Indian Defence News

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

The technology transfer arrangement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is weighted heavily towards manufacturing, with around 80% of the value concentrated in this area.

This focus is deliberate, as it enables HAL to establish the infrastructure required to build a realistic 4.5-generation fighter engine, while also laying the groundwork for more advanced engine production in the future. It satisfies both major stakeholders: the Indian Air Force, which secures the engine, and the Ministry of Defence, which benefits from reduced import dependence.

The deal will expose the workforce to modern manufacturing technologies, create new testing facilities, and foster a practical understanding of processes and production. Within the constraints of the framework, this represents the best possible outcome

Compared with the earlier GE F404 engine deal, where India gained little in terms of technology despite similar expenditure, the current agreement delivers tangible benefits on the industrial and manufacturing side.

Another advantage lies in the increased control over the supply chain, which should help ensure more reliable timelines. India has already achieved laboratory success in several critical areas, including special coatings for corrosion, casting, machining and coating of single crystal turbine blades, and similar processes for nozzle guide vanes and other hot parts. The challenge now is to translate these laboratory achievements into field-level production.

The most important technologies to master include blisk machining, forging and powder metallurgy discs for turbines, machining of thin-walled titanium casings, and friction inertia welding for fan and afterburner components.

Equally vital are polymer matrix composites for bypass ducts, ceramic matrix composites for low-pressure nozzle guide vanes and flaps, laser drilling technology for combustors, and bottle boring of shafts.

From a machining and forging perspective, these represent the critical steps in bridging the gap between laboratory capability and industrial-scale production.

This agreement, finalised in April 2026, marks a significant step forward for India’s aerospace sector. By embedding advanced manufacturing practices within HAL, the deal not only supports the immediate requirement for F414 engines but also strengthens the foundation for future indigenous engine development.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

Continue Reading

Based on a report by Bloomberg, India has received shipments of Iranian oil for the first time in seven years, with around four million barrels arriving just days before a US grace period allowing such imports is set to expire.

The move highlights India’s urgency in securing crude supplies amid global energy disruptions and impending restrictions on Iranian exports.

The Jaya, a very-large crude carrier fully loaded with Iranian crude, is currently discharging its cargo at Paradip on India’s east coast. At the same time, the Felicity is unloading at Sikka on the west coast.

Both vessels are sanctioned by the United States for their involvement in the Iranian oil trade and are expected to depart India by Friday, according to port reports and ship-tracking data from Kpler and Vortexa. Indian Oil Corporation, which operates Paradip, and Reliance Industries along with Bharat Petroleum Corporation, which use Sikka, have not yet commented on the deliveries.

India, heavily reliant on imports and sensitive to price fluctuations, has been significantly affected by the upheaval in global energy flows since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February.

To manage the situation, New Delhi has taken advantage of temporary waivers granted by Washington, which allowed purchases of previously restricted Russian and Iranian crude. The waiver for Russian oil has already expired, and the one covering Iranian shipments will lapse within days unless renewed.

India had rapidly increased purchases of Russian oil last year, but refiners have faced greater challenges in securing and paying for Iranian cargoes due to financial sanctions that remain in place.

Earlier this month, India confirmed it would source crude from Iran among other suppliers as it navigates the current energy crunch. The arrival of the Jaya and Felicity indicates that refiners have managed to find a workaround despite the sanctions.

Another Iranian-owned tanker, the Derya, is currently stationed off India’s west coast, fully laden with crude. The vessel had loaded at Iran’s main export terminal, Kharg Island, in late March but may have missed the US waiver cutoff. It is now broadcasting that it is “awaiting orders,” a signal that it has no clear port of call at present.

This development underscores India’s balancing act between securing affordable energy supplies and navigating the complexities of international sanctions, as the US blockade threatens to cut off two million barrels a day of Iranian oil from the global market.

Bloomberg

Continue Reading

Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation ROSATOM, through its subsidiary JSC Engineering and Technology Center ‘ETC GET’, has announced a pilot training program for nuclear industry specialists in India, according to a report by Times News Network.

This initiative has been developed in strategic partnership with IIT-Bombay and Bangalore-based engineering solution company ProSIM, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s nuclear workforce.

The first trial training session is scheduled to take place from April 15 to 17 at IIT-Bombay. The programme will focus on training using simulators and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants, enabling participants to gain practical learning and operational understanding. According to ROSATOM, the initiative is designed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in India’s nuclear energy sector.

