SOURCE: AFI

An old video, purportedly from a tense border clash in the Chumi Gyatse (Dongzhang) region of Arunachal Pradesh, has resurfaced and gone viral on social media, capturing a dramatic yet comical encounter between Indian Army troops and two soldiers from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The footage, believed to be from the pandemic-era skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), shows two PLA soldiers attempting to hide in bushes with grenades in their mouths, seemingly in a desperate bid to evade capture.

In stark contrast, the Indian soldiers, unfazed by the situation, can be heard delivering a series of humorous taunts, including phrases like “No go! Ben de lode, sit, sit!” and “Momo la rha h, momo!”—a lighthearted jab referencing the popular steamed dish associated with Chinese cuisine.

SOURCE: AFI

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has taken a significant step toward enhancing its coastal defense capabilities with the operationalization of a dedicated BrahMos Missile Storage Facility, as revealed in recent photos circulating on social media. The images, was shared by @oyasumichunmoo
on X, showcase the BrahMos Supersonic Anti-ship Missile System, a cornerstone of the Philippines’ military modernization program. The second batch of these advanced missiles arrived from India in April 2025, marking a milestone in the $375 million defense deal signed in January 2022 between Manila and New Delhi

The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.8 (approximately 3,400 km/h). With a range of 290 kilometers for the export variant, it can be launched from land, sea, air, or submarine platforms, making it a versatile weapon for anti-ship and land-attack roles. The Philippine Marine Corps’ Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) Battalion, part of the Coastal Defense Regiment, operates these systems, which are mounted on mobile autonomous launchers tailored for the Philippines’ tropical terrain.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) stands at a critical juncture in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence aviation. With the global aerospace landscape rapidly shifting toward stealth and unmanned platforms, HAL’s immediate priority should be the accelerated development of the Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25), a 25 kN thrust-class engine designed for light combat aircraft, trainers, and unmanned systems.

This indigenous engine is pivotal to powering a range of advanced platforms, including loyal wingman drones, stealth bombers, and other next-generation systems, which are essential for India to counter emerging threats from adversaries like China and Pakistan. Fast-tracking the HTFE-25 will not only bolster India’s air combat capabilities but also reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, aligning with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

SOURCE: AFI

China’s aerospace industry has faced a steep decline in fighter jet exports in recent years, with Pakistan emerging as the sole exception, procuring nearly 200 JF-17 Thunder jets and 20 J-10CE fighters. As global demand for Chinese combat aircraft wanes against dominant players like Russia, South Korea, and the United States, China is now fast-tracking the supply of its fifth-generation J-35A stealth fighter to Pakistan, aiming to revitalize its export market and establish a foothold in the competitive global arms trade.

The JF-17, co-developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Pakistan’s Aeronautical Complex, has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s air force modernization, with nearly 200 units delivered or on order. The J-10CE, an export variant of China’s J-10C multirole fighter, has also found a buyer in Pakistan, with 20 jets acquired to bolster its air combat capabilities. However, beyond Pakistan, China has struggled to secure significant export deals, as countries remain skeptical of the performance and reliability of Chinese jets compared to established Western and Russian platforms like the F-16, Su-30, or KAI T-50.

SOURCE: AFI

In a landmark demonstration of its advanced combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has released a video showcasing the Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter test-firing the Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missile, marking the first public display of this capability.

This milestone, highlighted in posts on X on May 20, 2025, underscores the Apache’s versatility in engaging not only ground targets but also aerial threats, including hostile helicopters, gunships, Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). The integration of the ATAS Stinger enhances the IAF’s air defence arsenal, positioning the Apache as a multi-role platform capable of dominating both air and ground domains along India’s volatile borders.