Recent discussions surrounding India’s defense theaterization plan highlight a divergence between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the government, emphasizing the importance of jointness over immediate structural changes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have underscored the operational necessity of tri-service coordination, particularly demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. However, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh has expressed reservations about hasty implementation, advocating for a joint planning and coordination center instead. The debate reflects bro…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a series of new publications aimed at enhancing transparency and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on October 1, 2025, during the 278th Annual Day celebration of the Defence Accounts Department in New Delhi. This initiative forms part of the Ministry of Defence’s Year of Reforms efforts to modernize and improve service delivery within the department. The launches underscore a commitment to modernization, greater transparency, and stronger support for the Defence Services. Singh also presented…
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In a significant push towards enhancing operational synergy among India’s armed forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the urgent need for jointness during a recent tri-services seminar. He articulated that overcoming traditional institutional silos is essential for addressing complex security challenges, particularly in the realms of cyber and information warfare. Highlighting the successful Operation Sindoor, Singh underscored the importance of integrated operations, which facilitated timely decision-making and improved situational awareness. He reiterated that in the evolving lan…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently emphasized the importance of tri-services jointness during a seminar at Subroto Park, Delhi, following the successful Operation Sindoor. He highlighted that enhancing integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force is vital for national security in an evolving threat landscape. The government aims to promote operational synergy through standardization of equipment, shared logistics, and combined training efforts, as discussed at the recent Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata. Steps toward deeper integration include establishing tri-service educatio…
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Despite the Indian defense forces being the largest employer in the country, they have been systematically excluded from meaningful representation in Central Pay Commissions since independence, while smaller services have secured a voice. Historically, the armed forces have lacked direct military representation in pay commissions starting from the 3rd Central Pay Commission onward, which included employees from all central government services but no military members. This exclusion has led to persistent grievances within the military regarding pay, allowances, pension, and status disparities w…
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the 42nd Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Commanders Conference in New Delhi, emphasizing the force’s pivotal role in safeguarding India’s extensive coastline and island territories amidst evolving maritime security challenges. He highlighted the growing complexities of maritime threats, including illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and cyber warfare, underscoring the need for advanced technology and continuous adaptation to ensure swift responses to external developments, particularly from regional instability in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Banglades…
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German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that the country faces a “high” threat from drones, prompting the government to consider new measures to enhance national security. This response follows several drone incursions in Denmark that disrupted air traffic, raising concerns across Europe, including in Germany, where authorities are investigating recent drone sightings. Dobrindt emphasized the need to protect critical infrastructure and large public gatherings, indicating that revisions to aviation security laws may allow armed forces to engage drones if necessary. This developmen…
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The Indian government is undertaking a significant overhaul of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), spurred by a push from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for a leaner and more agile R&D framework ahead of its 68th Foundation Day in January 2026. This restructuring, based on a report from a high-level committee, aims to address inefficiencies that have plagued DRDO, particularly concerning project delays and resource allocation. Key reforms include the establishment of a Department of Defence Science, Technology and Innovation to foster collaborations with private entiti…
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India’s ambitious military reform initiative, theaterisation, is currently stalled due to ambiguities surrounding rank and command authority. The complexity arises from the historical evolution of military ranks, where four-star Service Chiefs in Delhi appear to overshadow three-star Commanders-in-Chief in the field, leading to a dilution of operational command. The recently passed Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, 2023, while providing some statutory recognition, does not adequately address the operational command gap crucial for effective joint operations. A…
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Retired Vice Admiral Girish Luthra has underscored the stalling of India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2), INS Vishal, emphasizing the need for clarity amidst rising regional tensions. Initially envisioned in 2015 as a 65,000-tonne CATOBAR vessel capable of significant operational efficiency, advancements have lagged due to funding issues and strategic debates between adopting advanced foreign technologies versus indigenous capabilities. The recent reaffirmation of IAC-2 under the Navy’s Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) for a 2035-2040 induction signals a po…
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Olee.space, a leader in photonics and defense technology, has appointed Air Vice Marshal Rajiva Ranjan VM (Retd) as its Strategic Defense Advisor, enhancing its focus on developing advanced systems for India’s defense and aerospace sectors. With over three decades of experience in the Indian Air Force, AVM Ranjan will guide the company’s initiatives in optics and space-based defense technologies, particularly in high-energy laser systems for multi-domain warfare. This collaboration is poised to bolster India’s defense preparedness and promote technological self-reliance, reflecting the natio…
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India is set to significantly bolster its defense capabilities over the next decade, with a focus on indigenisation and reducing reliance on foreign imports, as stated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Targeting an annual capital expenditure of $25-30 billion, the government aims for at least 75% of this spending to occur domestically. The recently unveiled 15-year Defence Technology and Innovation Roadmap emphasizes advancing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, and precision munitions. Singh highlighted India’s shift towards technology transfer agreeme…
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The United States has called for increased civilian oversight of Pakistan’s defense and intelligence budgets, highlighting a lack of transparency in its 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report. This recommendation aims to enhance fiscal accountability amid Pakistan’s financial challenges, where defense allocations have surged by nearly 20% to Rs 2.55 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. The report underscores persistent gaps in debt disclosure and legislative oversight in defense spending, urging Pakistan to publish budget proposals promptly to foster public trust and attract international investmen…
