Indian Defence Forces Begin Specialised Training On Indigenous ALAKH Kamikaze Drones

Indian defence personnel have commenced specialised training on the domestically developed ALAKH Kamikaze Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), following its official delivery to the armed forces by Noida-based EndureAir Systems.

Engineered specifically to endure and operate within contested Electronic Warfare (EW) environments, the ALAKH functions as a first-person-view (FPV) loitering munition. It employs a targeted Search, Detect and Destroy (SDD) operational methodology to neutralise threats effectively on the modern battlefield.

The intensive training program focuses on equipping operators with comprehensive platform familiarisation to understand the system's full capabilities. Personnel are also being drilled in strict operational procedures and overall mission readiness to ensure seamless deployment in active combat scenarios.

This induction forms part of a wider, accelerated push towards indigenous unmanned aerial systems across India's military. Alongside the ALAKH deployment, the Indian Army has bolstered its tactical strike capabilities by taking delivery of 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions, expanding its total inventory of the platform to 930 units.

Furthermore, the armed forces are actively expanding their technological edge by conducting field trials on advanced, jet-powered drone variants, including the Agniveg and KAL systems.

India's indigenous drone arsenal has rapidly expanded across tactical electric loitering munitions and high-speed, jet-powered deep-strike systems.

Tactical Electric Loitering Munitions

These platforms are designed for infantry and forward mountain units to execute low-altitude, low-acoustic-signature precision strikes.

Jet-Powered Kamikaze Drone Programs

To compress enemy air-defence reaction windows and strike deep-rear targets, India is transitioning from slow propeller drones to turbojet-powered systems capable of speeds up to 450 km/h.

Peacekeeper (Agniveg): Developed by SMPP, the Indian Army has already inducted 106 units (100 operational, 6 training). It reaches speeds of 450 km/h, carries an operational range of 180 km, and achieves <5 m precision while resisting GPS jamming and spoofing.

Jet Based Kamikaze Drone System (JBKDS): Under a ₹2,000 crore Fast Track Procurement program, the Indian Army is running field trials at Pokhran to acquire 540 indigenous jet-powered kamikaze drones. Eleven Indian contenders qualified for trials—including Bharat Forge, Adani Defence, SMPP, Tonbo, and Apollo Micro Systems—to deliver complete packages with transport and mission-control vehicles.

Long-Range & Heavy Jet Platforms: Several high-payload systems are in active development or showcased for strategic deep strikes:

Sureshastra MK-1: Cruises at 350–400 km/h with a range exceeding 500 km, a 30–40 kg warhead, and swarm coordination for over 20 drones simultaneously.

Divyastra MK-3: A turbojet platform designed for a 300–500 km range at 250–300 km/h, carrying a 15–20 kg warhead.

KAL & Sheshnaag-150: Next-generation long-range kamikaze platforms designed for scalable precision strikes without onboard pilots.

Indigenous Engine Backbone: To eliminate reliance on foreign propulsion, DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE)—working alongside domestic private partners like Azad Engineering—has developed a 350 kg-class expendable turbojet engine specifically tailored for cruise missiles and jet-powered loitering munitions.

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From The Caucasus To The Pacific: How India Is Quietly Emerging As A Global Superpower

While China and the United States currently hold superpower status and Russia strives to reclaim its former standing, India is not yet universally viewed as their peer.

Despite possessing the world's largest population, a rapidly expanding economy, and widely recognised technological and industrial capabilities, New Delhi has historically maintained a cautious foreign policy focused primarily on its immediate neighbourhood, a French defence portal reported.

However, India's deepening engagement in the South Caucasus illustrates how it is gradually embracing the broader international responsibilities conferred by its growing strength. Acting as a vital balancing force in Asia, New Delhi is helping to counter China's rise whilst carefully preserving its longstanding diplomatic ties with Moscow.

This evolving global posture demands more decisive engagement in distant regions without abandoning India's traditional aversion to formal military alliances. Consequently, New Delhi is weaving an expansive network of bilateral partnerships, defence exports, and industrial collaborations stretching across the Indian Ocean, the Caucasus, the eastern Mediterranean, and the western Pacific.

Armenia has become a central proving ground in this strategic evolution. Seeking to modernise its military, bolster its air defence, and lessen its traditional reliance on Russian security guarantees, the former Soviet republic has turned toward New Delhi.

Concurrently, Yerevan faces ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan, which receives substantial military backing from Turkey and Pakistan—two nations with whom India shares strained relations. Armenia thus provides India with a controlled, pragmatic arena to integrate diplomacy, military training, arms sales, and technological cooperation without incurring immediate geostrategic overreach.

Since 2020, bilateral defence agreements between the two nations have reached nearly $2 billion, establishing India as Armenia's foremost supplier of military hardware. These acquisitions—which include Akash surface-to-air missile systems, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, and Swathi weapon-locating radars—allow Yerevan to diversify an arsenal long dominated by Russian equipment.

