1. Lockheed Martin Offers Technology Transfer for India’s C-130J-Based MTA Bid

Lockheed Martin has offered to transfer technology for some parts of its C-130J Super Hercules if it wins India’s contract for 60 Medium Transport Aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Lockheed Martin Vice President Robert Toth said the deal could also provide India access to advanced defence and aerospace technologies. The Defence Ministry issued the MTA tender in August.

2. India and V4 Countries Agree to Deepen Defence Cooperation

India and the four Visegrád Group countries, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, also known as the V4 countries, have agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, technology, innovation, political and economic areas. The decision was taken at the first India-V4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. The countries also agreed to hold annual foreign ministers’ meetings and establish an annual business forum.

3. India-Mongolia Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ Begins in Pithoragarh

The 18th India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant began on September 21 at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise will continue until October 3, with 45 personnel from each side participating. The training includes counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, cyber security, special heliborne operations, drones and counter-drone systems.

4. Indian Navy Ships Join ADMM-Plus Maritime Activity in Philippines

Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on September 20 to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus Joint Cooperation Activity. The activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries for professional and operational engagements. It focuses on maritime interoperability, mutual understanding and cooperation.

5. Exercise ‘Tarang Shakti 2026’ to Begin in Jodhpur

The second edition of the Indian Air Force's multinational exercise Tarang Shakti will be held at Jodhpur from September 26 to October 12. More than 40 countries are expected to participate. India is expected to deploy Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters along with AEW&C, transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft. US F-35 fighters are reported as likely to participate, but the IAF has not officially confirmed their participation.

Savio Rodrigues

Savio Rodrigues is a Research Analyst at Escape Velocity MediaWorks Pvt Ltd and writes for Chakra News on Defence, Geopolitics, National Security. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Mumbai.