India To Expand Rafale Fleet To 150 Aircraft, Forming Core of Its Airpower Backbone

India’s Rafale expansion plan is now entering a decisive phase, with a formal Letter of Request sent to France for 114 additional fighters worth nearly ₹3.25 lakh crore (US$39 billion).

This would raise India’s Rafale fleet from 36 to potentially 150 aircraft, making it the backbone of the Indian Air Force and the largest fighter acquisition in its history.

India is preparing to transform the Rafale from a niche capability into a central pillar of its airpower. The proposed deal under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme will see the first 24 jets delivered directly from France to meet immediate operational needs, while nearly 90 aircraft are expected to be manufactured in India.

This marks the first Rafale production line outside France, with localisation levels projected to reach 40–50 per cent. The arrangement will boost the aerospace ecosystem, create skilled jobs, and strengthen supply chains under the Make in India initiative.

The Rafale’s advanced features—Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles, Spectra electronic warfare suite, AESA radar, and multi-role strike capability—make it a versatile platform for air superiority, deep strike, maritime operations, and nuclear deterrence.

India already operates 36 Rafales at Ambala and Hasimara, and the Navy is inducting 26 Rafale M aircraft for carrier operations. Expanding the fleet to 114 additional jets will consolidate training, logistics, and maintenance, reducing costs and improving efficiency compared to inducting a new aircraft type.

The urgency stems from India’s declining squadron strength, now at about 29 against a sanctioned requirement of 42. Ageing MiG-21s and delays in TEJAS MK-1A and MK-2 programs have widened the gap, while China has fielded stealth fighters like the J‑20 and J‑35, and Pakistan is expected to induct the J‑35.

The Rafale expansion is seen as the fastest way to restore parity in a two-front scenario. Deliveries could begin around 2030 if the contract is signed by late 2026 or early 2027.

Negotiations are focused not only on pricing and production schedules but also on India’s demand for access to Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

These technical blueprints would allow integration of indigenous weapons such as the Astra missile and BrahMos-NG, giving India operational sovereignty without requiring French certification. While full access to source codes is unlikely, ICDs would provide the flexibility India seeks to avoid dependence on foreign suppliers.

The deal is valued at approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore and represents one of the largest fighter jet acquisitions globally. It will deepen India’s strategic partnership with France, which has already supplied Scorpene submarines and is collaborating on nuclear energy.

The Rafale program also positions India as Dassault Aviation’s second global manufacturing hub, reshaping the Indo-Pacific defence-industrial landscape. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s recent discussions in Paris, political commitment to the deal is evident.

When concluded, India’s Rafale fleet could rise to 150 aircraft, with future naval acquisitions potentially pushing the total beyond 200. This would cement the Rafale as the backbone of Indian airpower until indigenous projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft mature after 2035.

The expansion underscores India’s ambition to combine imported technology with domestic production, ensuring readiness against regional threats while advancing defence self-reliance.

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India Strengthens Aerial Shield As Fourth S-400 Squadron Joins Sudarshan Chakra Network

India has formally received its fourth squadron of the Russian-made S-400 Triumf, known domestically as the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, marking a decisive boost to its long-range air defence shield, reported TOI.

The system, delivered by ship a few days ago, will soon be deployed in an operational sector, with the fifth squadron expected in the coming months.

India signed the $5.43 billion agreement in 2018 to procure five S-400 regimental systems from Russia. The first three squadrons were inducted by 2023, but deliveries of the remaining two were delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and sanctions-related disruptions.

With the fourth squadron now in India, officials confirm that deliveries are back on track, and the final unit is scheduled to arrive later this year.

Each S-400 squadron comprises 16 vehicles, including command-and-control units, advanced radars, and missile launchers. A squadron is divided into two batteries, each with six launchers, together capable of deploying 128 missiles.

Under the deal, India is acquiring 60 launchers and 6,000 missiles with engagement ranges varying from 120 km to 380 km. This layered capability allows the system to counter fighter aircraft, surveillance platforms, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

The operational significance of the S-400 was highlighted during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when the system achieved a record-range kill by downing a high-value Pakistani surveillance aircraft at over 300 km.

Defence sources emphasised that the Sudarshan Chakra played a decisive role in neutralising hostile aerial threats, forcing adversary aircraft to retreat deep into their own territory. Its combat validation has led India’s Defence Acquisition Council to approve plans for five additional squadrons beyond the original order, potentially expanding the fleet to ten.

The arrival of the fourth squadron strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence network, which integrates imported and indigenous systems.

Alongside the S-400, India fields medium-range platforms such as Barak-8 and is advancing Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range air defence program under DRDO. Project Kusha aims to deliver three tiers of interceptor missiles with ranges between 150 km and 400 km, supported by advanced radars and integration into the Indian Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

Defence industry partners such as Solar Industries, Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Dynamics Limited are involved in development and production, with operational deployment targeted between 2028 and 2030.

Project Kusha is designed to rival global systems like the S-400 while offering cost advantages, with interceptor prices projected at ₹40–50 crore compared to over ₹100 crore for Russian equivalents. It incorporates advanced radar arrays optimised for stealth detection and promises high single-shot kill probabilities.

The system is expected to form part of the wider Sudarshan Chakra concept, a unified network combining imported and indigenous assets to counter drones, ballistic missiles, and emerging hypersonic threats.

The induction of the fourth S-400 squadron thus represents both an immediate operational boost and a bridge towards India’s long-term goal of strategic autonomy in air defence.

It consolidates deterrence against Pakistan and China while reinforcing India-Russia defence ties, even as New Delhi accelerates indigenous programmes to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

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Solar Industries, BDL Joins DRDO Development-Cum-Production Partners For Project Kusha

Project Kusha represents India’s most ambitious indigenous air defence program, combining DRDO’s technological leadership with private sector partners Solar Industries and Bharat Dynamics Limited under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model.

