Current Affairs - Defence

Paradip Coast will host the major search and rescue demonstration associated with SAREX-2026 on 8 October 2026. SAREX-2026 is the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise organised by the Indian Coast Guard to strengthen India’s preparedness for large-scale emergencies at sea. The exercise focuses on rapid mobilisation of rescue assets, maritime and aviation distress response, mass rescue operations, multi-agency coordination and international cooperation. It will involve ships and aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and civil agencies. The exercise also includes a simulated Mass Rescue Operation involving an aircraft ditching at sea and a vessel collision.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) launched India’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), named ‘Surya’, at Visakhapatnam on 6 October 2026. The vessel has been designed and built indigenously by HSL to provide logistics and replenishment support to Indian Navy warships during extended operations at sea. Fleet Support Ships can carry fuel, supplies and other essential resources and provide at-sea replenishment and maintenance support. On the same occasion, the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship was laid, while an upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane were inaugurated, strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

UAE is participating with India in the MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 joint military exercise, which focuses on mountain warfare. The exercise is being conducted from 5 to 18 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. A total of 92 personnel, with equal representation from both armies, are taking part. The Indian contingent includes troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE contingent consists of troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion. The exercise includes tactical drills, firing practices, surveillance, drone operations, rock climbing, obstacle training and integrated field exercises, aimed at strengthening interoperability and defence cooperation.

The Indian Air Force’s No. 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee at Ambala Airbase on October 1, 2026. The squadron was established on October 1, 1951, at Ambala and became the first IAF unit to operate Rafale fighter jets. Over the decades, it participated in major military operations, including the Goa Liberation, the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan Wars, the Kargil Conflict, and Operation Sindoor. The squadron has operated several aircraft types, including Harvard-II B, de Havilland Vampire, Hawker Hunter, MiG-21 and Dassault Rafale. It is also the highest decorated squadron of the Kargil War.

The Philippines hosted the second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026), which began at Subic Bay on 28 September 2026. The exercise involves Indian naval ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish along with maritime forces from ASEAN member states. Its theme is “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea,” focusing on mutual understanding, professional cooperation, coordination and interoperability. The exercise began with a Harbour Phase featuring expert exchanges, operational synchronisation, sports, cultural activities and community engagement, followed by a Sea Phase involving maritime operations and practical training. AIME-2026 supports India’s Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR vision for security and growth across regions.