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India is contemplating the establishment of a strategic reserve for critical minerals essential for defense manufacturing, as revealed by Rajesh Kumar Singh, a senior Ministry of Defence official. This initiative aims to mitigate immediate supply shortages, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by China’s export controls on rare earth elements, which are vital for advanced military hardware. The Indian government has also launched a ₹1,500 crore incentive program to promote the recycling of critical minerals and classified rare earth mining as a “strategic project” to streamline…
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India is intensifying its efforts to reduce reliance on foreign defense imports through the Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which emphasizes indigenisation and aims to establish the country as a global defense manufacturing hub. This framework introduces a critical legal classification of procurement categories, linking vendor eligibility to their Indian control, thereby impacting joint ventures and foreign investments in the defense sector. The initiative is poised to create significant opportunities for domestic firms, start-ups, and MSMEs while also presenting legal complexities t…
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India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating defence procurement and indigenisation during a recent discussion. He reaffirmed the importance of achieving full design and intellectual property rights within India while acknowledging the phased nature of indigenisation. Singh noted that recent global events have underscored the urgency of reducing import dependence, with 88% of capital expenditure aimed at domestic suppliers in the previous year. He highlighted the strategic focus on establishing overwhelming asymmetry against Western advers…
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The Indian government, led by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is set to release the long-awaited administrative rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act by September 28. Alongside this, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, and a national governance framework for artificial intelligence (AI) will also be introduced. The DPDP rules aim to clarify contentious provisions affecting journalism, while the AI governance framework is expected to foster global cooperation on AI norms, particularly benefiting the Global South. The government is also ince…
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In a significant move towards modernizing army cantonments, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced key reforms aimed at transforming these areas into smart, green, and sustainable urban ecosystems, aligning with the government’s vision of a developed India by 2047. Speaking at the MANTHAN 2025 conference, he emphasized the necessity for Cantonment Boards to evolve by incorporating digital services, enhancing citizen participation, and ensuring transparent governance through platforms like e-Chhawani 2.0. The recent decriminalization of minor offenses under the Cantonments Act is intended to…
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Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahendru, former captain of India’s nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant, advocated for India to adopt South Korea’s submarine development model, emphasizing effective technology transfer and indigenous capabilities. He noted that India’s submarine program faltered due to a corruption scandal following the Type 209 deal in the 1980s, which stunted growth and led to reliance on foreign imports. Meanwhile, South Korea successfully evolved its submarines from initial German designs to advanced indigenous models, boosting its defense industry and export potential. Mahendru’s r…
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India’s Kaveri engine program, aiming to create a homegrown fighter jet engine over four decades, has been critically hampered by a mere $239 million in funding, compared to billions allocated for similar international projects. This financial disparity has led to significant technical challenges and delays, forcing reliance on foreign engines like the General Electric F404 for the LCA Tejas. Despite setbacks, a promising derivative of the Kaveri engine is in development for the Ghatak UCAV, highlighting the potential of Indian innovation. The Kaveri experience underscores the necessity of sub…
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The Indian armed forces have taken a significant step towards greater integration and operational efficiency by merging the education branches of the Army, Navy, and Air Force into a unified Tri-Service Education Corps. This landmark decision, announced on September 17, 2025, during the final day of the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 in Kolkata, aims to streamline training and foster stronger jointness among the services. Alongside this, the establishment of three new Joint Military Stations on the mainland was approved, allowing shared facilities and further enhancing coordinati…
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The Indian government has exempted customs duties on 18 categories of defense-related imports, including military aircraft, missiles, underwater vessels, and drone batteries, effective September 22, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader tax overhaul by the GST Council aimed at modernizing India’s defense capabilities and simplifying taxation. By easing the financial burden on defense imports, the government is fostering a more robust defense industry while also aligning with its strategic goals to enhance military readiness. This move reflects a commitment to advancing India’s defense inf…
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India is advancing towards establishing a Joint Operations Command Centre for its Army, Navy, and Air Force, as proposed during the Combined Commanders Conference led by Prime Minister Modi. This initiative follows operational lessons from Operation Sindoor, highlighting the need for an integrated command structure. Modi emphasized the principles of Jointness, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged expansion beyond conventional warfare to address emerging non-traditional threats. The focus on creating this integrated theatre command is crucial…
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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will inaugurate MANTHAN 2025, a two-day national conference in New Delhi, focusing on the Strategic Roadmap to Viksit Bharat @2047. Organized by the Directorate General of Defence Estates, the conference aims to enhance defence land management through advanced digital technologies and sustainable practices. It will feature key presentations and discussions from prominent experts, highlighting initiatives in land governance and the strategic vision for India’s future. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to aligning defence infrastructure with…
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The Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) 2025 held in Kolkata focused on shaping a transformative roadmap for the Armed Forces amidst evolving global security dynamics. Attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the conference emphasized the themes of jointness, self-reliance, and innovation. Key discussions included the introduction of the Joint Military Space Doctrine, enhancing information warfare capabilities, and addressing procurement challenges for advanced technologies. The conference underscored the necessity for continual reforms and a technology-dri…
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