The system is designed to provide a multi-layered shield against advanced aerial threats, with phased induction planned between 2028 and 2030.

Project Kusha has been conceived as a long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) system capable of neutralising drones, cruise missiles, stealth aircraft, and ballistic missiles before they penetrate Indian airspace.

The system is structured around three interceptor variants. The M1 interceptor, with a range of 120 to 150 kilometres, is optimised for short-range engagements against low-flying or stealthy targets. The M2 interceptor extends the reach to approximately 250 kilometres, while the M3 interceptor pushes the envelope to 350–400 kilometres, capable of engaging threats at hypersonic speeds.

All three interceptors travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, with simulations confirming performance up to Mach 5.5. The M3 variant is specifically designed to counter intermediate-range ballistic missiles travelling at re-entry speeds of up to 4 kilometres per second, equivalent to Mach 12.

A defining feature of Project Kusha is its adoption of “hit-to-kill” technology. Unlike conventional warheads, the interceptors are engineered to collide directly with incoming threats, ensuring destruction at high altitudes.

This is achieved through a specialised kill vehicle equipped with dual radio-frequency and infrared seekers, enabling precise targeting in all weather conditions and resilience against electronic jamming. Internal trials have demonstrated success rates of 80 to 90 per cent against manoeuvring targets, reflecting the maturity of the technology derived from the Akash-NG program.

The DcPP model has been instrumental in accelerating the timeline of Project Kusha. Traditionally, private industry partners were limited to supplying sub-systems, but under this framework they are integrated from the design phase through to fabrication and production.

This collaborative approach ensures smoother transitions from prototype to production, reduces delays, and strengthens India’s defence ecosystem. Solar Industries, with its expertise in explosives and propulsion systems, and Bharat Dynamics Limited, with its missile production capabilities, are central to this effort.

Bharat Electronics Limited is also engaged as an integration partner, ensuring seamless assembly and testing of the system. The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the project in 2022, and by 2025 fabrication of the M1 interceptor had been completed, with trials scheduled to begin shortly thereafter. The phased induction of all three interceptors is expected between 2028 and 2030.

Project Kusha is not an isolated initiative but part of India’s broader “Sudarshan Chakra” air defence network. It will supplement existing systems such as the Barak 8, the Russian-origin S-400, and the indigenous ballistic missile defence program.

The Indian Air Force is the lead agency for deployment, with the Indian Navy also expected to induct a naval variant to supplement its LR-SAM systems. The program bridges the gap between medium-range systems like the MR-SAM, with an 80 kilometre range, and strategic systems like the S-400, with a 400 kilometre range. Its integration will create a “no-escape zone” of up to 350 kilometres for aerodynamic threats, including stealth fighters, supersonic cruise missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles.

The strategic importance of Project Kusha lies in its ability to provide India with a credible deterrent against regional adversaries. Systems such as China’s DF-21D and Pakistan’s Shaheen-II are explicitly cited as threats the system is designed to counter.

The program reflects India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in defence technology, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and harness the innovation of tier-2 and tier-3 suppliers and start-ups. The involvement of private industry under the DcPP model is expected to mature into a robust mechanism that ensures fair, transparent, and rapid development of complex defence systems.

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India Develops 'MITHYA' Electronic Warfare System To Shield Strategic Missiles Against Advanced Defence Networks

India is developing the “MITHYA” electronic warfare system to protect its strategic missile arsenal from advanced Ballistic Missile Defence networks, marking a major leap in survivability and deterrence.

The system is self-powered, deployable during flight, and designed to jam, spoof, and mask hostile radars, ensuring India’s long-range missiles remain credible against evolving threats.

India’s defence establishment has initiated the development of the MITHYA system, a sophisticated electronic warfare suite tailored for strategic missile platforms. The system is being designed to counter increasingly advanced ballistic missile defence networks deployed by adversaries, which pose a challenge to the survivability of India’s deterrent arsenal.

The project reflects India’s recognition that modern strategic warfare now demands active countermeasures, not just missile performance, to ensure penetration of layered defence shields.

The MITHYA system is notable for being self-powered, operating independently of the missile’s primary power supply. It incorporates a lithium-ion secondary battery with a dedicated battery management system, enabling resilience during critical mission phases.

This independence ensures that the electronic warfare package remains functional even under the extreme conditions of launch and flight, including violent acceleration, vibration, and thermal stress.

A key feature of MITHYA is its deployable antenna architecture, which allows it to function as an expendable electronic warfare package. Once activated during flight, the system can dynamically jam, spoof, or mask hostile radar systems, thereby complicating interception attempts during the missile’s most vulnerable operational windows.

This capability mirrors global trends, where nations such as Russia have integrated decoys and EW suites into their strategic missiles to bypass advanced air defence networks.

The system is reportedly linked to the “A5C” platform, believed to be associated with advanced variants of the Agni-V missile series. This connection suggests that MITHYA is intended to complement India’s premier long-range strategic missile ecosystem, enhancing its ability to penetrate sophisticated defences.

Engineers are currently testing dummy units and pyro assemblies to validate the lithium-ion battery management system and deployment mechanisms, ensuring operational reliability before live trials.

The development of MITHYA aligns with India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which emphasises indigenous capability building in critical defence technologies. By embedding advanced electronic warfare systems within its missile arsenal, India is not only reducing reliance on external solutions but also ensuring long-term resilience in its deterrence posture. This effort complements other indigenous projects in radar, sensors, and missile guidance, creating a layered ecosystem of survivability.

Strategically, MITHYA represents a decisive step in India’s response to the growing sophistication of Chinese and Pakistani missile defence programs.

By equipping its missiles with active countermeasures, India is reinforcing the credibility of its nuclear deterrent, ensuring that adversaries cannot rely on interception systems to neutralise its strike capability. This development also signals India’s entry into the next phase of strategic warfare, where survivability is as critical as range and payload.