Furthermore, a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed in Yerevan in August 2026 paves the way for joint research, development, and shared defence co-production. By combining industrial support with strategic partnerships, India has secured a critical foothold in the South Caucasus, directly countering Pakistani, Turkish, and Chinese weaponry fielded by Azerbaijani forces.

Beyond the Caucasus, this blend of defence diplomacy and industrial export is expanding India's footprint into the eastern Mediterranean—exposing New Delhi to complex regional rivalries—while missile exports across Asia steadily reinforce its wider strategic network.

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Malaysia's BrahMos Talks Stay Exploratory As Air Force Weighs Su-30MKM Fit: Report

Malaysia has not decided whether to buy India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The proposal remains at the exploratory stage. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin gave that assurance in Kuala Lumpur., Malaysian media reported.

He said the idea was first raised during preliminary government-level discussions. Those discussions took place in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to India in September. The matter has now been referred for detailed military study.

No procurement decision has been made. No contract, quantity, price or delivery schedule has been announced. Any potential acquisition would require a comprehensive technical assessment by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, known as the RMAF.

That assessment would focus particularly on the missile's compatibility and integration with its existing Su-30MKM fighter jets. "The assessment would cover operational requirements, compatibility with existing platforms, systems integration, upgrade requirements and life-cycle costs," Khaled said. He was speaking in a written parliamentary reply.

The reply was given to Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz, the Member of Parliament for Tanah Merah. Khaled added that integrating the BrahMos missile with the Su-30MKM would also involve detailed technical scrutiny. That scrutiny would include aircraft modifications, testing and validation.

"Such processes would typically take a considerable amount of time before the capability could become fully operational," he said. The practical challenge is considerable. Malaysia operates 18 Su-30MKM fighters.

The relevant variant is understood to be the air-launched BrahMos-A. It is a heavy weapon, weighing around 2,500 kilograms. It was designed around India's Su-30MKI fleet.

Malaysia's Su-30MKM shares much of that aircraft's architecture. Even so, integration would still demand airframe strengthening, software and avionics changes, and extensive flight trials. It would also require pilot and ground-crew training, maintenance arrangements, and missile storage facilities.

The proposal sits within broader efforts to strengthen defence and strategic cooperation with India. It was reported that Malaysia was in exploratory discussions to acquire the BrahMos system as part of that wider partnership. Anwar confirmed the discussions himself.

In an interview with Indian broadcaster NDTV, Anwar said the potential acquisition had been discussed during his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the final decision would rest with the armed forces, based on their operational and technical requirements. That position puts the RMAF at the centre of the process.

The service must judge whether the weapon satisfies operational, technical and financial requirements. The BrahMos itself is a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile.  The missile can be launched from land-based mobile platforms, warships, submarines and fighter aircraft. It offers precision-strike capabilities against targets at sea and on land.

Its speed is commonly put at Mach 2.8 to Mach 3. That makes it among the fastest operational cruise missiles in the world. For India, BrahMos is among its flagship defence exports.

It supports India's efforts to expand its international arms market. It also strengthens defence partnerships with friendly countries. The Philippines has already shown how that export model works in Southeast Asia.

Manila became the first foreign buyer in 2022. It signed a deal worth about 375 million US dollars for three shore-based anti-ship batteries for the Philippine Marine Corps. Deliveries began in April 2024.

Manila is now reported to be in advanced talks for a much larger follow-on purchase. That reported deal could involve about five additional systems and nearly 60 missiles, worth between 700 million and 800 million US dollars. Malaysia's interest is therefore being watched closely in the region.

A BrahMos-armed Su-30MKM fleet would give Malaysia a new long-range maritime strike capability. That would be particularly relevant in the South China Sea, where Malaysia has overlapping maritime claims. For now, however, Kuala Lumpur is stressing caution over speed.

The process remains one of study, not purchase.

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Astra Microwave Delivers Vital Active Antenna Array Unit For The Virupaksha Radar Program

Astra Microwave Products Limited has successfully delivered the Active Antenna Array Unit for the newly developed Virupaksha radar prototype.

This vital hardware component acts as the technological heart of the cutting-edge Gallium Nitride based Active Electronically Scanned Array radar system.

The sophisticated unit houses roughly 2,400 Transmit and Receive modules designed to deliver enhanced operational efficiency and high signal output.

The Virupaksha radar has been engineered specifically to replace the ageing Russian origin N011M Bars radar currently fitted on the Indian Air Force fleet.

This major replacement forms a central part of the extensive Super Sukhoi modernisation program aimed at boosting combat capabilities.

Development and initial design work for the radar system are spearheaded by authorities based in Bangalore under domestic defence initiatives.

At present, software integration for the newly delivered Active Antenna Array Unit prototype is actively underway alongside relevant defence research teams.

Once all software integration and subsequent trials conclude successfully, the full radar system will be fully ready for fleet-wide integration.

This milestone marks a significant step forward for domestic defence manufacturing and highlights the growing role of private industry players in strategic projects.

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Astra Microwave Hands Over Indigenous D4 Counter-Drone Radar To DRDO For Final Integration And Testing

Astra Microwave Products Limited has reached a significant milestone in India's self-reliance journey by delivering its proprietary Drishti-D4 counter-drone radar system to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for final integration and user trials.

