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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan emphasized the necessity for continuous reforms in the Indian armed forces during the Combined Commanders Conference 2025 in Kolkata. Key discussions focused on enhancing jointness among the three services, promoting a technology-driven approach to modern warfare, and addressing procurement efficiencies. Notably, the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the commitment to indigenous defense development and personnel welfare. This initiative reflects India’s proactive stance in …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s commitment to hard power, asserting that Operation Sindoor against Pakistan is merely paused and will resume if necessary. He highlighted India’s strong stance against third-party intervention and reiterated the need for a robust response to terrorism, citing past operations like the 2016 Surgical Strike and the 2019 Balakot Air Strike as demonstrations of this resolve. Singh drew parallels between historical events, such as Operation Polo, and present-day actions, affirming …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the formation of a committee to advance the Sudarshan Chakra project, aimed at enhancing India’s military capabilities against aerial threats. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of developing a national defence shield within ten years, emphasizing jointness among the armed forces and integration of advanced systems. Recent successful tests of the integrated air defence system underscore India’s commitment to robust air defence strategies, bolstered by innovations like the …

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘Indian Armed Forces Vision 2047’ document during the Combined Commanders Conference in Calcutta, aiming to transform the military into an all-domain force ready for future challenges. This vision emphasizes integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and adopting a data-driven approach to modern warfare. The conference, attended by top defense officials, focuses on reforms, operational readiness, and strategic discussions on military preparedness amid global uncertainties. Modi praised the armed forces …

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the defense ministry to implement swift measures for greater integration among the armed forces, emphasizing self-reliance and innovation to tackle future challenges. This directive comes amidst ongoing discussions about the establishment of integrated theatre commands, aimed at enhancing operational synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The focus of the recent combined commanders conference includes advanced technologies and improving multi-domain training frameworks to adapt to modern warfare. Modi …

The Swedish government plans to increase military spending to 2.8% of GDP by 2026, reflecting a significant rise in defense budget by 26.6 billion crowns ($2.87 billion) as part of a broader strategy to enhance its armed forces. This increase follows a historical trend, with a total rise of 100 billion kronor since 2022, as Sweden aims to meet NATO’s target of 3.5% of GDP. The funds will be allocated for new military equipment, including …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to transform its aviation strategy with the induction of 20 squadrons of unmanned stealth jets by 2040, totaling 300-400 aircraft, alongside its goal of 42 squadrons of manned fighters. This fleet will include Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), tactical stealth fighter bombers, and unmanned stealth fighters, aimed at enhancing capabilities against regional threats. The focus on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) underscores the IAF’s commitment to modern warfare, although successful timelines depend …

The Indian Ministry of Defence has overhauled its procurement rules, significantly reducing penalties for delays in defence research and development, with liquidated damages capped at 5% and minimals starting at 0.1%. A major highlight is the assurance of orders for up to five years, extendable to ten, fostering stability for domestic defense firms. This reform, part of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s “year of reforms,” aims to address longstanding procurement challenges and stimulate investment in the …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 on September 13, 2025, marking a critical step in streamlining the revenue procurement process for the Indian Armed Forces and accelerating India’s goal of Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing. The new manual replaces the 2009 version and introduces reforms tailored for modern warfare, emphasizing faster decision-making, jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and enabling the timely availability of resources valued at nearly ₹1 …