Operationally, the integration of MITHYA will enhance India’s ability to maintain a credible second-strike capability, a cornerstone of its nuclear doctrine.

By ensuring that its missiles can evade interception, India strengthens deterrence stability in South Asia, reducing the risk of miscalculation by adversaries who might otherwise overestimate the effectiveness of their missile defence systems.

In the long term, MITHYA is expected to evolve into a family of electronic warfare solutions adaptable across multiple missile platforms. Its success will likely influence India’s future missile development, embedding survivability features as standard rather than optional.

This reflects a global shift in strategic doctrine, where electronic warfare and countermeasures are now integral to missile design rather than auxiliary add-ons.

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Zen’s TISA Aerospace Unveils Anister UAV, Strengthening India’s Indigenous Loitering Munition And Surveillance Capabilities

TISA Aerospace, now a subsidiary of Zen Technologies, has unveiled its Anister UAV, marking a significant step in India’s indigenous loitering munition and surveillance drone capabilities.

The platform combines advanced autonomous strike features with real-time reconnaissance, positioning Zen firmly in the UAV and precision-guided weapons domain.

The Anister UAV represents TISA Aerospace’s evolution from its earlier loitering munition projects developed for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The company had successfully built and tested an 8.5 kg maximum take-off weight loitering munition UAV, which demonstrated precise operational capabilities during flight trials. Building on this foundation, Anister has been designed as a next-generation system, integrating both loitering strike and surveillance roles to meet the stringent demands of modern warfare.

Zen Technologies acquired a majority stake in TISA Aerospace in mid-2025, investing approximately ₹6.6 crore through equity shares and convertible debentures. This acquisition was strategically timed after Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the importance of indigenous anti-drone and UAV technologies.

Zen, already a leader in defence training and anti-drone solutions, saw in TISA an opportunity to expand into loitering munitions and UAVs, thereby diversifying its portfolio and strengthening its order book, which stood at nearly ₹692 crore at the close of FY25.

The Anister UAV is designed to deliver precision strike capabilities with autonomous target tracking and engagement powered by AI-driven software. It can lock onto moving targets and execute strikes with high accuracy, while also being capable of aborting missions mid-flight if required.

This flexibility makes it suitable for complex battlefield environments where adaptability is critical. In addition, the UAV is equipped with surveillance and reconnaissance payloads, enabling real-time intelligence gathering, mapping, and target acquisition. This dual capability ensures that Anister is not just a weapon but also a force multiplier for commanders seeking situational awareness.

TISA Aerospace has emphasised indigenous manufacturing, with complete in-house design, development, and production. This aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing dependency on imports and ensuring sovereign control over critical defence technologies.

The UAV is expected to be deployed for both tactical missions and strategic surveillance, supporting the Indian Army’s growing demand for unmanned systems that can operate in contested environments.

Zen Technologies’ chairman and managing director, Ashok Atluri, stated that TISA’s expertise in loitering munitions and UAVs provides Zen immediate access to advanced technologies and platforms. 

He highlighted the potential for product integration across Zen’s existing systems, which would allow faster scaling and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets. The company projects a compound annual growth rate of 50% between FY26 and FY28, with cumulative revenues estimated at ₹6,000 crore over three years, underscoring the commercial significance of the Anister UAV program.

The unveiling of Anister also signals India’s broader transition from being a UAV importer to developing sovereign capabilities across the software stack, hardware platforms, and operational doctrines.

With indigenous players like TISA Aerospace, Maraal Aerospace, and HoverIT entering the field, India is building a diverse ecosystem of UAV technologies ranging from solar-powered endurance drones to deep-strike loitering munitions.

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RudraM-II Missile Was Validated Under Extreme Release Conditions By DRDO-IAF

India’s DRDO and IAF have successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile under extreme release conditions, validating its subsystems and demonstrating pinpoint accuracy.

The missile, capable of speeds up to Mach 5.5 and ranges of 300–350 km, represents a major leap in indigenous precision-strike and anti-radiation capabilities.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), carried out the latest flight trials of the RudraM-II missile from a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.

The tests were conducted under extreme release conditions, meaning the missile was launched at challenging flight parameters including high dynamic stress, variable altitudes between 3 km and 15 km, and rapid manoeuvring of the launch aircraft. These conditions were deliberately chosen to validate the missile’s resilience, guidance accuracy, and subsystem integrity under operationally demanding scenarios.

After release, the missile followed a critical trajectory and struck its designated target with pinpoint accuracy. Data captured by electro-optical sensors, radar tracking networks, and telemetry stations at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, confirmed that all mission objectives were achieved.

The missile’s performance validated the robustness of its propulsion, guidance, and seeker systems, ensuring reliability even in adverse combat environments.

The RudraM-II is a next-generation supersonic missile developed by Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat (RCI), with contributions from DRDL, HEMRL, ARDE, and ITR. It is powered by a solid-propellant rocket motor capable of sustaining high thrust across varying atmospheric densities.

The missile achieves terminal speeds of Mach 5.5, drastically reducing the reaction time available to hostile air defence networks. It carries a 200-kg pre-fragmented warhead, designed to inflict maximum damage on hardened targets such as radar installations, surface-to-air missile batteries, and command-and-control centres.

A key feature of RudraM-II is its hybrid guidance system, which combines inertial navigation with GPS for mid-course stability, and passive radar homing with imaging infrared seekers for terminal accuracy. 

This allows the missile to continue tracking its target even if enemy radar operators attempt to evade detection by switching off their systems mid-flight. Such resilience makes it highly effective for Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD/DEAD) missions.

The missile is part of the broader RudraM series, which includes RudraM-I and the upcoming RudraM-III. RudraM-II significantly extends India’s strike envelope compared to foreign systems, with ranges up to 300–350 km, surpassing comparable Chinese and Pakistani missiles.