This handover marks a pivotal strategic transformation for the Hyderabad-based firm, moving it decisively away from its traditional role as a sub-system component supplier toward becoming an intellectual property-owned, full-system solutions provider.

Modern aerial warfare has been fundamentally reshaped by the proliferation of low-cost, agile unmanned aerial vehicles, creating an urgent operational requirement for robust anti-drone defences across sensitive military installations and critical national infrastructure.

To counter these evolving asymmetric threats, the indigenous D4 system is engineered around a multi-layered, comprehensive architecture designed to detect, track, classify, and neutralise hostile drones in real time.

At the core of its detection capability is an advanced 360-degree radar array that maintains continuous omnidirectional surveillance, eliminating blind spots against erratic flight paths and swarm tactics.

Once a potential aerial target is acquired by the primary radar, the system seamlessly cues an integrated electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite paired with a laser rangefinder (LRF) to provide precise visual identification, day-and-night tracking, and accurate distance measurement.

All sensor inputs and tracking data converge at a centralised command, control, and communications (C3) centre, which synthesises the tactical picture and enables operators to execute rapid, automated, or manual engagement decisions.

In terms of operational reach, the Drishti D4 radar demonstrates high sensitivity against targets with minimal radar cross-sections, capable of detecting micro drones at distances of up to 4 kilometres and smaller nano drones at ranges of up to 2 kilometres.

When a threat is confirmed, the platform offers a graduated response mechanism beginning with a sophisticated soft-kill suite that disrupts hostile unmanned aircraft without causing collateral physical damage.

This non-kinetic countermeasure employs targeted radio frequency (RF) communication-link jamming to sever the connection between the drone and its remote operator, alongside Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and GPS spoofing to disorient the aircraft's onboard navigation and force it off course or into a controlled landing.

For high-threat scenarios where electronic countermeasures are insufficient or autonomous drones operate without active radio links, the system incorporates a formidable hard-kill option in the form of an integrated Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW).

This directed energy capability delivers pinpoint thermal destruction against incoming aerial targets at the speed of light, offering a deep magazine and an exceptionally low cost per engagement compared to conventional kinetic interceptors.

Designed for maximum tactical flexibility across diverse terrains, the D4 counter-drone architecture supports dual deployment configurations, allowing forces to mount the unit on static tripods for perimeter defence of airbases and strategic assets, or integrate it onto mobile vehicles to protect moving convoys and forward deployed troops.

Industry analysts project that the domestic market for counter-unmanned aerial systems in India represents a substantial commercial opportunity valued between ₹3,000 crore and ₹5,000 crore over the next five years, driven by accelerated procurement across the armed forces, paramilitary units, and homeland security agencies.

By successfully developing and delivering a complete, indigenous anti-drone ecosystem, Astra Microwave positions itself at the forefront of this rapidly expanding defence sector, reducing dependence on foreign imports while bolstering national airspace security.

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BrahMos Aerospace Secures Export Deals With Philippines, Vietnam And Indonesia As Global Demand Surges, Says CEO

BrahMos Aerospace has finalised export agreements for its supersonic cruise missile system with the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, according to chairman and managing director Dr Jaiteerth R Joshi. 

Speaking to PTI on Friday, Joshi noted that several other nations are actively negotiating purchases following heightened global interest sparked by the missile's combat performance during Operation Sindoor.

The Philippines became India's first international customer on 28 January 2022, signing a $374.96 million contract for three shore-based anti-ship missile batteries for the Philippine Marine Corps. Deliveries began in April 2024 and were completed by April 2025.

Expansion across Southeast Asia continued in 2026 with two major milestones. Vietnam signed an agreement in May 2026, starting with an initial tranche of roughly $100 million within a broader coastal defence and multi-platform package estimated at $629 million to $700 million.

Indonesia followed in July 2026, concluding an initial shore-based missile order valued between $200 million and $350 million as part of a wider defence arrangement worth over $600 million.

Further export opportunities remain in the pipeline, though Joshi stressed that ongoing talks are subject to government clearances and are not yet finalised contracts. The Philippines is in advanced discussions for a follow-up order valued between $700 million and $800 million, potentially encompassing five more shore-based batteries and 60 missiles.

Other prospective buyers expressing strong interest include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Malaysia, Brazil, and additional Southeast Asian nations. Developed jointly by India and Russia, the multi-platform BrahMos system has become a cornerstone of India's growing defence exports, which recently surged to ₹38,424 crore.

Joshi also highlighted the critical role of non-destructive testing (NDT) in guaranteeing the operational readiness of older stockpiles during Operation Sindoor. "NDT plays a vital role for any product. Operation Sindoor was never anticipated. The missiles were made 10, 15, 20 years back. NDT has ensured their reliability. The moment we took the item and fired, it went and delivered," he stated.

Methods such as ultrasonic testing, X-ray imaging, computed tomography, eddy current testing, liquid penetrant testing, and magnetic particle inspection allow engineers to detect hidden cracks, internal voids, and structural weaknesses without compromising hardware integrity.

