Army Orders ₹5,000 Crore Indigenous Drones Post Operation Sindoor Success

The Indian Army has placed orders worth over ₹5,000 crore for indigenous drones, following rigorous trials that simulated the challenging conditions of Operation Sindoor, reported Manu Pubby of Economic Times.

These trials recreated battlefield scenarios involving heavy jamming and spoofing, ensuring the selected systems can operate effectively in electronic warfare environments. Emergency procurement powers, granted post-Operation Sindoor, have enabled this swift acquisition process.​

A three-tiered selection process was employed, beginning with meticulous inspections to exclude any Chinese-origin components, a critical measure for national security.

Drones then underwent intensive testing in a specialised electronic warfare area, where heavy jamming was applied from launch onwards to mimic real threats.

High-altitude operations formed the final tier, validating performance across diverse terrains like those along the Line of Actual Control.​

Munitions India Limited, a public sector unit, surprisingly secured contracts worth nearly ₹500 crore for loitering munitions, marking its first major order in this category. In the private sector, NewSpace Research & Technologies partnered with SMPP Pvt Ltd to bag around ₹725 crore for surveillance and Kamikaze strike drones, positioning them as key players.

Other shortlisted firms include ideaForge for surveillance drones and JSW for vertical take-off and landing unmanned systems, with additional contracts nearing finalisation.​

These procurements cover a spectrum of capabilities, from short-range kamikaze strikes to long-range precision munition delivery and reconnaissance.

Operation Sindoor highlighted the pivotal role of drones in modern warfare, with indigenous systems like those from Zuppa Geo Navigation proving resilient against jamming during surveillance missions. The focus on self-reliance aligns with broader 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' goals, reducing import dependency amid rising global threats.​​

This influx of orders boosts India's drone ecosystem, involving start-ups and established firms in high-altitude and contested environments. Companies like IG Drones and Solar Industries have prior successes with FPV Kamikaze and Nagastra-1 loitering munitions, further validated in post-Sindoor trials.

The move enhances tactical edge for the Army, particularly along borders, while spurring job creation and technological innovation in defence manufacturing.​

Based On ET News

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Thales Awards SFO Technologies RBE2 AESA Radar Wired Structures Contract For Rafale Under Make In India

First major order for high-value, technologically advanced complex wired structures —designed to withstand harsh environmental constraints— to be produced in India for the Dassault Aviation Rafale program. This strengthens Thales’ long-term partnership with SFO Technologies and enhances India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. ​It supports India’s strategic localisation goals, expanding expertise from precision machining and wiring to complex systems integration

Thales, in partnership with SFO Technologies, has taken a significant step forward in supporting India’s strategic vision for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The latest contract, awarded for the production of high-value, technically advanced complex wired structures of the RBE2 AESA Radar of the Indian Rafale, reinforces SFO Technologies’ long-standing expertise and enduring partnership with Thales across multiple major programmes.

This first order marks an important milestone in Thales’ Make in India strategy for the localisation of advanced radar systems, which is expected to boost local manufacturing capabilities for critical Rafale sub-systems supplied to the Indian Armed Forces. ​ Following the order of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy, Thales, as a proud Dassault Aviation Rafale team member, continues to execute its ambitious localisation roadmap, partnering with the aeronautics and defence ecosystem in India. The scope of expertise delivered through this partnership ranges from precision machining and assembly/wiring to electronics, microelectronics, and complex system integration.

“This partnership with SFO Technologies reflects our steadfast commitment to the Make in India initiative. Through decades of strong local collaborations, we have consistently invested in building indigenous capabilities and fostering world-class expertise within the Indian ecosystem. SFO Technologies has demonstrated exceptional innovation and reliability in every project we undertake together. We are delighted to continue reinforcing our partnership, setting new benchmarks for quality and operational excellence in support of India’s self-reliance ambitions.” Philippe Knoche, SEVP Operations and Performance, Thales.

“We are honoured of Thales’ continued trust in SFO Technologies, and proud to contribute towards deploying new expertise in the Indian ecosystem, while actively taking part in the equipment production for the Rafale India. Quality and punctuality will be our priorities to satisfy our customers, as usual.” N. Jehangir, Chairman & Managing Director, SFO Technologies.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

About Thales In India

Present in India since 1953, Thales is headquartered in Noida and has other operational offices and sites spread across Delhi, Gurugram, Bangalore and Mumbai, among others. Over 2300 employees are working with Thales and its joint ventures in India. Since the beginning, Thales has been playing an essential role in India’s growth story by sharing its technologies and expertise in Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors.

Thales has two engineering competence centres (ECCs) in India - one in Noida focused on Cyber & Digital business, while the one in Bengaluru focuses on hardware, software and systems engineering capabilities for both the civil and defence sectors, serving global needs. Thales has also established an MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility in Gurugram to provide comprehensive avionics maintenance and repair services to Indian airlines.

About SFO Technologies

SFO, a NeST Group company, is a 35-year-old high-tech, end-to-end solution provider, headquartered in Kochi, India. With 22 factories across the globe and over 8,000 employees, SFO offers hardware design, software development, and vertically integrated manufacturing of mission-critical and life-critical equipment for the defense, aerospace, space, healthcare, industrial, and transportation sectors.

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India Needs Push On Defence R&D For Future Warfare, Says DRDO Chief

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman, Samir V. Kamat, has issued a stark call for enhanced investment in defence R&D to prepare for the evolving landscape of future warfare.

Speaking at the 40th Air Chief Marshal PC Lal (Retd) Memorial Lecture organised by the Air Force Association, Kamat underscored the urgent need to bolster the nation's research and development budget amid rapid technological transformations across land, air, sea, space, cyber, and information domains.