Its integration on frontline aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, and planned deployment on TEJAS MK-1A and future platforms, will provide the IAF with versatile standoff strike options.

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India Weighs Su‑57 Licence Deal As Russia Offers Full Source Code Access

Russia has offered India unprecedented access to the Su‑57 stealth fighter’s source code, alongside licensed production rights, marking one of the most significant technology‑transfer proposals in modern defence aviation.

This move could reshape India’s fifth‑generation fighter strategy, bridging the gap until the indigenous AMCA enters service.

Russia has formally proposed that India undertake licensed production of the Su‑57 stealth fighter, with extensive technology transfer and long‑term industrial cooperation. The offer includes access to sensitive source codes and mission systems, a concession rarely granted in the global defence industry. 

This would allow India to integrate indigenous weapons, sensors, and avionics into the aircraft without requiring foreign approval, thereby ensuring operational independence.

Source code access is particularly critical because modern combat aircraft are software‑driven. The code governs radar systems, electronic warfare suites, weapons integration, flight control systems, sensor fusion, and mission computers.

Western suppliers, such as the United States and France, typically restrict access to these systems. Russia’s willingness to share them represents a rare opportunity for India to exercise full control over its frontline stealth fleet.

India’s pursuit of a fifth‑generation fighter capability has been long‑standing. It previously participated in the Indo‑Russian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme based on the Su‑57 but withdrew in 2018 due to concerns over limited technology sharing and performance issues.

Today, with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) still a decade away from induction, policymakers are considering the Su‑57 as a bridging solution to address squadron shortfalls and counter regional threats.

The Indian Air Force currently operates around 31 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42, with ageing MiG‑21s being retired. The Su‑57 proposal arrives at a critical juncture, offering a systemic solution to capability erosion.

Reports suggest India may initially procure a batch of 40 aircraft directly from Russia before commencing local manufacture, mirroring the earlier Su‑30MKI programme.

Russia has also unveiled a twin‑seat Su‑57D variant, designed specifically for export customers. This configuration aligns with the Indian Air Force’s preference for two‑crew fighters, as seen in its fleet of over 250 Su‑30MKIs.

A second crew member is considered vital for managing electronic warfare, coordinating long‑range missions, and operating in network‑centric battle environments. Global observers note that India was a driving force behind the development of this twin‑seat model.

Negotiations between New Delhi and Moscow have accelerated since mid‑2025, when Russia first offered source code access. By January 2026, India’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that talks had reached advanced technical stages.

Defence experts suggest three possible strategies are under consideration: direct imports, licensed production, and joint development of a customised Su‑57 variant with Indian avionics and radar systems. Russia has even indicated willingness to co‑develop a new version with India, granting co‑ownership of key technologies.

The Su‑57 Felon itself is Russia’s most advanced stealth fighter. It is capable of speeds approaching Mach 2, has a combat range of 3,500 kilometres, and a service ceiling of 20,000 metres.

Its radar cross‑section is estimated between 0.1 and 1 square metre, making it far less detectable than conventional fighters such as the Su‑30MKI. The aircraft features internal weapons bays, advanced sensors, and super‑cruise capability, enabling sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.

If finalised, this agreement would mark a watershed moment for India’s aerospace sector. Rather than simply purchasing a stealth fighter, India would gain genuine ownership and technological sovereignty over one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft. It would also recalibrate Indo‑Russian defence ties, strengthening strategic autonomy at a time when regional airpower competition is intensifying.

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The China Factor Driving Asia’s Rush For India’s BrahMos Cruise Missiles

Defence Secretary Rajesh K Singh confirmed Vietnam's acquisition of BrahMos cruise missiles

India’s transformation from a major weapons importer to a rising defence exporter has become one of the most striking developments in recent years. In the fiscal year 2025–26,

India’s defence exports reached an unprecedented ₹38,424 crore, representing a sharp increase of ₹14,802 crore, or 62.66 per cent, compared to the previous year. At the centre of this surge lies the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a system that has rapidly become the flagship of India’s export portfolio and a symbol of its growing strategic clout.

BrahMos is a two-stage missile, beginning with a solid propellant booster that propels it to supersonic speed before separation, followed by a liquid-fuelled ramjet that sustains speeds close to three times the speed of sound.

With a range of nearly 300 kilometres and a payload capacity of 200–300 kgs, the missile is versatile, capable of being launched from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms. Its low radar signature, multiple trajectory options, and ‘fire and forget’ capability make it particularly lethal.

It can cruise at altitudes of 15 km and descend to just 10 m above sea level for terminal strikes, achieving accuracy with a circular error probability of less than one metre. The next-generation BrahMos, under development, is lighter at 1,290 kg compared to the earlier 2,900 kg and boasts an extended range of 400 km.

The missile’s combat effectiveness was vividly demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in 2025, when BrahMos strikes decapitated Pakistan’s Nur Khan and Rahimyar Khan bases. This operation showcased its bunker-busting capability and drew global attention.

Even before Sindoor, several nations had expressed interest, but the operation cemented its reputation as a decisive weapon system. The Philippines became the first foreign customer, signing a $375 million deal for three coastal defence batteries. Deliveries began in April 2024, with subsequent batteries arriving last year.

More recently, India signed a ₹5,800 crore deal with Vietnam, announced discreetly at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. This package includes coastal defence batteries, missiles, training, and logistics support, with Vietnam reportedly considering the air-launched variant in the future. Indonesia is also on the cusp of finalising a $450 million agreement, though the exact number of systems remains undisclosed.

Beyond these confirmed deals, Malaysia has shown interest in the air-launched BrahMos, particularly for integration with its Su-30MKM fighter jets. Preliminary negotiations have been reported with both India and Russia. Thailand, once keen, has seen its interest wane over the past two years, with no active discussions underway.

