<P> To protect IAF assets on the ground, there has been a search for short - range surface - to - air missile . India has begun deploying six Akash surface - to - air missile (SAM) squadrons in the northeast to deter Chinese jets, helicopters and drones against any misadventure in the region . The IAF has started taking delivery of the six Akash missile squadrons, which can "neutralise" multiple targets at a 25 kilometres (16 mi) interception range in all weather conditions, earmarked for the eastern theatre . The IAF has already deployed the first two Akash squadrons at the Mirage - 2000 base in Gwalior and the Sukhoi base in Pune . </P> <P> The Indian Coast Guard (Hindi: भारतीय तटरक्षक, Bhāratīya Taṭarakṣaka) (ICG) is the fourth independent armed force of India It protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, over territorial and international waters . The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 18 August 1978 by The Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India . It operates under the Ministry of Defence . </P> <P> The Assam Rifles trace their lineage to a paramilitary police force that was formed under the British in 1835 called Cachar Levy . Since then the Assam Rifles have undergone a number of name changes before the name Assam Rifles was finally adopted in 1917 . Over the course of its history, the Assam Rifles, and its predecessor units, have served in a number of roles, conflicts and theatres including World War I where they served in Europe and the Middle East, and World War II where they served mainly in Burma . In the post-World War II period, the Assam Rifles have expanded greatly as has their role . There are currently 46 battalions of Assam Rifles under the control of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). They perform many roles including: the provision of internal security under the control of the army through the conduct of counter insurgency and border security operations, provision of aid to the civil power in times of emergency, and the provision of communications, medical assistance and education in remote areas . In times of war they can also be used as a combat force to secure rear areas if needed . </P> <P> The Special Frontier Force (SFF) is India's paramilitary unit . It was initially conceived in the post Sino - Indian war period as a guerrilla force composed mainly of Tibetan refugees whose main goal was to conduct covert operations behind Chinese lines in case of another war between the People's Republic of China and India . Later, its composition and roles were expanded . </P>

India would be holding its first joint naval exercise with which nation