In Defence Current Affairs for 18 August 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Defence Current Affairs 18 August 2026
India–Thailand Exercise MAITREE-XV 2026
The Indian Army has sent a contingent to Thailand to participate in the 15th edition of the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV. The exercise is scheduled to take place from 18 to 31 August 2026 at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand.
The exercise is an important platform for both countries to improve military cooperation, exchange operational experience and develop greater interoperability between their armed forces.
Indian and Thai Army Participation
Both the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army are represented by contingents of 85 personnel each.
The Indian contingent is primarily drawn from the 9 Gorkha Rifles, while the Royal Thai Army contingent consists of personnel from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division.
The exercise will feature company-level joint training, with particular emphasis on operations in jungle and semi-urban environments.
Focus on Counter-Terrorism Operations
A major objective of MAITREE-XV is to improve the ability of the two armies to conduct joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
The training will be conducted in accordance with the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. Through realistic training scenarios, participating troops will work on coordination, tactical procedures and operational responses in challenging terrain.
Longstanding Defence Partnership
Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006 and has become an important mechanism for strengthening defence ties between India and Thailand.
The exercise provides opportunities for soldiers of both countries to exchange best practices, operational experiences and military knowledge. The previous edition was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
India Signs ₹1,943 Crore Contract for Two MQ-9B Sea Guardian Aircraft
The Ministry of Defence has signed an agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) for leasing two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to the Indian Navy.
The contract, worth approximately ₹1,943 crore, provides for a leasing period of 30 months. It was signed on 17 August 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi, in the presence of Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, Shri A. Anbarasu.
Strengthening Maritime Surveillance
The MQ-9B Sea Guardian systems are equipped with advanced sensors, sophisticated payloads and other modern systems. Their deployment is expected to strengthen the Indian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities.
The aircraft can provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage over extensive maritime areas.
This capability is particularly important for monitoring developments across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), enabling India to maintain better awareness of maritime activity and respond more effectively to emerging situations.
Key Facts
- System: MQ-9B Sea Guardian
- Type: HALE RPAS
- User: Indian Navy
- Number: 2
- Lease period: 30 months
- Contract value: Approximately ₹1,943 crore
- Company: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
- Main capability: Maritime Domain Awareness and ISR
India–US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 Concludes in Kochi
The eighth edition of the India–US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 concluded at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on 14 August 2026.
The bilateral exercise provided personnel from both navies with an opportunity to exchange professional knowledge, operational experience and best practices related to specialised Explosive Ordnance Disposal operations.
Focus Areas
The exercise included Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) covering several important areas, including:
- Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threats
- Render-safe procedures
- Mine neutralisation
- Use of unmanned underwater systems
The training also included a cross-training component involving various diving activities.
These included wreck location and salvage, use of specialised equipment and slithering operations.
Strengthening Interoperability
The joint training helped improve the professional capabilities and technical skills of the participating diving teams.
The exercise also contributed to greater mutual understanding and interoperability between the Indian and US navies, particularly in specialised maritime operations.
The successful completion of the exercise demonstrates the continuing emphasis placed by both countries on strengthening operational cooperation in areas involving maritime security and specialised naval capabilities.
Indrajaal Ranger Secures ₹155 Crore in Anti-Drone Orders
Indian defence technology companies Indrajaal Autonomous Defense Systems and Sigma Advanced Systems, based in Hyderabad, have secured new orders worth approximately ₹155 crore for the Indrajaal Ranger anti-drone platform.
The announcement was made on 17 August 2026 and highlights the growing importance of indigenous Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) in India’s security architecture.
₹145 Crore Border-Security Order
An order worth approximately ₹145 crore has been awarded to the Indrajaal-Sigma consortium for deployment in India’s border-security environment.
The contract reflects the increasing requirement for mobile systems capable of detecting and countering drones operating near sensitive areas.
₹10 Crore Urban Security Order
A separate order worth around ₹10 crore has been placed by Urban Police authorities.
Under this deployment, the Ranger system will be used for VVIP protection and urban security operations, demonstrating its potential application beyond conventional military roles.
Indrajaal Ranger
The Indrajaal Ranger is described as India’s only ARDTC-approved Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle. It has been developed as a mobile Counter-UAS platform capable of providing mission capabilities while operating at high speeds.
The growing use of drones for surveillance, smuggling and potential attacks has created a need for flexible counter-drone technologies.
The new orders therefore underline India’s increasing focus on indigenous and autonomous defence technologies for dealing with evolving aerial threats.
Lokayan 2026: INS Sudarshini Concludes Port Call at Ponta Delgada
Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini concluded its port visit to Ponta Delgada in the Azores on 16 August 2026 as part of Lokayan 2026.
The visit included professional and cultural engagements with the Portuguese Navy, contributing to closer maritime relations and greater camaraderie between the two naval forces.
