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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a candid discussion with idrw.org, a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official emphasized the urgent need for India to develop at least three new aerospace manufacturing companies within the next 15-20 years to support the IAF’s growing requirements. The official highlighted that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), currently the sole major aerospace manufacturer in India, is overstretched and cannot single-handedly deliver the diverse range of platforms the IAF envisions for its future fleet. This call for expanding India’s aerospace ecosystem underscores the need for private sector involvement and a restructured defense manufacturing framework to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies.

HAL has long been India’s cornerstone aerospace manufacturer, producing a wide array of platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and fighter jets like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Su-30 MKI. However, the IAF official noted that HAL is grappling with significant challenges, including a lack of sufficient manpower and production capacity to handle its existing order backlog while simultaneously developing new programs. Major projects like the Tejas Mk1A, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and the CATS Warrior collaborative combat aircraft are straining HAL’s resources, limiting its ability to meet the IAF’s timelines and scale requirements.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy’s acquisition of 24 Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, a cornerstone of its maritime modernization efforts, has reached a significant milestone with the 20th helicopter, bearing tail number IN770, recently photographed during flight testing in the United States. The images, shared by aviation enthusiast @RuffneckAviator on X, confirm that IN770, one of the final four “Romeo” helicopters in the $2.12 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal signed in 2020, is undergoing pre-delivery trials.

This development, signals that the Indian Navy is on track to complete its fleet induction by the end of 2025, significantly enhancing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, has clarified that the Indian government is not currently engaged in formal consultations for the procurement of advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including the Russian Su-57E or the American F-35. The statement comes amidst speculation about India’s potential interest in acquiring these cutting-edge platforms to bolster its air defense capabilities.

In a recent statement, Singh addressed queries regarding India’s consideration of fifth-generation fighters, stating, “We don’t have any formal consultations going on for these [aircraft].” This indicates that no official talks have been initiated with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as Russia’s Sukhoi or the United States’ Lockheed Martin, for the procurement of the Su-57E or F-35, respectively. The clarification puts to rest rumors circulating in defense circles about potential negotiations for these advanced aircraft.

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SOURCE: AFI

A significant advancement in India’s indigenous fighter jet program was recently highlighted with the emergence of images showcasing the Tejas Mk1A equipped with a Dual-Pylon configuration carrying Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM). The images, first published by the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) during Aero India 2025, captured the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 on static display, demonstrating its enhanced armament capabilities. The integration of the Dual-Pylon, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas Mk1A program, marks a pivotal step in boosting the aircraft’s combat flexibility and operational effectiveness.

The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of India’s homegrown light combat aircraft, has been designed to address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) need for a modern, multirole fighter capable of operating in contested environments. The introduction of the Dual-Pylon configuration for the ASRAAM, a highly agile, infrared-guided missile developed by MBDA, significantly enhances the aircraft’s air-to-air combat capabilities. By allowing two ASRAAM missiles to be mounted on a single hardpoint, the Dual-Pylon frees up other hardpoints on the aircraft, enabling it to carry a wider array of armaments, including bombs, precision-guided munitions, or additional air-to-air missiles.

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SOURCE: AFI

Boeing’s announcement of early discussions to restart the C-17 Globemaster III production line, prompted by demand from existing customers, has reignited interest from the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to a senior IAF official speaking to idrw.org. The IAF, which operates a fleet of 11 C-17s, is considering acquiring four to five additional brand-new units if production resumes, aiming to bolster its strategic airlift capabilities.

However, the official cautioned that the anticipated sharp increase in unit costs for 2025 could complicate plans to position the C-17 as a one-to-one replacement for the IAF’s aging fleet of Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, which are slated for phased retirement starting in 2035. This development, discussed at the Paris Air Show in June 2025, underscores both the C-17’s enduring value and the challenges of modernizing India’s airlift capabilities amidst rising costs and evolving strategic needs.

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SOURCE: AFI

France achieved a significant milestone in its advanced missile development program with the first development firing of the MICA NG (Missile d’Interception, de Combat et d’Autodéfense Nouvelle Génération) air-to-air missile from a Rafale test aircraft at the DGA’s Landes Test Center. Conducted by the French Air and Space Force in collaboration with MBDA, the test validated the missile’s performance, marking a step toward enhancing the Rafale’s air combat capabilities.

The MICA NG, an advanced iteration of the proven MICA missile, introduces cutting-edge technologies, including a dual-mode seeker and enhanced all-weather performance, positioning it as a game-changer for air superiority missions. For India, which operates 36 Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is set to induct 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) jets for the Indian Navy, the MICA NG represents a potential upgrade, though deliveries are unlikely before 2028-29 due to the missile’s production timeline.