Outside Southeast Asia, countries in West Asia such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt have expressed interest, while Latin American nations including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Venezuela have also been drawn to the missile’s capabilities.

The geopolitical driver behind this surge in demand is China’s growing naval power and assertive maritime posture. Nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia lack the vast naval budgets required to counter Beijing’s expansionism.

By deploying shore-based BrahMos batteries, they can establish effective anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) zones, complicating Chinese operations and imposing disproportionate costs on a stronger adversary.

Indian geo-strategist Dr Brahma Chellaney has described the BrahMos as “the poor nation’s great naval equaliser,” while retired Indian Army officer Major Gaurav Arya has noted that the countries acquiring it are precisely those locked in territorial disputes with China.

Unsurprisingly, Chinese analysts have labelled the missile a “troublemaker for international security,” reflecting Beijing’s unease at its proliferation along contested maritime zones.

India’s export of BrahMos is not merely transactional but strategic. Each deal acts as an anchor contract, paving the way for future arms sales and embedding India into the defence ecosystems of partner nations through training, logistics, and maintenance.

This approach strengthens India’s Act East policy, positioning it as a reliable security provider at a time when US commitments are perceived as inconsistent. By offering affordable yet advanced systems, India is counterbalancing China’s influence while simultaneously building long-term partnerships across Asia and beyond.

In conclusion, the BrahMos missile has become both a technological marvel and a geopolitical instrument. Its technical sophistication, proven combat record, and affordability make it highly attractive to nations seeking to deter China’s assertiveness without breaking their defence budgets.

For India, these exports mark a decisive shift in its global role, transforming it into a net security provider and shaping the future of defence cooperation across multiple regions.

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Indian Navy To Induct Six IndigenousVessels In June 2026

The Indian Navy is set for a major fleet expansion in June 2026, inducting five indigenously-built platforms—two Project 17A stealth frigates, one survey vessel, and two anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts.

This marks a decisive step towards India’s goal of operating 200 warships and submarines by 2035, strengthening its maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.

 

The Navy will formally commission INS Dunagiri and INS Mahendragiri, both Project 17A stealth frigates, which represent the next generation of indigenous warships.

These vessels are equipped with supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, MF-STAR AESA radar for advanced threat detection, and modern torpedo tubes and rocket launchers.

Their induction will significantly enhance India’s blue-water capabilities, allowing the Navy to project power across the Indo-Pacific while countering the growing presence of the Chinese Navy.

INS Dunagiri, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), is designed with advanced sensors, sophisticated weapon systems, and network-centric warfare features. It will provide frontline combat capability and strengthen multi-role operations.

INS Mahendragiri, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), is another Project 17A frigate that embodies India’s indigenous shipbuilding expertise and technological self-reliance.

The Navy has already inducted Survey Vessel (Large) Sanshodhak, designed to conduct hydrographic surveys and seabed mapping. This vessel will play a critical role in underwater exploration, maritime navigation, and domain awareness, supporting both military and civilian maritime operations.

Two anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts, Agray and Malvan, will join the fleet. These vessels are specifically designed to detect, monitor, and neutralise hostile submarines in shallow coastal waters, thereby strengthening India’s coastal defence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Together, these five platforms—built by GRSE, Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and MDL—reflect India’s growing ability to design and construct sophisticated naval assets domestically.

This reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and reinforces the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The Navy currently operates around 130 to 140 vessels and is adding indigenous warships or submarines every 40 days, underscoring the rapid pace of expansion.

This induction aligns with India’s long-term vision of building a 200-ship Navy by 2035, a fleet capable of safeguarding national interests, ensuring maritime security, and establishing dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.

Defence analysts note that this expansion is not only about numbers but also about qualitative improvements in stealth, firepower, and multi-domain combat readiness, positioning India as a formidable maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.

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India’s Strategic Imperative: Harnessing Asymmetric Warfare And Artificial Intelligence For Future Conflicts

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, many believed Kyiv would collapse within days. Yet four years later, Ukraine continues to resist one of the most powerful militaries in the world.

Similarly, despite sustained pressure and repeated strikes by Israel and the United States, Iran has not only endured but remains a significant strategic actor capable of imposing costs on its adversaries. The lesson is military rather than political, and it is urgent for India to absorb, according to an analysis by Lt Gen Philip Campose in The Week.

In today’s era, defined by drones, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare and precision strike systems, conventional superiority no longer guarantees victory.

Smaller powers have discovered how to challenge stronger adversaries through asymmetric warfare, a strategy designed not to defeat an opponent outright but to make victory prohibitively costly, uncertain and politically unsustainable.

Traditionally associated with insurgencies and guerrilla campaigns, asymmetric warfare has now evolved into a sophisticated doctrine where weaker states exploit vulnerabilities rather than confront strengths directly.

Ukraine has become the clearest laboratory of this modern form of warfare. Recognising its inability to match Russia in manpower, industrial capacity or firepower, Kyiv focused on undermining Russian effectiveness.

Drones have been the most visible instrument, with cheap commercial models destroying tanks, artillery systems, logistics convoys and even strategic aircraft worth millions. Artificial intelligence has compressed the traditional kill chain from hours to minutes, enabling rapid identification and engagement of targets.

Information warfare has been integrated seamlessly, amplifying tactical successes into strategic narratives that sustain international support. Ukraine’s relentless targeting of logistics—fuel depots, rail networks, bridges and command centres—has paralysed Russian operations, ensuring that Moscow’s superiority has not translated into decisive victory.

Iran, by contrast, has developed a different but equally instructive model. Over decades, Tehran built a doctrine of distributed deterrence to counter the military superiority of the United States and Israel. Ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, armed drones, cyber capabilities, proxy networks and hardened underground facilities form the backbone of its strategy.

