SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a groundbreaking development, idrw.org has learned from well-placed sources within India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that a spin-off program from the Astra Mk-III missile, now renamed Gandiva, is paving the way for a next-generation stealth air-launched cruise missile (ALCM). This ambitious project aims to leverage the cutting-edge Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology, an air-breathing jet engine based on ramjet principles, to develop a long-range, Air Launched supersonic cruise missile designed to be nearly impervious to interception.
According to sources, the concept for this stealth ALCM is still in its preliminary stages, but it builds on established SFDR technology, which has already shown promise in enhancing missile performance. The SFDR propulsion system, which uses atmospheric oxygen to sustain combustion, allows for sustained high speeds over extended ranges while reducing the missile’s overall weight and volume compared to conventional rocket motors. This efficiency is critical for achieving a low radar cross-section (RCS), a defining characteristic of stealth technology, making the missile harder to detect and track.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Following the successful deployment of the Rampage Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which saw Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar jets strike Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Base Sukkur, the IAF is now evaluating the acquisition of the Air LORA, a deep stand-off variant of the Long-Range Artillery (LORA) precision strike tactical missile developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) according to sources cited by idrw.org.
The Rampage ALCM, a 250-km-range missile integrated with the IAF’s Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fleets, proved its mettle during Operation Sindoor, where it destroyed a UAV hangar at Sukkur, contributing to strikes on 11 PAF airbases. Locally manufactured in India under a partnership with IAI, the Rampage offers high-speed, precision strikes but requires launch aircraft to operate relatively close to hostile airspace, increasing exposure to advanced air defenses like Pakistan’s HQ-9 and LY-80 systems. The Air LORA, showcased at Aero India 2025, addresses this limitation with its extended 400-km range, allowing IAF platforms like the Su-30 MKI to engage targets from safer distances, well beyond the reach of enemy anti-aircraft systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to achieve a significant milestone with the rollout of the first HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) later this year for the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil. The indigenous trainer, designed to address the IAF’s long-standing need for a modern training platform, is also generating substantial interest on the global stage.
Sunil revealed that HAL has been receiving a growing number of inquiries from international customers eager to explore the HTT-40’s capabilities. The aircraft, developed by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre, is tailored for Stage I basic flight training, offering a cost-effective and robust solution to replace aging fleets like the HPT-32 Deepak. Its successful flypast at Aero India 2025 has further highlighted its potential, fueling global curiosity.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army’s long-awaited Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters are now expected to begin arriving in July 2025, according to a recent report by The Sunday Guardian Live. This development follows multiple delays in a $800 million deal signed in February 2020 during then-U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to India, which was intended to deliver six of these advanced combat helicopters to bolster the Army’s Aviation Corps.
As per the original contract, all six AH-64E Apaches were slated for delivery by February 2024. However, Boeing cited supply chain disruptions and technical issues, including concerns over electrical power generator failures that could cause hazardous cockpit smoke, as reasons for postponing the timeline. In September 2024, The Sunday Guardian reported that Boeing had revised its schedule, targeting deliveries by February 2025. Despite this, as of June 2025, not a single helicopter has been delivered, leaving the Army’s 451 Aviation Squadron, raised in March 2024 at Nagtalao, Jodhpur, non-operational despite being fully staffed and trained.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In an exclusive interview with Tarmak Media House, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence Research & Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), confirmed that the first flight of the Tejas MkII, the advanced variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is slated for the first quarter of 2026 (April-July). This announcement follows recent statements by Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), who confirmed that the Tejas MkII rollout is planned by March 2026.
The Tejas MkII, also referred to as the LCA Mk2, is designed to be a significant upgrade over the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants. It features enhanced avionics, improved performance with the General Electric F414 engine, an indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and advanced electronic warfare systems. The aircraft is expected to bridge the gap between light and medium-weight fighters, offering multi-role capabilities for the Indian Air Force.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a rapidly evolving global security landscape, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), has emphasized the urgent need for India to bolster its anti-stealth radar and long-range air defence systems (ADS) to counter the growing threat posed by enemy fifth-generation fighter jets. Speaking at the CNN-News18 Defence Townhall on June 28, 2025, Air Marshal Dixit highlighted the strategic imperative of enhancing India’s air defence capabilities to maintain superiority in the face of advanced stealth platforms, such as China’s J-20 and FC-31, and Pakistan’s potential acquisition of similar technologies.
