SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army’s formidable T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tanks, a mainstay of its armored divisions, have received a game-changing upgrade that allows them to operate underwater for up to an hour. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed advanced equipment to keep tank crews operational even when fully submerged, significantly enhancing the tanks’ ability to navigate rivers along India’s borders with Pakistan and China.
With over 1,100 Russian-made T-90 tanks in active service, these main battle tanks form the backbone of India’s armored forces. The country’s riverine terrain, particularly along its northern and western borders, poses a challenge for tank operations during military maneuvers. While the T-90 is designed to withstand water exposure, the primary concern has been the safety and functionality of the crew—typically four to five members—when submerged.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant stride for India’s aerospace and defense sector, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has showcased a cutting-edge prototype of an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) at a recent event. Dubbed the “Autonomous Aerial Aircraft,” this prototype bears a striking resemblance to SR-UAV (Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) class systems, signaling a promising advancement in indigenous defense technology.
The unveiling took place at an exhibition aligned with the “Make in India” initiative, in collaboration with Suhas Tejaskanda, as indicated by the event branding. The prototype was displayed at Flying Wedge’s facility located at Bengaluru, Karnataka . The sleek, stealth-inspired design of the UCAV, with its angular lines and matte black finish, suggests a focus on low-observability and high maneuverability—key traits for modern combat drones.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a remarkable display of tactical ingenuity, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully employed decoy drones, including the Banshee Jet 80+ Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV), to deceive Pakistani air defence systems along the Line of Control (LoC). Pakistani sources recently confirmed that debris from these drones, shot down by their air defence units, fell inside Pakistan, revealing the IAF’s use of advanced decoy tactics. Equipped with specialized payloads designed to mimic the radar and electronic signatures of IAF fighter jets like the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29UPG, these drones lured Pakistani air defence positions into revealing their locations, showcasing India’s growing sophistication in modern warfare.
The Banshee Jet 80+, developed by QinetiQ, is a dual-jet training target UAV designed for Threat Representation and military operational training. Fitted with twin 40 kg thrust gas turbine engines, it boasts an impressive static thrust of 80 kg, enabling speeds up to 200 m/s (approximately 720 km/h) in straight and level flight under International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) conditions. With an auxiliary fuel tank, the drone achieves a mission endurance of over 45 minutes, combining speed with stamina.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s indigenous air defense systems, such as the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM), have emerged as critical components of the country’s multi-layered air defense architecture. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), these systems have demonstrated significant capabilities in recent combat scenarios, particularly during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
However, when compared to Israeli and American air defense systems like the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Patriot, questions arise about their relative effectiveness, especially in handling saturated drone and missile attacks. This article critically examines the performance of India’s indigenous systems, arguing that while they may not surpass their Israeli and American counterparts in all aspects, they have shown comparable or superior accuracy and resilience in specific combat scenarios, particularly against saturated attacks.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant enhancement to its air defence capabilities, the Indian Army has integrated the Russian-made 9K38 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch) man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) with the indigenously developed Rajak Thermal Weapon Sight-Cooled (TWC) from Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
With over 150 Rajak TWC systems delivered to the Indian Army, this combination strengthens the force’s ability to counter low-flying aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and fighter jets, particularly in challenging low-light and nighttime conditions. This development, showcased at Aero India 2025, underscores India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative while leveraging strategic partnerships with Russia.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to make a significant impact at the Paris Air Show 2025, one of the world’s premier aerospace and defence exhibitions. With a robust lineup of indigenous technologies, DRDO will highlight India’s growing prowess in defence innovation, showcasing advanced systems such as the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), HAL Tejas Mk-2, Astra, BrahMos, Pralay, Varunastra, Rudram-I, and more. This display underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative and its ambition to emerge as a global leader in defence technology.
The Paris Air Show, scheduled for June 2025 at Le Bourget, France, will serve as a global stage for DRDO to demonstrate its technological advancements across multiple domains. The following systems are among the highlights expected to draw significant attention:
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Bollywood’s highly anticipated action sequel War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Ayan Mukherji, has made waves with its high-octane trailer, but one particular scene featuring a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber has left netizens in stitches—and not for the reasons the filmmakers might have hoped.