ETC GET brings its expertise in simulator and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants, while ProSIM contributes its capabilities in physics-based modelling and safety analysis. IIT-Bombay adds academic strength through its expertise across nuclear science and engineering disciplines, creating a comprehensive training ecosystem.

India’s nuclear energy roadmap envisages a significant expansion in installed capacity by 2047, which will require thousands of trained nuclear specialists annually. At present, training capacity delivers only a limited number of qualified professionals each year, highlighting a critical gap in workforce availability. The pilot programme is intended to bridge this gap by building advanced skills and operational capabilities.

A representative from ETC GET emphasised that the pilot training reflects ROSATOM’s commitment to supporting the development of India’s nuclear workforce.

They noted that alongside advanced technologies, building the capability to operate nuclear infrastructure safely and efficiently will be essential for the sector’s long-term growth.

ROSATOM continues to expand its cooperation with India across the nuclear value chain. This includes long-term partnerships in energy and technology, such as the ongoing Kudankulam nuclear plant’s units 3 and 4 project, as well as future collaborations in small modular reactors. The pilot training programme is therefore part of a broader framework of strategic cooperation between the two countries in nuclear development.

TNN

Continue Reading

India is preparing to send a trade delegation to Washington on 20 April in a renewed effort to advance negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States.

According to a report by The Economic Times , the delegation’s travel to Washington next week is part of India’s renewed efforts to move forward with the trade discussions after earlier postponements and policy uncertainties slowed the process.

The delegation will be led by chief negotiator Darpan Jain, marking the first in-person meeting between the two sides in nearly four months, following a period of virtual engagement.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal confirmed that the teams will focus on finalising the legal agreement, building on the joint statement released on 7 February. He emphasised that further discussions and follow-up engagement are necessary to move the process forward, with both countries expected to work together to establish timelines and next steps.

The talks come at a time when tariff rules in the US are evolving, and clarity on Washington’s trade stance is seen as crucial before any final deal can be concluded. Earlier this year, India and the US reached an interim arrangement to reduce tariffs on Indian exports to 18 percent. This followed the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on several countries.

Officials noted that tariffs linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil have been rolled back, though duties under Section 232 remain unchanged. India has signalled its intention to continue engaging with Washington to resolve outstanding issues.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions in West Asia are beginning to impact trade flows. Government data shows that India’s exports to the region fell sharply in March 2026, dropping by 57.95 percent, equivalent to $3.5 billion. Imports from West Asia also declined by 51.6 percent, or $8.7 billion. Officials have flagged this as a significant concern, with disruptions affecting both demand and supply chains.

Despite these challenges, India’s overall export performance for the Financial Year 2025 showed growth. Total exports crossed $860.09 billion, an increase of $35 billion compared to the previous year. When services are included, the figure rises to $974.9 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 4.22 percent.

Imports, however, grew by 6.4 percent to $979.4 billion, driven largely by record-high gold and silver prices. This widened the trade deficit to $119 billion, up from $94.6 billion the previous year. Merchandise exports recorded a modest increase of 1 percent, reaching $441.78 billion.

Several sectors contributed to export growth, including electronic goods, engineering products, marine items, and agricultural segments such as meat and dairy. Exports to China rose by $5 billion, while shipments to Spain increased by $2 billion. Nonetheless, merchandise exports in March stood at $38.92 billion, lower than the $42.05 billion recorded in the same month last year.

Agarwal expressed optimism that global challenges would ease in the coming months, providing relief to exporters.

India is also intensifying its push for new trade partnerships. The free trade agreement with the United Kingdom is expected to come into force by May 2026, while the agreement with New Zealand is scheduled to be signed on 27 April and implemented later in the year. Negotiations with Oman and the European Union are also underway, with hopes of concluding them within the year.

To strengthen domestic trade governance, the Commerce Ministry has launched a new digital platform. This website will integrate real-time trade data, link with Parliament systems for questions and answers, and provide a grievance redressal mechanism for exporters.

Officials believe that combining external trade deals with internal system improvements will help insulate India from global uncertainties while sustaining export growth.

Agencies

Continue Reading

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that India has deployed the maximum number of ships sailing across the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the country’s balanced approach amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Speaking in Lucknow, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for ensuring India’s stability despite global uncertainty and highlighted how the nation has maintained economic momentum even as energy prices and supply chains have been disrupted.

