Defence News

The NIA has arrested the alleged main conspirator in a massive illegal explosives case. The investigation follows the February 2026 seizure of 89,600 explosive sticks and 10,500 shock tubes from a lorry. Coordinated NIA raids are under way at 19 locations across three states as part of the investigation.

With a trainee onboard, a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft suffered a catastrophic systems failure resulting in the aircraft and its crew experiencing aerodynamic forces and physical stress well beyond normal limits. The pilot-in-command demonstrated exceptional situational awareness and managed to land safely. For this, Squadron Leader Sudhir Kumar was decorated with Shaurya Chakra on Independence Day.

Lucknow-based Kawa UAV, operating under HoverIt, launched India's first jet-powered loitering munition from a car and shared the video. The indigenously-developed drone, Divyastra Mk3, was developed and built in just one year, has no foreign critical systems and runs on an India-made engine. "This is more than a flight. This is Atmanirbhar Bharat in action," the startup said.

India has imposed a phased ban on import of 405 strategically important defence items to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and promote domestic defence manufacturing. The list covers equipment, systems, components and spares linked to platforms like Su-30MKI jet, MRSAM missile system and warships. The move has an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.

A new documentary on Operation Sindoor, which provided behind-the-scenes account of India's response to Pahalgam terror attack and military actions that followed, rattled Pakistan. The spokesperson of Pakistan Armed Forces rushed to issue a so-called clarification at 2:34 am (2:04 am local Pakistan time). The documentary features remarks from NSA Ajit Doval and senior officials of Indian forces.

AI infrastructure, defence manufacturing and metals could emerge as key investment themes in India, Lighthouse Canton's Abhay Laijawala told The Core. He said data centre expansion could boost demand for electrical equipment, while higher defence procurement and exports could support manufacturers. Growing electrification could also increase demand for copper, silver and aluminium.

The Defence Ministry has approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies of all conventional missile systems to Indian industries for production within the country. "The objective is to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the defence industrial base and create opportunities for participation of MSMEs and other technology partners in the supply chain," the ministry said.

India's strategic coastline and location near key shipping lanes give it a major maritime advantage, but growing Chinese activity and regional threats are exposing naval gaps. With over 90% of India's trade moving by sea and critical chokepoints including Hormuz and Malacca, experts argue India needs a larger fleet, more carriers and stronger maritime presence to safeguard its economic lifelines.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested its Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at one of the world's highest-altitude drop zones in Ladakh. The trials were carried out at Nyoma, close to the Line of Control in south-eastern Ladakh. The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently commissioned an airbase at Nyoma, which is among the world's highest airbases.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the indigenously developed Military Combat Parachute System at 22,000 feet in Ladakh. The jumpers landed at an altitude of 13,700 feet as the trial was conducted in temperatures as low as -15°C. The trial was conducted at one of the world's highest altitudes, Nyoma, the DRDO said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said, "Domestic defence production, which stood at ₹46,000 crore in 2014, has now reached approximately ₹1.80 lakh crore. Similarly, defence exports have increased from around ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹39,000 crore." He made the remarks after laying foundation stone for a ₹472-crore T-series battle tanks overhaul facility at Vehicle Factory Jabalpur.

The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned the deep-sea diving vessel INS Nipun in Mumbai. The second Diving Support Vessel was commissioned in the presence of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. INS Nipun, the second Nistar-class vessel, is indigenously built and designed and strengthens the deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, and submarine rescue capabilities of the Navy.

Tata Advanced Systems has signed an MoU with the Javelin Joint Venture of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to explore co-production of Javelin missiles in India. The plan could include an Indian facility for final assembly, integration and component production, strengthening India's defence manufacturing capabilities and the India-US defence partnership.

Tejas Mk2's delayed timeline has sparked debate over its relevance in the 2030s, when China will field advanced fifth-generation fighters. However, India's shrinking fighter fleet means the 4.5-generation Mk2 could still fill critical numbers and replace ageing Jaguars, MiG-29s and Mirage 2000s if HAL delivers it on time.

Indian Army has set up a special lab that uses advanced software to identify and remove Chinese components and assess "vulnerabilities" in unmanned systems to strengthen electronic security. The facility is named 'AASHVAST' (Assessment and Analysis of Electronic Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities and Security Threats). Software scans for hidden passwords, embedded keys, and remote-access tools.

Defence Acquisition Council, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved acquisition of military hardware at an estimated cost of ₹1.10 lakh crore to boost military’s combat prowess. For the Army, CBRN Recce Vehicles and High Mobility Vehicles were approved. Arudhra Radars, which will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at Naval Air Stations, were approved for Navy.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared a ₹1,10,000 crore proposal to procure systems for defence forces. Indian Army will get Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), Trawl Tanks and High Mobility Vehicles (HMV), among other things. The Indian Navy will get Arudhra Radars and Marine Gas Turbines (MGT), while the Indian Air Force will get the Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer (GBMPJ) system.