SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
At the Paris Air Show 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Dr. DK Sunil spoke to FlightGlobal at the company’s chalet, showcasing significant advancements in India’s indigenous defense programs. Among the highlights was the successful delivery of 15 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) to the Indian military, with improvements in maintainability based on feedback from the armed forces.
Responding to feedback from India’s military, HAL has made significant enhancements to the Prachand’s design to improve ease of maintenance. “The Prachand is a very agile aircraft with a very small radar cross section,” Dr. Sunil noted, highlighting its operational strengths. “It’s a very capable platform.” The improved maintainability is expected to enhance the helicopter’s operational readiness, addressing the armed forces’ need for reliable and efficient platforms in demanding conditions. The new batch of 156 Prachands will also feature upgraded weapons systems, including anti-tank missiles, further boosting their combat capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant step forward for India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A, manufactured at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) newly established production line in Nashik, is poised for its maiden flight in mid-July 2025. This milestone comes after a 16-month delay, with HAL now accelerating efforts to deliver the first batch of these advanced fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by August 2025.
The LCA Mk-1A, an upgraded variant of the Tejas, is a cornerstone of India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed to enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities, the Mk-1A features advanced avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, improved electronic warfare systems, and enhanced weaponry, including beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles. These upgrades make it a formidable 4.5-generation multirole fighter, tailored to meet the IAF’s modern combat requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a scathing analysis of the recent Indo-Pakistan aerial conflict during Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025), French media outlet L’Opinion (lopinion.fr) has reported that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) suffered significant losses, with “well over a dozen aircraft” destroyed, citing French sources.
The report underscores India’s “total victory at the tactical and operational levels” but highlights a “complete failure in strategic communication,” which has allowed Pakistan to shape the narrative despite its battlefield setbacks. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) precision strikes crippled multiple PAF bases, destroying hangars and high-value assets, with some losses attributed to India’s S-400 air defense system and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, 2025, remains grounded due to suspected hydraulic system issues, according to a report by Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi. The fifth-generation stealth fighter, operating from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, has drawn significant attention as a team of RAF technical experts works to resolve the glitch under challenging weather conditions.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has earned praise for its swift and professional support, highlighting the strength of Indo-UK military cooperation. The unfolding saga, as covered by Mathrubhumi, underscores both the complexities of advanced military aviation and the camaraderie between allied forces.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 26,449 Advanced Multi-Spectral Camouflage Nets (MSCNs) to enhance the stealth capabilities of its critical equipment across diverse terrains, including Plains & Jungle, Desert & Semi-Desert, and High-Altitude Area (HAA) Barren Mountain & Snow-Bound regions.
This ambitious initiative, announced by the Ministry of Defence, aims to counter modern aerial and ground-based electromagnetic (EM) sensors, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to bolster indigenous defense manufacturing. The RFI, detailed by Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), underscores the Army’s focus on lightweight, durable, and adaptable camouflage solutions to reduce detection by advanced surveillance systems in contested environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Cyprus has expressed keen interest in acquiring long-range loitering munitions from India, spurred by their proven effectiveness during India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025, according to posts on X and defense sources cited by Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org).
The successful deployment of indigenous and Indo-Israeli loitering munitions, such as the Nagastra-1 and SkyStriker, in targeting terrorist infrastructure has positioned India as an emerging supplier of advanced unmanned systems. This development, highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Cyprus, underscores the deepening defense ties between the two nations and India’s growing stature in the global arms market amid Cyprus’s ongoing military tensions with Turkey.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, has categorically denied claims attributed to an Iranian official suggesting that Pakistan would launch a nuclear strike on Israel in retaliation for a nuclear attack on Iran. Addressing the Pakistani Senate on June 16, 2025, Dar labeled the allegations as “fabricated” and “irresponsible,” emphasizing that Pakistan’s nuclear policy remains strictly defensive and unchanged since 1998. The swift rebuttal comes amid heightened regional tensions and widespread misinformation, underscoring Pakistan’s efforts to clarify its stance and maintain strategic stability.
