Current Affairs - Defence

The Indian Air Force has decided to acquire nine retired SEPECAT Jaguar fighter aircraft from the United Kingdom to support its ageing Jaguar fleet. These aircraft will not be inducted into active service but will be used as a source of spare parts, including engines, avionics systems, airframe structures, and other critical components. Since Jaguar production has ended and India remains the only country operating the aircraft in frontline service, obtaining spare parts has become increasingly difficult. This acquisition will help extend the operational life of existing Jaguar squadrons and support the IAF in maintaining combat readiness until newer fighter aircraft gradually replace the fleet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval vessels—INS Agray, INS Dunagiri, and INS Sanshodhak—at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, West Bengal, on 21 June 2026. The event marked a significant step in strengthening India’s naval capabilities, maritime security, and indigenous defence manufacturing. INS Dunagiri is an advanced stealth frigate; INS Agray is designed for anti-submarine warfare operations; and INS Sanshodhak is a modern hydrographic survey vessel. The commissioning ceremony highlighted India's growing expertise in naval engineering and supported the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.

The Indian Coast Guard inducted its first indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), commonly known as a hovercraft, in Goa as part of efforts to strengthen maritime operational capabilities. Designed and built by Chowgule & Company Private Limited under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the vessel is the first delivery from an order of six ACVs These amphibious craft can travel over water, land, mud, and other challenging surfaces using a cushion of high-pressure air. The project represents a significant step toward enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing, expanding India’s maritime industrial base, and improving the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct coastal surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and environmental protection missions.

Mongolia is hosting the 2026 edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST, a multinational military exercise focused on enhancing peacekeeping capabilities and interoperability among participating nations. Conducted at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar, the exercise includes personnel from various countries and features tactical drills such as cordon and search operations, patrolling, counter-IED procedures, checkpoint establishment, and combat first aid. The Indian Army has deployed a contingent of 40 personnel led by a battalion of the JAT Regiment. Originally launched in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and Mongolia, KHAAN QUEST evolved into a multilateral peacekeeping exercise in 2006 and has since become an important platform for international military cooperation.

Australia will host Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a major biennial multinational air combat exercise conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Scheduled from July 20 to August 7, 2026, the exercise will take place in Australia's Northern Territory and involve more than 100 aircraft along with personnel from 20 participating nations, including the host country. The event is designed to enhance air combat integration, interoperability, and operational coordination among allied and partner air forces across the Indo-Pacific region. Participation by the Indian Air Force reflects India's growing defence cooperation with international partners and provides valuable experience in realistic and complex warfare training environments.