The briefing previewed two upcoming conferences hosted by the Indian Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ISNT) from 15 to 17 November: the 36th Annual Conference on Non-Destructive Evaluation and Enabling Technologies (NDE 2026) and the 15th International Symposium on NDT in Aerospace (AeroNDT 2026).

While the source text noted Bangalore, the joint conferences are set to convene in Hyderabad at the HITEX Exhibition Centre under the theme 'Innovation for Strategic and Economic Excellence'.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the inaugural ceremony on 15 November as chief guest. The gatherings are expected to draw over 2,000 professionals, researchers, academics, and industry leaders, alongside more than 100 international speakers and over 100 domestic and foreign exhibitors.

Joshi projected that the events will foster substantial commercial activity, with business deals exceeding ₹3,000 Crores, technology exchanges, and memorandums of understanding anticipated. Special arrangements have also been organised to provide engineering students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art testing equipment.

PTI

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TEJAS MK-1A’s IAF Debut May Come In January—Ahead of Aero India 2027

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to receive its first TEJAS MK-1A in early 2027, potentially as soon as January, just ahead of the Aero India 2027 exhibition in Bangalore, The Print reported.

Induction of the 4.5-generation fighter is critical for the force, which currently operates at its lowest strength in 60 years with 29 active fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.

This timeline follows Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assuming office as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff at the end of October. Outlining his vision of 'VAYU'—encompassing Vigilance, Atmanirbharta, Yukti, and Unity of Effort—he declared indigenous platforms like the TEJAS MK-1A, TEJAS MK-2, and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), alongside Indian sensors and weapons, as the service's "highest priority".

"We will fight with Indian solutions," Dixit stated, emphasising that restoring the IAF's combat strength toward its sanctioned level would be his "foremost task".

State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) previously missed its original February 2024 delivery deadline for the initial tranche of 83 MK-1A jets, contracted for ₹36,400 crore in February 2021 and slated for completion by February 2028.

The delay stemmed mainly from late F404-IN20 engine shipments from US-based GE Aerospace—headquartered in Evendale, Ohio—and complex weapon and software integration.

Out of a 2021 deal for 99 engines meant to start arriving in 2023, the first arrived only in March 2025, with 14 shipped by September this year while dozens of completed airframes awaited propulsion.

"Two requirements related to the TEJAS MK-1A had been pending, including one or two functions or capabilities linked to the Israeli-origin radar. The software and integration issues are being fixed. Some concessions from the IAF may be involved. These will be addressed after the first one or two jets are handed over, informed by the IAF's use of the jet," a source said.

"The program appears to be on the cusp of meeting certain major requirements," the source added. "If everything goes to plan, the first one or two jets could be handed over in January itself, ahead of the Aero India 2027 aerospace and defence exhibition."

Organised by the Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production, the 16th edition of the biennial Aero India will take place at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore from 8 to 12 February 2027.

While a company source declined to confirm an exact handover date, they noted strengthened coordination between the service and the defence public sector undertaking. "The IAF project management team, HAL and the certification agency are all involved in the process," the company source said.

The IAF had earlier signalled willingness to temporarily relax certain Air Staff Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs)—the documented performance metrics and operational standards—provided HAL meets them within a fixed time frame.

In 2025, HAL also opted to equip all 83 initial jets with the Israeli ELTA EL/M-2052 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, shelving plans to fit later aircraft in the batch with the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Uttam AESA radar due to certification delays.

Upgraded from the operational TEJAS MK-1, the MK-1A features an electronic warfare suite, mid-air refuelling capability for extended range, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, and an AESA radar that uses hundreds of electronically steered transmitter-receiver modules for faster scanning, multi-target tracking, and superior jamming resistance.

Beyond the initial batch, HAL secured a follow-on contract in September 2025 worth over ₹62,370 crore for 97 additional MK-1A jets, bringing the total order book to 180 aircraft.

Deliveries for this second tranche are scheduled to begin in financial year 2027-28 and conclude over six years across HAL's three production lines in Bangalore and Nashik.

Meanwhile, the heavier, more powerful TEJAS MK-2—powered by GE F414 engines—has yet to make its maiden prototype flight. Simultaneously, the stealth AMCA program is advancing under an industry partnership model aimed at ending HAL's combat aircraft manufacturing monopoly by creating a second domestic production line.

Three contenders—the TATA Group, and two consortia led by the Kalyani Group and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) respectively—are currently vying to develop and build the AMCA prototypes.

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Geopolitical Rivalries Connecting India And Armenia With The Azerbaijan, Turkey, And Pakistan Defence Nexus

The geopolitical convergence between India and Armenia, set against the trilateral defence nexus of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan (often referred to as the "Three Brothers" alliance), represents a significant linking of South Asian and South Caucasus security dynamics. As Russia’s traditional security footprint in the Caucasus has receded due to its prolonged war in Ukraine, external powers have stepped into the vacuum, transforming regional disputes into interconnected geopolitical rivalries.