Engagements with Portuguese Navy
A formal deck reception was organised aboard the Portuguese Navy’s sail training vessel NRP Sagres. This was followed by a reciprocal evening reception hosted aboard INS Sudarshini.
The event was attended by local military leadership, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora.
Independence Day Celebrations
INS Sudarshini also marked India’s 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 while at Ponta Delgada.
The ship was dressed overall and conducted a Colours ceremony to commemorate the occasion.
Next Phase of Lokayan 2026
Following its port call, INS Sudarshini sailed towards Lisbon.
On 21 August 2026, INS Sudarshini and NRP Sagres are scheduled to conduct a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) at sea. The exercise is expected to include coordinated sailing manoeuvres and communication drills.
The activity will further contribute to interoperability, maritime cooperation and professional interaction between the Indian and Portuguese navies.
Quick Revision
| Topic | Important Fact |
|---|---|
| MAITREE-XV | India–Thailand |
| Edition | 15th |
| Dates | 18–31 August 2026 |
| Venue | Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Thailand |
| Indian Army unit | 9 Gorkha Rifles |
| Personnel | 85 each |
| MAITREE instituted | 2006 |
| MQ-9B contract | ₹1,943 crore |
| MQ-9B user | Indian Navy |
| Lease period | 30 months |
| Exercise with US Navy | EOD Exercise |
| EOD edition | 8th |
| Venue | Southern Naval Command, Kochi |
| Indrajaal Ranger orders | ₹155 crore |
| Border-security order | ₹145 crore |
| Urban security order | ₹10 crore |
| Ship | INS Sudarshini |
| Port | Ponta Delgada, Azores |
| Mission | Lokayan 2026 |
| Next exercise | PASSEX with NRP Sagres |
Review Questions
- The 15th edition of Exercise MAITREE-XV 2026 is being conducted between India
and which country?
A) Vietnam
B) Thailand
C) Indonesia
D) Malaysia
Answer: B) Thailand - Where is Exercise MAITREE-XV 2026 being conducted?
A) Umroi, Meghalaya
B) New Delhi, India
C) Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani
D) Bangkok, Thailand
Answer: C) Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani - The Indian Navy has leased two MQ-9B Sea Guardian HALE RPAS from which
company?
A) Boeing
B) Airbus Defence
C) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
D) Lockheed Martin
Answer: C) General Atomics Aeronautical Systems - The India–US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 is primarily related to:
A) Anti-submarine warfare
B) Explosive Ordnance Disposal
C) Naval aviation
D) Cyber warfare
Answer: B) Explosive Ordnance Disposal - The Indrajaal Ranger platform is designed primarily for:
A) Anti-submarine warfare
B) Air-to-air combat
C) Counter-drone operations
D) Ballistic missile interception
Answer: C) Counter-drone operations - INS Sudarshini conducted its port call at Ponta Delgada as part of which initiative?
A) Mission SAGAR
B) Lokayan 2026
C) Operation Samudra Setu
D) Varuna 2026
Answer: B) Lokayan 2026 - The ALH MK III Helicopters Have Been Indigenously Manufactured By__.
A. Boeing
B. HAL
C. DRDO
D. Dassault Aviation
ANSWER: B - INS Satpura Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Guided Missile Stealth Frigate
ANSWER: D - HEAT Stands For _.
A. Highly Explosive Anti-Tank
B. Highest Explosive Anti-Tank
C. High Explosive Anti-Tank
D. High Explore Anti-Tank
ANSWER: C - Current Chairman DRDO Is__.
A. Dr. Samir Kamath
B. Dr. Rakesh
C. Dr. Rajiv Kumar
D. Rajesh Kumar Singh
ANSWER: D - The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Is A
A. Helicopter
B. Machine Gun
C. UAV
D. Transport Aircraft
ANSWER: D - Juba Is The Capital Of
A. South Sudan
B. Spain
C. Sweden
D. Maldives
ANSWER: A - “Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India” Book Is Written By
A. Urjit Patel
B. Stephen King
C. J.K Rowling
D. Amish Tripathi
ANSWER: D - Duty, Honour, Courage Is The Motto Of
A. Maratha Light Infantry
B. The Grenadiers
C. Rajput Regiment
D. Jat Regiment
ANSWER: A - Prahaar Missile Manufactured By
A. MDL
B. BDL
C. CSL
D. DRDO
ANSWER: B - Regimental Centre of GARHWAL RIFLES Is In
A. Happy Valley, Shillong, Meghalaya
B. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
C. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - INS Jalashwa Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Amphibious transport dock
ANSWER: D - Exercises B/w The India And UK Is Called:
A. Desert Eagle
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Indradhanush
ANSWER: D - How Many Countries Are In SAARC?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 8
D. 6
ANSWER: C - Current General of Indian Army of Indian Armed Forces Is
A. Gen Anil Chauhan
B. Gen Bipin Rawat
C. Gen M M Narravane
D. General Dhiraj Seth
ANSWER: A
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