Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on its 68th Foundation Day, highlighting its crucial role in bolstering India’s defence capabilities and advancing the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He commended DRDO’s commitment to developing indigenous weapon systems that enhance the nation’s strategic autonomy, particularly referencing the success of Operation Sindoor, where DRDO technologies proved vital. The Minister emphasized the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration with the private sector to …

Russia has reportedly offered India the Krasukha-2 Electronic Warfare (EW) System, a ground-based platform designed to jam and deceive hostile radar systems, particularly to protect the advanced S-400 Triumf air defense network. This system disrupts airborne early warning radar signals, misdirects radar-guided missile seekers, and creates false targets, thereby enhancing India’s integrated air defense strategy. The integration of Krasukha-2 with indigenous radar efforts, such as the DRDO’s AWACS and upcoming Netra Mk2, signifies India’s commitment …

The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the “Year of Networking & Data Centricity,” emphasizing the importance of enhanced connectivity, real-time decision-making, and combat effectiveness to ensure a future-ready force. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the decade-long transformation of the Army, focusing on jointness, self-reliance, and innovation through indigenous technologies. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to national security, noting that Operation Sindoor remains active in responding to threats. This initiative builds on previous efforts, …

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council has approved the procurement of SPICE-1000 glide bomb kits from Israel, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s long-range precision strike capabilities. While DRDO’s indigenously developed Gaurav glide bomb offers certain advantages, including a longer range of 30-150 km, it lacks the advanced electro-optical seeker found in the SPICE-1000, which allows for near-pinpoint accuracy even in adverse conditions. The SPICE-1000, with a cost of approximately $480,000, is deemed essential for operations requiring …

Russian drone strikes have intensified in Ukraine, demonstrating a significant increase in the operational range of their drones, which poses a pressing threat to Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. The Institute for the Study of War highlights recent attacks on key assets, including a Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter and an An-26 transport aircraft, underscoring the urgent need for advanced air defense systems in Ukraine. Experts suggest that innovative Russian tactics, including ultra-low altitude attacks and the use of …

The Indian Ministry of Defence has sanctioned critical funding for the indigenous development of a 1,350 horsepower engine for the T-90 Bhishma Main Battle Tank, enhancing the Army’s armoured capabilities in challenging terrains. This initiative, under the MAKE-I procurement framework, aims for at least 50% indigenous content while addressing the performance limitations of the existing 1,000 HP engines, particularly in high-altitude regions like eastern Ladakh. The new power pack will significantly improve the tanks’ power-to-weight …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has marked a significant milestone in India’s aviation sector with the successful inaugural flight of the Dhruv New Generation (NG) civil helicopter, achieving civil certification for its indigenous Shakti engine. This 5.5-tonne twin-engine helicopter, an upgraded variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter, is designed to perform a variety of roles including VIP transport, medical evacuation, and offshore logistics, showcasing India’s growing engineering capabilities and commitment to self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing. HAL …

India successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles off the Odisha coast, part of user evaluation trials by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The test, which occurred at 10:30 am, confirmed that both missiles met all flight objectives, showcasing their precision and reliability. The Pralay missile, a surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile with a range of 150 to 500 km, can carry multiple warheads and employs advanced guidance systems. Defence Minister Rajnath …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120), achieving a maximum range of 120 km and demonstrating precise targeting capabilities. This milestone, which follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval for the procurement of these advanced rockets, significantly enhances the Indian Army’s long-range firepower. The LRGR-120’s integration with existing Pinaka systems allows for strategic cost-effectiveness, as it can be deployed from current launchers …

Russia is set to showcase its HAL-branded SJ-100 and Il-114-300 regional aircraft at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad, highlighting a strategic partnership with India in civil aviation. The United Aircraft Corporation will display a model of the SJ-100, reflecting the localization efforts under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. A potential contract with Flamingo Aerospace for the supply of six Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft could enhance India’s regional connectivity, especially in underserved areas. This event underscores the …

India’s fourth ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), S4*, has commenced sea trials and achieved a historic 80% indigenous content, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s quest for self-reliance in defense. This advanced platform, an iteration of the Arihant-class, boasts enhancements including a larger weapons payload and improved system integration, reducing dependence on foreign imports. The upcoming S5 SSBNs aim for over 90% indigenization, while Project-77 targets 95% for nuclear-powered attack submarines, underscoring India’s strategic pivot …

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has successfully dispatched the second wing set for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A in a record time of 128 days, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This achievement enhances the Indian Air Force’s fleet modernization efforts and underscores the growing capability of the private sector to meet military production standards. L&T’s efficient processes allow for the potential delivery of three wing sets annually, …

