SOURCE: AFI

China’s military support to Pakistan has long been a cornerstone of its strategy to keep India in check, creating a persistent thorn in New Delhi’s side along its western border. From advanced fighter jets to hypersonic missiles, Beijing has steadily equipped Islamabad with cutting-edge weaponry, leveraging their “all-weather” alliance to counterbalance India’s regional ambitions. Meanwhile, India, despite its growing defense industry and warming ties with Taiwan, has refrained from arming the island with Indian-made weapons—a move that could signal defiance to Beijing but has yet to materialize. This contrast highlights a tale of strategic intent versus missed opportunities.

China’s defense collaboration with Pakistan is both deep and deliberate. Over decades, Beijing has supplied Islamabad with an array of sophisticated platforms: the JF-17 Thunder fighter (co-developed with Pakistan), Type 054A/P frigates for the Pakistan Navy, and the HQ-9 air defense system, mirroring China’s own capabilities. In 2024, speculation intensified that China might transfer its DF-17 hypersonic missile—capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5 and a range of 2,500 km—to Pakistan. Such a weapon could challenge India’s S-400 air defense system, acquired from Russia in 2022, which has been touted as a game-changer against conventional threats but struggles with hypersonic targets.

SOURCE: AFI

On February 26, 2025, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, visited the Airbus facility in Marseille, France, reinforcing India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge global aerospace technology into its defense ecosystem. During the visit, General Dwivedi was briefed on Airbus’s advancements in aviation technology, defense systems, and aerospace engineering, with a particular focus on rotary-wing aviation—an area of growing strategic importance for the Indian Army. The visit underscores the Army’s intent to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen defense preparedness through collaboration with one of the world’s leading aerospace pioneers.

The Marseille facility, a hub for Airbus Helicopters, provided General Dwivedi with a firsthand look at the company’s state-of-the-art offerings. Airbus, a global leader in civil and military aviation, showcased its expertise in designing and manufacturing helicopters, defense systems, and advanced aerospace solutions. The COAS received detailed briefings on cutting-edge technologies, including lightweight composite materials, next-generation avionics, and hybrid propulsion systems that enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and survivability in combat environments.

SOURCE: AFI

The HAL CATS Warrior, a cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with NewSpace Research and Technologies, is set to redefine India’s approach to aerial warfare. As part of the broader Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program, the Warrior is designed to operate as a “loyal wingman,” working in tandem with manned fighter aircraft to enhance combat effectiveness while minimizing risks to human pilots.

At the heart of the CATS Warrior’s capabilities is its internal weapon bay, which can house two DRDO-developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAAW). These precision-guided munitions are designed to neutralize high-value targets such as enemy airfields, radar installations, and other critical infrastructure. The internal bay ensures that the UCAV maintains its stealth profile, reducing its radar cross-section (RCS) and making it harder for enemy defenses to detect. This stealth design, combined with advanced avionics and sensors, allows the Warrior to operate in contested airspaces where traditional manned aircraft might face significant risks.

SOURCE: AFI

Mumbai’s Vanar Robots, an innovative force in robotics research, has announced exciting plans for its Generation 1 prototype, a biomechanical humanoid intelligence designed to seamlessly integrate into both enterprise and home environments. Dubbed “Vanar Generation 1,” this cutting-edge creation marks a bold step toward redefining human-robot interaction with its focus on real-world applicability, blending function, efficiency, and adaptability.

The Vanar Generation 1 is not just another robot—it’s a pioneering effort to bridge the gap between advanced technology and everyday utility. According to the company, this prototype embodies their vision of creating biomechanical humanoids that can perform practical tasks while pushing the boundaries of robotic intelligence. From assisting with enterprise workflows to supporting household needs, the Generation 1 is engineered to be a versatile companion in diverse settings.

SOURCE: AFI

In recent developments, the Chinese fisheries science vessels, Lan Hai 101 and Lan Hai 201, have been spotted conducting research in the Arabian Sea. Ostensibly, these vessels are part of an initiative to bolster China’s aquaculture sector by gathering data on fish stocks and marine biodiversity. However, this activity masks a series of broader implications that extend far beyond mere scientific research.