Kamat highlighted the glaring disparity in R&D spending, noting that India allocates just 0.65 per cent of its overall budget to R&D, far below the over 2 per cent committed by competitors. Within the defence sector specifically, India's R&D constitutes only 5.75 per cent of the defence budget, compared to more than 10 per cent in the United States. This shortfall, he argued, hinders India's ambitions to emerge as a technology leader.

Paying tribute to Air Chief Marshal PC Lal, who led the Indian Air Force during the 1971 war, Kamat credited his legacy with shaping modern air power capabilities. The lecture served as a platform to emphasise how such historical leadership must inspire current efforts towards self-reliance under initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, with the goal of achieving developed nation status by 2047.

The DRDO chief candidly outlined key challenges impeding progress, including limited control over supply chains, a scarcity of specialised talent, and insufficient civil-military fusion—a gap exacerbated by past sanctions. He also pointed to bureaucratic hurdles in the ease of conducting R&D, calling for systemic reforms to foster innovation.

To overcome these obstacles, Kamat advocated greater industry participation in design and development, alongside contributions from start-ups and MSMEs. He stressed the vital role of academia in basic and applied research on emerging technologies, coupled with the establishment of advanced test facilities and infrastructure. Capacity building, he added, remains a critical priority.

DRDO's ongoing initiatives reflect proactive steps in this direction. The organisation has executed over 2,000 Technology Transfer Agreements (ToTs) and hosts the Dare to Dream Innovation contest to spur private sector involvement. Since 2022, more than 600 industries have utilised DRDO facilities for innovation, demonstrating growing collaboration.

Educational outreach forms another pillar of DRDO's strategy. The DRDO-MOE Collaborative Programme engages PhD scholars on defence technologies, with 39 students already active at IITs and NITs. Complementary efforts include elective courses in B.Tech programs, postgraduate and diploma courses aimed at skilling youth for defence R&D roles.

Looking ahead to next-generation capabilities, Kamat detailed focus areas such as underwater domain awareness, space situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), man-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), cyber defence, secure communications, networking, and AI-enabled command and control. These align with Operation Sudarshan Chakra, as referenced by Prime Minister Modi in his recent Red Fort address, and extend to ballistic and hypersonic missile defence.

In the near term, spanning the next one to three years, DRDO anticipates inducting several advanced systems.

These include the Anant Shastra surface-to-air missile, Guided Pinaka, advanced lightweight torpedo, trawl assembly, infantry floating bridge, extended-range anti-submarine rocket, very short-range air defence system, vertical launch short-range surface-to-air missile, Dhruvastra anti-tank missile, naval anti-ship missile (Short Range), and RudraM-II air-to-surface missile.

Kamat exemplified DRDO's practical advancements by referencing the successful test-firing of the Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Nag MK-II from a light tank developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE). Such milestones underscore the organisation's commitment to indigenous innovation.

Concluding on an optimistic note, the DRDO chief described the path forward as both challenging and exciting. He expressed confidence that strategic investments and collaborations would deliver Atmanirbharta and technological leadership by 2047, particularly in critical domains like missile systems, armoured vehicles, military bridging, artillery, guns and ammunition, light combat aircraft, helicopters, ships, submarines, airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), radars, electronic warfare (EW) systems, sonars, and torpedoes.

This vision positions enhanced R&D not merely as an expenditure but as a foundational investment in India's defence sovereignty and global standing.

Based On ANI Report

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Army Showcases Reconstructed Turkish YIHA Drone Used by Pakistan in Operation Sindoor

The Indian Army has unveiled a reconstructed Turkish Yiha drone, a kamikaze unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) deployed by Pakistan during the recent hostilities known as Operation Sindoor.

This display took place on Monday, 15 December 2025, at an event hosted by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to mark Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India's victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh.

Operation Sindoor unfolded between 7 and 10 May 2025, triggered by India's retaliatory air strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The four-day conflict saw intense military exchanges, culminating in an understanding to cease hostilities on the evening of 10 May.

Pakistan employed a significant number of Yiha drones during these clashes, targeting both Indian military installations and civilian sites. These single-use attack drones, also termed suicide or loitering munitions, are designed to loiter over a target area before diving in to detonate on impact.

The specific Yiha drone on display was intercepted on 10 May while flying at an altitude of 2,000 metres. Launched from Lahore International Airport, it was en route to Jalandhar, carrying a 10 kg explosive payload intended for catastrophic destruction upon collision.

Indian Army Air Defence (AAD) units successfully neutralised this threat, preventing any damage. Military officials highlighted the drone's remote operation capabilities, underscoring the sophistication of the incursion attempt.

With a compact wingspan of two metres, the Yiha is powered by a two-stroke engine rated at 170 cc horsepower. This lightweight design enables it to function as a multi-role kamikaze system, blending reconnaissance with precision strike potential.

The Indian military's counter-drone systems proved highly effective, downing almost all Yiha UCAVs deployed by Pakistan. These apparatuses integrate radar, electronic warfare, and kinetic interceptors, forming a robust layered defence against low-altitude aerial threats.

Reconstructing the downed drone allowed the Army to demonstrate its technical vulnerabilities publicly, serving both as a testament to India's defensive prowess and a warning to adversaries. The exhibit aligns with Vijay Diwas observances, honouring sacrifices from 1971 while spotlighting contemporary border security challenges.

This incident reflects escalating drone warfare along the India-Pakistan frontier, where cheap, proliferated UCAVs pose asymmetric risks. Pakistan's sourcing of the Yiha from Turkey highlights shifting supply chains in South Asian conflicts, bypassing traditional arms embargoes.

India's success in Operation Sindoor reaffirms advancements in indigenous air defence, including systems like the Akash missile and DRDO-developed counter-UAV tech. Such capabilities deter future provocations, ensuring strategic stability amid ongoing tensions.

