Thursday, September 3, 2026

IAF Successfully Conducts Trial of Indigenous Long-Range Glide Bomb Khagantak-243

This significant test marks breakthrough in indigenous precision strike power

The Indian Air Force has achieved a significant breakthrough in indigenous precision-strike capability with the successful drop trial of the Long Range Glide Bomb Khagantak-243. The trial was conducted on Wednesday and marks a major milestone for both the IAF and the Indian defence industry.

The IAF announced the achievement on X with the words, “Precision. Power. Pride. A significant milestone for the IAF and Indian Industry.

The Indian Air Force successfully conducted the drop of an indigenously designed & developed Long Range Glide Bomb (Khagantak-243). The Trials met all objectives scaling new peaks of lethality through Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

The successful trial of Khagantak-243 is expected to provide a major boost to the development of long-range air-to-ground precision weapons by Indian industry.

Glide bombs of this category are designed to enable combat aircraft to engage targets from stand-off distances, allowing platforms to strike enemy positions while remaining outside the reach of certain air defence systems.

The achievement represents another important step towards enhancing India’s indigenous precision-strike capabilities and strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector. It also reflects the sustained push by the government and the Armed Forces to reduce dependence on imported weapon systems and promote indigenous design, development, and manufacturing of advanced defence technologies.

Khagantak-243 adds to India’s growing arsenal of indigenous precision-guided munitions, complementing earlier developments such as the TARA glide bomb kit. Together, these systems demonstrate India’s ability to convert conventional warheads into smart, long-range strike weapons at a fraction of the cost of imported missiles.

The trial underscores India’s determination to build a robust ecosystem of indigenous defence production. By leveraging partnerships between the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian industry, the country is steadily moving towards self-reliance in advanced strike capabilities.

The success of Khagantak-243 is expected to accelerate production and deployment, ensuring that the IAF can maintain a decisive edge in future conflicts.

India’s entry into the category of long-range glide bombs places it alongside global powers that have already fielded similar systems, such as the United States with JDAM-ER, Russia with UMPK, Israel with SPICE, and China with LS-6.

The Khagantak-243 trial demonstrates that India is keeping pace with global innovation in precision strike technology while tailoring solutions to its own operational requirements.

The development of Khagantak-243 is not only a technological achievement but also a strategic signal. It highlights India’s ability to sustain long conflicts with affordable, mass-producible precision weapons, reducing reliance on expensive imported systems.

This ensures that premium assets such as BrahMos and SCALP can be reserved for high-value targets, while indigenous glide bombs provide the backbone of strike capability.

The successful trial of Khagantak-243 therefore represents a defining moment in India’s defence modernisation program. It enhances lethality, survivability, and operational flexibility while reinforcing the country’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Hyderabad Defence Start-Up Develops Record-Breaking Drone Interceptor At 498 kmph


Hyderabad-based defence start-up Apollyon Dynamics has set a new benchmark in drone warfare with its Ahuti MK-II, an electric multi-rotor interceptor that achieved a certified speed of 498 km/h, earning recognition in the India Book of Records as the fastest multi-rotor UAV in India.

This breakthrough highlights India’s growing indigenous capability to counter hostile drones and loitering munitions with cost-effective, high-speed interceptors.

The Ahuti MK-II was developed specifically as a high-speed interceptor rather than a conventional drone used for surveillance, photography or payload delivery. Its primary purpose is to close the distance rapidly against hostile drones and loitering munitions. 

Co-founder Jayant Khatri explained that the platform evolved from the original Ahuti, which reached approximately 300 km/h in 2025. Instead of modifying the earlier design, the team rebuilt it entirely for the interceptor role. Within less than a year, its certified top speed rose to 498 km/h, an increase of nearly 200 km/h, or about 66%.

Co-founder Sourya Choudhary emphasised that speed is not just a specification but a decisive factor in neutralising threats. “A speed of 498 km/h means we win that race,” he said, underlining the operational importance of velocity in drone interception missions.

The design was driven by the growing use of inexpensive drones and loitering munitions, including Shahed-class systems, which pose a practical defence challenge. Apollyon Dynamics sought to address this by combining speed, autonomy and cost efficiency.


The company evaluates capability in terms of cost per distance delivered, rather than treating speed or technical performance as stand-alone measures. This approach ensures economically viable counter-drone systems for the Indian military.