He emphasised that India’s diplomatic ties with both the United States and Iran have safeguarded its strategic interests. Singh remarked that while many countries struggled with rising LPG prices, India managed to avoid major difficulties.

He added that Iran’s missile activity has not directly impacted America, and in this volatile environment, India has played a uniquely balanced role.

The Defence Minister also drew attention to India’s growing economic and defence strength. He noted that the country, once considered economically weak, is now among the top four economies globally. This transformation, he said, reflects India’s resilience and progress.

On defence production, Singh stressed that India is moving towards self-reliance. He explained that while the country previously imported weapons and drones, it has now achieved significant advances in domestic production. He described this as a major step towards becoming truly Atmanirbhar, with defence manufacturing seeing substantial growth.

Later in the day, Singh attended the release of the book Smriti Naad on the 91st birth anniversary of late leader Lalji Tandon. He spoke about Tandon’s life and values, noting that the book contains numerous anecdotes illustrating how Tandon’s personal principles were influenced by great personalities, and how his own life left a lasting impression on many others. Singh admitted he had not read the book in full but had gone through excerpts that conveyed its essence.

He also visited an audio-visual museum set up at the venue, where he inspected digital archives and historical displays. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana accompanied him during the inspection, marking the occasion with a review of the curated exhibits.

This series of engagements highlighted both India’s strategic positioning in global affairs and its cultural respect for leaders who shaped the nation’s political and social landscape.

ANI

Continue Reading

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu examining a Quantum computer at SRM University

Andhra Pradesh has officially become the first Indian state to commission indigenous quantum computing facilities, marking a historic milestone in India’s technological journey. The launch took place on 14 April 2026, coinciding with World Quantum Day, and positions Amaravati as the country’s emerging hub for quantum innovation.

The commissioning was led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who inaugurated the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF) at SRM University in Amaravati. Simultaneously, a second facility was virtually launched at Medha Towers in Gannavaram near Vijayawada, ensuring that the state now hosts multiple centres dedicated to quantum computing research and testing.

The facilities include two advanced indigenous quantum computer test beds, named Amaravati 1S and 1Q, which will serve as open-access platforms for researchers, scientists, and innovators. These test beds are designed to enable hardware testing, certification, and experimentation with quantum technologies, thereby fostering a sovereign ecosystem for India’s quantum future.

The initiative is part of the ambitious Amaravati Quantum Valley project, which aims to transform Andhra Pradesh into a global centre for quantum research and manufacturing. The state government has emphasised its commitment to producing fully indigenous quantum computers in the near future, with Chief Minister Naidu assuring that funding will not be a constraint for innovation.

This development also aligns with the National Quantum Mission, which seeks to establish India’s leadership in quantum technologies. By commissioning these facilities, Andhra Pradesh has taken a decisive step towards strengthening India’s sovereign quantum infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign systems, and encouraging domestic innovation.

The launch was timed to coincide with World Quantum Day, underscoring the global significance of the achievement. The state’s vision is to make Amaravati a world-class hub for designing, testing, certifying, and manufacturing quantum systems, thereby attracting international collaborations and investments.

In his remarks, Chief Minister Naidu highlighted that the project was realised within just eight months, thanks to the cooperation of quantum scientists and hardware experts. He appealed to stakeholders to continue supporting the initiative, stressing that Andhra Pradesh is determined to lead India’s quantum revolution.

The commissioning of these indigenous quantum computing facilities represents not only a technological milestone but also a strategic move in India’s broader defence, economic, and scientific landscape. By establishing open-access quantum test beds, Andhra Pradesh has created a platform that will accelerate research, innovation, and the commercialisation of quantum technologies across the country.

Agencies

Continue Reading

The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. As part of this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tasked with conducting 1,200 exploration projects between 2024-25 and 2030-31, announced PIB.

A committee formed by the Ministry of Mines in November 2022 identified 30 critical minerals, with 24 included in Part D of Schedule I of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act, 1957 (MMDR Act, 1957).

This inclusion grants the Central Government exclusive authority to auction mining leases and composite licences for these minerals. The committee also recommended establishing a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM) to update the mineral list regularly and guide strategic planning.

Critical minerals are indispensable for clean energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. Their availability is vital for economic development and national security, while their scarcity or concentration in limited regions can create supply chain vulnerabilities.

