Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has emphasized the growing relevance of air power in modern warfare, asserting that it should be used offensively to achieve decisive outcomes, particularly in light of recent military operations like Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. During a discussion at the Army War College, he explained that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had the capability to continue strikes during this operation but chose not to, as its primary objectives were met. He argued against the notion that escalating military actions is necessary, advocating instead for conflict termination once goals…
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General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of India, articulated a robust stance on India’s defense strategy during the Ran Samvad-2025 seminar, emphasizing that while India is a peace-loving nation, it cannot afford to be pacifist, highlighting the notion that “peace without power is utopian.” He reflected on Operation Sindoor, stating it is still ongoing and has provided valuable lessons that are currently being implemented. The CDS outlined four critical trends shaping future warfare: an increased propensity for short-duration conflicts to achieve political goals, a blurring of the lines…
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to transfer 13 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of Pune airport by October, coinciding with the winter flight schedule. This land will be utilized for constructing five new parking bays and three remote bays, enhancing passenger facilities during the busy festive season. Additionally, AAI will upgrade the airport’s old terminal for a new departure area by December. This collaboration aims to improve access and aesthetics around the airport, reflecting a proactive approach to meet rising air travel demands and enhancing…
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Sudarshan Chakra Mission during his 2025 Independence Day address, aiming to establish a multi-layered, indigenous defense system by 2035 that integrates both offensive and defensive capabilities. Distinct from global counterparts like Israel’s Iron Dome, this ambitious initiative will neutralize aerial threats while conducting precise strikes against enemy targets. Key features include a three-tiered air defense system, advanced cyber defense, and seamless integration with existing military assets. This comprehensive approach will bolster India’s str…
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged elevating Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s HTFE-25 jet engine program to national mission status to bolster India’s self-reliance in defense technology, as highlighted in recent discussions on August 22, 2025. The 25 kN thrust turbofan engine, initiated in 2013 by HAL’s Aero Engine Research & Development Centre in Bengaluru, achieved its inaugural core run on December 14, 2015, followed by successful high-altitude trials in Leh and afterburner testing in March 2019. A new design and test facility was inaugurated in December 2023, enabling acceleration tria…
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Taiwan plans to increase its defense budget by 22.9% to over 3% of GDP in 2026, reflecting its commitment to countering China’s military threats. This budget will encompass new fighter jets and enhanced naval defenses, marking the first inclusion of coast guard expenses in total defense spending, a strategic move given China’s aggressive tactics. Taiwanese officials stress this increase demonstrates their determination to safeguard national sovereignty amid heightened pressures from Beijing, while also aligning with U.S. expectations for allied defense spending. As China continues its military…
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The Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) has been designated as an institution of national importance, focusing on internal security through education, research, and training in areas such as policing, cybersecurity, and public safety. The government has expanded RRU’s campuses across multiple states and forged collaborations with law enforcement agencies. Additionally, significant efforts are underway in Jharkhand to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), with substantial funding allocated for infrastructure, education, and skill development in affected areas. These initiatives symbolize the governme…
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The Indian Defence Ministry faces challenges in military procurement, with a notable emphasis on overcoming delays that can extend up to six years. Despite a substantial defence budget of USD 78.7 billion and recent approvals for over Rs 2 lakh crore in military hardware, inefficiencies persist. The Defence Secretary acknowledged a need for reform, with 2025 designated as a pivotal year for streamlining acquisition processes. Initiatives include enabling emergency procurements and promoting indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to enhance India’s defense capabil…
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‘Defence and Strategic Studies expert Maj Gen PK Mallick, VSM (Retd), in his August 25, 2025, issue brief India’s Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations: A Critical Review, praises the declassified Joint Doctrine released on August 7, 2025, as a comprehensive guide recognizing cyberspace as a vital warfare domain equal to land, sea, and air, emphasizing joint operations across services, offensive-defensive integration, resilience, and a “whole of nation” approach to threats like attribution and legal ambiguities. Spanning six chapters on overview, operations, organizations, ecosystem, huma…
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The Indian government is considering easing the nomination-based system for defense contracts to promote greater participation from private players, particularly MSMEs, through open tendering. This shift aims to enhance competition and innovation in the defense sector, currently dominated by public sector undertakings like HAL. The government is also reviewing its offset policy to ensure that large defense deals provide long-term benefits to the domestic industry, requiring foreign suppliers to reinvest in India. With a significant budget allocation for defense, these reforms reflect a commitm…
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the Sudarshan Chakra Mission on August 15, 2025, during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, underscores India’s push for a comprehensive national security shield by 2035, inspired by Lord Krishna’s legendary weapon and building on the success of Operation Sindoor in intercepting Pakistani missiles and drones. This indigenous initiative aims to integrate multi-layered air defense systems, surveillance, cybersecurity, and rapid-response mechanisms to protect critical assets, strategic sites, civilian areas, and places of faith from aeria…
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India’s indigenous naval fighter program faces significant challenges, notably with the delay of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) and the Indian Navy’s decision against the naval variants of TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA. While the TEJAS MK-1 (Navy) has achieved key milestones, its limitations led to a lack of interest from the Navy. The TEDBF’s prolonged development raises concerns about its relevance against evolving threats like Chinese fifth-generation fighters. To enhance operational readiness and maintain strategic autonomy, prioritizing participation in the naval AMCA program and consid…
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Following the high-profile Operation Sindoor in May 2025, during which India executed coordinated missile and drone strikes—showcasing indigenous platforms such as BrahMos, Akash, and the S-400 air defense system—the Indian security establishment is now debating the merits and modalities of a centralized Indian Rocket Force (IRF). While Pakistan’s rapid announcement of its Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC), modelled on China’s centralized People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, has injected urgency into these discussions, Indian analysts caution against simply replicating adversary str…
