Current Affairs - Defence

New Delhi hosted the 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting on August 21, 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral defence industrial cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. It was co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UK Permanent Under Secretary for Defence Jeremy Pocklington. Discussions included reviewing the India–UK Vision 2035 and advancing research and development under the Ten-year Defence Industrial Roadmap. Both sides also agreed to expand military cooperation through joint exercises, training, and capacity building. The UK delegation additionally visited the National War Memorial, Gandhi Smriti Museum, and National Defence College.

DRDO transferred the technology for the development of the Submarine-Fired Decoy (SFD) to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for indigenous production. The technology transfer agreement was signed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a DRDO laboratory specialising in naval warfare and underwater defence technologies. The SFD is designed as a countermeasure system to protect submarines from incoming torpedoes by generating false signals and signatures that can mislead hostile torpedoes. The initiative strengthens India’s underwater defence capabilities, reduces dependence on foreign manufacturers, and supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence manufacturing.

Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), to the Indian Navy on August 21, 2026. The vessel has more than 80% indigenous content and is designed for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, coastal operations, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine warfare. Equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, radar, and sonar systems, Mangrol enhances the Navy’s capabilities in shallow and coastal waters. Its delivery also supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by strengthening India’s indigenous defence shipbuilding and reducing dependence on foreign technology and manufacturing.

Lucknow was the city where Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) successfully conducted the maiden flight of Divyastra Mk3 on August 11, 2026. Developed as India’s first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition, Divyastra Mk3 uses a jet engine developed by DG Propulsion and contains no imported foreign engines or critical subsystems. Kawa UAV, an indigenous defence technology firm based in Lucknow, specialises in high-speed precision strike systems and UAVs The successful flight demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in developing advanced, self-reliant defence technologies under the broader objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Thailand participates with India in Exercise MAITREE-XV 2026, which is the 15th joint military exercise between the two countries. The exercise is being conducted from August 18 to 31, 2026, at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani, Thailand. The Indian Army and Royal Thai Army are taking part with 85 personnel each. The exercise focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in difficult jungle and semi-urban environments, while also enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and defence cooperation between the two armies.