SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s quest for air superiority has taken a significant leap forward with the Astra Mk-III, officially named “Gandiva,” a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) powered by a cutting-edge Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system. With an impressive strike range of 300–350 km, the Gandiva is poised to redefine aerial combat for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to sources close to the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), the missile is now entering a critical phase of development, with live-fire and extreme envelope trials scheduled, while integration trials involving captive carriage on the Sukhoi Su-30MKI are already underway. This milestone underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense technology and its strategic ambition to counter regional threats under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s artillery capabilities, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has revealed ambitious plans for the next-generation Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) systems. The Pinaka Mk-III, with an enhanced range of 120 km, is set to be inducted into the Indian Army within the next three years, while the Pinaka Mk-IV, boasting an impressive 300 km range, is slated for induction within five years. These advancements underscore India’s commitment to strengthening its indigenous defense capabilities and achieving self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
The Pinaka MBRL system, developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with Indian industry partners, has been a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s artillery modernization. The system, named after Lord Shiva’s mythical bow, is designed to deliver devastating salvos against enemy targets, including troop concentrations, armored formations, and infrastructure. The existing Pinaka Mk-I (38–40 km range) and Mk-II (60–75 km range) have already proven their effectiveness, with the latter deployed along India’s borders to counter regional threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, aimed at developing a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy, is nearing a critical milestone. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is expected to finalize the production partner for the AMCA within the next six months, as announced by DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat in June 2025.
This decision, pivotal for the timely execution of the ?15,000 crore project, reflects India’s push for self-reliance in aerospace and its strategic response to regional threats, particularly from China and Pakistan. The selection process, involving a competitive public-private partnership model, has sparked intense debate over the roles of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and private industry giants like Tata and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Following its military setbacks during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, dubbed Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is reevaluating its air defense strategy, with a keen interest in acquiring Turkey’s advanced Siper air defense systems (Siper-1 and Siper-2). However, financial constraints, exacerbated by Pakistan’s reliance on international loans, may be driving the country toward the Chinese HQ-19 missile defense system, which boasts robust ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities.
Despite claims of superior performance for the HQ-19, skepticism lingers due to the underwhelming track record of Pakistan’s existing Chinese-supplied HQ-16 and HQ-9 systems during the recent conflict. This article explores Pakistan’s strategic shift, the challenges of integrating new systems, and the implications for regional security dynamics.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief has confirmed that India is actively developing the Rudram-4, a long-range air-to-surface missile (ALSM) designed to operate at hypersonic speeds.
This advanced missile, part of the Rudram series, is poised to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike capabilities, making it exceptionally difficult for adversaries to intercept due to its high speed and maneuverability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pakistan’s DAWN newspaper, claimed that the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) No. 15 Squadron, known as the “Cobras,” based in Kamra and equipped with Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters, were credited for shoting down five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets during a conflict on the night of May 6-7, 2025. The alleged losses include three Rafales, one Su-30MKI, one MiG-29UPG, reportedly downed at beyond-visual-range (BVR) distances of 150-200 km. These claims, while sensational, warrant scrutiny due to inconsistencies, lack of corroboration, and the history of exaggerated narratives in Indo-Pak military engagements.