Based On PTI Report

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Raghu Vamsi Strengthens India’s Defence Readiness With New ‘Arrobot’ DeepTech Hub And Six Indigenous Combat Systems

Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group has unveiled a transformative initiative to bolster India's defence manufacturing prowess. The company has commissioned a cutting-edge design, production, and systems integration campus under its DeepTech vertical, Arrobot.

This move accompanies the launch of six fully indigenous unmanned and autonomous defence platforms, backed by an investment surpassing ₹100 crore in infrastructure and innovation.

The new Citadel Campus sits at Hardware Park near Hyderabad International Airport. It features expansive facilities for design engineering, system integration, assembly, and rigorous testing. This addition builds on Raghu Vamsi's established manufacturing network, enabling swifter development cycles, scalable output, and vital support for Indian defence programmes alongside international clients.

Raghu Vamsi operates across 10 manufacturing sites in India, the US, and the UK, employing over 1,000 skilled professionals. The group has a proven track record in supplying aero-engine and missile subsystems to global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Indian defence public sector undertakings. The Citadel Campus markedly amplifies its contributions to strategic defence production.

In tandem with this infrastructure leap, the group has introduced six advanced platforms showcasing India's strides in autonomous systems.

These encompass jet-powered loitering munitions, decoy and target drones, tethered surveillance systems, air-launched missile setups, micro turbojet engines, long-endurance kamikaze UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), autonomous combat solutions, and robotic aids for aircraft maintenance.

Tailored for surveillance, deep-strike operations, logistics, and battlefield assistance, these platforms boast operational ranges beyond 300 km and velocities up to 650 kmph. Standout products include RV Astra, RV Maya, RV Lakshya, RV Rudra, RV Indra, RV Yodha, and RV Drishti. They signal India's shift from reliance on imported UAV and propulsion tech to homegrown design and mass production of sophisticated unmanned systems.

To hasten indigenous innovation and defence exports, Raghu Vamsi has forged four pivotal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). One key pact with the Indian Army's 515 Army Base Workshop covers co-design, testing, and validation of advanced drone platforms. Arrobot will aid in setting up dedicated drone manufacturing at the workshop.

A second MoU with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) targets joint development and supply of fully indigenous 200 kgf thrust-class engines for next-generation autonomous fighter platforms. The third alliance with IIIT-Hyderabad emphasises AI-driven autonomy, swarm intelligence, and smart mission systems. Meanwhile, the fourth with ARCI advances aero-engine tech via laser cladding, additive manufacturing, and thermal barrier coatings.

These partnerships collectively enhance India's technology readiness and production capabilities in unmanned defence systems. The launch event attracted prominent figures from India's defence and scientific spheres. Attendees included Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff; Commodore A. Madhavarao (Retd), CMD of BDL; Maj Gen Shivendra Kumar, ADG–EME, Indian Army; Dr G Satheesh Reddy, former Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri and ex-DRDO Chairman; and Lt Gen Vinod G Khandare, Principal Adviser, Ministry of Defence.

Senior representatives from RICH, the Government of Telangana, IIIT Hyderabad, ARCI, and DIAT also graced the occasion. Their participation underscores the facility's and portfolio's pivotal role in India's enduring defence technology trajectory.

Vamsi Vikas, Founder and Managing Director of Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group, hailed the expansion as a testament to India's surging self-assurance in domestic aerospace and defence tech. He stressed that it transcends mere capacity building, aiming for globally competitive systems suited to future warfare, driven by Indian ingenuity. India now stands poised to fulfil domestic needs and emerge as a reliable global exporter of high-tech aerospace offerings.

Established in 2002, Raghu Vamsi has cultivated a robust international footprint over two decades. It delivers precision-engineered components and sub-assemblies to top-tier corporations. Today, as an AS9100D and NADCAP-certified entity, the group boasts annual revenues over ₹500 crore across aerospace, defence, space, medical, energy, and industrial sectors.

Its expertise spans design engineering, CNC machining, composites, electronics, surface treatments, and complete system integration. Exports reach OEMs like Boeing, GE Aviation, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, Safran, and Collins Aerospace. Domestically, it serves as a Tier-1 supplier to DRDO, HAL, ISRO, BDL, and ADA.

Beyond the Citadel Campus, Raghu Vamsi plans a ₹300 crore manufacturing complex at Telangana’s Hardware Park. Spanning eight acres with three buildings totalling 2.5 lakh square feet, this facility eyes inauguration by November 2026. It promises over 2,000 jobs within three years, cementing India's ascent as a dynamic global defence manufacturing powerhouse.

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ISRO Accelerates Ambitious Launch Cadence With Gaganyaan And Commercial Ventures

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled an intensive launch manifesto, scheduling seven missions by March 2026.

This roster encompasses commercial payloads, pioneering scientific endeavours, and pivotal technology validations. The announcement underscores India's surging prowess in space exploration, blending national ambitions with burgeoning private sector involvement.

The campaign kicks off imminently, potentially next week, with India's bulkiest launcher, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).

This behemoth will hoist the BlueBird-6 communications satellite into orbit for the American firm AST SpaceMobile. Orchestrated via New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial vanguard, the mission was disclosed in parliamentary proceedings, signalling robust international partnerships.

Succeeding this, early 2026 heralds the inaugural uncrewed Gaganyaan sortie aboard a human-rated LVM3. Aboard the crew module rides Vyommitra, a humanoid automaton engineered to mimic astronaut functions. This precursor flight rigorously assays the end-to-end profile: ascent dynamics, orbital manoeuvres, atmospheric re-entry, and splashdown retrieval protocols.

Gaganyaan represents India's audacious thrust into human spaceflight. A second uncrewed iteration follows later in 2026, paving the way for manned voyages to low Earth orbit by 2027. These milestones not only affirm indigenous astronautics but also galvanise ancillary industries through technology dissemination and job genesis.

