SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
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In a significant advancement for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has commenced limited serial production of the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) interceptor, the AD-1 missile. This long-range interceptor, designed to neutralize both ballistic missiles and aircraft, boasts a large kill altitude bracket, enabling it to engage targets in both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric environments. The move to limited production is aimed at facilitating more extensive trials, marking a critical step toward operational deployment and enhancing India’s strategic defence against aerial threats.
The AD-1 missile is a cornerstone of India’s Phase-II BMD program, which seeks to develop a robust, multi-layered defence system capable of countering a wide range of ballistic missile threats. Unlike its predecessors in the Phase-I BMD system—such as the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missiles—the AD-1 is designed to operate across a broader altitude range, making it a versatile asset for both high-altitude exo-atmospheric intercepts (outside the Earth’s atmosphere) and lower-altitude endo-atmospheric engagements (within the atmosphere). This dual capability positions the AD-1 as a critical tool for intercepting long-range ballistic missiles during their mid-course and terminal phases, as well as engaging hostile aircraft in a theatre air defence role.
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In a landmark move that underscores the deepening defense ties between Israel and India, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd (Rafael) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) announced a significant collaboration in February 2025. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate Rafael’s cutting-edge TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) into India’s combat vehicles, marking a pivotal step in the indigenization of advanced defense technologies. This partnership not only strengthens India’s ongoing defense modernization efforts but also reinforces its commitment to achieving self-reliance in critical military technologies under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The TROPHY APS, developed by Rafael, is widely regarded as one of the most advanced active protection systems in the world. Designed to protect armored vehicles from a wide array of modern threats, TROPHY has earned a stellar reputation for its reliability and effectiveness in real combat scenarios. Unlike passive armor, which absorbs or deflects incoming threats, the TROPHY system actively intercepts and neutralizes them before they can strike the vehicle. It is the only APS globally that has been proven in live combat, having protected Israeli Merkava tanks and Namer armored personnel carriers from anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) during conflicts in the Middle East.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Nashik facility, long a cornerstone of India’s aerospace manufacturing, is poised to become the nerve center of the country’s fighter jet programs. Already being repurposed to manufacture the indigenous Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the facility is now being considered for the production of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Adding another layer of intrigue to Nashik’s evolving role, Russia’s Rostec has expressed a keen interest in utilizing the same plant for the local production of the Su-57E, Russia’s export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, should India opt to procure it with local manufacturing rights. While the decision on acquiring the Su-57E remains under deliberation, the Nashik facility is undeniably emerging as a hotbed of India’s fighter jet ambitions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been a cornerstone of India’s indigenous defense manufacturing journey. As the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to integrate the Tejas Mk1A into its fleet, questions about the platform’s evolution have naturally arisen. In a recent interaction, Anantha Krishnan M, a seasoned defense journalist with close ties to HAL, offered intriguing insights into the potential for a Tejas Mark 1B variant, shedding light on the flexibility and adaptability that come with indigenous production.
When asked about the possibility of a Tejas Mark 1B, Krishnan’s response was both nuanced and optimistic: “It will happen. It might happen.” He pointed out that the introduction of advanced technologies, such as the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, could serve as a catalyst for designating a new variant as LCA Mk1B. The Uttam radar, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), promises to enhance the Tejas’ situational awareness and targeting capabilities, making it a logical upgrade for future batches.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s defense forces rely heavily on their transport aircraft fleet to ensure rapid deployment of troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid across diverse terrains and in challenging conditions. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates a fleet of aging Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-76 and Antonov An-32 aircraft, which have served as the backbone of its medium and heavy-lift capabilities for decades.
However, with these platforms nearing the end of their operational lives and facing maintenance challenges, the need for modern replacements is urgent. India stands at a crossroads where it can either procure foreign designs or invest in indigenous solutions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant milestone for India’s naval self-reliance, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) marked the commencement of production for the first Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for the Indian Navy’s Scorpene-class submarines. The production plate cutting ceremony took place today at MDL’s facilities in Mumbai, presided over by Mr. Biju George, Chairman and Managing Director of MDL. He was joined by representatives from the Indian Navy and other senior MDL officials, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this ambitious project.