The controversy stems from a viral video circulating on social media, in which General Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s National Security Council and a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed that Pakistan had assured Tehran of nuclear retaliation against Israel if it attacked Iran with nuclear weapons. The statement, aired on Iranian state television, triggered alarm across the region and was amplified by Indian and international media outlets, including a UK publication. Rezaei’s remarks suggested a strategic alignment between Pakistan and Iran, raising concerns about Pakistan’s potential involvement in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
An Indian Army contingent departed on Tuesday to participate in the 8th edition of the biennial India-France joint military exercise, Shakti, scheduled to be held from June 18 to July 1, at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie, in France. The Indian contingent comprising of 90 personnel is being represented primarily by a Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles besides personnel from other arms and services.
The French contingent comprising of 90 personnel will be represented by the 13th Foreign Legion HalfBrigade (13th DBLE), a Defence Ministry statement said. Exercise Shakti is a biennial training engagement between the Indian and French Armies, aimed at enhancing interoperability, operational coordination, and military to military connect. This edition will focus on joint operations in a sub-conventional environment under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with training being conducted in semi-urban terrain.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Leaders of G-7 countries on Tuesday strongly criticised Iran for ‘being the principal source of regional instability and terror,’ making it clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and affirmed that Israel has a right to defend itself. The G-7 leaders also reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.
‘We, the leaders of the G7, reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this context, we affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel,’ The G-7 leaders said in a statement on the recent developments between Israel and Iran.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on Monday evening to attend the G7 summit in Kananaskis, marking his first visit to Canada in a decade. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, will arrive here from Cyprus at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Kananaskis gathering on June 16-17 is the Prime Minister’s 6th consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.
“At the summit, the Prime Minister will exchange views with leaders of G-7 countries, other invited outreach countries and Heads of International Organisations on crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus and Quantum-related issues,” the Ministry of External Affairs had said in New Delhi.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a guided tour along the ceasefire line in the historic city of Nicosia along with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. “Tour with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along the ceasefire line, in old Nicosia. Where the signs of the Turkish occupation remain visible,” the Government of the Republic of Cyprus posted on X along with the photographs of the two leaders visiting the area.
PM Modi’s nearly 24-hour visit to Cyprus remains significant as it came in the middle of India’s tensions with Turkey over the latter’s continuous support to Pakistan.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday attached immovable properties belonging to a Pakistan-based terrorist in Kupwara district, officials said. They identified the terrorist as Abdul Hamid Lone, who is wanted in a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
“With the aim to counter terrorism and dismantle its support infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the SIA has attached the property of Pakistan-based terrorist Abdul Hamid Lone at Mawar Bala Qalamabad, Handwara in district Kupwara,” an official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Excitement is running high among the Indian diaspora in Canada as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Calgary to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The visit is being seen as a significant diplomatic move aimed at mending and strengthening ties between India and Canada after a period of strained relations, considering it a major reset.
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by Acting Indian High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik, Canadian officials, and leaders of Canada’s First Nations, the country’s Indigenous communities. He is scheduled to proceed to the scenic mountain town of Kananaskis, Alberta, where the G7 Summit has commenced under tight security measures.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city, 110 of them crossing the border into Armenia, through arrangements made by the Embassy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the Indian Embassy remains continuously in touch with the community with a view to extending all feasible assistance. “Indian students in Tehran have been moved out of the city for reasons of safety, through arrangements made by the Embassy,” it said.
Other residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out of the city in view of the developing situation, it said. Separately, some Indians have been facilitated to leave Iran through the border with Armenia, the MEA said, adding that further advisories may be issued given the fluid situation, it said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Several parks in Jammu and Kashmir’s tourist places, including some in Pahalgam, that were closed in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack were reopened on Tuesday, officials said. The reopening of the parks has been welcomed by the tourists and local visitors alike who thronged the parks at several places.
Security personnel were deployed in strength around the parks to secure the areas and create a sense of security, they said.
Continue reading