In a landmark pivot, ISRO endorses its maiden industry-fabricated Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

This workhorse will emplace the Oceansat platform, alongside the Indo-Mauritius collaborative satellite and Dhruva Space's LEAP-2 microsatellite. Such infusions amplify commercial viability and indigenous manufacturing sinews.

To amplify production, NSIL has entrusted a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)–Larsen & Toubro (L&T) syndicate with fabricating five PSLVs. This contract, rooted in technology transfer, exemplifies ISRO's strategy to devolve capabilities to private realms, fostering self-reliance and scalability in launch infrastructure.

Further afield, an ISRO-constructed PSLV ferries an Earth observation satellite for a strategic patron, co-manifested with 18 diminutive satellites. This bouquet diversifies orbital assets, bolstering surveillance, meteorology, and telecommunications.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II (GSLV-Mk II) redeems a prior setback by lofting the EOS-5 Earth observation satellite. This mission rectifies an earlier anomaly, reaffirming GSLV's reliability for geostationary insertions critical to national security and civilian applications.

Innovation gleams in the Technology Demonstrator Satellite-01 (TDS-01), trialling electric propulsion and quantum key distribution paradigms. Electric thrusters slenderise satellite mass, slash propellant reliance, and extend operational lifespans, revolutionising future constellations for navigation and broadband.

Quantum key distribution, meanwhile, fortifies secure data relays impervious to eavesdropping, underpinning next-generation military and civil communications. These validations portend swifter, leaner, and more resilient space architectures.

Crowning the schedule, a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) dedication precedes March 2026. The SSLV, tailored for nimble rideshares of micro- and nanosats, democratises access for start-ups and academia, catalysing a vibrant domestic space economy.

This frenetic pace—seven launches in four months—mirrors ISRO's metamorphosis from state monopoly to ecosystem architect. Commercial missions via NSIL generate revenue streams, funding R&D while nurturing private innovators like Dhruva Space.

Industry symbiosis burgeons: HAL–L&T's PSLV mandate echoes broader 'Make in India' ethos, spawning jobs in precision engineering, avionics, and propulsion. Vyommitra's deployment, too, spotlights robotics prowess, with spill overs to defence and automation sectors.

Strategically, these ventures elevate India's global stature. BlueBird-6 exemplifies NSIL's export muscle, rivalling SpaceX and Arianespace. Gaganyaan, post-Chandrayaan-3's lunar south pole triumph, cements human spaceflight credentials alongside select elites.

Challenges persist: human-rating LVM3 demands flawless abort systems and bio-monitors. Yet, ISRO's track record—over 100 PSLV successes—inspires confidence. Electric propulsion maturation could halve satellite costs, unlocking mega-constellations.

By March 2026, this salvo promises orbital congestion with Indian imprints: enhanced Earth imaging, secure quantum links, and human-rated hardware. It heralds an era where ISRO not only launches rockets but ignites a self-sustaining space industrial revolution.

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Vyommitra Robot To Pioneer Uncrewed Gaganyaan On Human-Rated LVM-3 Early Next Year

India's Gaganyaan program advances with its first uncrewed mission, G1, slated for launch on a human-rated LVM3 rocket early next year, carrying the humanoid robot Vyommitra. This flight validates critical systems for human spaceflight. A second uncrewed mission follows in 2026, leading to crewed low-Earth orbit flights in 2027.​

The G1 mission tests end-to-end operations, including human-rated LVM3 aerodynamics, crew module orbital management, re-entry dynamics, and recovery procedures. Vyommitra monitors life support, environmental controls, and avionics while simulating human responses in microgravity. Over 80,000 ground tests, including crew escape and parachute systems, ensure reliability.​

Vyommitra, a half-humanoid with AI for decision-making and panel operations, bridges robotic and human flights by issuing alerts and executing tasks. Its aluminium frame and sensors enable interaction with spacecraft systems. The robot reduces risks before astronauts board.​

Timeline Overview

G1 (Early 2026, possibly Dec 2025 delayed): First uncrewed with Vyommitra, before March 2026.​

G2 (2026): Second uncrewed validation flight.​

Crewed (Q1 2027): Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit.​

ISRO's human-rated LVM3 features redundancies and a crew escape system for safety across ascent phases.​

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VIKRAM-I: Indian Private Rocket Set For 2026 Lift-Off From ISRO's SHAR Spaceport

Skyroot Aerospace, India's pioneering private space company, stands on the cusp of history with its Vikram-I rocket slated for lift-off in 2026 from ISRO's First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

This 75-foot-tall vehicle, capable of delivering up to 300 kg of payload to a 500 km low Earth orbit, marks a pivotal moment for the nation's burgeoning private space sector.

Co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana, a former ISRO scientist, shared insights during an in-depth discussion with WION. He emphasised that this maiden orbital launch, now targeted for the first half of 2026, has faced delays due to unforeseen technical glitches.

Originally unveiled in prototype form in October 2023 before Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, the latest flight-ready model was showcased in November 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The journey began with Vikram-S in November 2022, an experimental rocket that reached the upper atmosphere but did not achieve orbit. This test flight echoed the early efforts of INCOSPAR, ISRO's predecessor in the 1960s, validating core rocketry principles for a private entity for the first time in India.

Development timelines have been aggressively compressed; Chandana noted that new rockets typically take a decade, yet Skyroot aims to fly Vikram-I just four years after starting work post-Vikram-S. Rigorous technical reviews with ISRO ensure compliance and safety, with further announcements expected soon.

The 2023 prototype differed from the 2025 flight model, which will carry actual customer payloads on its debut. Skyroot plans three developmental flights, mirroring ISRO's approach, to gather data and refine performance before declaring the rocket fully operational.

For the inaugural mission, payloads will be limited to a fraction of the 300 kg capacity to prioritise testing over maximum lift. Customers benefit from discounted rates, acknowledging the inherent risks of a first orbital attempt, which Chandana described as rarely flawless for any newcomer.