In solar energy, minerals like silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are essential for photovoltaic cells used in solar panels. India’s current solar capacity of 64 GW depends heavily on these minerals.

For wind energy, rare earth elements such as dysprosium and neodymium are crucial for permanent magnets in turbines. India’s target of expanding wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030 will require a stable supply of these resources.

Electric vehicles rely on lithium, nickel, and cobalt for lithium-ion batteries. Under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), India aims to deploy 6–7 million EVs by 2024, driving demand for these minerals. Similarly, advanced energy storage systems depend on lithium, cobalt, and nickel, making them central to India’s clean energy transition.

The NCMM seeks to secure India’s critical mineral supply chain by ensuring availability from both domestic and foreign sources. It aims to strengthen value chains by enhancing technological, regulatory, and financial ecosystems to foster innovation, skill development, and global competitiveness in exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recycling.

Exploration efforts have intensified under the mission. In the 2024-25 field season, GSI initiated 195 projects, including 35 in Rajasthan, to identify and assess critical mineral deposits. More than 100 mineral blocks are set to be auctioned, and offshore exploration will target polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, rare earth elements, nickel, and manganese.

GSI follows the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) (MEMC) Rules, 2015, for exploration. Earlier surveys in Rajasthan’s Sirohi and Bhilwara districts identified rare earth elements, while the Department of Atomic Energy discovered 1,11,845 tons of in-situ Rare Earth Elements Oxide (REO) in Balotra.

To accelerate projects, a fast-track regulatory approval system will be introduced. A new Exploration Licence (EL) will encourage private sector participation. Recovery of minerals from secondary sources such as fly ash, tailings, and red mud will be promoted through relaxed rules and incentives. Additional efforts will focus on trace mineral assessment, development of processing parks, and greater involvement of state governments and PSUs in the mineral value chain.

India also plans to acquire assets abroad. Investments will be made in resource-rich countries, with PSUs and private firms supported through funding, guidelines, and inter-ministerial coordination. Public-private partnerships will be promoted, and infrastructure support will be facilitated with the Ministry of External Affairs’ assistance.

Internationally, Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) signed an agreement with CAMYEN SE, a state-owned enterprise in Catamarca, Argentina, in January 2024 for lithium exploration across 15,703 hectares. KABIL also signed an MoU with Australia’s Critical Mineral Office (CMO) in March 2022, and due diligence is underway for lithium and cobalt projects in Australia.

IREL (India) Limited plays a key role in processing, with a capacity of 6 lakh tonnes per annum. It produces minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, and garnet, and operates rare earth extraction and refining facilities in Odisha and Kerala.

The company has consistently made profits since 1997-98, achieving a peak turnover of over ₹14,625 million in 2021-22, including ₹7,000 million in exports. IREL is expanding production capacity, supporting value chain industries, and advancing R&D through its facility in Kollam, Kerala.

India’s climate goals include reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, achieving 50% of electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070.

The NCMM is central to these ambitions, building a resilient and self-reliant ecosystem for critical minerals.

By boosting domestic production, encouraging private sector involvement, strengthening international partnerships, and streamlining regulations, India aims to secure a steady supply of minerals essential for clean energy technologies and strategic security.

PIB

Continue Reading

India and the United States are intensifying cooperation in space as global competition increasingly extends beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Both nations view space as a strategic frontier vital to economic and security interests.

U.S. Space Force General Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), reinforced this message during his March 2026 visit to India. His engagements included meetings with government, military and industry leaders, as well as participation in the Raisina Dialogue, one of the Indo-Pacific’s leading geopolitical forums.

Whiting’s trip underscored the growing importance of New Delhi–Washington collaboration in space, a domain underpinning military operations, global communications and commerce. He noted that space is simultaneously an arena of competition and cooperation, reflecting broader dynamics among great powers.

Space is evolving from a civil and scientific pursuit into a contested strategic environment. Satellites are now indispensable for intelligence, navigation, missile warning and targeting, capabilities that directly influence outcomes on Earth.

In the Indo-Pacific, concerns about China’s expanding space capabilities are prominent. Ahead of the Raisina Dialogue, Whiting emphasised to the U.S.-based Space Force Association that space is foundational to ensuring U.S. forces are positioned to keep the Indo-Pacific free and open for commerce.