This call to action comes amid heightened regional tensions and India’s recent demonstration of military prowess in Operation Sindoor, underscoring the critical role of indigenous innovation in safeguarding national airspace.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
On March 12, 1993, Mumbai was shattered by a series of 13 coordinated bomb blasts that killed 257 people and injured over 700. The mastermind behind this heinous act, Dawood Ibrahim, remains one of India’s most wanted terrorists.
Recently, former Indian diplomat Ruchi Ghanashyam stirred debate by stating, “Every resident of Karachi is familiar with fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s whereabouts in the Pakistani city.” Her remark, while not surprising to those familiar with the long-standing speculation about Dawood’s presence in Pakistan, raises a critical question: Why has India not targeted Dawood Ibrahim, despite reportedly knowing his location for decades, including during covert operations like Operation Sindoor?
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
As India continues to march ahead in pursuit of defence indigenisation and self-reliance, Brazil has shown keen interest in acquiring indigenous defence innovations, discussions on which are likely to be held during Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s visit to the Latin American nation starting July 6, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Monday.
“Yes, there are going to be discussions on defence cooperation and enhancing it with Brazil. We are looking at avenues for joint research, technology sharing, and training exchanges. We are still in talks about what kind of cooperation is possible and what kind of defence platforms we can sell to Brazil, but there has not been much progress yet. Broadly, we have identified a few areas that seem to be of interest to the Brazilian side,” MEA’s Secretary East P. Kumaran told reporters during a media briefing ahead of PM’s visit.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has described terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir as a “legitimate struggle”, saying his country would always stand by the people of Kashmir in their struggle. Field Marshal Munir also warned India of a “befitting response” in case of any future attack, weeks after the two nations briefly locked horns in a dangerous conflict.
“What India labels as terrorism is, in fact, a legitimate and lawful struggle for freedom, recognised by international law,” Munir said while addressing a passing out ceremony at Pakistan Naval Academy, Karachi, on Saturday.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
India is speeding up efforts to develop advanced bunker-buster warheads as part of a variant of the Agni missile system that is capable of penetrating high-value enemy targets that are fortified deep under the ground and cannot be destroyed with conventional weapons.
The move, which was already on the cards, has been expedited following the success of the US strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities that were buried deep beneath the earth in the mountainside and covered with reinforced concrete, according to media reports.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said it is imperative to call out terrorism publicly when it is supported by a state against a neighbour and is fuelled by the bigotry of extremism, a strong reference to Pakistan.
Mr Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to the US, made the remarks while inaugurating an exhibition titled ‘The Human Cost of Terrorism’ at the UN headquarters. The exhibition, which will be on display at two locations in the UN headquarters from June 30-July 3 and July 7-July 11, opened a day before Pakistan begins its Presidency of the UN Security Council for July on Tuesday.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to interact with school students and scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from his orbital post on the International Space Station via ham radio on Friday evening.
The interaction is planned via a telebridge set up at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, said the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS), which facilitates interaction of school students with astronauts on the orbital laboratory.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A minor couple from Pakistan, eager to start anew in India, faced a significant hurdle — securing an Indian visa. In an act of desperation, they embarked on a journey, crossing the border that goes through Thar desert on foot.
The 17-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl braved the harsh conditions, managing to cross into Jaisalmer. Tragically, the unforgiving environment ultimately proved fatal, with the couple reportedly succumbing to dehydration, according to a local activist.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
At least four persons, including a 72-year-old woman, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday, the police said. The ambush took place near Mongjang village around 2 pm when the victims were travelling in a car, a police officer said.
Mongjang is about 5 km from Churachandpur town. Preliminary reports suggest that they were shot from point-blank range, another official in the Churachandpur district headquarters said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Allahabad High Court has rejected the bail plea of Ansar Ahmed Siddique, who allegedly shared a Facebook post with the “Pakistan zindabad” slogan.
The court said the judiciary’s showing tolerance towards matters with anti-national overtones is leading to a rise in the number of such cases. Denying bail to Siddique (62), Justice Siddhartha said, “The commission of such offences is becoming a routine affair in this country because the courts are liberal and tolerant towards such acts of people with an anti-national bent of mind. It is not a fit case for enlarging the applicant on bail at this stage.”
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