1. The Azerbaijan–Turkey–Pakistan Nexus ("Three Brothers")

This trilateral bloc is anchored in shared religious identity, pan-Turkic solidarity, and mutual diplomatic and military reinforcement across their respective territorial disputes:

Diplomatic Quid Pro Quo: The three nations consistently back each other on core sovereignty issues. Turkey and Azerbaijan routinely echo Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir at international forums such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In return, Pakistan backs Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh—going so far as to remain the only UN member state that refuses to recognise Armenia’s sovereignty—and supports Turkey on Cyprus and Eastern Mediterranean disputes.

Integrated Defence Cooperation: Following Azerbaijan's decisive victories in the 2020 and 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts—heavily enabled by Turkish Bayraktar drones and military advisors—trilateral defence integration deepened. Turkey has become Pakistan's second-largest arms supplier (providing corvettes, submarine upgrades, and drones), while Pakistan has secured major arms deals with Baku, including the sale of Sino-Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets and joint special forces exercises ("Three Brothers" drills).

India’s Security Concerns: For New Delhi, Ankara’s growing naval footprint in the Indian Ocean Region, its supply of offensive drones to Islamabad, and its vocal diplomatic interference on Kashmir represent a direct strategic challenge.

2. The India–Armenia Strategic Counterbalance

Faced with the consolidation of the Ankara–Baku–Islamabad axis, New Delhi and Yerevan have rapidly elevated their bilateral relationship from warm diplomatic ties to a substantive defence and strategic partnership:

Filling the Russian Vacuum: Disillusioned by the failure of Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to deter Azerbaijani offensives, Armenia sought to diversify its military procurement away from Moscow. India stepped into this void, overtaking Russia to become Armenia’s largest arms supplier.

Asymmetric Deterrence & Testing Ground: Armenia’s acquisitions—exceeding $2 billion and encompassing Akash surface-to-air missiles, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, ATAGS artillery, Swathi weapon-locating radars, and counter-drone systems—provide Yerevan with critical defensive deterrence. Simultaneously, it allows India’s indigenous defence industry to field-test its hardware in a live geopolitical theatre directly opposite Turkish, Pakistani, and Chinese weaponry used by Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Alignment: Armenia consistently supports India’s position on Kashmir and backs New Delhi’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, while India supports Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

3. Competing Connectivity Corridors & Broader Alignments

The rivalry extends beyond military hardware into trans-Eurasian trade routes and wider regional coalitions:

The Connectivity Battle: Azerbaijan and Turkey have pushed for an extraterritorial "Zangezur Corridor" through Armenia’s southern Syunik province to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave and Turkey. Both Armenia and Iran strongly oppose this, as it would sever Iran’s direct land border with Armenia. For India, preserving Armenian control over this corridor is vital for operationalising the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)—a route linking Indian ports through Iran and Armenia to Russia and Europe, bypassing Pakistan and the Suez Canal.

The Wider Eurasian Triangle: India’s deepening ties with Armenia also complement its expanding security partnerships with Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. Together, India, Greece, and Armenia form an informal diplomatic and defence triangle that counterbalances Turkish influence on both its western (Aegean) and eastern (Caucasus) flanks, while India’s participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) further bypasses Turkish transit ambitions.

Ultimately, the deepening alignment between New Delhi and Yerevan illustrates how regional flashpoints across Eurasia are rapidly merging into an interconnected strategic chessboard. By stepping into the security vacuum left by Moscow and countering the trilateral defence nexus of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan, India is demonstrating a newfound willingness to project hard power and diplomatic weight well beyond its traditional neighbourhood.

For Armenia, this partnership secures vital military deterrence and safeguards its sovereign transit routes; for India, it establishes an indispensable Eurasian foothold that balances rival powers, protects critical trade corridors, and marks a decisive step in its quiet evolution toward global superpower status.

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Hindustan Shipyard And Cyient DLM Sign A Deal To Develop Indigenous Naval Electronics

While Indian shipyards have accelerated warship construction in recent years, much of the sophisticated electronic hardware inside those vessels remains imported. A new partnership aims to bridge that gap with domestically built systems, NDTV reported.

Miniratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), based in Visakhapatnam, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with aerospace and defence electronics specialist Cyient DLM. The two firms will form a joint venture in India to design and manufacture advanced naval ship electronics.

Their collaboration focuses on critical equipment used by Indian Navy warships for navigation, communication, horizon scanning, and coordinated fleet operations. Under the agreement, the partners will jointly develop navigation and solid-state radars, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), autopilots, the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Fleet Broadband, and Voyage Data Recorders, alongside weather reporting gear and helicopter landing aids.

Beyond national pride, the companies emphasised practical operational benefits. Integrating more domestic content into HSL vessels will curb reliance on overseas suppliers, accelerate procurement timelines, strengthen local supply chains, reduce life-cycle expenses, and streamline maintenance and refit schedules.

The initiative is also expected to generate fresh demand for Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and deep-tech start-ups supplying maritime and defence components.

HSL Chairman and Managing Director R Adm C Raghuram (Retd) noted that every vessel leaving the yard carries the pride of the nation, and this pact ensures those ships also feature homegrown capabilities. "This MoU will also equip her with Indian intelligence in her radars, Indian precision in her navigational aids, and an Indian voice in her radios. This is Aatmanirbhar Bharat, moving ahead with determination," he stated.