During his visit, Whiting met Indian military leaders including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit. Discussions centred on integrating space into joint operations, with potential joint exercises involving space-based capabilities. This reflects a shift toward treating space as an operational domain alongside land, sea, air and cyber.

The meetings built upon the nations’ 10-year defence framework agreement signed in 2025, which seeks to deepen interoperability and cooperation across multiple areas, including space. Whiting highlighted that space is explicitly identified as a priority within this framework.

Commercial partnerships were also a focus. At a roundtable hosted by the Indian Space Association, Whiting and industry leaders explored ways to integrate defence industrial bases and secure reliable access to space. Private companies are increasingly central to satellite manufacturing, launch services and data analytics, blurring distinctions between civil, military and commercial activity.

Both nations are investing heavily in domestic space capabilities. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is pursuing a human spaceflight mission planned for 2027, which would make India the fourth country to independently launch astronauts into orbit.

Whiting’s visit to ISRO included discussions on operationalising a space situational awareness data-sharing agreement with USSPACECOM. Such agreements are vital for transparency and safety as Earth’s orbit becomes more crowded and contested. Thousands of satellites operated by governments, companies and academic institutions raise risks of collisions, debris and hostile actions.

Whiting stressed that responsible behaviour in space is a cornerstone of U.S. policy, citing the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and emphasising the importance of modelling professional and safe conduct.

Cooperation is essential to stability in space while deterring adversaries. Whiting noted that partnerships with nations like India are a strength for the United States. Shared data, coordinated policies and interoperable systems are increasingly necessary to maintain awareness and resilience.

For India, closer alignment with the U.S. offers both strategic and economic benefits. It enhances access to advanced technologies and bolsters India’s standing as a major spacefaring nation.

India is a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific, a region central to U.S. defence strategy and global trade. Whiting pointed to shared democratic values as the foundation of the relationship, noting a confluence of interests in maintaining a free and open region.

The stakes are considerable. Space-based capabilities underpin modern life, from navigation and weather forecasting to financial systems and communications, yet they remain vulnerable to disruption.

In this environment, cooperation among like-minded nations may prove as important as competition. Whiting concluded that the United States has a rich network of partners and allies with whom it operates in space, reinforcing the value of collaboration in an increasingly contested domain.

Agencies

Continue Reading

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has outlined a series of ambitious missions in a Parliamentary Standing Committee report on budget allocations for the Department of Space.

Among the most significant is the Chandrayaan 4 mission, a lunar sample return effort scheduled for October 2027.

This will be followed by Chandrayaan 5, also known as LUPEX, a collaborative mission with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) planned for September 2028. In parallel, ISRO intends to launch its first probe to Venus, the Shukrayaan mission, in March 2028. The Venus mission aims to map the planet’s surface in high resolution and study its dense, toxic atmosphere.

ISRO is also advancing its launch vehicle capabilities. Development of the LVM-3 rocket with a semi-cryogenic booster is targeted for 2028/29. Although earlier indications suggested this upgraded rocket would be required for Chandrayaan 4, the timelines now suggest the mission will instead rely on a pair of existing LVM-3 rockets without the booster.

A hot fire test of the cryogenic engine has already been conducted. Alongside this, civil work is underway at Sriharikota for a third launch pad, expected to be completed by 2029/30.

Another milestone is the deployment of the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-01) by 2028, marking India’s entry into space station development. ISRO also plans to develop the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) by September 2031.

The report, however, highlighted delays in the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. No firm dates have been communicated for either the uncrewed or crewed missions. ISRO explained that the delays stem from the unprecedented challenge of working with human-rated hardware, requiring extra caution to ensure crew safety. The first uncrewed mission, initially scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, was postponed following the failure of the PSLV-C62 flight.

Similarly, the Mars Lander Mission, or Mangalyaan 2, has been approved by the Space Commission but has yet to be formally cleared by the Union Cabinet. As a result, no target date has been set for its launch.

Taken together, these plans underscore ISRO’s determination to expand India’s presence in space through a mix of lunar exploration, interplanetary science, human spaceflight, and infrastructure development, even as some projects face delays due to technical and safety considerations.

Agencies

Continue Reading

US Radar installation destroyed by Iranian drones and missiles in Qatar

Iran has reportedly acquired a Chinese spy satellite, significantly enhancing its ability to monitor and target U.S. military bases across the Middle East during the recent conflict.

According to the Financial Times, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force secretly obtained the TEE-01B satellite in late 2024, following its launch by the Chinese company Earth Eye Co.

