungle and semi‑mountainous terrain and trains troops for difficult terrain-studies common in India’s North-East. It includes demonstrations of indigenous defence equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and aims to improve interoperability and regional professional cooperation among participant forces.

Begins 20 May 2026 at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya.
Involves 13 countries; India hosts 12 partner nations.
Focus on jungle and semi‑mountainous terrain counter‑terrorism operations.
Includes indigenous defence equipment display linked to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

May 20, 2026

Indian Navy selects Tonbo Imaging for HPM system

The Indian Navy awarded Tonbo Imaging on 19 May 2026 a contract to integrate and commission a High Power Microwave, or HPM, system for naval platforms. The project is part of the ADITI 3.0 innovation framework and is supported by the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX initiative and the Defence Innovation Organisation. HPM systems deliver concentrated electromagnetic energy to disrupt or degrade electronic sensors, drones and unmanned platforms in counter‑drone and maritime scenarios. Tonbo will complete system integration and validation before production delivery, positioning the company as a key indigenous partner for naval directed‑energy capabilities.

Tonbo Imaging contract for Indian Navy HPM system.
Part of ADITI 3.0 and iDEX defense innovation framework.
HPM enables disruption of sensors and drones at sea.
System integration and validation before deployment.
Advances indigenous directed-energy capabilities.

India-Vietnam defence cooperation strengthened under ECS Partnership

India and Vietnam reaffirmed defence cooperation under their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The talks in Hanoi covered maritime security, training, defence industry collaboration and military education. Officials highlighted ongoing exchanges, joint exercises and plans to broaden industrial ties and technology transfer. The dialogue underscored a shared interest in regional stability and interoperability of defence mechanisms. Both sides stressed the importance of institutional cooperation between defence establishments to support future missions, disaster response and humanitarian operations. The expanded engagement aims to deepen defence diplomacy and practical cooperation in defence equipment and research.

Defence ties under Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Areas: maritime security, training, defence industry and education.
Emphasis on joint exercises and technology transfer.
Focus on regional stability and interoperability.
Aims to broaden industrial and R&D links.

Bharat Forge to set up private Marine Gas Turbine complex

Bharat Forge announced on 19 May 2026 plans to establish India’s first private-sector Marine Gas Turbine repair, overhaul and indigenous development complex in Visakhapatnam. Located on about 80 acres within the Andhra Pradesh Defence Manufacturing Corridor, the facility will be near the Naval Dockyard INS Eksila and the Eastern Naval Command. Development will occur in two phases: Phase 1 will create a repair and overhaul site with hot section restoration and a 72-hour turnaround for the Naval Dockyard. Phase 2 will host a full Marine Gas Turbine development and assembly hall with a hot test cell, enabling indigenous design, testing and qualification.

Private Marine Gas Turbine complex to be built in Visakhapatnam.
Located within 80 acres in Andhra Pradesh Defence Corridor.
Phase 1: repair/overhaul with quick turnaround.
Phase 2: development/assembly hall with hot test cell.
Nearby naval facilities emphasize defence industrial growth.

US clears Apache and M777 support deals for India

On 18 May 2026, the United States State Department approved two Foreign Military Sales to India with a total value of about $428.2 million. The approvals, issued via separate congressional notifications by the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, cover M777A2 Ultra‑Light Howitzers sustainment and AH-64E Apache follow‑on support. The M777 package includes spares, repair and depot capability, training and field service support; BAE Systems is the principal contractor. The Apache package covers engineering and logistics support, software publications and training, with Boeing and Lockheed Martin named as principal contractors. The deals enhance India’s defence capacity and readiness through sustained equipment support.

Two Foreign Military Sales approved by the US for India.
$428.2 million total value; 18 May 2026 approvals.
M777A2 sustainment package with spares and depot support.
AH-64E Apache follow-on support package.
BAE Systems, Boeing and Lockheed Martin as contractors.

May 19, 2026

India and Germany Conclude Negotiations for ₹99,000 Crore Project 75(I) Submarine Deal

India and Germany have concluded cost negotiations for the ₹99,000 crore Project 75(I) submarine program with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. The six submarines, based on a modified Type-214 design with fuel-cell Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), will be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The deal now awaits Cabinet Committee on Security approval, with signing anticipated in the next fiscal year. The revised valuation is reported at ₹66,000–₹70,000 crore, reflecting technology transfer, lifecycle support and inflation. The project marks a major step in modernizing the Indian Navy’s conventional submarine fleet and strengthening strategic maritime capabilities.

Deal value: ₹99,000 crore (negotiated) with TKMS
Submarines: six, with Type-214 design and AIP
Manufacturer: MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited)
Status: awaiting CCS clearance; signing expected next fiscal year
Rationale: cost reduction, technology transfer, lifecycle support

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Visits Vietnam and South Korea to Expand Bilateral Engagement

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began a two-nation visit to Vietnam and South Korea to deepen defence cooperation and expand maritime collaboration. He will hold talks with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence and with South Korea’s counterpart to review existing arrangements and pursue new initiatives. The trip seeks stronger defence industrial partnerships and interoperability, aligning with regional security goals in the Indo-Pacific. The visit coincides with broader regional commemorations, including the 136th birth anniversary of Ho Chi Minh on 19 May. The ministry described the mission as part of efforts to promote peace, stability and strategic ties with partners in Asia.

Visit dates: mid-May 2026 (Vietnam and South Korea)
Purpose: deepen defence cooperation and maritime collaboration
Meetings with defence ministers of both countries
Focus: defence industry partnerships and interoperability
Context: Ho Chi Minh anniversary on 19 May

May 18, 2026

Indian Navy inaugurates Premier Naval Sailing Node at Upper Lake, Bhopal

The Indian Navy inaugurated its Premier Naval Sailing Node at Upper Lake (Bhojtaal), Bhopal, as part of an initiative to promote competitive water sports and motivate youth in Madhya Pradesh to consider Defence Forces careers. The event was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and included participation from National Cadet Corps cadets and students. The facility aligns with the National Sports Policy’s aim to expand talent pipelines in sport and defence, providing a platform for sailing and related water sports training in a central Indian city.

Inauguration date: 18 May 2026; location: Upper Lake, Bhopal.
Objective: promote water sports and youth involvement in defence.
Event: attended by CNS Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and NCC cadets.
Policy link: supports National Sports Policy and talent development in defence.
Impact: increases access to competitive water sports in central India.

May 17, 2026

Sagar Defence Engineering Sets Up Autonomous Maritime Centre in Andhra Pradesh

On 12 March 2026, Sagar Defence Engineering held the stone-breaking ceremony for India's first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The project aims to create an autonomous maritime shipyard with waterfront access to build, test, and deploy vessels. The Government of Andhra Pradesh allotted 29.58 acres at Juvvaladinne, near the Bay of Bengal. The centre will develop unmanned surface vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, intelligent navigation systems, and integrated command-and-control systems. It will use AI-driven shipyard management, digital twins, robotic fabrication, and 3D printing, serving defence and civilian applications such as surveillance, logistics, ocean research, and offshore energy operations.

Stone-breaking ceremony on 12 March 2026 for India's first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding Centre.
29.58 acres allotted at Juvvaladinne, Nellore district, near the Bay of Bengal.
Centre to develop unmanned surface vessels and autonomous underwater vehicles.
Plans include AI-driven management, digital twins, robotic fabrication, and 3D printing.
Applications span defence and civilian sectors like surveillance and offshore energy.

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