SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is working on a cutting-edge target detection radar designed to detect and track hypersonic missiles.
This development marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to counter the growing threat of high-speed weaponry. Hypersonic missiles, capable of exceeding Mach 5, pose a unique challenge due to their speed, maneuverability, and ability to evade traditional radar systems.
The LRDE’s new radar aims to address these issues, enhancing India’s ballistic missile defence capabilities. The project leverages the organization’s expertise in radar technology, building on systems like the Swordfish Long Range Tracking Radar.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), is advancing its Mounted Gun System (MGS) program, with the first prototype now undergoing critical weight reduction measures. The initial prototype of the KSSL MGS, weighing 31.5 tons, is being optimized to achieve a final weight below 30 tons, a key requirement for enhanced mobility and operational efficiency. According to project updates, all analyses for the weight reduction have been completed, paving the way for the gun system to enter User Trials in the near future.
The KSSL MGS, a 155mm/52 calibre artillery gun mounted on a high-mobility vehicle, is designed to provide rapid, precise, and versatile firepower to the Indian Army, particularly in rugged and mountainous terrains. The system’s integration of advanced automation, long-range capabilities, and mobility makes it a vital component of the Army’s artillery modernization efforts. The weight reduction initiative addresses concerns about deployability, ensuring the MGS meets stringent operational requirements without compromising performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

In a recent campaign, Russian media outlet Sputnik India has spotlighted the Sukhoi Su-34 “Fullback,” promoting it as a potent addition to India’s air arsenal. This push comes on the heels of the Russian Aerospace Forces receiving their fifth batch of these advanced fighter-bombers in late 2024, underscoring the aircraft’s continued relevance in modern warfare. Sputnik India claims the Su-34’s unique blend of speed, payload, and endurance makes it a compelling choice for India’s evolving strategic requirements. Let’s dive into why this twin-seat, long-range strike aircraft is being pitched as a game-changer for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
One of the Su-34’s most distinctive features is its side-by-side cockpit, a rarity among modern fighter-bombers. This design provides ample space for the two-person crew to move, stretch, or even stand during long missions, significantly enhancing comfort and focus. For India, whose air operations often involve extended missions over vast distances—such as in the northern or western theatres—this feature could be a significant advantage, ensuring crews remain alert and effective during prolonged operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5.5-generation stealth fighter critical to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization, requires a next-generation engine to meet its ambitious performance goals. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is evaluating proposals from France’s Safran and the UK’s Rolls-Royce to co-develop a 110–130 kN thrust engine for the AMCA Mk2.
According to Indian media reports, Safran’s offer is based on a prototype derived from the M88 engine family, which powers the Rafale fighter, with promises to leverage offset obligations from the Rafale deal and potentially revive the indigenous Kaveri engine program. However, the M88’s fourth-generation roots and Safran’s retention of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) raise concerns. In contrast, Rolls-Royce’s proposal for a clean-sheet, high-thrust turbofan engine with full IPR ownership and applications beyond fighters offers India greater strategic autonomy and long-term benefits, making it the superior choice for GTRE.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

As India, one of Russia’s largest defense markets, intensifies efforts to diversify its arms procurement and reduce reliance on Russian military supplies under its “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, Moscow faces growing pressure to offer cutting-edge and niche weapons systems to maintain its strategic partnership.
Recent reports indicate that Russia is responding with unprecedented offers, including the Su-57E stealth fighter, Tu-160 strategic bomber, refurbished Kilo-class submarines, S-500 air defense systems, and advanced Kalibr subsonic cruise missiles. However, for India to continue investing in Russian platforms, Moscow may need to provide its most advanced and previously restricted technologies, coupled with significant technology transfers, to counterbalance India’s pivot toward Western and indigenous defense solutions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is poised to sign two landmark contracts worth ?1.06 lakh crore ($12 billion) by March 31, 2026, to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. The deals include the acquisition of six advanced diesel-electric submarines under Project-75I (P-75I) and three additional Scorpène-class (Kalvari-class) submarines, both to be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with foreign partners. These contracts aim to address the Navy’s critical submarine shortage while advancing India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.
The ?70,000-crore P-75I program, one of India’s largest defense acquisition projects, involves building six diesel-electric submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, advanced sensors, and modern weaponry. The MoD has selected MDL, partnered with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), as the preferred bidder following rigorous technical evaluations in January 2025. The submarines, based on the HDW Class 214 design, will feature a sea-proven fuel-cell AIP system, enabling them to remain submerged for up to two weeks, a significant improvement over the 48-hour endurance of conventional diesel-electric submarines. This enhances stealth and operational flexibility, critical for missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