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved a 9,000 crore project for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to convert six Boeing 767 aircraft into aerial refueling tankers, marking a significant step in modernizing its fleet and addressing gaps left by the ageing IL-78s. This initiative, a collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), incorporates extensive technology transfer, enhancing India’s domestic defense capabilities. The project will utilize commercially viable airframes, ensuring lower …

On December 30, 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 1,896 crore contract with Italy’s WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. for 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes, including associated equipment, to bolster the Indian Navy’s underwater combat prowess. This deal, part of broader Rs 4,666 crore procurements inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi, targets integration with the six Kalvari-class submarines under Project-75. Deliveries commence from April 2028, …

The US Army has established a dedicated career pathway for officers specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), marking the creation of the 49B AI/ML Officer position to enhance its capabilities in an increasingly data-driven military environment. This initiative, effective from January 2026, aims to develop in-house experts adept at utilizing AI for critical applications such as battlefield decision-making and logistics optimization. From an Indian strategic perspective, this move highlights the escalating global …

Israel has marked a pivotal advancement in air defense capabilities with the operational deployment of the Iron Beam high-power laser system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This system, successfully tested against various aerial threats, integrates into Israel’s existing multi-layered defense architecture, which includes the Iron Dome and Arrow systems. Its cost-effective model, relying solely on energy supply, is expected to enhance Israel’s resilience against aerial assaults from adversaries. For India, the rapid deployment and …

Bharat Forge Limited has secured a landmark contract worth Rs 1,661.9 crore from the Ministry of Defence for the supply of 255,128 CQB Carbines to the Indian Army, to be executed over the next five years. This significant order underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defense capabilities in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign defense imports. The 5.56 x 45 mm carbine reflects advancements in small arms …

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has secured a significant contract from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for a revolutionary Aquatic-Aerial UAV/UUV, enhancing India’s maritime surveillance capabilities. The dual-domain platform, which integrates aerial and underwater operations, is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, featuring stealth attributes and modular payloads for diverse applications such as anti-submarine warfare. This initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, promoting indigenous defense innovation, and is expected to boost operational …

Russia has completed the delivery of TVS-2M nuclear fuel to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, reinforcing India’s energy security amid ongoing cooperation with Russia. The Kudankulam facility, housing six VVER-1000 reactors with a total capacity of 6,000 megawatts, is pivotal for enhancing southern India’s grid stability. The advanced TVS-2M fuel allows for extended fuel cycles from 12 to 18 months, significantly improving reactor reliability and electricity generation. With Units 3 and 4 …

Russia has proposed supplying India with the Krasukha-2 electronic warfare system, designed to neutralize enemy airborne surveillance systems like AWACS, enhancing India’s defense capabilities. This system operates effectively within a 250-kilometre range and employs advanced jamming techniques to disrupt enemy command and control, reducing the effectiveness of guided missiles through deceptive signals. Integrating the Krasukha-2 with India’s S-400 missile defense could create an electronic “black hole,” safeguarding vital assets and complicating enemy operations. This strategic …

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is fast-tracking the development of the Astra Mk3, a next-generation air-to-air missile, aiming for operational induction by 2029. This Very Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (VLRAAM), featuring an advanced Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, is designed to engage high-value enemy assets from distances up to 350 km, significantly enhancing the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities. The Astra Mk3 boasts a superior “No-Escape Zone,” making it challenging for …

On the 68th Foundation Day of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the organisation’s commitment to scientific excellence and its crucial role in enhancing India’s defence preparedness. Established in 1958, DRDO is pivotal for achieving self-reliance in defence technologies, reinforcing India’s strategic autonomy and the confidence of its armed forces. Singh emphasized the importance of indigenous, future-ready technologies developed by DRDO, which encompasses 52 laboratories and a dedicated workforce …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the 120-km range Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha. This launch coincided with the project’s approval by the Defence Acquisition Council, indicating strong governmental support. The rocket demonstrated precise in-flight maneuvers, impacting its target with accuracy, and was launched from the existing Pinaka platform, showcasing its versatility. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Madras to develop an indigenous airborne digital communication system, marking a significant advancement towards self-reliance in defense technology. This collaboration aims to enhance strategic capabilities through advanced algorithms for networking and encryption, promoting technological sovereignty and operational efficiency. Air Vice Marshal R Guruhari emphasized that this partnership exemplifies the synergy between academic and defense institutions, contributing to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The …

On December 29, 2025, Israel’s Ministry of Defense announced the operational status of the Iron Beam high-energy laser air defense system and the induction of the SIGMA 155 self-propelled howitzer, known as Ro’em, into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Iron Beam, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, effectively neutralizes aerial threats such as rockets and drones using a 100-kilowatt beam, significantly enhancing Israel’s multi-layered defense architecture alongside existing systems like Iron Dome and David’s …