A defining feature is saturation warfare, where simultaneous attacks involving missiles, drone swarms, decoys and electronic warfare systems overwhelm even the most advanced defences.

Artificial intelligence now enhances this capability further, enabling autonomous navigation, coordinated swarms and mass attacks that challenge billion-dollar defensive systems. Iran’s objective is not outright victory but deterrence through resilience, ensuring that any military solution carries unacceptable costs.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as the great military equaliser. It enables militaries to process vast amounts of information, predict enemy behaviour and coordinate operations at speeds beyond human capacity.

For weaker powers, this is revolutionary, reducing dependence on industrial capacity and financial resources. AI-enabled drone swarms, cyber operations and machine-learning systems analysing satellite imagery can overwhelm sophisticated defences and disrupt critical infrastructure.

The future battlefield will be a contest between networks of humans and intelligent machines, where speed of decision-making will determine success. India risks strategic surprise if it treats AI as a mere support function rather than a core combat capability.

India’s threat environment is uniquely complex. China enjoys significant advantages in manufacturing, missile inventories, shipbuilding and defence industrial output, while Pakistan remains a persistent challenge capable of creating a two-front contingency.

Conventional deterrence through fighter aircraft, naval platforms, artillery and armoured formations remains indispensable, but recent conflicts demonstrate that conventional power alone is insufficient. India requires an asymmetric layer capable of imposing disproportionate costs on adversaries.

India possesses many ingredients for such a transformation. Its technology sector is vast, its software talent pool unmatched, its space programme sophisticated and its start-up ecosystem vibrant. Yet these advantages have not been converted into asymmetric military capability.

The first priority should be mass drone warfare, with thousands of low-cost reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions and autonomous strike systems.

Second, AI-enabled command-and-control systems must integrate data from satellites, radars, drones and battlefield sensors into a unified operational picture.

Third, offensive cyber capabilities must become central to national defence, targeting not only military assets but also communications, transportation, finance and infrastructure.

Fourth, investment in electronic warfare is essential to jam, deceive or disrupt enemy sensors.

Fifth, maritime asymmetry in the Indian Ocean offers opportunities to threaten Chinese sea lines of communication through long-range missiles, submarines and unmanned maritime systems. Finally, India must embrace large-scale human-machine teams, fusing soldiers and commanders with AI-enabled systems.

The wars in Ukraine and West Asia suggest India requires a doctrinal shift as significant as any modernisation program. The first principle should be deterrence through cost imposition, ensuring adversaries believe aggression will trigger consequences far exceeding potential gains.

The second principle should be survivability through dispersion, avoiding large concentrations of forces vulnerable to surveillance and precision strikes.

The third principle should be affordable mass, where thousands of drones provide greater operational value than a handful of expensive platforms.

The fourth principle should be rapid innovation, as procurement cycles measured in decades are incompatible with technologies evolving every few months.

The fifth principle should be multi-domain integration, where land, air, sea, space, cyber and information operations are executed as a single ecosystem. Above all, India must embrace artificial intelligence as a core military capability.

Agencies

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TATA-Lockheed C-130J MRO Hub Near Bangalore To Open By December 2026

India’s first privately-operated defence MRO hub for the Lockheed Martin C-130J is on track for commissioning by December 2026 near Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, with the first aircraft scheduled to arrive for heavy maintenance and avionics upgrades in early 2027.

The facility will employ over 250 skilled personnel and significantly reduce reliance on overseas centres, cutting turnaround times and operational costs.

The TATA-Lockheed C-130J Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility represents a landmark in India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. Located adjacent to Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, the 16-acre site with a built-up area of 15,000 square metres will provide end-to-end heavy maintenance, repair, and avionics upgrade services for the Indian Air Force’s fleet of C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. Until now, such work had to be carried out at overseas centres, resulting in long downtimes and high costs.

The new hub will allow India to sustain its fleet domestically, ensuring faster turnaround and improved operational readiness.

The project is being executed by TATA Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. TATA Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran personally reviewed the progress of the under-construction facility in June 2026, confirming that the commissioning remains firmly on schedule for the end of December 2026.

He was accompanied by Sukaran Singh, Managing Director of TASL, and senior officials during the inspection. The facility is expected to employ more than 250 highly skilled engineers and technicians, creating a specialised workforce in advanced aerospace maintenance.

The MRO hub is part of a broader expansion of TASL’s defence and aerospace footprint. At its Electronics City facility in Bengaluru, Chandrasekaran reviewed indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle programmes, loitering munitions with extended ranges of several hundred kilometres, and optronics production lines.

TASL’s land mobility division has already supplied over 4,000 multi-axle high-mobility vehicles, including exports to the Royal Moroccan Army and Armenian Armed Forces. Military variants of the Jaguar Land Rover Defender, modified with armour protection and advanced navigation systems, were also showcased, alongside the Advanced Armoured Platform jointly developed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

At TASL’s Vemagal facility, Chandrasekaran inspected the Airbus H125 helicopter final assembly line for the Indian market, as well as production units for C295 aircraft wiring harnesses, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), mounted gun systems, and launcher integration programs. These initiatives highlight TASL’s growing role in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing base and export potential.

The C-130J MRO project is particularly significant as it marks the first time India’s private sector will operate a defence-focused heavy maintenance centre. This reflects the increasing role of private industry in supporting India’s armed forces, complementing state-owned enterprises and driving innovation.

The hub will not only reduce dependence on foreign facilities but also foster indigenous expertise in advanced aerospace sustainment, positioning India as a credible regional centre for defence maintenance.

The commissioning of this facility will be a major milestone in India’s defence modernisation journey. By early 2027, the first C-130J aircraft will undergo heavy maintenance and avionics upgrades at the Bangalore site, setting the stage for India to independently sustain one of its most critical military transport platforms.