The reported aerial engagements stem from a brief but intense conflict between India and Pakistan in early May 2025, triggered by a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) with missile strikes, drones, and fighter jets. Pakistan retaliated, leading to four days of clashes involving advanced weaponry, including the PAF’s Chinese-made J-10C fighters and PL-15 missiles. The DAWN report, amplified by posts on X, claims the Cobra Squadron achieved a decisive victory by downing five IAF jets in a single night.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A new image circulating online has provided the first visual confirmation of India’s Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) deployed in Armenia, marking a significant milestone in the expanding defense partnership between the two nations. The photograph, which surfaced on social media platforms, also features an Armenian camouflaged MT-LBu armored personnel carrier (APC) positioned behind the ATAGS howitzer, likely serving as an artillery fire control system for the battery. This development underscores Armenia’s ongoing military modernization efforts and India’s emergence as a key supplier of advanced defense technologies in the region.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a 155mm/52-caliber towed howitzer developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), is designed for high mobility, rapid deployment, and precision firepower. Armenia’s acquisition of ATAGS began with an initial order of six units in 2023, followed by advanced negotiations for an additional 78 units valued at $155 million. The howitzers have undergone rigorous testing in Armenia’s diverse terrains, including high-altitude mountainous regions and plains, demonstrating their adaptability and long-range accuracy.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Bullish on the business opportunities in India, European aircraft maker ATR is in discussions with scheduled and non-scheduled operators to explore sale of its aircraft. Considering the growth potential of the Indian market, a senior ATR official said it expects the country to have 300 more turboprops in the next 10 years.
A joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, ATR manufactures turboprops with up to 78 seats as well as freighters.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India is not in a hurry to ratify the High Seas Treaty, a global agreement for the protection and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in international waters, amid a push from France, the host of the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), for early implementation of the pact.
Ahead of the conference next week, French is keen on the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, popularly known as the High Seas Treaty, which was signed by India on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last year.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Asserting that soldiers injured in the attack carried out by Pakistan in response to Operation Sindoor have returned from hospital with high morale, a senior BSF officer on Saturday said they are once again ready to give Pakistan a befitting reply in case of any misadventure.
He said the Border Security Force (BSF) is guarding the borders excellently, and no one needs to worry as long as the Force is standing on the borders. “It has been over one month since Operation Sindoor. The personnel from our forces who were injured have now returned from the hospital. The morale of the Border Security Force is extremely high,” BSF DIG Prabhakar Joshi told reporters here.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to France, the European Union, and Belgium from June 8 to 14 to deepen India’s strategic partnerships and explore cooperation across a broad spectrum of sectors, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.
The visit aims to build on existing ties and strengthen India’s engagement with key European partners. In Paris and Marseille, Jaishankar will hold bilateral discussions with Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. His engagements in France will also include meetings with the senior leadership, think tanks, and media representatives.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A critically-ill army personnel was airlifted from Kargil in an IAF’s An-32 on Saturday, using the transport aircraft at the “edge of its performance envelope”, officials said. High altitude and extreme temperatures make Kargil in Ladakh Union Territory, a formidable challenge for transport operations during summers, they said.
An IAF official said the critically-ill man was airlifted in an An-32 aircraft from Kargil to Command Hospital, Chandimandir in the morning. A military cantonment is located in Chandimandir in Haryana.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has sharply criticised Pakistan for its treatment of Dr Shakil Afridi, the physician who helped the US locate and eliminate Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden responding to a post by US Congressman Brad Sherman who urged a visiting Pakistan to press for Dr Afridi’s release.
Taking to socila media platform X, Sherman wrote,”I urged the Pakistani delegation to relay to their government the need to free Dr. Shakil Afridi, who continues to languish in prison for helping the United States kill Osama Bin Laden. Freeing Dr. Afridi represents an important step in bringing closure for victims of 9/11.”
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Radical Meitei outfit, Arambai Tenggol (AT) member Kanan Singh was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from Imphal Airport on Sunday, an agency statement said. The CBI statement said that Singh was involved in various criminal activities related to Manipur violence in 2023. The information related to his arrest has been given to his family members.
The central agency is investigating Manipur violence cases as per the direction of the Supreme Court, and the trials of these cases have been shifted from Manipur to Guwahati in view of the law and order situation in Manipur.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Amid the continuing border crisis with Bangladesh, the West Bengal government has started the process of handover 356 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) at the earliest so that the border guarding force can immediately start the process of completing the process of installing barbed fencing in those areas where fences have not been yet put up.
Instructions have already been sent from the state secretary of Nabanna to the district magistrates of the districts concerned which have international borders with Bangladesh, a senior official of the state government said.
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