Rajendra Velagapudi, Managing Director and CEO of Cyient DLM, added that the alliance will help India expand its technological and manufacturing base across the maritime and defence sectors.

The rollout follows a clear roadmap. Both organisations will first select top-priority systems and assemble joint teams for design and testing. Once the hardware secures necessary naval and classification society qualifications, pilot installations will begin on selected vessels, starting with 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels (NGFPVs) from HSL's Rs 3,000-crore order book.

Ultimately, this initiative reinforces New Delhi's broader self-reliance program to manufacture military hardware locally and curtail foreign imports.

Although India has achieved substantial progress in hull fabrication, mastering onboard sensors, communication suites, and integrated electronics remains essential—shifting Make in India from the outer shell into the digital core of modern warships.

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Ankara-Islamabad Accord: Inside Pakistan's Massive 1,00,000 Unmanned Fleet Expansion

Pakistan has entered into a landmark defence arrangement with Turkey to acquire a vast fleet of advanced aerial assets, marking a decisive shift in bilateral military collaboration, WION reported.

At the core of this multi-system package is an order for 1,00,000 Merküt first-person-view attack drones designed for tactical operations and short-range engagement.

Beyond the primary quadcopters, the multi-year framework encompasses specialized hardware including 500 Deli loitering munitions, 10 Alpin unmanned helicopters, 25 Dumrul rotorcraft, and 250 Korgan ground support stations.

This collaborative venture emphasises domestic industrial integration, allowing for localized assembly and technological transfer through established national manufacturing entities.

By diversifying its military procurement channels and deepening ties with Ankara, Islamabad seeks to significantly upgrade its tactical reconnaissance and unmanned strike capabilities while reshaping regional security frameworks.

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CDS Raja Subramani Visits Tanzania’s Military Institutions, Discusses Training Cooperation

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani on Thursday visited the Command and Staff College and the Infantry School of the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) in Arusha during his ongoing visit to Tanzania, with discussions focusing on continued assistance and training cooperation.

In a post on X, the Indian High Commission in Tanzania said, "General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, #CDS, # HQ_IDS India visited the Command and Staff College at Arusha.

CDS was received on arrival by a Guard of Honour."

In another post, the Indian mission said, "CDS interacted with Major General SJ Mnkande, Commandant of #CSC, Duluti. Discussions held included continued assistance towards smooth implementation of various projects.

CDS also inaugurated the modern Gymnasium, 08 Syndicate rooms and the sand model room constructed through Indian Government assistance as part of the visit."

During the visit, General Raja Subramani also visited the Infantry School of the TPDF at Arusha.

"During his ongoing visit to Tanzania, General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff visited the Infantry School of the #TPDF at Arusha," the Indian High Commission in Tanzania said in a post on X.

Sharing details of his interaction at the institution, the Indian mission in a post on X said, "He interacted with Brig Gen NW Mwangosi, Commandant, Infantry School and exchanged views on training cooperation.

The CDS was also shown various facilities developed by the help of Govt. of India as part of the visit."

The developments come as Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani arrived in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday on a three-day official visit (November 10-12) to Tanzania to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and explore new avenues of military collaboration between the two countries.

General Raja Subramani was received at the Dar es Salaam International Airport by India's High Commissioner to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, and the Defence Adviser.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Tanzania said, “General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff was received by the High Commissioner of India to United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Bishwadip Dey and the Defence Adviser on his arrival today at Dar es Salaam International Airport.”

“The CDS led delegation is on a three days official visit to Tanzania to reinforce the robust defence ties between the two countries and discuss opportunities for further collaboration,” the embassy added.

The visit follows the inaugural India-Tanzania Army-to-Army Staff Talks held in New Delhi from October 27 to 29, 2026.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation through military education, training exchanges and capacity building.

ANI

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Indian Navy Launches Sea Vigil-26 To Test Coastal Security Readiness Across India

The Indian Navy has commenced the fifth edition of the nationwide Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-26’, a large-scale biennial drill designed to assess India’s coastal security preparedness, identify vulnerabilities in existing security arrangements and strengthen coordination among the numerous agencies responsible for safeguarding the country’s maritime domain.

The exercise is being conducted across India’s entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone from November 11 to 19. Led by the Indian Navy, Sea Vigil-26 brings together a wide spectrum of maritime stakeholders, including the Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs authorities, fisheries agencies, state administrations and coastal communities.

Conducted in two phases, the exercise began with the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase, which runs from November 11 to 17. This will be followed by the operational sea phase on November 18 and 19, during which tactical scenarios will be enacted to test real-time response capabilities.

Speaking about the exercise, Capt James John, Officiating Chief Staff Officer of Goa Naval Area, said the first phase focuses on evaluating coastal defence preparedness through dedicated audit teams comprising personnel from the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Fisheries Department and Customs authorities.