The project underscores TATA Group’s long-term commitment to building indigenous defence capabilities through advanced manufacturing, engineering, and technology development, while also generating skilled employment and strengthening India’s strategic autonomy.

Agencies

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India Condemns Drone Strike On Kuwait Airport That Killed Indian National, Calls For End To Attacks

India has strongly condemned the drone attack on Kuwait International Airport that resulted in the death of an Indian national and left several others injured. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family and emphasised that Indian authorities are extending assistance to those affected.

The ministry reiterated its longstanding position that civilian populations and infrastructure must not be targeted in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, urging all parties to cease such attacks immediately.

The statement highlighted that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is providing all possible support to the injured and remains in close contact with local authorities to ensure the welfare of Indian nationals.

It further noted that Indian diplomatic missions across the region are on alert and continue to proactively assist members of the Indian community.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait confirmed the death of the Indian national and stated that it is coordinating closely with Kuwaiti authorities while remaining in touch with the bereaved family. In a post on X, the embassy expressed its deepest condolences and assured that all necessary support and assistance are being extended to those injured.

According to Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence, several hostile drones targeted Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport, causing extensive damage to the passenger building and injuring multiple people. 

Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, spokesperson for the ministry, described the incident as “criminal Iranian aggression” and affirmed that the Kuwaiti armed forces are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant authorities. He added that the armed forces remain on full alert and are prepared to respond to any developments, taking all necessary measures to safeguard the country’s security and stability.

Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV claimed that Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) carried out retaliatory strikes against the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. This assertion underscores the escalating tensions in the region, with the attack on Kuwait International Airport being viewed as part of a broader confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Gulf states.

The incident has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of civilian infrastructure in West Asia, particularly airports and energy facilities, which are increasingly being targeted in the conflict.

The attack has drawn international attention to the risks faced by expatriate communities, including the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf. India’s swift condemnation and proactive measures reflect its concern for the safety of its nationals abroad and its broader diplomatic stance against the targeting of civilians. 

The situation remains tense, with regional security forces on high alert and diplomatic missions working to provide support to affected communities.

ANI

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Germany’s Schottel Expands Into India As Maritime Ambitions Accelerate

Germany’s Schottel has formally expanded into India with the launch of Schottel India Sales and Service Private Limited in Pune, signalling the growing interest of European OEMs in India’s rapidly reviving shipbuilding market.

The move coincides with India’s ambitious Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2027, which aims to propel the country into the global top 10 shipbuilding nations within five years.

India has set out an ambitious plan to transform its shipbuilding sector, aiming to increase output more than tenfold and attract investments worth US$39 billion in the next five years. This expansion is expected to generate over two million direct and indirect jobs.

Looking further ahead, India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2027 envisages the country reaching the global top five in shipbuilding within two decades, producing 4.5 million gross tonnage annually, creating 15 million jobs, and drawing upwards of US$890 billion in investment. These targets are supported by a four-pillar financing plan worth nearly US$8 billion, including US$2.3 billion in direct assistance to shipyards.

India currently has more than 80 shipyards with a combined capacity of about 1.6 million deadweight tonnes per year. Despite being ranked 16th globally, producing just 0.05 million gross tonnage in 2024–25, the country is determined to climb the rankings.

Among its largest shipyards are Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Udupi Cochin Shipyard, Cochin Shipyard, L&T Shipbuilding, Hindustan Shipyard, and Garden Research Shipbuilders & Engineers.

Increasingly, Indian yards are partnering with South Korean and Japanese shipbuilders and producing more sophisticated vessels, including LNG-fuelled feeder ships for CMA CGM and electric-powered tugs.

Against this backdrop, Schottel has established its Indian subsidiary to strengthen its presence in this strategically important market. Schottel India Sales and Service Private Limited will focus on newbuild and retrofit sales, as well as after-sales service, ensuring support throughout the lifecycle of propulsion systems.

The choice of Pune as the base reflects its access to a highly skilled engineering workforce and proximity to key shipbuilding regions and marine OEMs. Operations officially began on 1 June 2026 with a dedicated team covering administration, sales, and service.

Roland Schwandt, chief executive of Schottel, described the establishment of Schottel India as a milestone in reinforcing the company’s role as a trusted partner in shaping India’s maritime future.

By expanding its local footprint, Schottel aims to provide faster, tailored support and deepen collaboration with Indian customers and partners. The company’s portfolio of high-performance, reliable, and energy-efficient propulsion systems is well positioned to support India’s naval and commercial shipbuilding ambitions.

Naresh Kumar Gathania has been appointed managing director of Schottel India. With 23 years of experience across maritime, defence, aerospace, and heavy engineering industries, he brings a strong strategic perspective to the role.

He holds an engineering degree and an MBA from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies. His career includes senior leadership positions in sales and service, with responsibility for strategic business development and profit and loss management.

Prior to joining Schottel, he oversaw sales and aftermarket business for marine engines, working with major clients such as the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. His background is further strengthened by a decade of service in the Indian Navy, where he gained technical and operational expertise in marine engineering.

The establishment of Schottel India underscores the growing confidence of European OEMs in India’s maritime sector. It reflects both the opportunities created by India’s ambitious shipbuilding roadmap and the strategic importance of localised support for global technology providers.

As India accelerates its shipbuilding output and strengthens its naval and commercial fleet, partnerships with companies like Schottel are expected to play a crucial role in achieving these long-term goals.

Agencies

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British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper’s Maiden Visit To India Reinforces Vision 2035 And Accelerates UK-India Trade Pact

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for her first official visit to India, marking a significant milestone in high-level diplomatic engagements between the two nations. 

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed her warmly, underlining the importance of the visit in charting the next chapter of bilateral relations. In a post on X, he emphasised that her arrival would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The visit comes at a crucial juncture as both New Delhi and London seek to expand their geopolitical alignment, defence cooperation, and economic ties across diverse sectors. Jaiswal noted that the deliberations would pave the way for a deeper institutional framework between the two countries, consolidating existing commitments while opening new avenues of collaboration.

