SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s long-cherished dream of developing an indigenous jet engine for advanced combat aircraft is nearing a critical milestone as the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is set to undergo its final round of 25 hours of inflight testing on an Ilyushin Il-76 testbed in Russia. The tests, scheduled for late 2025, aim to complete the engine’s certification process by 2026, clearing the path for its integration into the ambitious Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program, according to sources cited by idrw.org.
The KDE, a derivative of the long-troubled Kaveri engine, is designed to power the 13-ton Ghatak UCAV, a stealthy, multi-role unmanned platform capable of both precision strikes and air-to-air combat, including dogfights. The engine’s certification is a prerequisite for securing official funding for the Ghatak program, estimated to require ?5,000 crore (approximately $600 million) for development. The program, led by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), has been on hold to prioritize the KDE’s development, ensuring the engine is fully tested and certified before integration into the UCAV.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is actively evaluating the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed by Indian startups, for a range of military applications, according to sources cited by idrw.org. These locally designed electric planes, which include both passenger and cargo configurations, are being studied for their utility in military missions, including troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, and specialized operations in remote and challenging terrains. The move signals a strategic shift toward leveraging cutting-edge, indigenous technology to enhance operational efficiency while reducing costs.
Unlike traditional helicopters, which are complex machines with intricate mechanical components such as rotors, gearboxes, and combustion engines, eVTOLs rely on electric propulsion systems that require significantly less maintenance. Helicopters are notorious for their high upkeep costs due to frequent and labor-intensive maintenance schedules, which involve specialized parts and skilled personnel. In contrast, electric aircraft, with fewer moving parts and simpler designs, offer reduced maintenance demands, making them particularly suitable for operations in remote locations where logistical support is limited. This characteristic aligns well with the Indian Army’s need for reliable, low-maintenance platforms in diverse operational environments, from high-altitude regions like Ladakh to dense urban settings.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is on track to become the most-produced light-class fighter jet globally within the next five years, potentially overtaking the production numbers of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder and South Korea’s KAI T-50 Golden Eagle. With a current tally of over 60 units and significant orders in the pipeline, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is ramping up production to meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) needs and bolster India’s defense export ambitions, marking a significant milestone in the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
As of June 2025, HAL has produced over 60 Tejas Mk1 aircraft, comprising 5 Prototype Vehicles (PVs), 8 Limited Series Production (LSP) units, 36 Mk1 single-seat fighters, and 8 twin-seat trainers. This foundation has been bolstered by a 2021 order for 73 Tejas Mk1A fighters and 10 trainers, valued at ?48,000 crore, and a recent approval in April 2024 for an additional 97 Mk1A jets worth ?65,000 crore. With these orders, the IAF’s planned inventory of Tejas Mk1A will reach 180 units by 2031-32, with potential for further orders.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) potential acquisition of the Chinese-made J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter has raised alarm bells in India, with defence analyst Ranesh Rajan warning that the Indian Air Force (IAF) must prioritize targeting airbases hosting these jets to cripple PAF’s capabilities in any future conflict. Rajan, speaking to Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), emphasized that neutralizing J-35A bases would be critical to prevent the PAF from executing Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) missions, which could undermine India’s air defense network, including the formidable S-400 system.
The J-35A, a lightweight stealth fighter developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, is designed for air superiority and precision strikes, equipped with advanced AESA radar, PL-17 long-range air-to-air missiles (200–300 km), and stealth features that could challenge India’s radar detection capabilities. Reports suggest China may supply 12–24 J-35As to Pakistan at subsidized rates by 2027–28, a move aimed at shifting the regional air power balance. This acquisition, if realized, would mark Pakistan as the first South Asian nation to field a fifth-generation fighter, outpacing India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is not expected to enter service until 2034–35.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Reliance Defence, led by Anil Ambani, has joined forces with US-based Coastal Mechanics to upgrade over 200 aircraft and helicopters in India, marking a significant boost to the country’s defence maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. The partnership aligns with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, aiming to enhance domestic defence capabilities.
Under the agreement, the two companies will establish a joint venture (JV) at MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This facility will cater to both Indian and global markets, offering MRO and upgrade services for a diverse range of air and land-based defence platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Brazil has shown keen interest in acquiring the Garuda 105_v2 4×4 Go-Anywhere Gun, a lightweight artillery system developed by India’s Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL). The interest was recently confirmed by P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brazil for the BRICS Summit from July 5 to 8.The Garuda 105_v2, mounted on a versatile 4×4 chassis, is designed for high mobility and precision strikes, making it ideal for diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions.