Leaked Iranian military documents suggest that commanders directed the satellite to observe major U.S. military installations. The evidence cited includes time-stamped coordinate lists, satellite imagery, and orbital analysis. These images were allegedly captured in March, both before and after drone and missile strikes on the identified sites.

Reuters has stated that it could not independently verify the Financial Times’ report. Requests for comment were sent to the White House, CIA, Pentagon, China’s foreign affairs and defence ministries, Earth Eye Co, and Emposat, but none provided an immediate response.

The report further claims that the IRGC secured access to commercial ground stations operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based satellite control and data services provider. Emposat’s network spans Asia, Latin America, and other regions, giving Iran broader operational reach in handling satellite data.

This revelation comes amid heightened tensions, with missiles being launched from Iran towards Israel following joint strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian targets.

The alleged satellite acquisition underscores the growing complexity of regional conflicts, where advanced surveillance technology is increasingly shaping military strategies.

Reuters

Continue Reading

SkyRoot has achieved a significant milestone in its preparations for launch with the successful completion of the Nozzle Actuator-in-Loop Simulation (AILS).

This exercise was conducted by the Avionics and Integration teams, marking a critical step in validating the rocket’s steering mechanisms and flight computer under simulated flight conditions.

The nozzle actuators, which are responsible for steering the rocket during flight, were tested in conjunction with the flight computer. By running them together in a simulated environment, the teams were able to replicate conditions as close to actual flight as possible while remaining on the ground. This allowed them to observe and confirm the behaviour of these systems in a controlled yet realistic setting.

During the simulation, the actuators and the flight computer worked seamlessly in sync, performing exactly as designed. Their coordination is essential for ensuring the rocket can be guided accurately during its mission. The test also demonstrated that the systems remained stable throughout, a crucial requirement for reliable performance during launch and flight.

This successful outcome provides confidence in the readiness of the rocket’s guidance and control systems. It represents a vital step forward in the overall launch campaign, ensuring that the integration of hardware and software components is robust and dependable.

Agencies

Continue Reading

Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (Midhani) has achieved a significant milestone in the aerospace sector by supplying 600 isothermally forged discs for aero engines.

These discs are critical components in the manufacture of advanced aircraft engines, where precision, durability, and performance are paramount.

The delivery underscores Midhani’s growing role in supporting India’s aerospace industry and its commitment to producing high-quality materials for strategic applications.

Isothermal forging is a highly specialised process that ensures uniformity and strength in components subjected to extreme conditions. By mastering this technique, Midhani has demonstrated its capability to meet stringent aerospace standards.

The forged discs are designed to withstand high stress and temperature variations, making them indispensable for modern aero engines. This achievement reflects both technological expertise and the company’s ability to scale production to meet demanding requirements.

The supply of 600 discs highlights Midhani’s contribution to self-reliance in defence and aerospace manufacturing. It reduces dependence on imports and strengthens India’s indigenous capabilities in critical technologies.

The accomplishment also aligns with national objectives of enhancing domestic production in strategic sectors, particularly in aerospace and defence, where reliability and performance are non-negotiable.

Midhani’s success in delivering these forged discs is not only a testament to its technical prowess but also a signal of its readiness to support future aerospace projects. The company’s ability to consistently produce and supply such components will play a vital role in advancing India’s aerospace ambitions.

This milestone reinforces Midhani’s position as a trusted supplier of specialised materials and components for high-performance applications.

Agencies

Continue Reading

India’s economic outlook remains resilient despite the turbulence caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to the International Monetary Fund’s Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas.

He emphasised that India has performed strongly in 2025, with growth estimated at 7.6 per cent on a fiscal year basis.

This momentum is expected to continue into 2026, with the IMF projecting growth of 6.5 per cent, a very slight upgrade from earlier estimates.

The revised forecast comes even as global energy prices rise due to the conflict, creating challenges for oil-dependent economies such as India. Gourinchas acknowledged that the war is exerting downward pressure, but stressed that the strong momentum from 2025 more than offsets these headwinds.

He also highlighted easing trade tensions between India and the United States as a supportive factor, noting that tariff discussions have reduced uncertainty and lowered tariff levels.

Inflationary pressures, however, are expected to intensify in India in the coming year. The IMF projects inflation to rise to 4.7 per cent in 2026, driven partly by higher global energy costs and increasing food prices. Gourinchas pointed out that food prices have already begun to pick up in early 2026, adding to the inflationary burden.