Manufacturing ramps up at Skyroot's Hyderabad facility, aiming for one rocket per month to tap global demand for small satellite launches. Success here could position India more competitively in the $450 billion space economy, where it currently holds just 2 per cent share.

Competitors loom large: Rocket Lab's Electron, with similar 320 kg capacity to 500 km orbit and dozens of flights yearly, leads the pack. Closer to home, ISRO's SSLV, capable of 500 kg to the same altitude, has completed three missions in recent years, setting a high bar.

Pre-launch hurdles remain, including vibration tests on key components and integration reviews with ISRO's Sriharikota infrastructure. Launch liability insurance, already secured for Vikram-S, will cover potential damages.

Future plans include sticking to Sriharikota for low Earth orbits initially, then shifting to the new Kulasekarapattinam spaceport in Tamil Nadu for efficient sun-synchronous polar orbits favoured by Earth-imaging satellites.

These ambitions stem from India's 2020 space reforms, which dismantled ISRO's monopoly on rocket design, development, and launches. Private players like Skyroot now vie for global contracts, fostering innovation and indigenous capability in aerospace.

Vikram-I's success could accelerate India's private space race, blending ex-ISRO expertise with entrepreneurial drive to challenge established players and expand the nation's orbital footprint.

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Jaishankar To Visit Israel Following India-UAE Strategic Dialogue In Abu Dhabi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to embark on a significant diplomatic mission, commencing with high-level engagements in the United Arab Emirates before proceeding to Israel. This itinerary, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs on 15 December 2025, underscores India's deepening strategic ties in the Gulf and Middle East regions.

Jaishankar's visit follows his participation in the prestigious Sir Bani Yas Forum, held from 12 to 14 December in Abu Dhabi's Western Region.

The annual gathering convenes senior leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the globe to deliberate on pressing regional and international matters, particularly those concerning peace, security, and economic collaboration.

Participants at the forum hailed from diverse corners, including Gulf and Arab states, Europe, and Asia. Notable attendees comprised Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Cyprus's Foreign Minister Constantinos Kompos, Montenegro's Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

On Monday, Jaishankar will co-chair the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting alongside Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. This session, coupled with the 5th Strategic Dialogue, promises a thorough evaluation of bilateral relations spanning trade, investment, energy, and defence cooperation.

India-UAE ties have flourished in recent years, bolstered by frameworks such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and initiatives in fintech, renewable energy, and food security. These meetings in Abu Dhabi are poised to address emerging opportunities amid global economic shifts and regional stability concerns.

Concluding his UAE leg, Jaishankar will travel forthwith to Israel for bilateral consultations with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. This visit highlights the robust India-Israel partnership, which has evolved into a multifaceted alliance encompassing defence, technology, agriculture, and innovation.

India-Israel relations have gained momentum since the establishment of full diplomatic ties in 1992, with trade volumes surpassing £7 billion annually. Key pillars include collaboration in missile defence systems, cybersecurity, and water management technologies, reflecting mutual strategic interests.

The timing of Jaishankar's trip to Israel assumes added significance against the backdrop of ongoing Middle East dynamics, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and efforts towards regional normalisation via the Abraham Accords. Discussions may touch upon counter-terrorism, energy security, and India's balanced stance on the Israel-Palestine issue.

From a defence perspective, India-Israel cooperation remains a cornerstone, with joint ventures yielding advanced systems like the Barak-8 missile and Heron drones integrated into the Indian armed forces. Recent technology transfers and indigenous production pacts align with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.

This diplomatic outreach also fits into India's broader West Asia strategy, balancing relations with Arab states and Israel while advancing the I2U2 grouping—India, Israel, UAE, and the United States. Such quadrilaterals foster synergies in semiconductors, clean energy, and logistics.

Jaishankar's engagements signal New Delhi's proactive diplomacy in a volatile geopolitical landscape. By sequencing UAE and Israel visits, India reinforces its role as a pivotal player bridging divides, pursuing economic gains, and safeguarding security interests.

Outcomes from these meetings could yield fresh memoranda of understanding, paving the way for enhanced people-to-people contacts and joint projects. As India navigates global challenges, such high-level interactions exemplify its commitment to multipolar engagement and strategic autonomy.

Based On ANI Report

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PM Modi Arrives In Amman, Jordan On First Leg of Three-Nation Tour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Amman, Jordan, initiating a significant three-nation tour that underscores India's deepening diplomatic engagements across diverse regions.

The visit commenced on Monday, 15 December 2025, with Modi receiving a warm welcome from Jordan's Prime Minister Jafar Hassan upon landing. This two-day stop in Jordan, from 15 to 16 December, sets the tone for discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral ties.

The trip to Jordan comes at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

During his stay, Modi will engage in high-level talks with the King to assess the full spectrum of India-Jordan relations. These conversations will also cover critical regional developments, reflecting shared concerns in a volatile Middle East.

This visit holds special resonance as it marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, established in 1950. Such a milestone is poised to inject fresh momentum into cooperation across trade, investment, and security domains.

Modi's interactions will extend beyond official channels, including a meeting with the Indian community in Jordan, fostering people-to-people bonds.

In his departure statement from New Delhi, Modi emphasised the historical and contemporary linkages with the tour's host nations: Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman. He described these as countries bound by ancient civilisational ties and robust modern partnerships, signalling a strategic outreach amid global shifts.

Following Jordan, Modi will proceed to Ethiopia on 16 December for a historic first visit as Prime Minister, lasting until 17 December. In Addis Ababa, he will hold in-depth discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, exploring multifaceted bilateral cooperation. The Ethiopian capital, home to the African Union headquarters, adds a continental dimension to the itinerary.

Modi highlighted the significance of the African Union's inclusion as a permanent G20 member during India's 2023 Presidency, a move that strengthened Global South solidarity.

