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

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.

UPSC Key: 14 Internal EC Dissents, Tarang Shakti-26 Multinational Exercise, and AI-Driven Semiconductor Supercycle

This Indian Express 'UPSC Key' compilation covers six critical topics: unprecedented internal dissent within the Election Commission (14 objections in 10 months), the second edition of India's largest multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti-26, the Supreme Court's reaffirmation of the Bijoe Emmanuel precedent on Vande Mataram, a new Centre scheme for lithium and nickel processing, the evolution of Yemen's Houthis from a local revivalist movement to a Red Sea power, and the global semiconductor 'supercycle' driven by AI demand. Each story is mapped to UPSC syllabus with previous year questions.

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.

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.

IAF & JASDF Chiefs Fly Tejas in Veer Guardian 2026; First JASDF Fighters on Indian Soil

India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian showcases indigenous Tejas fighter, as both air chiefs flew in formation. This marks the first time JASDF fighters operated from Indian soil, strengthening bilateral defence ties and highlighting India's growing defence exports potential.

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.

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

ICG Ship 'Shaunak' departed Chennai for Perth carrying six 'Sea Riders' from India, Australia, Japan, and the US under a QUAD-at-Sea Observer Mission. This operationalizes the QUAD Foreign Ministers' commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific and aligns with India's MAHASAGAR vision for collective maritime security.

International Space Summit 2026: Paris Hosts 120 Nations, India Delegation Amid Europe’s Space Autonomy Push

The two-day International Space Summit in Paris (September 9-10, 2026) is set to bring together about 2,000 participants from 120 countries, including a high-level Indian delegation. France is using the platform to push Europe’s strategic autonomy in space, focusing on European launchers and the IRIS² secure satellite constellation. For aspirants, this is a ready link to space governance, EU strategic autonomy, and India’s space diplomacy.