In a strategic move, the Indian Army is set to deploy six Apache attack helicopters near the Pakistan border in Jodhpur, enhancing combat capabilities in the western desert. The choppers, arriving from the US in February-March, follow the training of over 50 pilots and technicians. With 22 Apaches already in service with the Indian Air Force, this deployment raises the joint inventory to 28. Boeing, in collaboration with Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, commenced production last August. The AH-64E helicopters, known for advanced technology and battle-tested performance, aim to elevate the Indian Army's operational effectiveness and defensive capabilities in the region.

The inaugural 'Desert Cyclone 2024' military exercise, involving India and the UAE, is set for January 2-15 in Rajasthan. Focused on enhancing interoperability, the joint manoeuvres aim to exchange knowledge and best practices, particularly in urban operations. The collaboration signifies the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, encompassing cultural, religious, and economic ties. Defence cooperation areas include equipment production, joint exercises, and strategic information sharing. Recent years have seen significant advancements in defence collaboration, emphasizing training, inventory supply, and regular exchange programs, reflecting the robust partnership between the two nations.

Responding to increased attacks on merchant ships, the Indian Navy reinforces maritime security with four destroyers, one frigate, and a P-8I patrol aircraft in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. A Predator Drone aids surveillance, while Dornier aircraft and helicopters enhance maritime monitoring. Recent incidents, including attacks on MV Ruen and MV Chem Pluto, prompt heightened vigilance. Task groups, including destroyers and frigates, conduct maritime security operations, supporting merchant vessels. INS Mormugao joins INS Kochi and INS Kolkata in the deployment, emphasizing a deterrent presence. Close coordination with the Coast Guard ensures effective surveillance of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Indian Navy has unveiled a new design for the epaulettes worn by senior officers, drawing inspiration from the royal seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Unveiled initially for the top three ranks of Admiral, Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral, the move replaces the previous colonial-era design featuring "Nelson's Ring." Announced by PM Modi during Navy Day celebrations, the new epaulettes integrate the naval ensign and reflect India's maritime heritage, shedding vestiges of the mentality of slavery. This follows previous Indianization efforts banning batons, allowing traditional wears, and reviewing ranks for over 65,000 sailors. While sailors will get new India-centric designations, officers' ranks will remain unchanged for now.

Today marks a historic moment as the Indian Navy is set to commission the INS Imphal, a groundbreaking stealth-guided missile destroyer, at Mumbai's naval dockyard. The warship, the first named after a Northeastern city, signifies a leap in indigenous naval capabilities. Constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited, INS Imphal boasts advanced features, including BrahMos missiles and a modern surveillance radar. With a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, it's a potent force in maritime defense. Notably, the ship successfully test-fired the extended-range supersonic BrahMos last month, a remarkable achievement for any indigenous warship. The ceremony, to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, underlines India's commitment to bolstering its naval strength and maritime security.

While India grapples with delays in the procurement of Predator drones from the US, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieves a significant milestone with the successful test of SWiFT, a prototype for the upcoming Ghatak stealth combat drone. The test, conducted in Chitradurga, Karnataka, positions India as a contender in the development of indigenous high-speed and stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicles. The SWiFT, featuring tailless configuration and advanced stealth technology, showcases India's commitment to self-reliance in defense capabilities, providing a strategic alternative amidst diplomatic challenges affecting international procurement agreements.            

France responds to the Indian Navy's request for 26 Rafale fighter jets, taking India a step closer to securing these aircraft for deployment on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Valued at approximately ₹50,000 crore, the deal aims to enhance the Navy's capabilities, addressing issues with the current MiG-29K fleet. The move comes amid regional considerations, with China expanding its naval presence, potentially operating a carrier battle group in the Indian Ocean. India evaluates the bid before entering contract negotiations with France, signaling a strategic upgrade in naval capabilities.

India has deployed two guided-missile destroyers, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, off the coast of Aden to boost naval security in the Arabian Sea region. This comes as the US announced a coalition of nations to protect commercial ships from Iran-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Sea near Yemen. Along with the Houthi threat, piracy by Somali groups also endangers vessels in the area, with the recent hijacking of a Maltese ship. Disruptions to the key Red Sea transit route could severely impact global oil supplies and prices. India's naval presence intends to enhance overall maritime security amid heightened tensions that threaten critical shipping lanes. Any major assault on commercial vessels could have far-reaching economic consequences due to heavy reliance on oil imports via this passage.

Former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane disclosed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh granted him a free hand to handle a tense situation with China in August 2020. Singh's directive, "Jo ucchit samjho woh karo" (Do whatever you deem appropriate), was revealed in Naravane's memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny.' The memoir details a night of high tension, with phone calls between Singh, the external affairs minister, the national security advisor, and the chief of defence staff. Naravane, tasked with a critical decision, reflected on the gravity of the situation before taking action in response to the Chinese PLA's movements in Ladakh.

The Indian Navy on Saturday said it responded to a hijacking incident in the Arabian Sea as six unknown men took over a Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen with 18 crew onboard. The Navy said its warship and maritime patrol aircraft responded swiftly to the hijacking incident involving the hijacking of Malta-flagged vessel MV Ruen on Friday evening. The operation was still on. “Responding swiftly to the developing situation, Indian Navy diverted its Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on Anti Piracy patrol in the Gulf Aden to locate & assist MV Ruen. The aircraft overflew the hijacked vessel on early morning of 15 Dec 23 and IN aircraft have been continuously monitoring movement of the vessel, which is now heading towards the coast of Somalia,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.