Defense

HAL Pushes Back on IAF Concerns: Ready for Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries?

HAL Pushes Back on IAF Concerns: Ready for Tejas Mk-1A Deliveries?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently highlighted progress on its Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets via social media. They asserted that five aircraft are prepared post-weapons trials. HAL urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) for swift induction. This comes amid ongoing debates over production timelines and quality. HAL aims to ramp up output to 24 jets annually to address IAF shortages. The official HAL account (@HALHQBLR) emphasized the jets' completion of missile firings. It also highlighted the bomb releases. This positions them for handover in the current fiscal year. The progress comes despite past delays tied to engine supplies and certifications. These…
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85 Village Defence Guards (VDG) from Jammu Border Undergo Intensive Arms & Tactics Training

85 Village Defence Guards (VDG) from Jammu Border Undergo Intensive Arms & Tactics Training

VDG members from border areas trained to act as first responders To enhance local security preparedness in border areas, 85 members of the Village Defence Guards (VDG) are in training. These members come from remote villages near the International Border (IB) in Jammu district. They are partaking in this programme to improve security. This training covers arms handling and minor battle tactics. Hands-on weapon and tactical sessions The trainees are being instructed in the operation of automatic rifles under the supervision of senior police personnel. They are also learning effective self-defence methods. Additionally, they are instructed in the construction of…
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Future of Indian Defence: Innovations for 2026

Future of Indian Defence: Innovations for 2026

India’s defence forces are entering 2026 with one of their most ambitious modernisation phases. This phase is driven by big-ticket inductions and indigenous platforms. There is also a sharper focus on multi-domain warfare. Each arm, from the Army to the Air Force, is set to plug critical gaps. The Navy and BSF will also boost deterrence on both land and maritime frontiers. ​ 2026: The Big Picture The 2025–26 defence budget includes a higher capital outlay. It also contains a strong ‘Make in India’ thrust. These factors are pushing indigenous fighters, missiles, warships, and surveillance systems into frontline service. Key…
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India Enhances Rocket Artillery with Pinaka LRGR 120 Flight Test

India Enhances Rocket Artillery with Pinaka LRGR 120 Flight Test

India has successfully conducted the first flight test of its long-range guided version of the Pinaka rocket system. This marks a significant boost to indigenous rocket artillery capabilities. The defence ministry reported the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120). It was conducted on Monday from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The rocket was tested to its maximum range of 120 km. It successfully executed planned in-flight manoeuvres. The rocket struck the target with high precision. Defence minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test. He stated that the successful design of long-range guided…
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Army Eases Instagram Rules, Retains Strict No-Post Norms

Army Eases Instagram Rules, Retains Strict No-Post Norms

Instagram Allowed Only in View Mode The Indian Army has updated its social media rules to allow soldiers and officers to access Instagram. They can only view and monitor content. Interaction is not permitted. The Directorate General of Military Intelligence (DGMI) has issued revised instructions. Personnel are barred from posting, commenting, liking, or sharing on the platform. They are only allowed passive use. Policy Change and Scope The latest order, issued by Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), takes immediate effect. It modifies earlier social media guidelines. These guidelines had completely barred Instagram use by serving personnel. Instagram…
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CBI Arrests Defence Officer in Bribery Case

CBI Arrests Defence Officer in Bribery Case

The CBI has arrested Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma. He is an officer in the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence. They also arrested a private individual. This is in connection with an alleged bribery racket involving defence firms. ​Raids recover over ₹2.3 crore in cash as agency probes alleged kickbacks from defence companies in exchange for official favours.​ Arrest and case details The case was registered on December 19, 2025. This occurred following specific intelligence inputs. These inputs concerned alleged corrupt practices linked to defence procurement and exports. The agency booked Lt Col Deepak Kumar Sharma.…
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Indian Army Coins New IKIGAI for Land Forces in Japan

Indian Army Coins New IKIGAI for Land Forces in Japan

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), has outlined a new cooperative vision for the Indo-Pacific. He did this while virtually addressing the 3rd Land Forces Summit hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The conclave brought together Army Chiefs and senior commanders from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and the United States. This gathering reinforced the importance of land power in a rapidly evolving regional security landscape. In his remarks, the Indian Army chief emphasized the need for structured multilateral engagement. This approach aims to preserve peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific. IKIGAI framework for…
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USBRL Rail Link Enhances Army’s Operational Efficiency in Rapid Military Mobilization 

USBRL Rail Link Enhances Army’s Operational Efficiency in Rapid Military Mobilization 

The Indian Army has achieved a major logistics milestone. They transported tanks, artillery guns, and engineering dozers to the Kashmir Valley. This was done using a Military Special Train on the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). This marks a new phase. The USBRL is evolving from a civilian connectivity project. It is becoming a critical backbone for India’s northern frontier defence posture. Strategic move to Kashmir The Army recently conducted a validation exercise. They loaded tanks, artillery guns, and heavy engineering equipment in the Jammu region. These were then moved by rail to Anantnag in south Kashmir. The run showed that…
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Journey of Shivangi Singh from First Woman Rafale Pilot to Trainer

Journey of Shivangi Singh from First Woman Rafale Pilot to Trainer

Indian Air Force’s first woman Rafale pilot Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh has been assigned a new role. Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh has been assigned to a premier training establishment where she will mentor young fighter pilots. The officer has now transitioned to flying the Hawk advanced jet trainer. This marks her shift from frontline operations to shaping the next cohort of combat aviators. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan ran multiple fake news stories about Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh. They falsely claimed that she was captured by Pakistan’s forces. During a recent press conference, The Chief of Air Force, Air Chief Marshal…
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Threats India Face From Neighbouring Nation

Threats India Face From Neighbouring Nation

India today faces a spectrum of threats from almost every neighbour. These threats include conventional military risks and nuclear brinkmanship. They also involve cross‑border terrorism, cyberattacks, illegal migration, and grey‑zone tactics. The intensity and nature of these threats vary country‑wise. Together, they create a complex security ring around the Indian mainland and its maritime periphery.​ Pakistan: Terror Proxies and Nuclear Shadow Pakistan remains the most immediate source of cross‑border terrorism. Groups like Lashkar‑e‑Taiba and Jaish‑e‑Mohammad use its territory. They also use Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir as bases for attacks in India. Repeated terror strikes, including the 2025 Pahalgam attack that killed dozens…
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