On Thursday, Yvette Cooper is scheduled to hold high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to advance bilateral cooperation amid escalating global geopolitical challenges.

Her arrival in the national capital follows an official visit to China and coincides with a volatile period in West Asia, where ongoing conflict has severely impacted international energy security and maritime trade routes.

Framing the visit within London’s broader strategic goals, the British High Commission issued a statement highlighting India as a top priority partner for the UK. The Foreign Secretary’s trip builds on the momentum of Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle’s visit earlier in the week, which focused on bringing the landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement into force as soon as possible.

Together with Jaishankar, Cooper will undertake a formal review of delivery under the UK-India Vision 2035, highlighting the UK’s priorities for the year ahead across economic growth, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, and education.

The British statement stressed that the annual review ensures the partnership remains dynamic, aligned, and responsive to rapid global change.

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron described the UK-India partnership as a bulwark against rising global uncertainty. She noted that Cooper’s maiden visit in her role as Foreign Secretary was another important opportunity to build on the partnership.

Since Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi unveiled their shared vision for a modern UK-India partnership last year, the UK has been driving forward collaboration with India as a priority.

Cameron pointed to the Technology Security Initiative, where both nations are shaping the technologies of tomorrow, and the landmark trade deal that will make trade cheaper, quicker, and easier. She stressed that the partnership is delivering tangible benefits for people in both countries.

During her institutional engagements in New Delhi, Cooper will focus heavily on technology, innovation, and educational ties. She is expected to welcome new Indian investment into the Technology Security Initiative, interact with AI health-tech entrepreneurs, and participate in a special programme at the British Council to hear how UK-India partnerships in education and growth are delivering real results on shared priorities.

The foundational blueprint for these high-level discussions stems from last year, when Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly introduced Vision 2035 to outline a shared roadmap for unlocking the extensive potential of the bilateral alliance.

A major milestone in this relationship was achieved in July 2025, when the UK and India signed a historic Free Trade Agreement. The pact signalled a transformative phase of economic expansion for two of the world’s largest and most innovative economies.

In the long run, the trade deal could increase annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion and inject an estimated economic boost of nearly £5 billion into the GDP of each country.

Defence and strategic ties between New Delhi and London have also deepened substantially. This security alignment has been reinforced through a new 10-year Defence Industrial Partnership, high-level military interactions, and upgraded operational synergy on counterterrorism, serious organised crime, and emerging threats.

Cooper’s visit therefore represents a convergence of economic ambition, technological innovation, and strategic alignment. It underscores the resilience of the UK-India partnership against global friction and highlights the determination of both nations to shape a modern alliance that delivers across trade, security, and innovation.

ANI

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India And UK Grapple With Steel And Carbon Tax Issues Delaying Trade Pact Implementation

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal with Jonathan Reynolds, UK Minister for Business and Trade

India and the UK are currently grappling with two major sticking points—the UK’s new steel safeguard measures and its planned Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—which are delaying the rollout of their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

These measures could significantly impact Indian exports, prompting New Delhi to consider rebalancing tariff concessions on British goods such as Scotch whisky.

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between India and the UK was signed in July 2025, marking a milestone in bilateral economic relations. However, its implementation has been slowed by fresh trade barriers introduced by Britain.

On 2 June 2026, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal met UK Permanent Secretary Amanda Brooks in New Delhi to address these concerns. Agarwal noted that both sides took stock of progress and worked through the sticking points, reaffirming their commitment to regular engagement to ensure effective implementation.

The most pressing issue is Britain’s steel safeguard measure, which will take effect from 1 July 2026. Under this policy, the UK will reduce tariff-free steel import quotas by 60 per cent compared to earlier levels.

Any imports beyond the quota will face a steep 50 per cent tariff. This measure is aimed at protecting Britain’s domestic steel industry but poses a serious challenge for Indian exporters, who have been major suppliers of steel products to the UK. The safeguard applies to steel products that can also be manufactured within Britain, thereby restricting India’s competitive advantage.

The second sticking point is the UK’s decision to implement its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from 2027. This mechanism will impose a carbon tax on imports of emission-intensive products such as steel, aluminium, fertiliser, hydrogen, ceramics, glass, and cement.

Economic analysts estimate that India’s exports worth nearly USD 775 million to the UK could be affected. The tax could range between 14 and 24 per cent of the import value once free allowances under the UK’s Emission Trading System are phased out.

India has already raised concerns about similar measures in the European Union, where CBAM costs have eroded the commercial value of free trade agreements. The UK’s adoption of CBAM is seen as a second major blow to Indian exporters.

In response, Indian negotiators have indicated that tariff concessions offered to Britain under the CETA may be revisited. For example, India had agreed to reduce tariffs on Scotch whisky from 150 per cent to 75 per cent immediately, with a further reduction to 40 per cent over a decade.

If Britain does not roll back its steel safeguard measures, India may reconsider these concessions. Officials have stressed that while 99 per cent of Indian exports are set to receive duty-free access to the UK market under the pact, reciprocity is essential for the agreement to remain balanced.

Alongside these technical negotiations, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held talks with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle on the same day. Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and advance shared business priorities.

Goyal emphasised that the next phase of India-UK economic engagement must be robust and forward-looking, aligning with India’s broader vision of becoming a developed economy under the Viksit Bharat framework.

The India-UK trade pact was originally expected to be implemented by April 2026, with the goal of doubling bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030.

However, the steel safeguard and CBAM issues have emerged as significant obstacles. Unless these matters are resolved, the operationalisation of the agreement will remain uncertain, and India may be compelled to adopt retaliatory measures to protect its exporters.

PTI

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