“So right now we have the fifth edition of Exercise Sea Vigil, which has got underway. It's already underway, and the first phase is underway. The exercise is intended to be conducted in two phases. It's a pan-India exercise, and we have the first phase, which is a coastal defence security evaluation exercise which is happening right now,” he said.

As part of the assessment process, separate audit teams are covering North and South Goa, inspecting a range of coastal security infrastructure and facilities. These include Vessel and Ship Visiting Points (VSVPs), coastal police stations, fish landing centres and fish landing stations.

“The team would go to points like the VSVPs and the coastal police stations and also the fish landing centres and fish landing stations to conduct the evaluation of the particular centres,” John said.

According to officials, the inspections are intended to identify operational challenges, shortfalls in available assets and any loopholes in the coastal security architecture. Findings from these evaluations will be used to improve procedures and strengthen the overall coastal defence framework.

The second phase will involve a tactical simulation featuring opposing red and blue forces. The red force will replicate hostile elements attempting to infiltrate the coastline, while the blue force will comprise maritime agencies and security stakeholders working together to detect, track and neutralise the threat.

Explaining the scenario, John said the exercise would simulate incidents such as the commandeering of vessels and the infiltration of terrorists through maritime routes, allowing security agencies to rehearse coordinated response measures.

“We would have a red and blue force. The red force would be the inimical force. The blue force consists of all the maritime stakeholders of the state, and together we would be defending the state. The red force would come and attack,” he said.

“During the exercise, we would have commandeering of ships; they will land the terrorists. This is all an exercise, and then the blue force would do all that is possible. We keep a vigilant watch, and our aim would be to catch the intruders and arrest them,” he added.

The exercise involves all Coastal States and Union Territories and will see participation from assets belonging to the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Coastal Security Police, Customs and several other maritime agencies. Fishing and coastal communities are also participating, reflecting their important role as frontline stakeholders in maritime domain awareness.

Sea Vigil-26 is being coordinated with the support of multiple ministries, including the Ministries of Defence, Home Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, along with various Central and state government organisations.

The exercise was originally conceptualised in 2018 as part of efforts to validate and strengthen maritime security measures introduced after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Since then, it has evolved into India’s largest coastal security exercise, designed to test the effectiveness of surveillance networks, inter-agency communication and rapid-response mechanisms across the country’s maritime frontier.

Sea Vigil also serves as a precursor to the Indian Navy’s biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), one of the nation’s most important military readiness drills. Together, Sea Vigil and TROPEX cover the full spectrum of maritime security challenges, from coastal defence and harbour protection to operations in the high seas.

By combining audits, field inspections, inter-agency coordination and realistic threat simulations, Sea Vigil-26 is intended to provide a comprehensive assessment of India’s preparedness to counter evolving maritime threats while further reinforcing national and maritime security.

ANI

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Defence Minister Urges IAF To Sharpen Technological Edge And Surprise Factor For Future Warfare

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on the Indian Air Force (IAF) to further strengthen both its offensive and defensive capabilities, stressing that technological superiority, intelligence-led preparedness and the ability to surprise an adversary will be decisive factors in future conflicts.

Addressing the Air Force Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, Singh said the evolving nature of warfare demands heightened vigilance and the ability to identify threats before they emerge.

He underlined the importance of integrating intelligence, surveillance and operational systems to ensure that potential dangers are detected early and neutralised effectively.

The Defence Minister emphasised that modern military success will depend not only on the size of an air fleet but increasingly on technological sophistication, rapid decision-making and precise operational preparation. According to Singh, ensuring that adversaries have little time to react while preventing Indian forces from being caught unprepared will remain central to maintaining combat readiness.

He noted that the character of warfare is undergoing a significant transformation, with electronic, cyber and space domains becoming as important as traditional air operations. The rise of network-centric warfare, advanced sensors, autonomous systems and digital battle management tools is reshaping military planning across the world.

Referring to ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, Singh observed that drones, precision missiles and advanced air defence systems are increasingly defining the battlefield. He said modern engagements are moving towards non-contact warfare, where operations can be conducted at extended ranges far beyond conventional front lines.

Highlighting emerging threats, he urged the IAF to prepare extensively for challenges posed by kamikaze drones, intelligence-gathering platforms and hostile unmanned systems. He called for the development of dedicated doctrines, operational frameworks and force structures tailored to electronic warfare, cyber operations and space-based conflict scenarios.

Singh also praised the IAF for its conduct during and after Operation Sindoor, commending air warriors for displaying professionalism, restraint and sound judgement. He noted that valuable operational lessons from the campaign are already influencing the Service’s evolving tactics, procedures and capability development plans, particularly in the fields of drones and air defence.

The Defence Minister stressed that the coordinated contribution of all three Services during Operation Sindoor demonstrated the importance of jointness and integration. He urged the armed forces to continue deepening inter-Service cooperation in planning, training and operational execution to maximise combat effectiveness.

He further encouraged the IAF to expand training in emerging and disruptive technologies. Singh said the technical aptitude and innovative thinking of younger personnel should be fully utilised to strengthen decision-making processes, improve efficiency and accelerate organisational transformation.