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SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to commence trials of the highly anticipated BrahMos-Next Generation (NG), a Mach 3.5 capable Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), by mid-2026. According to sources, the missile is expected to be cleared for production within a year of its first trial, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for advanced precision-strike capabilities.

The BrahMos-NG, a lighter and more versatile variant of the original BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, is designed for integration with a range of platforms, including fighter jets like the Tejas Mk1A, Su-30 MKI, and future aircraft such as the AMCA. DRDO plans to conduct at least three user-cum-developmental trials in full combat configuration to rigorously test the missile’s performance under real-world launch parameters. This accelerated testing approach aims to streamline development and reduce the time to induction.

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SOURCE: PTI

Indian Navy’s Russian-manufactured guided missile frigate INS Tamal will be commissioned into the force at Russia’s coastal city of Kaliningrad on July 1. The ship has 26 per cent indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile for targeting both at sea and land, officials said.

INS Tamal would be the eighth Krivak class frigates to be inducted from Russia over the past two decades. The warship has been built at Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, and is the last such platform to be inducted from a foreign source, the officials said.

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SOURCE: REUTERS

The Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday slammed Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s “brazen disregard” for international agreements after the latter said New Delhi would never restore the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Islamabad.

Delhi unilaterally suspended its participation in the 1960 IWT, which governs the usage of the Indus river system, on April 23, shortly after 26 civilians were killed in India-held Kashmir. Delhi, without evidence, blamed Islamabad for the attack. The latter has denied the allegations and called for a neutral probe. The accord remains dormant despite a ceasefire agreed upon by the two nuclear-armed neighbours last month following their worst fighting in decades.

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SOURCE: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and called for immediate de-escalation of Iran’s conflict with Israel through dialogue and diplomacy. The phone conversation between Modi and Pezeshkian came hours after the US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran that triggered a wider regional conflict.

In a social media post, Modi said he expressed “deep concern” at the recent escalations.

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SOURCE: PTI

Pakistan on Sunday condemned the US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them a violation of international law and warning of the risk of further escalation of violence in the region.

Pakistan’s condemnation came a day after Pakistan backed US President Donald Trump as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. The US on early Sunday morning attacked Iran’s Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites with the aim of destroying the country’s nuclear programme. US President Trump warned of additional strikes if Iran retaliated.

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SOURCE: REUTERS

Russia increased seaborne fuel oil and vacuum gasoil exports to India and Turkey in May as falling oil product prices attracted buyers, while the hot summer season required more fuel for energy production, trade and shipping data showed.

Oil prices fell to four-year lows as an OPEC+ decision to expedite its output hikes stoked fears about rising global supply at a time when the demand outlook is uncertain. Since the European Union’s full embargo on Russian oil products went into effect in February 2023, Asian countries have become the main destination for Russia’s fuel oil and VGO supplies.

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SOURCE: PTI

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is set to offer a ray of hope for diabetics to travel to space, as a UAE-based healthcare provider is conducting an experiment on how glucose behaves in microgravity conditions.

As part of the “Suite Ride” experiment planned by Burjeel Holdings and Axiom Space, some astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission will be wearing continuous glucose monitors during their 14-day stay on board the orbital lab.

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SOURCE: IANS

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a major breakthrough has arrested two men for harbouring the terrorists who had carried out the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists and grievously injured 16 others.

The two men have been identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote, Pahalgam and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Hill Park, Pahalgam, said the NIA on Sunday in a press release. The two men have disclosed the identities of the three armed terrorists involved in the attack, and have also confirmed that they were Pakistani nationals affiliated with the proscribed terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

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SOURCE: IANS

The shadow of insurgency deepened once again in Chhattisgarh’s conflict-hit Bijapur district, as Maoist rebels executed two civilians, who had surrendered earlier. The two were murdered in a late-night assault on Saturday. Both the victims were recently surrendered Maoists. They had laid down arms only months ago in hopes of rebuilding a peaceful life.

The attack occurred in Empur village under the Pamed police station area, where a group of armed Maoists abducted the men from their homes. “Their bruised and lifeless bodies were later found in the nearby area. The victims have been identified as Samaiya, a former Maoist who surrendered earlier this year, and Veko Deva, a resident of Empur village,” Chandrakant Governa, Additional Superintendent of Police, Bijapur, told IANS.

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