SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Following the resounding success of India’s Akash missile system in neutralizing Pakistani drones and rockets during recent conflicts, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is now focusing on boosting the system’s performance. Sources indicate that DRDO is exploring the use of alternative propulsion fuels to enhance the range and efficiency of the Akash missile system without necessitating modifications to its existing airframe or missile design.
The Akash missile, a cornerstone of India’s air defense network, has proven its mettle by effectively countering threats such as Pakistan’s HATF-I and Fatah-II Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) alongside unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Building on this success, DRDO aims to optimize the ramjet sustainer motor, a key component of the Akash system, by experimenting with next-generation propulsion fuels. These advanced fuels are expected to improve the missile’s performance, potentially extending its range and enhancing its speed and maneuverability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In modern warfare, the ability to neutralize advanced enemy air defense systems is a critical determinant of battlefield success. As adversaries deploy increasingly sophisticated integrated air defense systems (IADS), including long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and radar networks, the need for platforms that can penetrate these defenses, strike high-value ground assets, and minimize risk to expensive assets has become paramount.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is addressing this challenge through the development of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior—a loyal wingman drone designed to complement advanced manned platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The CATS Warrior is not just a force multiplier; it represents a paradigm shift in how India plans to tackle enemy air defenses in a cost-effective and low-risk manner.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
On the morning of May 10, 2025, a dramatic video captured by residents near the Line of Control (LoC) in India showcased the Indian Air Force’s Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system successfully intercepting a Pakistani Fatah-1 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The footage, which has since gone viral across social media platforms, highlights India’s robust air defense capabilities amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. This incident, part of a broader military exchange following India’s Operation Sindoor, underscores the effectiveness of the indigenously developed Akash SAM in countering advanced regional threats.
The video, reportedly filmed by local residents in the Sirsa region of Haryana, captures the moment an Akash missile streaks into the sky and intercepts a Pakistani Fatah-1 missile mid-air. The footage shows a bright explosion as the incoming projectile is neutralized, preventing it from reaching its intended target, speculated to be a strategic location near New Delhi. The interception occurred around 12:15 AM on May 10, 2025, as part of Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, launched in response to Indian airstrikes on Pakistani airbases the previous day.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant move to enhance its maritime security, India has revived a long-pending proposal for the indigenous construction of 12 specialized warships designed to detect, track, and destroy underwater mines. These mines, often laid by enemy forces to choke harbors, disrupt ports, and cripple shipping and maritime trade, pose a severe threat to India’s naval operations and economic lifelines. According to defense ministry sources, the procurement case for these 12 advanced Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs) for the Indian Navy, estimated at Rs 44,000 crore, is set to be presented soon before the Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for the grant of “Acceptance of Necessity” (AoN).
Following the AoN approval, the Ministry of Defence will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) through an “open tender” process, inviting Indian shipyards to submit their techno-commercial bids. This aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, ensuring that the MCMVs are built domestically. However, sources caution that the timeline for delivery remains lengthy. “It will take at least 7-8 years, if not more, for the first MCMV to roll out after the contract is inked,” a defense ministry source revealed, highlighting the complexity of designing and constructing such specialized vessels.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a powerful display of public support for India’s self-reliance in defense technology, the hashtag #FundKaveriEngine has surged to the top of X trends across India, amassing significant traction with thousands of posts. As of May 26, 2025, the campaign, which calls for increased funding and prioritization of the Kaveri engine program, has captured the attention of defense enthusiasts, analysts, and citizens alike, highlighting the strategic importance of developing indigenous aero-engines for India’s fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Kaveri engine program, led by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has been a critical yet challenging endeavor since its inception in 1989. Initially intended to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the program faced setbacks due to thrust deficiencies and weight issues, leading to its delinking from the Tejas in 2008. Despite these challenges, recent progress, including the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE) achieving 46-49kN of thrust and clearance for inflight testing in 2024, has reignited hope in the program’s potential.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Central government on Monday extended the tenure of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Samir V Kamat by one more year, till May 2026.
This is his second extension in the post. A distinguished scientist, Mr Kamat was appointed as secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and the DRDO chairman on August 25, 2022.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
In a rare and striking release, a few images have emerged from the Indian Army’s war room, offering a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Operation Sindoor’, precision military strike by the Indian forces against terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on May 7.