On the Government’s decision to introduce a Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers, he stated that the measure was implemented after considering feedback from the armed forces. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to incorporating military recommendations into defence policy and personnel management reforms.

As part of the conference proceedings, Singh launched a series of artificial intelligence applications developed internally by the IAF’s AI Centre of Excellence under the Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking (UDAAN).

These applications have been deployed on the IAF’s secure digital network and are intended to automate and accelerate a wide range of functions spanning operational planning, administration and aerospace safety. The initiative represents another step in the Service’s broader digital modernisation effort and its drive towards greater efficiency through advanced technologies.

The Air Force Commanders’ Conference, themed ‘The Year of Empowerment: Maximising Efficiency Through Decentralisation’, serves as a key forum for the IAF’s senior leadership to examine operational, maintenance and administrative priorities while shaping the future direction of the Service.

The inaugural session was attended by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, senior defence officials, Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief, Principal Staff Officers and Director Generals of the IAF.

ANI

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ValueQuest Backs Indian Defence Technology Firm As It Expands Strategic Defence Investments

ValueQuest Investment Advisors has strengthened its focus on India’s defence sector through its latest investment commitments, including backing Sagar Defence Engineering, a company specialising in indigenous defence technologies and autonomous systems.

The Mumbai-based investment firm, which manages approximately $3.31 billion across public and private markets, announced a new investment in Sagar Defence Engineering as part of a broader capital deployment initiative. The move reflects ValueQuest’s conviction in businesses positioned to benefit from defence indigenisation and the growing strategic importance of domestic technology development.

Sagar Defence Engineering develops indigenous defence solutions, with a particular focus on unmanned and autonomous systems for maritime and other defence applications. The company is well placed to capitalise on increasing adoption of autonomous technologies across military operations and India's continued push towards self-reliance in defence capabilities.

The investment comes at a time when India is accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on imported defence equipment and strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. Autonomous and unmanned platforms are becoming increasingly important in modern military operations, especially across surveillance, reconnaissance and maritime security missions.

Commenting on the broader investment thesis, Ravi Dharamshi, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of ValueQuest, said: “India is entering a defining phase in its industrial evolution. Global supply chains are being realigned, technological sovereignty is becoming a strategic priority, and a sustained industrial investment cycle is creating opportunities for Indian businesses to move up the manufacturing value chain.

The opportunity is not simply for India to manufacture more, but for Indian companies to develop the technology, capabilities and customer relationships to become globally competitive enterprises.”

According to ValueQuest, the investment was identified through a pipeline developed over the past 12 to 18 months, supported by thematic research and engagement with entrepreneurs. The firm views defence technology as a long-term strategic opportunity as governments and armed forces increasingly prioritise domestically developed and technologically advanced systems.

The commitment also reinforces ValueQuest’s growing private equity platform, which manages more than ₹6,000 crore, including co-investments. The firm is currently building SCALE Fund-II, its third investment vehicle, following the experience gained through SCALE Fund I.

Founded in 2010, ValueQuest continues to seek opportunities in sectors aligned with India's strategic priorities. Its investment in Sagar Defence Engineering highlights growing investor confidence in indigenous defence technology companies as the country advances its defence modernisation and self-reliance agenda.

Agencies

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Jammu And Kashmir Police Attach ₹81 Lakh Property of PoK-Based Terror Handler In Rajouri

Jammu and Kashmir Police in Rajouri district have attached immovable property valued at ₹81 lakh belonging to Mohd Arshad, a terror handler operating from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), officials confirmed on Friday following Thursday's action.

Executed under Sections 87 and 88 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) alongside Sections 2 and 3 of the EIMCO Act, the seizure follows court orders tied to a 2011 case. The confiscated estate in Khablan village, Thanamandi tehsil, spans 2 Kanals and 14 Marlas across Khasra numbers 125, 128, and 160.

Arshad, originally from Khablan, reportedly crossed the Line of Control illegally roughly 15 years ago. This seizure forms part of a broader regional crackdown this year, during which authorities have attached assets worth crores of rupees belonging to 10 PoK-based terror handlers to dismantle local support ecosystems and curb anti-national activities.

In a separate security operation in north Kashmir on Thursday, Baramulla Police collaborated with security forces to apprehend a suspect and recover two hand grenades in the Baderkoot forest area of Tangmarg.

Identified as Ghulam Jeelani Reshi (also reported as Ghulam JeelReshi) of Baderkote, Tangmarg, the suspect was intercepted during an Area Domination Patrol (ADP) conducted jointly by Baramulla Police, CICT Frontier BSF (112/06 Battalion), the Army's 2 Rashtriya Rifles (2RR), and CRPF 176 Battalion.

Security personnel seized one hand grenade directly from the suspect's possession and subsequently uncovered a second concealed grenade inside the forest based on his disclosure.

Police Station Tangmarg has registered a First Information Report (FIR) to investigate the origin of the explosives, their intended purpose, and potential militant affiliations. Baramulla Police reiterated its commitment to maintaining regional peace and security whilst praising the coordinated efforts of all participating forces.

ANI

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