Defence Minister Invites ASEAN to MILAN 2026 Involving 74 Navies, Showcases INS Vikrant & Visakhapatnam-class Destroyers

Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US Joint Drill Focuses on IBGs, Drones; Also Know IMBAX, LAMITIYE, Sea Dragon, MILAN 2026

This article compiles five recent joint military exercises India participated in, highlighting Yudh Abhyas 2026 with the US focusing on Integrated Battle Groups, drones, and long-range precision fires. Other exercises include IMBAX (Myanmar), LAMITIYE (Seychelles – first tri-services), Sea Dragon (multilateral ASW), and MILAN (multilateral naval wargame). Additionally, India’s defence production hit a record ₹1.78 lakh crore and exports ₹38,424 crore in FY2025-26, underscoring the push for indigenisation and global partnerships.

Defence Ministry Annual Report 2025-26 Details Operation Sindoor and LAC Situation with PLA Reduction

The Defence Ministry's annual report for 2025-26 highlights Operation Sindoor as a calibrated military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, involving precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. It also records a significant reduction in PLA deployment along the LAC during 2025, alongside renewed diplomatic and military engagement with China. The report signals a shift towards integrated, network-centric operations and a review of capability gaps.

₹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.

India-UK Sign IGA for Maritime Electric Propulsion for Navy LPDs, Procure LMM Missiles

India and UK are set to sign an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for developing maritime electric propulsion systems for four Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy. Additionally, a second IGA for procurement of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) for the Indian Army is imminent. This collaboration includes establishing India's first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) by GE Vernova and BHEL.

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.

INS Nipun Commissioned: Indian Navy's 2nd Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel Enhances Submarine Rescue Capability

INS Nipun, the Indian Navy's second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned at Mumbai. Built indigenously by HSL, it enhances India's submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, and salvage capabilities, marking a step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

RAKSHA Framework: India Unveils 10-Year Defence Diplomacy Blueprint, Exports Hit ₹38,424 Cr

India has unveiled 'RAKSHA', a comprehensive 10-year framework to integrate defence diplomacy with foreign policy and national security. The blueprint emphasizes deepening strategic partnerships, defence industrial cooperation under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and boosting defence exports which hit a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26.

India Finalises Javelin ATGM Deal via US FMS After 16-Year Process; Co-Production with BDL in Focus

India has finally signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the US-made Javelin anti-tank guided missiles after a 16-year procurement struggle. The deal, routed through Foreign Military Sales, shifts focus to co-assembly and co-production with Bharat Dynamics Limited, while the indigenous MPATGM programme also matures. For exams, remember the chronology: 2010 Javelin attempt → 2014 pivot to Spike → 2017 cancellation → 2019 emergency Spike-LR → 2025 Javelin revival.