The Indian government has refuted a Bloomberg report claiming a new $2 billion submarine deal with Russia, clarifying that any discussions pertain to a previously established 2019 contract for a nuclear-powered submarine, with delivery now expected in 2028. Concurrently, reports suggest that India is finalizing a $2 billion lease for a Russian nuclear submarine, marking a significant move in defense procurement just ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. This deal, which aims to enhance India’s naval capabilities and training for nuclear operations, highlights ongoing defense coop…
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The Defence Symposium 2.0 at IIT Bombay, scheduled for December 22-24, 2025, will convene India’s top military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, to address national security, frontier technologies, and the burgeoning field of defence tourism. This significant event underscores India’s commitment to military innovation and its evolving role as a global hub for defence-related tourism, highlighting the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and cybersecurity in modern warfare. The symposium aims to attract international attention, fostering knowl…
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The Indian Navy has extended its Maritime Capability Perspective Plan target to 2032, as articulated by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, emphasizing the need for a realistic approach amidst budgetary constraints. With indigenisation efforts achieving 90% for float components and a goal of 100% self-reliance by 2047, the Navy is focused on enhancing its fleet, currently comprising 138 ships and 264 aircraft, and plans for a second indigenous aircraft carrier. India’s strategic leadership in the Indian Ocean Region remains firm, countering Chinese influence while acting as a security partner for re…
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The Indian Navy has extended its Maritime Capability Perspective Plan (MCPP) to 2032 due to various constraints, according to Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to achieve indigenisation, with the objective of complete self-sufficiency by 2047. Currently, the Navy operates 138 ships and 264 aircraft, with over 51 ships under construction and plans for additional vessels and submarines. Addressing concerns about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, Saxena reaffirmed India’s strategic leadership and commitment to regional partne…
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India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for the establishment of a global framework to address the potential misuse of biological weapons, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation in light of evolving security threats. Speaking at a conference marking 50 years of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), he highlighted the absence of essential institutional structures and compliance mechanisms within the BWC, which could hinder effective governance of bioterrorism risks. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to advocating for stronger compliance measures a…
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Defence Secretary Rajesh K. Singh advocated for India to adopt a hybrid defence model akin to China’s, emphasizing the integration of public-sector strengths with private-sector agility to enhance the national defence industrial base. He outlined the necessity for reforms, such as merging Defence Public Sector Undertakings with private firms and establishing clear operational targets, to foster indigenous innovation and self-reliance. Singh’s approach aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming for a cohesive defence ecosystem that emphasizes collaboration…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, emphasized that reforms within India’s defense sector are no longer optional but a strategic necessity in light of evolving global and regional challenges. He identified various threats from India’s neighbourhood including terrorism, cross-border extremism, and maritime pressures, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and a clear purpose in India’s defense posture. Singh praised the armed forces as a formidable pillar of national resilience, asserting their crucial role in regional stability. He outlined ongoing r…
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India’s Defence Ministry is poised to request a 20% increase in its budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 to address escalating security challenges, as stated by Defence Secretary RK Singh. This proposed hike would translate to an additional $15.2 billion, with a significant portion allocated for procurement from domestic manufacturers, reflecting a commitment to bolster indigenous defense capabilities. Currently, 75% of the modernization budget is designated for local sourcing, with actual expenditures on Indian companies reaching nearly 88%. Singh emphasized the need for timely deliveries from…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed IAS trainees at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, emphasizing the necessity of integrity in public service and urging young civil servants to embrace honesty as a daily norm. He highlighted the role of ethical governance in India’s progress, linking it to the nation’s aspiration for self-reliance and development by 2047. Singh pointed to the significance of technology in enhancing transparency and public outreach, citing the SAMPURNA initiative as an example of AI-driven improvements in defence procurement processes. He reinfor…
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India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on November 28, 2025, plans to seek a nearly 20% increase in the defence budget for FY26, building on the current Rs 6.8 lakh crore allocation to bolster military modernization and operational readiness amid a challenging neighbourhood. This strategic push addresses the dip in defence spending as a percentage of GDP—currently at 1.9%—aiming to elevate it toward 2.5% while prioritizing domestic procurement exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore to foster self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The enhancement underscores India’s resol…
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Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te announced a proposal for an additional $40 billion in defense spending to reinforce the island’s military capabilities amid increasing pressure from China. This budget aims to enhance Taiwan’s asymmetrical defense strategies and plans for significant arms purchases from the United States, reflecting ongoing calls from Washington for Taipei to bolster its defense efforts. The proposed defense budget for 2026 would reach approximately T$949.5 billion (around $30.25 billion), marking a historic threshold of 3.32% of GDP. Lai emphasized that while Taiwan seeks dialo…
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The Pakistan government has approved an additional PKR 50 billion (approximately Rs 1,576.73 crore) supplementary budget for its armed forces, aimed at bolstering security at international borders and upgrading naval bases, amidst ongoing tensions with India. In contrast, India’s defense budget for the same period exceeds INR 6.81 lakh crore, with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi affirming India’s readiness to respond decisively to any provocation from Pakistan, citing the successful Operation Sindoor as indicative of India’s military preparedness. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to co…
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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has issued a stern warning to Indian defence manufacturers regarding the critical importance of meeting delivery timelines, highlighting ongoing issues with delays and overstated indigenisation claims. His remarks underscore the urgency for improved coordination between policy makers and the defence establishment, especially as India faces growing threats from adversaries like Pakistan and China. The need for timely and credible military capabilities is paramount, as delays in equipment delivery can compromise operational readiness. The call for self…