The pictures show the Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh standing shoulder-to-shoulder, while monitoring real-time updates of the operation in a high-security command centre. Another senior officer of the Army is also visible along with them.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan, asserting that its sole objective is to foster hatred towards India and orchestrate harm, and at the same time, India remains steadfast in its pursuit of poverty eradication and economic advancement.
Addressing a large gathering in Gujarat’s Dahod, the Prime Minister lauded “Operation Sindoor,” describing it as not merely a military operation but a “profound expression of India’s ethos and feelings.” The operation was launched during the intervening night of May 6 and May 7 with the Indian Air Force targeting nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which included the headquarters of banned outfits of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan carried out 413 drone attacks in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sri Ganganagar districts, but all of them were neutralised mid-air by India’s air defence system, Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General (Rajasthan Frontier) ML Garg said on Monday.
In an interaction with media at the BSF headquarters in Jodhpur, Mr Garg shared the force’s achievements during Operation Sindoor at the Western Border. He said Pakistan’s army targeted sensitive locations in Rajasthan, including the Phalodi air base, but the forces responded with precise timing, exactly where and when required.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday reiterated India’s warning that if Pakistan continues to nurture terrorists in its backyard, its existence could be wiped out. Mr Sinha saluted the valour and indomitable courage of the armed forces for their strong and decisive action against the “terrorist nation” through Operation Sindoor.
“India has warned terror state Pakistan that our forces can attack every inch of its land, and its entire existence could be wiped off the face of earth if it continues to nurture terrorists in its backyard,” Mr Sinha said after attending a theatrical performance of Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s epic poem Rashmirathi, organised by the University of Jammu.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A court here on Monday remanded YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra to judicial custody after the end of her police remand in a case of alleged espionage. The 33-year-old travel influencer was produced in the court. A police spokesperson said that they did not seek her further remand after which the court sent her to jail.
Meanwhile, data from Malhotra’s three mobile phones and a laptop, which had been sent for forensic examination, has been recovered, police sources said on Monday.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Directorate General of Shipping has been directed to monitor the situation arising out of the capsizing and sinking of a Liberian cargo ship off the Kerala coast, at every two hours, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Monday.
Speaking with reporters after attending the 36th Foundation Day celebrations event here, Mr Sonowal, who is the Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said all steps have been taken, particularly to protect coastal life.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s planned trip to Moscow this week has been called off as he is indisposed due to seasonal flu, sources said on Monday.
Doval was scheduled to attend the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues to be held in Moscow from May 27 to 29.He is unable to participate in the meeting due to indisposition with a seasonal flu, the sources said.
The NSA is looking forward to taking forward bilateral engagement with Russia on strategic and security matters at an early date, they said.
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant development following the recent India-Pakistan aerial clashes, Japanese radar engineers and electronic warfare (EW) experts are set to be the first foreign specialists to access detailed information on the Chinese-made PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) recovered by India.
According to sources close to idrw.org, the missiles, fired by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets during Operation Sindoor, were rendered ineffective by India’s advanced EW systems, leading to the recovery of several near-intact PL-15E units, complete with their guidance systems and seekers. This breakthrough offers a rare opportunity to study one of China’s most advanced air-to-air weapons, drawing global attention as nations like Japan seek to counter the growing threat of Chinese military technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Larsen & Toubro’s Precision Engineering Systems (L&T PES) has solidified its position as a trailblazer in India’s defence innovation landscape with the successful sea trials of its indigenously developed 651 kW (885 hp) Waterjet Propulsion System in April 2025, integrated into the Indian Navy’s Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC). Building on this milestone, L&T is now setting its sights on a more powerful 3500 kW (4760 hp) waterjet propulsion system.
The 651 kW Waterjet Propulsion System, developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, boasts over 70% indigenous content and was validated for high-speed operations, maneuverability, and shallow-water performance aboard FICs. These vessels, critical for coastal defence, surveillance, and anti-smuggling missions, benefit from waterjets’ ability to generate thrust by accelerating water through a pump, offering superior control and efficiency compared to conventional propellers. The system’s success, highlighted by DRDO’s X post (@DrdoTdf), demonstrates L&T’s capability to deliver reliable, homegrown maritime solutions, setting the stage for scaling up to the 3500 kW class.
Continue reading