A “hidden” Chinese research vessel operating in the Bay of Bengal has been flagged by French maritime intelligence firm Unseenlabs, sparking concerns about Beijing’s expanding maritime presence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Detected during a 16-day satellite surveillance mission, the vessel’s suspicious activities, including disabling its Automatic Identification System (AIS), have raised questions about its intentions, with potential implications for regional security and India’s maritime interests.
Unseenlabs, a France-based pioneer in space-based radio frequency (RF) detection, revealed that the Chinese research vessel was operating covertly near Indian waters for several days in early July 2025. The firm’s 16-day survey of the Bay of Bengal tracked 1,897 vessels using RF emissions, a technology that allows detection of ships even when they disable their AIS—a mandatory system under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that broadcasts a vessel’s identity, position, and navigation status. Approximately 9.6% of the tracked vessels, including the Chinese ship, showed no AIS activity, indicating deliberate attempts to evade detection.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
ISRO on Saturday said it has successfully completed the development of Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) for Gaganyaan Mission with the completion of the qualification test programme. A full duration hot test of SMPS for 350 seconds was conducted to validate the integrated performance of the SMPS for flight off-nominal mission profile of the Service Module based mission abort on Friday.
Gaganyaan mission is India’s first human spaceflight mission in the making. “The overall performance of the propulsion system during the hot test was normal as per pre-test predictions,” ISRO said in a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI

India has once again issued a strong rebuke to Pakistan for its continued support of terrorism, stating there has been no reduction in cross-border terror activities targeting the country. In its official report for 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that despite repeated diplomatic efforts, Pakistan has failed to take concrete, verifiable, and irreversible steps to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory. The report stated that several UN-designated terrorists and terrorist organisations continue to operate freely in Pakistan, and the country has not shown any sincerity in delivering justice for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Tensions between the two nations escalated earlier this year after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which claimed 26 lives. In retaliation, India conducted targeted strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Continue readingSOURCE: AP
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The Pentagon on Friday acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile hit Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in June during an Iranian attack after President Donald Trump downplayed the assault. The statement from Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell follows The Associated Press publishing satellite images Friday showing damage from the attack.
Parnell said the strike did minimal damage to equipment and structures on the base. He added: Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will travel to China to participate in the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) bloc in the Chinese city of Tianjin next week, an official announcement here said on Saturday (July 12, 2025).
The Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the SCO will be held in Tianjin on July 15, a statement by a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry here said on Saturday (July 12, 2025).
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS

A preliminary report into the Air India crash that killed 260 people last month showed the plane’s engines fuel cutoff switches almost simultaneously flipped from run to cutoff, starving the engines of fuel.
Here is the sequence of events – by the seconds – on June 12, as detailed by Indian investigators in their preliminary report released on Saturday:
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI

Bangladesh’s interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday urged India to be guided by “conscience and moral clarity” over its handling of the extradition request for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity.
Bangladesh in December last year had sent India a note verbale, requesting the extradition of Hasina. New Delhi had confirmed receipt of the formal diplomatic note but did not comment further.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS

The 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Ladakh on Saturday, and he is likely to stay in the cold desert for nearly a month. During his stay in Ladakh, the Tibetan spiritual leader will reside at the Shiwa Tsel Phodrang in Leh. This visit has sparked a wave of happiness and enthusiasm in Ladakh, and elaborate preparations have been made by the Ladakh administration.
Upon his arrival, His Holiness was received with ceremonial honours and warm greetings by representatives of several religious and cultural outfits.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday attached property worth Rs 3.2 crore of terrorists operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In a major action against anti-national elements, Ganderbal Police have attached immovable properties worth 3.2 crore belonging to three terrorists operating from PoK involved in FIR No. 48/2009 U/S 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, registered at Police Station Kheerbawani.
The individuals whose properties were attached have been identified as Farooq Ahmad Rather, son of Abdul Ahad Rather, resident Kurag Ganderbal, Noor Mohammad Parray, son of Abdul Ahad Parray, resident Hatbura Ganderbal and Mohammad Maqbool Sofi, son of Gh Mohammad Sofi, resident of Khurhama Ganderbal, police said in a statement.
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