His address to a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament will focus on India's democratic heritage as the 'Mother of Democracy' and the potential of the India-Ethiopia partnership for emerging economies. This engagement reaffirms mutual commitments to enhanced friendship and collaboration.

The tour culminates in Oman from 17 to 18 December, at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, marking Modi's second visit to the Gulf nation. Discussions in Muscat will aim to fortify the comprehensive Strategic Partnership, rooted in centuries-old trade, friendship, and cultural exchanges. Key areas under review include trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture, and culture.

This Omani leg coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties, building on Sultan Haitham's State visit to India in December 2023. Both sides anticipate a thorough evaluation of cooperation, alongside perspectives on regional and global issues. Modi will also address the Indian diaspora in Oman, acknowledging their pivotal role in the nation's development and bilateral relations.

Overall, the three-nation tour exemplifies India's proactive foreign policy, blending historical affinities with forward-looking strategies. By engaging Jordan amid Middle Eastern complexities, Ethiopia as a Global South anchor, and Oman as a strategic Gulf ally, Modi seeks to elevate partnerships that yield tangible benefits in security, economy, and regional stability. This diplomatic outreach arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical flux, positioning India as a reliable bridge-builder.

Based On ANI Report

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PM Modi Accorded Ceremonial Welcome In Jordan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Amman, Jordan, on Monday, 15 December 2025, marking the commencement of his official two-day visit to the Middle Eastern nation.

Jordan's Prime Minister Jafar Hassan personally greeted him at the airport, underscoring the warmth of the reception as PM Modi embarked on this leg of his overseas tour.

The visit to Jordan, scheduled from 15 to 16 December, comes at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. It holds special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan.

PM Modi is set to engage in high-level talks to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties and exchange perspectives on regional developments.

Ahead of his departure from Delhi, PM Modi highlighted the historic nature of the trip. "This historic visit will mark 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," he stated, emphasising its milestone status.

The itinerary also includes an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Jordan, fostering stronger people-to-people connections.

Following the Jordan leg, PM Modi will proceed to Ethiopia from 16 to 17 December, marking his maiden visit to the African country. In Addis Ababa, he will hold detailed discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, covering all facets of bilateral relations. Notably, Addis Ababa serves as the headquarters of the African Union.

PM Modi recalled India's G20 Presidency in 2023, during which the African Union gained permanent membership in the bloc. "In Addis Ababa, I will hold detailed discussions with H E Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali and also have the opportunity to meet the Indian diaspora living there," he noted. He is also slated to address a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament.

In his address, PM Modi expressed enthusiasm for sharing insights on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the potential of the India-Ethiopia partnership for the Global South. The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that the visit will reinforce the shared commitment of both nations as Global South partners to deepen friendship and broaden cooperation.

Concluding the tour, PM Modi will visit Oman from 17 to 18 December at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, representing his second trip to the Gulf nation. This coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, building on the Sultan's state visit to India in December 2023.

India and Oman enjoy an all-encompassing Strategic Partnership, grounded in centuries-old ties of friendship, trade, and robust people-to-people links. The discussions in Muscat are expected to encompass a comprehensive review of cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, defence, security, technology, agriculture, and culture.

Both sides will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. PM Modi anticipates strengthening the Strategic Partnership and the robust commercial-economic relationship. He plans to address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, acknowledging their immense contributions to the country's development and bilateral ties.

This three-nation tour reflects India's proactive diplomacy in West Asia and Africa, aiming to bolster strategic partnerships amid evolving regional dynamics. The visits underscore New Delhi's focus on deepening economic, defence, and cultural engagements while prioritising diaspora outreach.

Based On ANI Report

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PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome From Indian Diaspora In Amman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a heartfelt welcome from the Indian diaspora in Amman upon his arrival at a hotel, signalling the commencement of the Jordan leg in his comprehensive three-nation tour.

Members of the Indian community assembled enthusiastically to greet the Prime Minister, a gesture that vividly illustrates the robust people-to-people connections and the palpable excitement enveloping his visit to Jordan.

This tour, spanning four days, encompasses visits to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, where Mr Modi will engage with the highest echelons of leadership in each nation to bolster India's bilateral ties.

The Jordan segment represents the inaugural phase of the itinerary. During his time in Amman, the Prime Minister is set to hold discussions with King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan.

This visit holds particular significance as it aligns with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Jordan, poised to inject renewed vigour into their bilateral engagements.

Beyond official meetings, Mr Modi plans to connect with the Indian diaspora in Jordan, whom he has praised for their substantial contributions to India-Jordan relations.

Following his commitments in Amman, the Prime Minister will proceed to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

In Addis Ababa, he is slated to confer with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, engage with the local Indian community, and deliver an address to a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament.

Reflecting on the Ethiopian leg, Mr Modi expressed anticipation for sharing insights on India's evolution as the 'Mother of Democracy' and the potential of the India-Ethiopia partnership to benefit the Global South.

The tour culminates in the Sultanate of Oman, hosted at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, marking Mr Modi's second visit to the nation and a pivotal element of the itinerary.

This Omani visit commemorates 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, underscoring the enduring partnership.

Mr Modi is also scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Muscat during his stay.

In remarks about Oman, the Prime Minister voiced eagerness for dialogues with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, aimed at fortifying the strategic partnership alongside robust commercial and economic links.

In his departure statement, Mr Modi emphasised India's age-old civilisational bonds and expansive contemporary relations with Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman, highlighting the tour's broader diplomatic import.

This multifaceted journey not only reaffirms India's commitment to nurturing ties with these key partners but also amplifies the role of the diaspora in fostering goodwill and collaboration across regions.