China’s distant-water fishing fleet, one of the largest in the world, has long been accused of engaging in IUU fishing. These practices not only contravene international maritime laws but also lead to overexploitation of marine resources. The involvement of vessels like the Lan Hai in the Arabian Sea raises concerns that the data collected might be used to further these activities, providing the fleet with insights to continue their operations under the radar of regulatory bodies.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan has long justified its support for armed groups in Kashmir by claiming that the region’s people have the right to resist Indian rule. Some Pakistani officials and analysts often argue that under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which provides for self-defence, arming Kashmiri militants is legally permissible. However, this interpretation is flawed and does not hold up under international law.

Article 51 of the UN Charter states:

“Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.”

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant showcase of military technology, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, was recently introduced to the Jaguar EBRC (Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et de Combat), a state-of-the-art 6×6 armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle, during his visit to Paris. This impressive machine is a cornerstone of France’s ambitious Scorpion EBMR (Engin Blindé Multi-Rôles) program, reflecting the future of networked and versatile battlefield solutions.

The Jaguar EBRC, weighing 25 tonnes, is powered by a robust 500-horsepower engine, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 90 km/h and cover a remarkable range of 800 km. Designed for agility and firepower, the vehicle boasts a formidable arsenal. Its primary weapon is a 40mm cannon, complemented by a Hornet Remote Weapon System equipped with a 7.62mm machine gun. For enhanced combat capability, it also carries medium-range missiles and features the innovative Galix self-defense system, capable of deploying both lethal and non-lethal grenades to counter threats.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step toward modernizing its capabilities, the Indian Army has signed a contract for the procurement of 223 units of the Automatic Chemical Agent Detection & Alarm (ACADA) System. This advanced technology, developed by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), a Gwalior-based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be produced by M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), a designated Technology Transfer (ToT) holder and production agency for the ACADA system. The deal marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in critical defense technologies.

The ACADA system is designed to detect and provide early warnings against chemical warfare (CW) agents and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), bolstering the Indian Army’s preparedness in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense. Leveraging twin-tube Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, the system offers continuous monitoring and rapid detection capabilities, making it an essential tool for enhancing operational readiness in contested environments. Its induction is expected to strengthen the Army’s ability to respond to CBRN threats, as well as support disaster relief efforts where chemical hazards may be a concern.

SOURCE: AFI

In a move that has sent ripples through the global defense industry, the United States has signaled its intent to officially veto the sale of the General Electric F414-GE-39E engine, a critical component of the Saab Gripen E fighter jet, to the Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC), Colombia’s air force. This decision, aimed at nudging Colombia toward purchasing American-made Lockheed Martin F-16 jets instead, has sparked debate about its broader implications—particularly for India’s Tejas MkII, which relies on a variant of the same engine. With the U.S. wielding significant influence over the export of its technology, questions are mounting about whether this veto could cast a shadow over India’s ambitions to market the Tejas MkII internationally, especially to nations aligned with or contested by American interests.

The F414-GE-39E, a derivative of the widely used F414 family, powers the advanced Gripen E, a lightweight, multi-role fighter developed by Sweden’s Saab. Colombia had been considering the Gripen E as part of its effort to modernize its aging fleet, but the U.S. veto effectively scuttles that option by denying access to the engine, a move seen as leveraging American control over key aerospace components to secure a strategic sale.

SOURCE: AFI

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently announced a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing, revealing that the country has achieved an impressive 88 percent self-sufficiency in ammunition production. The statement, made during a recent address, underscores the strides made by India’s defense sector under the government’s ambitious “Make in India” initiative.

Looking ahead, the Defence Minister outlined an even bolder vision for the sector, stating that India aims to achieve a defense production target of ?50,000 crore by 2029. This ambitious goal signals the government’s intent to not only sustain but accelerate the momentum of indigenization. Singh’s announcement aligns with broader efforts to transform India into a global hub for defense manufacturing, with an emphasis on both meeting domestic needs and boosting exports.