The trailer showcases a dramatic sequence where a B-2 Spirit, the iconic American stealth bomber known for its flying-wing design, is depicted deploying a team of commandos mid-flight. However, the absurdity lies in the execution: the commandos are shown being dropped from the aircraft’s internal weapons bay, parachuting down toward a commercial airliner flying below, presumably to take control of it. The scene, set against a picturesque sunset, aims for intensity but has instead become fodder for online ridicule.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Several drone-like objects were recently spotted hovering over the night sky in Kolkata, prompting the police to investigate the matter from all angles, including the possibility of espionage, officials said on Wednesday.
At least 8-10 such objects were found flying over the Hastings area, the Vidyasagar Setu and Maidan on Monday night, they said. A senior bureaucrat in the state administration said the Centre has also sought a report from the West Bengal government over the incident.
Continue readingSOURCE: Bloomberg
India plans to spend 850 billion rupees ($10 billion) to purchase 112 crude carriers through 2040, people familiar with the matter said, as the world’s third-biggest importer of oil seeks to have its own fleet to secure supplies.
State-owned oil companies currently operate an aging fleet that’s mostly on-charter from global companies and the shipping and petroleum ministries want to change that, said the people, who asked not to be identified citing rules. The plan’s first phase involves purchasing 79 ships, of which 30 of them would be medium-range vessels, they said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan has decided to extend the closure of its airspace for Indian flights by another month, a media report said on Wednesday.
Pakistan banned its airspace for India last month after the steps taken by New Delhi in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22. The ban was imposed for a month until May 23, as under International Civil Aviation Organisation rules the airspace restrictions cannot be imposed for more than one month at a time.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
In a bold diplomatic initiative following ‘Operation Sindoor’, India has rolled out an unprecedented global campaign to expose Pakistan’s direct and indirect links to terrorism. Under the banner of “Operation Sindoor Outreach”, seven high-level delegations comprising 59 Members of Parliament, including former ministers, seasoned diplomats, and senior political leaders, are set to travel to 33 countries between May 21 and June 5.
The initiative, steered by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is a first-of-its-kind multi-party foreign engagement effort aimed at presenting a unified national front against terrorism and internationally isolating Pakistan for its continued sponsorship and sheltering of terror networks.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
CPI-Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, the topmost leader and backbone of the Naxal movement, was among the 27 dreaded Naxals killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced.
He said that this is for the first time in three decades of India’s battle against Naxalism that a general secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by the security forces.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
As the investigation into YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra’s alleged spying for Pakistan proceeds, her apparent links with Bangladesh have emerged, thereby bringing her under greater suspicion and scrutiny by the agencies. The YouTuber has been accused of spying for Pakistan and also charged with sharing secret and strategic information with the enemy nation. She is said to be in touch with multiple Pakistani agents, including some of the operatives of ISI, Pakistan’s intelligence agency.
While Haryana Police probes the alleged collusion of the YouTuber with the agents in pushing a Pakistani narrative and using her social media presence to influence gullible locals here, the officials have stumbled upon a crucial piece of information, which shows that the YouTuber was planning a visit to Bangladesh soon.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has caught two persons, including a minor, for allegedly hacking Indian websites and posting anti-India messages online, officials said on Tuesday. According to officials, the accused include a minor boy and an another individual identified as Jaseem Shahnawaz Ansari (a resident of Nadiad in Kheda district of Gujarat).
Both were running a Telegram channel where they shared proof of their hacking activities, they said. During the recent Operation Sindoor, the ATS received multiple alerts about hackers targeting Indian websites.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has decided to use anti-drone technology in view of the threat perception to Sri Venkateswara temple, the world’s richest Hindu temple. The TTD announced on Tuesday that it had decided to use anti-drone technology, keeping in mind the security aspect of the Tirumala temple.
The decision was taken at the TTD Trust Board meeting presided over by Board Chairman B. R. Naidu. Flying of drones is banned around the hill shrine, but some instances of security breaches have been reported in recent months. Last month, a YouTuber from Rajasthan was arrested when he operated the drone, allegedly recording the temple and its surroundings.
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