Based On ANI Report

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Jaishankar Offers Australia Support After Pakistani-Origin Terrorists' Anti-Semitic Attack in Sydney

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended India's solidarity to Australia on 15 December 2025, following a devastating Anti-Semitic terror attack by Pakistani origin father-son duo at Sydney's Bondi Beach. 

The incident occurred during a public gathering to mark the first day of Hanukkah, resulting in more than 15 fatalities. Jaishankar spoke directly with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, conveying deepest condolences and offering India's fullest support.

In a statement posted on X, Jaishankar highlighted the conversation, emphasising India's commitment to standing with Australia against terrorism. This diplomatic outreach underscores the strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, particularly in countering extremist threats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already condemned the attack earlier on Sunday via a post on X. He described it as a "ghastly terrorist attack" targeting individuals celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Modi expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and affirmed India's solidarity with the Australian people.

Australian authorities swiftly classified the assault as a terrorist incident, confirming its Anti-Semitic motivations. The gathering at Bondi Beach drew Jewish Australians for the festive occasion, transforming a joyous event into a scene of tragedy. Eyewitness accounts and official reports detailed the chaos as gunfire erupted amid the celebrations.

The perpetrators were identified as a Pakistani father-son duo, with the 50-year-old father holding a recreational hunting licence. Police neutralised the father at the scene, while the 24-year-old son received medical treatment in hospital. Raids at a Sydney residence linked to the suspects yielded further evidence, bolstering the ongoing investigation.

Among the victims was a Holocaust survivor, killed while heroically shielding his wife from the gunfire, as reported by CNN. This poignant detail has amplified global outrage, highlighting the attack's targeting of vulnerable community members and evoking memories of historical persecutions.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded decisively, pledging to tighten gun regulations in the attack's wake. His government plans to introduce stricter rules, including time limits on licences, for Cabinet consideration. Albanese addressed the nation, vowing that Australia would never yield to division, violence, or hatred.

In a direct message to the Jewish community, Albanese assured them of nationwide support. "Your fellow Australians stand with you tonight in condemning this act of terror," he declared, reinforcing unity in the face of bigotry. Security measures have since intensified across public spaces.

The Sydney attack prompted international ripple effects, with police in multiple countries heightening vigilance around Hanukkah events. In the United States, the New York Police Department deployed extra resources to synagogues and celebrations as a precaution. Similar steps reflect a coordinated global response to rising Anti-Semitic threats.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing Anti-Semitic violence worldwide, often linked to geopolitical tensions. Bondi Beach, a vibrant coastal hub, now symbolises resilience amid grief. Investigations continue to uncover the attackers' motives and networks, with Australian authorities promising swift justice.

India's prompt response aligns with its longstanding stance against terrorism, irrespective of origin. The interventions by Jaishankar and Modi signal deepening Quad partnerships, where shared democratic values foster mutual aid. As Australia mourns, international cooperation will prove vital in preventing future atrocities.

The attack's timing during Hanukkah—a festival of light and perseverance—lends profound irony, as communities worldwide light candles in defiance. Victim support services have mobilised in Sydney, offering counselling and aid to survivors and families. Global leaders have echoed condemnations, amplifying calls for tolerance.

Looking ahead, Australia's proposed gun law reforms may spark debate but aim to close loopholes exploited here. The father's licensed firearm raises questions about recreational hunting permits' oversight. Forensic analysis and intelligence sharing with allies will shape the probe's trajectory.

India's defence and strategic communities, attuned to terror dynamics, view this as a reminder of transnational threats. Enhanced intelligence ties with Australia could emerge, mirroring collaborations in the Indo-Pacific. For now, condolences dominate, bridging nations in shared sorrow.

Based On ANI Report

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Prime Minister Albanese Moves Swiftly On Gun Laws After Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce tougher gun laws following a deadly Anti-Semitic terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, targeted Jewish community members gathered for Hanukkah celebrations. Albanese convened a National Cabinet meeting on Monday to address the tragedy, placing stricter firearms controls at the top of the agenda.

Speaking to the media ahead of the 4:00 pm local time meeting, Albanese outlined proposals including limits on the number of firearms an individual can license.

He also called for periodic reviews of existing licences, emphasising that circumstances can change over time. "People's circumstances change. People can be radicalised over a period of time. Licences should not be in perpetuity," the Prime Minister stated.

The federal government intends to present a detailed proposal to empower agencies with enhanced monitoring mechanisms. This move signals a potential tightening of Australia's already stringent firearms regulations, despite their reputation as among the world's toughest. The reforms follow the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, where 35 people died, prompting nationwide buybacks and licensing overhauls.

Authorities have classified the Bondi attack as a terrorist incident driven by Anti-Semitism. A Pakistani father-son duo carried out the mass shooting, injuring dozens. Police shot and killed the father at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, born in Australia, remains hospitalised under guard.

New South Wales Health reports that 27 people are still receiving treatment across Sydney hospitals. The victims include members of the Jewish community who had assembled peacefully at the iconic beachfront location. Investigators note the son had prior contact with ASIO, Australia's domestic intelligence agency, but was deemed no threat at the time.

The father, who immigrated to Australia in 1998, held a recreational hunting licence and belonged to a local gun club. This detail has fuelled discussions on the adequacy of current vetting processes for firearms owners. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has promised an "overwhelming" response, with heightened security measures in place nationwide.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Albanese reaffirmed national unity: "We stand with Jewish Australians and we stand against hatred and violence. Australia is stronger than those who try to divide us and we will come through this together." The statement underscores the government's commitment to combating antisemitism and terrorism.

Australia's gun laws, reformed post-Port Arthur, have drastically reduced mass shootings and firearm homicides. Data from the Australian Institute of Criminology reveals just 31 gun-related murders between July 2023 and June 2024, equating to a homicide rate of 0.09 per 100,000 people. This starkly contrasts with higher rates in countries with looser regulations.