Weighing just 900 kg due to its innovative hybrid recoil technology and high-strength aluminum construction, it offers a range of up to 19.5 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. This aligns with Brazil’s interest in enhancing its defence capabilities through international collaboration.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Following Operation Sindoor, India has identified the critical need for deep and persistent intelligence gathering over adversarial territories. To address this, the country is fast-tracking its Phase-3 Space-Based Surveillance programme (SBS-3), a ?26,968 crore initiative to launch 52 dedicated defence satellites.
The ambitious project aims to deploy all satellites by the end of 2029, with efforts now underway to expedite this timeline. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will manage the launch of 21 satellites, while three private companies will handle the remaining 31. The first satellite is slated for launch by April 2026.
Continue readingSOURCE: MDL
MDL today delivered the Second Stealth Frigate of the P17A Class, Udaygiri to the Indian Navy. The acceptance document (D448) was signed by Capt. Jagmohan, CMD, MDL, and RAdm Ravnish Seth, VSM, CSO (Tech) ENC, in the presence of senior officials from MDL and the Indian Navy.
The delivery of this ship is a testament to MDL’s professionalism, expertise, and experience in constructing complex war platforms, significantly enhancing the might of the Indian Navy.
Continue readingSOURCE: DRDO
DEAL, Dehradun successfully carried out the field trials of SDR Manpack and Compact Transhorizon Communication System (CTCS) in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. The trials were conducted in close coordination with MHA/CAPFs/DLIC user agencies and DEAL teams.
Officers from various paramilitary force which includes ITBP, SSB, BSF, Assam Rifles, IB, NSG, CRPF, CISF & other agencies also participated in the trials. The trials were conducted in varied terrain and operational environment, aiming to rigorously validate the performance of both the systems in real world conditions including verification of key parameters as per QR & TDs.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that it is a “very gross oversimplification” and “even misleading at times” to make the India-US relationship about China.
Mr Jaishankar was responding to a question on how much of the India-US relationship is defined by its stance on China. “I think it’s a very gross oversimplification to make India-US about China. In fact, it’s not just an oversimplification. I think it’s even misleading at times,” Mr Jaishankar said on Monday during a conversation with Newsweek CEO Dev Pragad at the publication’s headquarters at One World Trade Centre near the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Navy contained a fire on board a Palau-flagged tanker in the North Arabian Sea and ensured safety of 14 of the vessel’s Indian crew members. The Navy swung into action and launched the fire-fighting operation after receiving a distress call from the vessel on Sunday.
The vessel reported a major fire in its engine room while operating approximately 80 nautical miles east of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Pahalgam terror attack was an act of economic warfare meant to destroy tourism in Kashmir, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, asserting that India has made it clear that it will not allow nuclear blackmail to prevent it from responding to terror emanating from Pakistan.
India has had a string of terrorist attacks over the years emanating from Pakistan and in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, there was a sentiment in the country that “enough is enough,” Jaishankar said on Monday.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan on Monday urged India to resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi has held in abeyance since May, saying the recent decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague showed that the agreement was still “valid and operational”.
India has never recognised the proceedings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration after Pakistan raised objections to certain design elements of the two projects under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. India on Friday strongly rejected the ruling, saying it has never recognised the so-called framework for dispute resolution with Pakistan.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The eighth edition of the Indo-French Joint Military Exercise ‘Shakti’ concluded on Tuesday after two weeks of intensive training and cooperation between the Indian and French armed forces.
Held from June 18 to July 1 in France, the exercise was hosted by the 13th French Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13 DBLE) and involved more than 500 personnel from various units of the French Army, Foreign Legion, Navy, and the French Air and Space Force.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A minor Dalit girl was lured from her village in Uttar Pradesh and taken to Kerala where she was coerced into converting ahead of being recruited for terrorist activities, police said on Monday, blowing the lid off a suspected radicalisation network.
The conspiracy began to unravel when the 15-year-old, who was allegedly taken from her village in Phoolpur area in Prayagraj district on May 8, escaped from Kerala and contacted her mother. Two people have been arrested.
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