1. Exercise KHANJAR underway at Misamari in Assam

The 13th edition of the India–Kyrgyzstan Joint Military Exercise KHANJAR 2026 is underway at Misamari, Assam. Scheduled from 4 to 17 February, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the special forces of both nations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate. Exercise KHANJAR reflects the shared commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan to regional peace and security, further strengthening defence cooperation, camaraderie and mutual trust between the two armies.

2. Indian Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force conduct joint exercise

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undertaking a joint in-situ air exercise with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The exercise is designed to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two air forces. IAF Su-30MKI, AWACS, AEW&C and IL-78 refuelling aircraft are participating alongside RTAF Gripen fighters, reinforcing Indo-Thai defence cooperation and regional synergy.

3. Defence Secretary meets Foreign Affairs Minister of Seychelles

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held a productive call today with Mr Barry Faure, Minister for Foreign Affairs & the Diaspora of the Republic of Seychelles. Major General Michael Anselme Marc Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, Seychelles Defence Forces, was also present.

Both sides held wide-ranging discussions on defence and security cooperation, focusing on maritime security, capacity building, defence training, and enhanced collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, secure and stable maritime neighbourhood under India’s MAHASAGAR Vision.

4. Defence Ministry invites suggestions for Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure-2026

The Department of Defence has prepared the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2026 to promote jointness, Atmanirbhar Bharat, integration, force modernisation and faster acquisition processes, along with scaling up production to strengthen the country’s defence ecosystem.

The draft seeks to align India’s defence acquisition framework with the evolving geo-strategic landscape, economic growth, human capital development, the expansion of the private defence industry, and the technological demands of modern warfare.

Once approved, it will replace the existing Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020. DAP remains the cornerstone of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in defence, with institutionalised preference for the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured), aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing imports.

5. Engine Factory Avadi places order for 600 HP engine development

Engine Factory Avadi, a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has placed an order with M/s FEV India Pvt Ltd for the development of a 600 HP power pack for tracked vehicles. The project is expected to significantly enhance indigenous capability and strengthen the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.

6. Southern Command Chief reviews Exercise RUDRA SHAKTI

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, reviewed Exercise RUDRA SHAKTI, an all-arms manoeuvre exercise with live firing conducted by the Rudra Brigade at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. The exercise validated the Indian Army’s capability to undertake high-intensity, integrated operations in evolving battlefield environments.

Exercise RUDRA SHAKTI was conducted as a follow-up to Exercise AKHAND PRAHAR, which earlier validated the Rudra Brigade and new operational concepts in the desert sector. The live firing focused on enhancing combat integration and operational effectiveness through the synchronised employment of mechanised forces, artillery, air defence units, Army Aviation assets including ALH-WSI and Apache helicopters, as well as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS capabilities, demonstrating seamless synergy across land, air and digital domains.

During the review, the Army Commander interacted with troops and commended all ranks for their exemplary training standards, professionalism and operational preparedness, lauding their ability to execute complex missions with speed, precision and cohesion.

Chakra Desk

Chakra News is a specialised digital media platform committed to in-depth coverage of India’s defence, national security, geopolitics, and critical technologies.