QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: ICG Shaunak Sails with Ocean Riders from 4 Nations

IAF Hosts Tarang Shakti-26: 40 Nations, 8 Forces, Advanced Jets (F-35, Rafale) from Sep 26

The IAF is hosting the second edition of its largest multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-26, from Sep 26 to Oct 12 in Jodhpur. With 40 nations, 8 participating forces including the US, France, and UAE, and advanced aircraft like F-35 and Rafale, the exercise focuses on interoperability and multi-domain operations. This is a key event for India's defense diplomacy and showcases indigenous platforms under Atmanirbharta.

Tarang Shakti-26: IAF Hosts 7 Nations Including USAF F-35 at Jodhpur from Sept 26-Oct 12

The Indian Air Force is hosting the second edition of its multinational exercise Tarang Shakti-26 at Jodhpur, with seven foreign air forces including the US, France, and Germany. The participation of the USAF F-35 stealth fighter marks its first tactical exercise in India, signaling deepening interoperability and shifting from bilateral to complex multinational air operations.

Japan's F-2A Fighter Deploys to India for Veer Guardian 2026; Boosts Interoperability and Indo-Pacific Vision

India and Japan conducted the second edition of bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian at Jodhpur AFS, with Japan deploying its Mitsubishi F-2A fighter for the first time on Indian soil. The exercise underscores growing interoperability between IAF and JASDF amidst shared concerns over China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Key agreements like ACSA and co-development of UNICORN stealth antenna are deepening bilateral defence ties.

India’s Nuclear Doctrine Faces Review Amid China-Pakistan Alignment, Tech Disruptions

India's nuclear doctrine, unchanged since 2003, is being re-evaluated due to China-Pakistan strategic convergence, disruptive technologies (AI, hypersonic, cyber), and a multipolar geopolitical landscape. The article stresses reviewing operational capabilities without altering core principles like No First Use (NFU) and massive retaliation.

MoD Mandates Language Proficiency Evaluation for Defence Attachés; Exports Hit ₹38,424 Cr

The Ministry of Defence has mandated language proficiency evaluation for Defence Attachés posted abroad, signalling a strategic shift to leverage military diplomacy for boosting defence exports, which have surged 5,500% in 12 years to ₹38,424 crore. This reform aligns with India's target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029 and expansion of defence wings from 50 to over 70.

US Draft Letter to 35 Nations: Choose Sides in AI Race or Lose Pax Silica Access

The US is preparing to send a State Department draft letter to 35 countries, warning them that joining China's new World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization is incompatible with membership in the US-led Pax Silica AI coalition. This marks a decisive push to force 'pick a side' alignment in the AI supply chain race, with Kazakhstan already caught in the middle. For aspirants, this is a key current-affairs data point on global technology bloc formation and US-China strategic rivalry.

₹1,943 Crore Deal: Indian Navy Leases 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones from US for 30 Months

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,943 crore contract to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from US firm General Atomics for 30 months, boosting Indian Navy's maritime surveillance capabilities across both eastern and western fronts. This expands the Navy's drone fleet to four units and bridges the gap until delivery of 31 MQ-9Bs ordered in 2024.

US Envoy Visits Tata-Lockheed C-130J Plant as India Seeks 80 MTA Under Make in India

US envoy's visit to Tata-Lockheed Martin JV highlights India's push for 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) under Make in India. The C-130J Super Hercules, already operated by IAF, is a top contender. The visit underscores deepening US-India defence ties and India's integration into global aerospace supply chain.