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Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh emphasized that Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, directly translates to strategic autonomy for India, demonstrated during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. He highlighted the critical role of indigenous systems, which allowed decisive action without external dependencies, while acknowledging existing challenges such as extended timelines, integration issues, and reliance on imported high-end technologies. Singh advocated for a shift in the Indian defense industry from mere assembly to innovation and design sovereignty, asserting that comprehensive indigenous…
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French President Emmanuel Macron announced a substantial increase in military space funding, committing an additional €4.2 billion (approximately $4.9 billion) for military space activities through 2030, raising the total to €10.2 billion. This funding aims to bolster France’s autonomous space defense capabilities in response to intensifying global competition and threats, with plans to deploy patrol and inspection satellites by 2027. Macron emphasized the importance of European strategic autonomy, reducing reliance on external powers for critical space infrastructure. This announcement co…
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DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has advocated for funding autonomy to enhance India’s defense innovation, proposing an amendment to the General Financial Rules (GFR) to treat defense research as a strategic investment. During the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2025, he emphasized the necessity of a flexible funding mechanism to foster bold experimentation in R&D, drawing inspiration from the U.S. DARPA model. This approach aims to empower start-ups and private sectors in defense technology, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi supported this view, hi…
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Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently emphasized the importance of human intuition and geographical realities amid the rapid technological evolution in warfare, highlighting insights from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a crucial learning ground for India’s military strategy. Speaking at the Cavalry Seminar 2025 in New Delhi, he outlined the Indian Army’s strategic priorities, including the establishment of a dedicated Rocket Force by 2032, aimed at enhancing deterrence through advanced long-range strike systems and AI-assisted targeting. General Dwivedi underscored that while technol…
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India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has taken a cautious stance regarding the potential co-production of Russia’s Su-57 fighter jet, prioritizing the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program to bolster India’s fifth-generation capabilities. While discussions with Russia are ongoing, Singh emphasized India’s commitment to self-reliance, asserting that the country aims to acquire technology rather than ready-made products. Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reportedly assessing the feasibility of repurposing part of its Nashik production line for the Su-57, alt…
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The Sapta Shakti Command, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), convened a significant security synergy seminar titled “A Whole-of-Nation Approach (WoNA) to Counter Future Conflicts” at the Jaipur Military Station. The two-day event aimed to enhance collaboration among the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, civil administration, academia, and industry, emphasizing the necessity of a unified national security framework in a volatile global environment. Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh underscored the evolving nature of modern warfare, which transcen…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently acknowledged delays in India’s indigenous nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) program but indicated a renewed momentum towards self-reliance in underwater capabilities amid escalating maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved funding for two SSNs under Project 77, with the first vessel expected to be commissioned around 2036-37. Concurrently, India is leasing Russian Akula-class submarines, including the delayed INS Chakra-III, as a strategic stopgap to enhance its underwater combat fleet against threats fro…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to conduct the annual performance review of 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in New Delhi on November 10. As part of a strategic push for indigenisation and technological advancement, the minister aims to double R&D investments to Rs 32,766 crore over the next five years, with new DPSUs formed from the Ordnance Factory Board contributing significantly. The DPSUs have demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving a turnover of Rs 1.08 lakh crore and a 51% increase in exports in 2024-25. The event will also unveil a new R&D Manual for Hindustan Aero…
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Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane emphasized that Operation Sindoor represents a significant inflection point for India’s defense policy, marking a decisive shift in the country’s approach towards cross-border terrorism. Speaking at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit 2025, he stated that the operation, initiated on May 7, 2025, in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, has highlighted India’s political will and military capability to conduct necessary operations. Gen Naravane asserted that the operation showcased a calibrated tri-services response that successfully ta…
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Pakistan’s government has introduced a Constitutional amendment to create the position of Chief of Defence Forces, aimed at enhancing coordination among the military branches. The 27th Constitutional Amendment proposes that the President appoints military chiefs on the Prime Minister’s advice, alongside provisions for lifetime promotions to senior ranks like Field Marshal. This reform follows insights drawn from recent military confrontations with India, particularly the four-day conflict in May that prompted India to undertake Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Th…
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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will conduct the annual performance review of the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in New Delhi on November 10, 2025, marking 2025 as the Year of Reforms aimed at boosting technological advancements, exports, and indigenisation in the defense sector. Over the past decade, these DPSUs invested Rs 30,952 crore in research and development (R&D), with plans to double this to Rs 32,766 crore in the next five years. The seven newly formed DPSUs from the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board are expected to contribute over Rs 3,000 crore for R&D…
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The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has approved 13 defense and paramilitary projects primarily in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, enhancing India’s border security capabilities. These projects, proposed by the Ministry of Defence, ITBP, and BRO, include the establishment of new border outposts, training facilities, and ammunition storage, while ensuring strict environmental safeguards to protect fragile ecosystems. Notably, the approval for a training node at Tara, located at an altitude of 15,500 feet, emphasizes the strategic need for reali…
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