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for indigenous jet engines during his Independence Day speech emphasizes India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing, particularly for fighter jets like Tejas and AMCA, which currently depend on foreign engines. The Kaveri engine, developed by DRDO, has faced setbacks, necessitating significant investment and international collaboration for its revival to meet modern thrust requirements. Analysts suggest that a revamped Kaveri could bridge engine gaps and enhance India’s aerospace capabilities, but success hinges on overcoming bureaucratic a…
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India has launched Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an indigenous initiative aimed at developing a comprehensive air defense system to safeguard strategic and civilian assets against enemy threats. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that this advanced system would integrate surveillance, interception, and counter-strike capabilities, potentially surpassing Israel’s Iron Dome. The mission aligns with India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and self-reliance in defense technology, reflecting a shift towards indigenous production and innovation. Modi highlighted successful operations, such as Operation Sin…
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Pakistan’s recent establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command on August 14, 2025, underscores its push to strengthen conventional missile capabilities, particularly with cruise missile systems designed for saturation strikes. For India, this development highlights the urgent need to reinforce its air and missile defense posture. While existing assets such as the S-400 Triumf batteries, Akash surface-to-air systems, and the indigenous Akashteer C4ISR network proved resilient during the May 2025 conflict, they remain costly to operate against low-cost cruise threats. Analysts argue that Ind…
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India’s need to rapidly advance development of the Kaveri 2.0 jet engine has become a prominent focus amid escalating global trade tensions and mounting concerns over aerospace autonomy. In the past two days, government and defense industry sources have reiterated calls to prioritize indigenous propulsion systems, especially after the U.S. imposed new tariffs that could potentially disrupt India’s access to critical engine technology for the Tejas MkII fighter. The Kaveri engine program, launched in the 1980s, encountered significant technical and resource challenges but fostered a strong…
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The Srijan Defence Portal, launched in August 2020, reflects PM Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India in defense by promoting indigenous innovation and reducing import dependence. The portal has successfully indigenised over 14,000 defense items, contributing to a remarkable 224% increase in defense production since 2014-15. This initiative not only enhances India’s strategic autonomy amid geopolitical tensions, particularly with China, but also elevates its status as a reliable defense partner globally, with defense exports surging significantly. The integration of digital platforms like Sri…
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The Indian government clarified that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) operates exclusively on mission-mode projects rather than pilot projects, focusing on advanced weapons systems for the armed forces. Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, highlighted the successful funding of 81 projects amounting to ₹343.90 crore under the Technology Development Fund, supporting private industries, especially MSMEs and startups. Furthermore, the DRDO has facilitated the transfer of 637 technology licenses, promoting dual-use technologies that benefit society. The initiative u…
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Recent reports suggesting that India has paused talks on new defense purchases with the U.S. have been categorically rejected by sources within the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which described such claims as “false and fabricated.” The Ministry clarified that procurement cases are progressing as per existing procedures, and defense supplies from the U.S. continue to arrive under existing contracts. The background to these claims includes the recent imposition of high tariffs by the U.S., which has strained trade relations, particularly concerning India’s imports of Russian oil. Additionally, D…
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Multiple recent reports claiming that India has paused defense procurement talks with the United States are false and fabricated, according to an official statement from India’s Ministry of Defence. Despite the U.S. doubling tariffs on Indian imports to 50%—a move announced on August 6, 2025, in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil—the Ministry affirmed all procurement processes are ongoing and no formal decision has been made to halt arms purchases. While some reports suggested temporary suspension of deals involving Stryker combat vehicles, Javelin missiles, and a $3…
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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan formally released the declassified versions of the Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations on August 7, 2025, during the Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting in New Delhi. The Cyberspace Doctrine outlines a unified approach integrating offensive and defensive cyber capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasizing threat-informed planning, resilience, real-time intelligence, and joint capability development to counter advanced cyber threats, particularly from China. The Amphibious Doctrine provides a comprehensiv…
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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan announced the release of declassified Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations, highlighting India’s commitment to enhancing military transparency and joint warfare capabilities. The Cyberspace Doctrine promotes a unified approach integrating offensive and defensive cyber strategies, while the Amphibious Doctrine focuses on coordinating maritime, air, and land forces for effective operations. This initiative reflects India’s proactive stance in modern warfare, emphasizing interoperability and rapid response. The ongoing dev…
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The Indian Defence Acquisition Council has approved the upgradation of the Barak-1 Point Defence Missile System for the Navy, part of a ₹67,000 crore modernization effort. This upgrade aims to enhance the aging systems’ capabilities until the indigenous VL-SRSAM is fully operational. The Barak-1 system, acquired from Israel in 2000, faces obsolescence challenges, prompting this decision to maintain robust air defence against evolving threats. The upgrades will improve radar performance and ensure integration with modern command and control systems, aligning with India’s layered defence strat…
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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of India has approved the procurement of advanced Mountain Radars for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of a ₹67,000 crore modernization initiative, significantly enhancing air surveillance capabilities in high-altitude regions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. These radars, including the Aslesha Mk-II, Low-Level Lightweight Radar Mk-II, and Ashwini LLTR, will provide early warning and tracking of aerial threats, bolstering India’s defense posture in challenging terrains. This strategic move addresses the growing aerial threats from Chi…
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