The ceremony signals the start of construction for the AIP plug, a critical enhancement designed to boost the underwater endurance of the Scorpène-class submarines under Project 75 (P-75). This indigenous AIP system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Indian industry, will be integrated into the submarines during their scheduled normal refits, beginning with INS Kalvari in September 2025.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a pointed diplomatic exchange, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans, to cease supplying weapons and military technology to Pakistan, a nation India accuses of sponsoring terrorism. The request, made during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on March 18, 2025, underscores India’s growing concerns over the Netherlands’ role as a significant arms supplier to Pakistan, particularly in the naval domain.
The Netherlands, a key member of the European Union, ranks among Pakistan’s top three weapons suppliers globally, trailing only China and Turkey. Over the years, Dutch defense exports to Pakistan have included advanced naval platforms such as minehunters and offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), bolstering the Pakistan Navy’s capabilities. These transactions, facilitated by Dutch shipbuilder Damen and involving former Royal Netherlands Navy assets, have drawn sharp scrutiny from India, which views Pakistan’s military buildup as a direct threat to regional stability.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of the Navy of the Royal New Zealand Navy, met with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation between India and New Zealand.
In a post on X, the Indian Army said, “Rear Admiral Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy called on General Upendra Dwivedi COAS & discussed aspects of mutual interest to enhance bilateral Defence Cooperation between the two Nations.”
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Russian lawmaker Vyacheslav Nikonov emphasised that Russia and the United States have resumed diplomatic discussions, marking a significant step in re-establishing dialogue between the two nations.
He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump were speaking for the second time in two weeks, highlighting that this was only the second conversation between the leaders of Russia and the United States in three years.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the reality of there being increased use of tariffs and sanctions by various countries to protect one’s economic interests, and that developing International relations has “eroded” the lines which divide the different domains across countries.
“Tariffs, sanctions, I think, whether we would like it or not they are a reality, countries use them. In fact, if one looks at the last decade, I would say we have seen a much greater weaponization of pretty much any kind of capability or any kind of economic activity. It could be financial flows, it could be energy supplies, it could be technology,” EAM Jaishankar said, as he was asked on India refusing to use tariffs and sanctions on other countries.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday congratulated the entire team behind the safe return of “India’s daughter” Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts to Earth, saying they have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit.
“Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!,” President Murmu said in a post on X.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The process of transferring seven associates of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, who were arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) at Dibrugarh Central Jail, to Punjab, is approaching completion, officials said on Wednesday.
The seven aides of Amritpal are set to be handed over to the Punjab Police team by the Dibrugarh jail authorities. In the past two days, four detainees — Gurmeet Singh, Bhagwant Singh (alias Pradhan Mantri Bajeke), Daljit Singh Kalsi, and Basant Singh — were released by the Dibrugarh jail authorities.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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A high-security alert has been sounded across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the recent terror attacks in Pakistan, including the killing of a top commander of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), officials said on Tuesday.
All the protected persons, including politicians, have been advised to be conscious and strictly follow the security protocols for their safety, the officials in the security establishment said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Kolkata Police have issued lookout notices against 69 Bangladeshi infiltrators who procured Indian passports by furnishing fake documents after illegally entering the country through porous borders at different points in time.
The lookout notices have been issued in apprehension that these 69 Bangladeshi infiltrators are still staying in hideouts in the country, especially in West Bengal, and might escape to other countries. The move comes amid the busting of fake passport rackets in the state and their identities getting revealed during the investigations.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
An improvised explosive device (IED) was found by the security forces on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Officials said the IED was found by the Army inside a pressure cooker at sunset point on Srinagar-Bandipora road. ‘Police stopped the traffic on the road and a bomb disposal squad reached the spot. The IED was safely defused and the joint teams of the Army and the police are now carrying out searches in the area so that traffic is restored on the road,’ officials said.
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