DEFENCE NEWS & MILITARY EXERCISES
Exercise Name Venue/Participating Key Notes
Countries
CINBAX Indian Army and First-ever Joint Table Top Exercise in Pune (1st–8th December).
Cambodian Army Focus: Counter-terrorism operations under UN Charter Chapter
VII. Enhances strategic cooperation, trust, and interoperability.
HARIMAU India-Malaysia 4th Joint Military Exercise at Bentong Camp, Malaysia (2nd–15th
SHAKTI December). Focus: Counterinsurgency in jungle terrain to
strengthen military cooperation.
Desert Knight India, France, and the Trilateral air combat exercise over the Arabian Sea. Enhances
UAE interoperability and prepares for complex combat scenarios.
Highlights strategic ties in a vital region amid global security
challenges.
Sri Lanka-India Sri Lanka-India Naval Held in Visakhapatnam (17th–20th December). Organized by the
Naval Exercise Forces Eastern Naval Command, focusing on naval collaboration and
(SLINEX) operational readiness.
Hypersonic Weapons Testing
• The U.S. military successfully tested its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), known as "Dark Eagle," at
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
• The missile reached speeds exceeding 3,800 miles per hour (Mach 5) and demonstrated its capability to
strike distant, well-defended targets.
• This milestone advances hypersonic technology, bringing the weapon closer to operational deployment by
2025.
Delivery of Drishti-10 Starliner Drone to Indian Navy
• Adani Defence delivered the Drishti-10 Starliner drone to the Indian Navy, enhancing India's maritime
surveillance capabilities.
• The drone features a 36-hour endurance, 450 kg payload, and NATO certification for all-weather military
operations.
• It is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) with satellite communication-based
operations.
India-US Defence Deal for MH-60R Helicopters
• The Biden administration approved a $1.17 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal for India’s Sikorsky MH-
60R helicopters.
• The package includes advanced communication systems, sensors, and logistical support, strengthening India-
US Defence ties.
• Equipped with anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the helicopters include Mk 54 torpedoes, Hellfire
missiles, and advanced radar and sonar systems.
Creation of Comprehensive Anti-Drone Unit
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the formation of an anti-drone unit to counter drone threats,
particularly along borders.
• A laser-equipped anti-drone gun mount system was developed in collaboration with the BSF, Ministry of
Defence, DRDO, and Indian research institutions.
• The system significantly improved interception rates, with neutralization along Punjab’s International Border
rising from 3% to 55%.
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India-Russia Defence Deal for Voronezh Radar System
• India is finalizing a $4 billion Defence deal with Russia to acquire the advanced Voronezh radar system.
• Capable of tracking ballistic missiles and aircraft up to 8,000 km, the radar will enhance India’s missile
detection and air Defence.
• The initiative supports the Make in India campaign.
MoU Between Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and Indian Navy
• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) and the Indian Navy signed an MoU to enhance education, research, and
training in logistics.
• The partnership focuses on supply chain management, multimodal transportation, and sustainability.
• This aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and National Logistics Policy 2022.
Contract for K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Artillery Guns
• The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 7,628.70 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for 155 mm/52
caliber K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled artillery guns.
• This supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, advancing Defence modernization and indigenous
manufacturing.
High-Level Committee for Indian Air Force Capability Assessment
• A high-level committee led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was formed to assess IAF’s capability
development.
• The focus is on indigenous design, development, and acquisition to address gaps in fighter aircraft and
missile capabilities.
• The committee is expected to submit its report within 2-3 months.
Launch of Rashtraparv Website and Mobile App
• Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh launched the Rashtraparv Website and Mobile App on December 25,
2024, to mark Good Governance Day.
• The platform enhances transparency and citizen access to information regarding national events like
Republic Day, Beating Retreat, and Independence Day.
Record Defence Exports and Indigenous Production in FY 2023-24
• India achieved record Defence exports worth Rs 21,083 crore (USD 2.63 billion) in FY 2023-24, marking a
32.5% growth.
• Indigenous Defence production also hit a record Rs 1,26,887 crore, showcasing contributions from both
private sector and DPSUs.
Commissioning of INS Tushil into Indian Navy
• INS Tushil, a Russian-built guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad,
Russia.
• This marks a milestone in India-Russia naval cooperation, strengthening India’s maritime capabilities in the
Indian Ocean.
Upcoming Commissioning of INS Nirdeshak
• The Indian Navy will commission INS Nirdeshak on December 18, 2024, in Visakhapatnam.
• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, the 110-meter vessel features advanced hydrographic and
oceanographic equipment.
• Over 80% of its components are locally sourced, reflecting India’s self-reliance in Defence manufacturing.
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Launch of Indian Army AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC)
• The Indian Army launched the Indian Army AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru, led by Chief of Army
Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.
• In collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the center focuses on AI-driven solutions for
operational efficiency and readiness.
• This initiative supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.
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