India’s Major Defence Deals & Exercises in 2025 – NDA Aspirants Must Know!

When preparing for the NDA written exam, especially the GAT (General Ability Test) paper, staying updated with current affairs—particularly defence-related news—is non-negotiable. India’s defence ecosystem is dynamic, and every year brings in new military deals, strategic partnerships, and large-scale joint exercises. These are not just important from an exam point of view but also help you understand the broader picture of India’s defence preparedness and diplomacy.

So, let’s explore the major defence deals and military exercises of 2025 that every NDA aspirant must revise before entering the exam hall.

🚀 Top Defence Deals India Signed in 2025

1. India-France Rafale-M Deal for Indian Navy

• Deal Worth: Approx. $6 Billion

• What’s New: India signed a deal for 26 Rafale-M (Marine variant) fighter jets for its aircraft carriers – INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

• Why Important: Strengthens naval air power and interoperability with existing IAF Rafale fleet.

2. BrahMos Supersonic Missile Export to Philippines (Phase 2)

• Client Country: Philippines

• Value: ~$375 million for Phase 2

• Why It Matters: Boosts India’s image as a defence exporter and reflects the success of indigenous tech.

3. MQ-9B Predator Drone Deal with the US Finalized

• Number of Drones: 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs

• Deal Value: Around $3.9 Billion

• Significance: Enhances India’s surveillance and strike capability along maritime and land borders.

4. AK-203 Assault Rifles Mass Production in Amethi

• Collaboration: Indo-Russian joint venture

• Status: Mass production started in 2025

• Key Detail: Replaces INSAS rifles, boosting infantry weaponry with modern tech.

5. S-400 Air Defence System – 3rd Regiment Delivery Completed

• Partner Country: Russia

• Importance: Strengthens India’s air defence shield against aerial threats, especially in northern and eastern sectors.

🌐 Major Joint Military Exercises Conducted in 2025

1. Yudh Abhyas 2025 – India-US Army Exercise

• Location: Alaska, USA

• Focus: Cold weather warfare, joint operations in high-altitude terrain

• Why It’s Key: Helps Indian Army learn advanced techniques for sub-zero combat operations.

2. Varuna 2025 – India-France Naval Drill

• Location: Western Seaboard of India

• Focus: Aircraft carrier ops, anti-submarine warfare, joint naval operations

• Relevance: Reflects strong Indo-French naval ties.

3. Garuda 2025 – Indo-French Air Force Exercise

• Venue: Jodhpur, Rajasthan

• Aircraft Involved: Rafale, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30 MKI

• Highlight: Strengthens interoperability and advanced air combat tactics.

4. Malabar 2025 – Quad Naval Exercise

• Participating Nations: India, USA, Japan, Australia

• Venue: Pacific Ocean

• Importance: Strategic counter to China's maritime expansion, strengthens QUAD alliance.

5. Indra 2025 – India-Russia Tri-Service Drill

• Focus: Counter-terrorism, joint combat operations

• Unique Factor: Includes Army, Navy, and Air Force – a rare joint-service drill.

6. Exercise Shakti 2025 – India-France Army Drill

• Location: France

• Theme: Counter-insurgency and mountain warfare

• Why Important: Sharpens India's troop readiness for asymmetrical warfare.

  
  

📚 Why NDA Aspirants Must Know These?

1. Direct Questions in GAT Paper: UPSC often asks about recent defence deals, delivery timelines, or joint exercises.

2. Boosts Interview Performance: In SSB, awareness of strategic defence updates shows your seriousness and maturity.

3. Adds Value in Essays/Group Discussions: These facts make your arguments stronger and grounded in current reality.

🔍 Quick Revision Table – Exercises & Partners

Exercise Name	Partner Nation(s)	Service Branch	Focus Area
Yudh Abhyas 2025	USA	Army	Cold-weather & high-altitude ops
Varuna 2025	France	Navy	Carrier ops, naval synergy
Garuda 2025	France	Air Force	Air combat training
Malabar 2025	US, Japan, Australia	Navy	Maritime security, Indo-Pacific
Indra 2025	Russia	Tri-Services	Counter-terrorism
Shakti 2025	France	Army	Mountain warfare, CI ops

✍️ Final Thoughts

As an NDA aspirant, you are not just preparing for an exam—you are training your mind to think like a future officer. That means being informed about national security, defence preparedness, and India’s international military collaborations.

Tip: Make a weekly habit of reading defence news from PIB, Ministry of Defence, or reliable defence portals. Maintaining a personal current affairs notebook for defence updates will go a long way in boosting both your written exam and SSB prep.

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