While near-term prospects remain stable, Gourinchas cautioned that India’s structural dependence on energy imports poses a vulnerability in a volatile global environment. He underlined that India is highly energy dependent, particularly on oil, which could create headwinds in the future. Nonetheless, he observed that India’s current growth trajectory is broadly aligned with its long-term potential, which the IMF estimates at around 6.5 per cent.

The IMF’s assessment underscores India’s role as a key driver of global growth at a time when many economies are struggling with slowing expansion and heightened uncertainty. The escalation of conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy flows and contributed to higher oil and commodity prices, with the IMF warning that the duration and intensity of the shock will determine its broader impact on the world economy.

Despite these challenges, India has sustained strong domestic demand and investment momentum in recent years, supported by policy stability and a resilient private sector.

IANS

Continue Reading

The US-sanctioned tanker Rich Starry returned to the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after exiting the Gulf the previous day, according to shipping data. The vessel failed to break through a US blockade imposed on ships calling at Iranian ports.

US President Donald Trump announced the blockade on Sunday following unsuccessful peace talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran.

The US Central Command stated on X that during the first 24 hours of the blockade, no ships managed to pass through. Six vessels complied with US forces’ instructions to turn back and re-enter Iranian ports.

The Rich Starry, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co, was one of at least eight ships attempting to cross the waterway on Tuesday, the first day of the blockade. The Chinese-owned tanker and its operator have been placed under US sanctions for dealings with Iran. Attempts to reach the company for comment were unsuccessful.

A US destroyer intercepted two oil tankers on Tuesday as they tried to leave the Iranian port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman, according to a US official. The Rich Starry itself was carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol loaded at the port of Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates, shipping data from Kpler indicated.

Another sanctioned vessel, the Very Large Crude Carrier Alicia, entered the Gulf via the strait on Wednesday. The tanker, which has the capacity to carry 2 million barrels of oil, was empty and heading to Iraq to load cargo on Thursday, according to LSEG and Kpler data.

The blockade has heightened uncertainty for shippers, oil companies, and war risk insurers. Industry sources reported that traffic remains far below the usual 130-plus daily crossings seen before the US and Israel’s war on Iran began on 28 February.

Agencies

Continue Reading

The United States has officially confirmed the loss of an MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle following a crash in the Persian Gulf. The confirmation comes through a mishap summary released by the United States Naval Safety Command.

The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance maritime surveillance aircraft, valued at approximately USD 240–250 million. Under the Department of War’s classification system, any incident involving damage exceeding USD 2.5 million is categorised as a Class A mishap. This latest incident therefore falls into the most serious category.

Initial reports had suggested that Iranian forces were responsible for destroying the drone during confrontations. However, US authorities have now clarified that the aircraft crashed rather than being shot down.

The Naval Safety Command’s publicly available mishap summary includes the entry: “9 Apr 2026 (Location Withheld – OPSEC) MQ-4C crashed; no injury to personnel.”

In a separate development, Xinhua News Agency, citing CBS News, reported that the United States has lost 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones to Iran since 1 April amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. These losses are estimated at USD 720 million. Depending on the variant, a single MQ-9 Reaper drone can cost USD 30 million or more.

The MQ-9 Reaper, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is a remotely piloted aircraft primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It also has the capability to carry out precision strikes.

The drone involved in the recent crash, however, was the MQ-4C Triton, developed by Northrop Grumman. Derived from the RQ-4 Global Hawk, the Triton is specifically designed for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

The MQ-4C Triton can operate at altitudes above 50,000 feet for more than 24 hours and has a range of approximately 7,400 nautical miles. It is equipped with a 360-degree multi-intelligence sensor suite that enables wide-area surveillance and rapid threat detection.

The aircraft is capable of sharing real-time data with other military assets, allowing for coordinated operations across different domains. It provides up to four times the ISR coverage of other autonomous systems while maintaining high altitude and endurance.

According to Northrop Grumman, the Triton delivers 33 per cent greater effectiveness with 60 per cent fewer flight hours at roughly half the operational cost of medium-altitude aircraft. This makes it a critical platform for maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The confirmed crash represents a significant loss for the United States, both financially and strategically, as tensions in the Persian Gulf continue to escalate.

Agencies

Continue Reading

Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)