The NDA and CDS exams not only test your academic knowledge but also your awareness of current affairs and defence-related updates. Every year, UPSC asks direct and indirect questions from India’s military exercises and recent defence procurement deals.
For NDA 2025 and CDS 2025, knowing the key defence exercises and strategic deals of 2025 is absolutely essential. In this blog, THE LAKSHYA ACADEMY, the No.1 Defence Coaching in Delhi and India, brings you a complete, updated list to boost your preparation.
📌 Why Defence Exercises & Deals Matter in NDA/CDS Exams
- These are repeated topics in the General Knowledge (GS) paper.
- They reflect India’s strategic partnerships and military modernization.
- Questions may appear in MCQs, essay writing, or SSB interviews.
- Staying updated makes you stand out in group discussions and personal interviews.
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📌 Major Indian Defence Exercises 2025
1. Tiger Triumph 2025
- Tri-services exercise (Army, Navy, Air Force) with the US.
- Focus: Amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, joint combat drills.
- Venue: Visakhapatnam & Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
2. AIKEYME 2025 (Africa–India Maritime Engagement)
- First-ever India–Africa multilateral naval exercise.
- Participants: Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Mauritius, etc.
- Focus: Anti-piracy, surveillance, and maritime security cooperation.
3. Indra 2025
- India–Russia bilateral naval exercise.
- Venue: Bay of Bengal and Chennai coast.
- Focus: Anti-submarine warfare, fleet air defense, maritime patrol.
4. SIMBEX 2025
- India–Singapore Maritime Bilateral Exercise.
- Venue: South China Sea.
- Focus: Advanced naval drills, missile evasion, air-defense coordination.
5. Aakraman 2025
- Indian Air Force offensive-level exercise.
- Assets: Rafale, Su-30 MKI, AEW&C, Mirage-2000.
- Focus: Electronic warfare, precision strikes, combat readiness near LoC.
6. Bongosagar & CORPAT 2025
- India–Bangladesh bilateral naval cooperation.
- Focus: Maritime surveillance, anti-smuggling, and disaster relief.
7. Khanjar XII 2025
- India–Kyrgyzstan Special Forces exercise.
- Venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Focus: Counter-terrorism, mountain warfare, and urban combat.
Other Important Exercises
- Varuna 2025 – India–France Naval Exercise.
- Dharma Guardian 2025 – India–Japan Army Exercise.
- Dustlik 2025 – India–Uzbekistan counter-terror drills.
- Nomadic Elephant 2025 – India–Mongolia Mountain Warfare.
- Mitra Shakti 2025 – India–Sri Lanka Army Exercise.
- PASSEX with UK – Joint naval exercise in Arabian Sea.
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📌 Major Defence Deals of 2025
1. Rafale-Marine Deal
- 26 Rafale-M jets approved for Indian Navy aircraft carriers.
- Cost: Approx. $6 billion.
- Enhances naval strike capability in the Indian Ocean.
2. MQ-9B Predator Drones
- Deal for 31 MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones.
- Cost: Around $3.9 billion.
- Role: Long-range surveillance, precision targeting.
3. AK-203 Rifle Production
- Indo–Russian joint venture in Amethi.
- Replacing outdated INSAS rifles.
- Boosts infantry modernization under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
4. S-400 Missile System
- Third regiment delivered from Russia.
- Talks ongoing for more systems.
- Strengthens India’s air defense shield.
5. LCA Tejas Mark 1A Jets
- Approval for 97 new fighter jets.
- Cost: ₹66,500 crore.
- Big push for indigenous defence production.
6. Safran-AMCA Engine Development
- India–France partnership for AMCA stealth fighter engines.
- Key step for future indigenous 5th-gen aircraft.
7. Su-57 Fighter Jet Collaboration
- Talks with Russia to manufacture Su-57 jets in India.
- Would boost India’s 5th-gen fighter fleet.
8. Other Important Deals
- ₹6 billion procurement approval for tanks, torpedoes, radars.
- ₹223.95 crore contract for tank transporter trailers.
- Solar Group expansion in ammunition production.
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📌 Why This Matters for NDA & CDS Aspirants
- Defence exercises are static GK + current affairs.
- Defence deals reflect India’s security policy and are often asked in interviews.
- Awareness gives you an edge in written exams, SSB GDs, and PIQs.
By staying updated, you not only prepare for the exam questions but also build the mindset expected of a future Armed Forces officer.
📌 Conclusion
The year 2025 is crucial for India’s defence diplomacy and modernization. From Rafale-M deals to Indra and Tiger Triumph exercises, every development reflects India’s growing strategic strength.
For NDA and CDS aspirants, this is not optional knowledge – it’s mandatory preparation.
At THE LAKSHYA ACADEMY, we ensure our students stay ahead with updated notes, video lectures, and test series covering all these important topics.
👉 Join our CDS & NDA Foundation Courses for 2025–26 and start your preparation the smart way!
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