1. India-US Special Forces to conduct Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026

The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026, a premier joint Special Forces engagement between the Indian Army and the United States Army, will be held at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 23 February to 15 March 2026. The exercise is designed to deepen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability and joint operational readiness, and enable the exchange of advanced special operations tactics, techniques and procedures. Through rigorous training in realistic scenarios, both contingents will strengthen mutual trust and operational synergy.

2. India and Japan to conduct Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026

Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026, a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, is set to be conducted soon. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, and promote coordination in joint operations, particularly in counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance scenarios.

3. Sukhoi-57 emerging as the first choice for IAF fifth-generation fighter

After clearing the Rafale jet deal with France, India is now set to formalise the procurement of a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, with the Sukhoi-57 from Russia emerging as the first choice, according to a report by The Tribune. The jet had made a flying demonstration at Aero India in Bengaluru in February last year.

The Ministry of Defence and the IAF discussed the immediate need for a fifth-generation jet amid China’s growing fleet, sources said. China has operational fifth-generation jets, the J-20 and the J-35, and has promised to provide these to Pakistan. This was among the first “sops” Beijing announced for Islamabad after the India-Pakistan conflict in May last year. The Russian Sukhoi-57 is being considered as a stopgap until India’s own fifth-generation jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is ready in about 10 years.

The US option of a fifth-generation jet, the F-35, is not being considered, as India fears potential US restrictions on operating such a platform. These could include non-integration of Indian weapons. The existing IAF fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI jets has integrated systems such as the BrahMos and was used in Operation Sindoor. Without such integration, India may be compelled to procure costly Western-origin weapons.

4. India eyes FCAS fighter jet with France

India is exploring the possibility of teaming up with France for co-development and co-manufacture of a futuristic sixth-generation fighter under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, according to a report by The Print. Initial talks have already been held on India’s potential entry into the programme, which was launched in 2017 by France, Germany, and Spain to ensure European sovereignty in defence and security.

However, nearly nine years later, the ambitious project is facing turbulence, with sharp differences over leadership and workshare threatening its future. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently stated that the €100 billion programme “no longer works” for him, while emphasising that the issue is technical rather than political. France requires a jet capable of carrying nuclear weapons and operating from aircraft carriers, while Germany does not, given its anti-nuclear stance and closure of nuclear power plants. The companies involved include Dassault Aviation (France), Airbus (Germany/Spain), and Indra Sistemas (Spain).

5. Another LCA Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashes

The Indian Air Force has lost another Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in an accident, with the fleet now undergoing extensive checks as investigations into the incident continue.

The accident occurred earlier this month at a key air base while the fighter was landing after a training sortie. The aircraft was severely damaged and is likely to be written off, though the pilot escaped without serious injury.

The incident involved one of the 32 single-seat LCAs delivered to the Air Force by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Deliveries of the more advanced Mk1A variant have been delayed, missing multiple deadlines. The Indian Air Force has placed orders for 180 LCA Mk1A aircraft. This marks the third major accident involving the Tejas fleet.

The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer during a firepower demonstration, where the pilot ejected safely. The second crash occurred on December 21 during the Dubai Airshow 2025, while performing a barrel roll manoeuvre, in which the pilot lost his life.

6. India to discuss Israeli Sky Sting missile during PM Modi’s visit

India is likely to advance discussions on procuring the Israeli-origin “Sky Sting” long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on 25 February, according to a report by The Indian Express. The missile, with an engagement envelope of around 250 km, is being positioned to plug a critical gap in the Indian Air Force’s long-range air combat capability.

According to the report, the proposal is expected to follow a phased route, beginning with an off-the-shelf acquisition, followed by localised production with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems. If approved, the system will undergo trials and integration validation before induction and operationalisation.

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.