The proposed changes could include capping the number of licensed firearms per person and mandating regular licence renewals with reassessments. Albanese's initiative aims to prevent radicalisation from evading detection through perpetual licences. Critics may argue the laws are already robust, but the Bondi attack highlights vulnerabilities in oversight.

The National Cabinet, comprising federal and state leaders, provides a platform for coordinated action. Outcomes from Monday's meeting could lead to swift legislative amendments. Meanwhile, Jewish community leaders have welcomed the political response while mourning the victims.

Security experts point to the father's gun club membership as a potential red flag missed in prior checks. ASIO's earlier assessment of the son raises questions about intelligence-sharing between agencies. The incident also reignites debates on balancing recreational shooting rights with public safety.

Bondi Beach, a vibrant multicultural hub, now symbolises a stark reminder of rising antisemitic threats globally. Australian authorities are urging vigilance amid international concerns over hate crimes. The attack's timing during Hanukkah amplifies its impact on the Jewish diaspora.

Premier Minns' vow of an overwhelming response includes bolstering police resources and community support programmes. Federal funding for counter-terrorism may increase as a result. Public discourse on social media reflects widespread condemnation and calls for unity.

Historical context bolsters the case for reform: post-1996 measures saw firearm suicides and homicides plummet by over 50%. No mass shootings have occurred since, until Bondi. Albanese's push tests whether further restrictions can address evolving threats like radicalisation.

The father's legal firearm ownership underscores gaps in monitoring long-term licence holders. Proposals for periodic reviews could involve mental health checks and extremism screenings. Implementation would require state-federal alignment, a strength of Australia's cooperative federalism.

As investigations continue, forensic analysis of the weapons and perpetrators' backgrounds proceeds. The son's hospital treatment delays full interrogation, but digital footprints are under scrutiny. International partners, including allies in counter-terrorism pacts, offer intelligence support.

This event occurs against a backdrop of global antisemitism spikes post-2023 Middle East conflicts. Australia's response aims to set a precedent in proactive gun control. Citizens await National Cabinet details, hopeful for measures that safeguard without unduly burdening lawful owners.

The Bondi attack leaves a community scarred but resilient. Political leaders across the spectrum back tougher laws, transcending partisanship. Australia's low gun violence record faces its sternest test yet, with outcomes shaping future security policy.

Based On ANI Report

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Sydney Shooting Horror: Pakistani Fruit Seller Sajid And Son Naveed Akram, Kill 15 Jews in Deadly Attack In Sydney

A father and son duo, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, carried out a deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration on Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach.

The attack, which unfolded on the first day of Hanukkah, claimed at least 15 lives and injured dozens more. It marks Australia's deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, shattering the nation's reputation for strict gun control.

Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that Sajid Akram was fatally shot by responding officers, while Naveed Akram sustained wounds and received hospital treatment. The pair, believed to be of Pakistani origin according to US intelligence sources cited by CBS News, targeted a Chanukah by the Sea event attended by around 1,000 people in a small park off the beach.

Witnesses described chaos as gunfire erupted around 6:45 p.m., with holiday revellers scattering along the sand and into nearby streets.

The assault lasted approximately 10 minutes, with video footage capturing two men in black shirts wielding what appeared to be a bolt-action rifle and a shotgun from a footbridge. Emergency services rushed to the scene amid reports of relentless gunfire.

One particularly harrowing clip showed beachgoers in swimsuits fleeing the water as shots rang out, turning a summer evening into a scene of terror.

Sajid Akram, who owned a modest fruit shop, had held a gun licence for about a decade, raising questions about Australia's firearms regulations. His son, an Australian-born citizen, had recently lost his bricklaying job due to his employer's insolvency. The father had arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa, later transitioning to a partner visa and resident return visas, as revealed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

Investigators raided the attackers' home in the suburb of Bonnyrigg, 36 kilometres west of Sydney's central business district, where a heavy police cordon enveloped several properties. Authorities expressed confidence that only the two gunmen were involved, dismissing earlier concerns about a third offender.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised a bystander, fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, as a "genuine hero" for tackling and disarming one assailant, an act captured on video and now the subject of a fundraising campaign that has raised over A$200,000.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the site on Monday morning, laying flowers amid mourners who placed candles, Israeli and Australian flags, and tributes. He described the incident as "an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism" on Australian soil. Albanese emphasised national unity, vowing to eradicate antisemitism and wrapping Australians' support around the grieving Jewish community.

The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87, with at least 42 others hospitalised, several in critical condition. Chabad, the Orthodox Jewish movement organising the event, named Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi and event coordinator, among the dead. His brother-in-law, Rabbi Mendel Kastel, urged community resilience over blame, stating, "It's about a community."

Australian authorities noted Naveed Akram's prior scrutiny by intelligence services six years earlier over suspected Islamic State links, per an Indian Intelligence Bureau official quoted by IANS. He may have evaded detection by lying low until striking during Hanukkah. Despite this history, police stated there were no indications of a planned attack beforehand.

This tragedy evokes memories of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, where 35 people died, prompting sweeping gun reforms. Bondi Beach, a cultural landmark drawing thousands daily, now grapples with profound loss. Eyewitness Trent Tur, an 18-year-old lifesaver, recounted seeing a child shot amid the panic: "It was probably the worst thing I've ever seen."

World leaders swiftly condemned the attack. US President Donald Trump labelled it an "anti-Semitic attack" during a White House event. French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed solidarity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked it to rising antisemitism, criticising Australia's stance on Palestinian statehood.

The shootings form part of a disturbing surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia since Israel's Gaza operations began in October 2023, targeting synagogues, buildings, and vehicles. Albanese highlighted outreach from global figures, underscoring international resolve against hate. As investigations continue, the nation mourns while reinforcing its commitment to safety and tolerance.

Based On NDTV Report

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