Current Affairs - Defence

The 16th edition of Aero India, Asia's largest airshow and aviation exhibition, will be held in Bengaluru from February 8 to 12, 2027, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. The event is organised with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the nodal agency, supported by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Aero India is a biennial event that showcases India's defence and aerospace capabilities while providing a platform for domestic and international companies to display advanced technologies. The event also supports the government's vision of increasing indigenous defence manufacturing and strengthening India's position in the global aerospace sector.

INS Mahendragiri is the sixth and final stealth frigate built under the Indian Navy’s Project 17A and was commissioned into the Eastern Fleet on 11 July 2026. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the warship has over 75% indigenous content, reflecting India's commitment to self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Equipped with advanced stealth technology, modern automation, and capabilities for anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare, INS Mahendragiri also supports search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, and long-range operational missions.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) secured the 3rd position in the WDMMA 2026 Global Air Power Rankings for the fifth consecutive year, ranking ahead of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The rankings are based on the True Value Rating (TVR) system, which evaluates factors such as fleet composition, modernisation, operational readiness, logistics, mission capability, and domestic aerospace production rather than only the number of aircraft. With a balanced fleet of fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft, trainers, and special mission aircraft, along with ongoing modernisation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the IAF continues to strengthen its global standing.

The AUSTRAHIND 2024 joint military exercise between India and Australia was conducted in Pune from November 8 to 21, 2024. The exercise forms an important part of the growing defence cooperation under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It aims to strengthen interoperability, improve operational coordination, and enhance mutual understanding between the armed forces of both countries. Along with other bilateral and multilateral exercises such as AUSINDEX, Tarang Shakti, Pitch Black, and Talisman Sabre, AUSTRAHIND reflects the commitment of India and Australia to deepen defence collaboration and promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Indonesia strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by signing 14 agreements covering defence, maritime security, trade, digital payments, education, space, critical minerals, and other strategic sectors. As part of the defence cooperation, Indonesia decided to procure India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems and Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs). These agreements were announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta in July 2026. The partnership also reinforces cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, promotes regional stability, and expands India's growing defence exports and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia.