General Awareness

DEFENCE - September 2026

Sep 2026

Sep 26, 2026

Defence Ministry signs ₹810 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for SAT-SAAW systems

On 26 September 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract valued at ₹810 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) and related equipment for the Indian Air Force. The agreement was inked in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground, precision-guided glide bomb designed to neutralize enemy airfields from long stand-off ranges, compatible with aircraft such as the Jaguar, Hawk, and Su-30 MKI. The procurement strengthens IAF strike capabilities and long-range targeting options in diverse operational scenarios. BDL officials expect timely delivery and integration with existing platforms.

Contract value ₹810 crore for 160 SAT-SAAW and related equipment.
Signed in New Delhi, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh attended.
SAT-SAAW: precision-guided glide bomb for long stand-off airfield strikes.
Compatible aircraft: Jaguar, Hawk, Su-30 MKI.
Implication: enhances IAF long-range strike capabilities and deterrence.

Sep 25, 2026

India–Mongolia Nomadic Elephant 2026 Begins in Uttarakhand

The 18th edition of the India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 commenced on 21 September 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The bilateral training aims to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces. A total of 45 personnel from each country are participating in the platoon‑level exercise, which will continue until 3 October 2026. Focus areas include mountain warfare, counter‑terrorism at border areas, and exchange of best practices in counter‑insurgency operations. The exercise reinforces defence ties with Mongolia and strengthens regional security collaboration in the Himalayan region.

Edition: 18th Nomadic Elephant
Start date: 21 September 2026
End date: 3 October 2026
Location: Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
Participants: 45 soldiers from India and Mongolia

Sep 24, 2026

United Kingdom launches first Space Squadron

The United Kingdom announced its first Space Squadron to protect and defend satellites. The unit, formed under the Royal Air Force (RAF), will support military space operations by monitoring space activities and safeguarding essential satellite systems. The move signals growing concern about space security, counterspace threats, and the need to ensure reliable space-based communications and navigation for defense and civil purposes. The squadron will work with international partners, civil agencies, and industry to detect debris, interference, and potential attacks, and to develop defensive and resilience measures for space infrastructure.

Organization: Royal Air Force (RAF) Space Squadron.
Purpose: protect and defend satellites and space assets.
Strategic significance: space security and resilience.
Collaboration: international partners, civil agencies, industry.
Key activities: monitoring space, counterspace defense, threat response.

Sep 22, 2026

HAL Delivers Indigenous HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft 'Ankur' to IAF

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun delivering the indigenously developed HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, officially named Ankur, to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under a contract to supply 70 trainers, three aircraft have been handed over as the initial batch. The HTT-40 is designed for basic pilot training and is equipped with modern avionics, a pressurized cabin, and advanced safety systems. Officials say the induction will help replace older trainer fleets and strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. This milestone demonstrates growing domestic aerospace capacity and aligns with the government’s push for greater indigenisation of defence equipment, while enhancing the IAF’s training infrastructure.

HAL delivered the first three of 70 HTT-40 Ankur trainers to the IAF.
HTT-40 is an indigenously developed basic trainer aircraft with modern avionics.
Induction aims to replace older trainer fleets and boost self-reliance.
The milestone showcases increased domestic aerospace capacity.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 to Be Held in Jodhpur

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, a biennial multinational air-combat exercise, from 26 September to 12 October in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The first edition was held in 2024 and marked India’s debut as a major international air exercise. More than 40 countries are expected to participate, with several others sending observers and delegates, making it one of India’s largest multinational air engagements. Tarang Shakti aims to enhance interoperability, air superiority, and joint operational capabilities among participating nations, providing a platform for advanced training and cooperation in air combat and tactical operations.

Second edition scheduled from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan; multinational participation over 40 countries.
Builds interoperability and joint air-combat capabilities.
Follow-up to India’s 2024 inaugural Tarang Shakti exercise.

Sep 21, 2026

SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka naval exercise underway in Visakhapatnam

The 13th Sri Lanka-India bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026. Indian Navy ships INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti participate alongside SLNS Sindurala from Sri Lanka. The harbour phase included an opening ceremony onboard INS Kavaratti, cross-deck visits, and cultural activities, with the sea phase to follow to build operational interoperability. SLINEX-26 reinforces MAHASAGAR, India’s maritime vision, and strengthens bilateral friendship and security cooperation with Sri Lanka. The exercise underscores continued coordination in anti-submarine warfare, maritime security, and disaster response between the two nations.

SLINEX-26 runs 17–21 September 2026 at Visakhapatnam.
Indian Navy: INS Kavaratti, INS Jyoti; Sri Lanka Navy: SLNS Sindurala.
Harbour phase included opening ceremony and visits; sea phase ongoing.
Part of MAHASAGAR initiative; reinforces India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership.
Demonstrates interoperability and coordinated security efforts.

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