The record-setting aircraft was developed by Aman Virani, known as “Shady,” alongside Manas Vichare and Ishaan Suri. Virani, a high-speed drone pilot, contributed to both flight testing and development, with the company highlighting that engineering and piloting expertise were central to the program.

Apollyon Dynamics has already fielded unmanned systems with Indian Army units, demonstrating operational readiness. The company’s long-term roadmap includes developing a Power Cruise Missile platform by 2030.

Operating under the motto “Precision is Mercy,” the start-up aims to deploy unmanned systems in high-risk first-contact situations, thereby reducing personnel exposure.

The company also noted that no other multi-rotor aircraft in South Asia has matched or exceeded the 498 km/h speed based on currently available public data, though this remains its own assessment rather than an independently verified global record. Apollyon Dynamics is incubated at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus and was incorporated in 2025.

Additional details reveal that the interceptor underwent extensive redesign, with about ten iterations of its frame, propulsion and motor configuration. The team used burst currents of 400 amperes to achieve the record speed.

Trials were conducted at military ranges such as Babina and Gopalpur, with cooperation from the Indian Army. The company also employs an internal metric called “strike envelope per rupee” to measure cost-effectiveness, aiming to deliver maximum lethality at minimum expense.

Its future ambitions include developing a large cruise missile platform capable of carrying thousands of kilograms of explosives by 2032, with guidance from experts such as Professor M Rama Manohara Babu, former program director for the Agni missile.

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India's Military Modernisation Blitz After Sindoor Signals Future War Doctrine


India’s post-Sindoor defence modernisation reveals a sweeping transformation of its armed forces, with investments spanning drones, hypersonic missiles, precision-guided glide kits, integrated air defence, and naval expansion.

The scale of acquisitions and restructuring points to preparation for a future war fought across multiple domains, from tactical battlefields to strategic deterrence.

Operation Sindoor lasted only days in May 2025, but its impact is set to last decades. The confrontation with Pakistan accelerated India’s acquisitions, restructuring, and development across drones, missiles, air defence, and naval platforms.

Less than two months after the operation, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared proposals worth approximately ₹1.05 lakh crore. These included surface-to-air missiles, electronic warfare systems, armoured recovery vehicles, mine-countermeasure vessels, and autonomous underwater vessels.

Another ₹67,000 crore worth of proposals followed in August. These covered MALE remotely piloted aircraft, BrahMos fire-control systems and launchers, and upgrades to the SPYDER air-defence system.

Procurement is only part of the transformation. India is pushing drones down to the tactical battlefield. Dedicated Ashni platoons have been established across hundreds of infantry battalions, bringing surveillance and offensive drone capabilities closer to frontline soldiers.

The Army is simultaneously restructuring through formations including Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Shaktibaan Regiments, Divyastra Batteries, and Electronic Warfare Brigades. These units reflect a shift towards integrated, multi-domain combat readiness.

On 7 May 2026, DRDO and the Indian Air Force conducted the maiden flight trial of Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation, or TARA. This range-extension kit converts warheads into precision-guided glide weapons, enabling strikes from greater distances with improved accuracy.

India’s hypersonic missile program adds another dimension. A missile flight-tested in November 2024 demonstrated a range exceeding 1,500 kilometres at hypersonic speeds. In January 2026, DRDO showcased its Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile at the Republic Day parade, highlighting manoeuvrable, high-speed strike capabilities.

Perhaps the clearest indication of India’s preparations for future warfare is the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System. Tested in August 2025, IADWS combines QRSAM, VSHORADS, and a high-power laser directed-energy weapon. During trials, three targets at different ranges and altitudes were simultaneously engaged, pointing to expectations of saturation attacks involving drones, cruise missiles, and precision weapons.

India also tested the Agni-V in August 2025, reinforcing its strategic deterrence. Naval modernisation has advanced with new platforms, including the commissioning of INS Aridaman in April 2026, India’s third indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

In March 2026, authorities cleared procurement projects worth ₹2.38 lakh crore, including the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets equipped with Meteor and Scalp missiles. These aircraft expand India’s ability to strike deep into adversary territory. The expansion of satellite surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities further strengthens India’s multi-domain posture.

India’s layered air-defence architecture has been reinforced through the Integrated Air Command and Control System and Akashteer, providing a unified air picture across services. Artificial intelligence-driven threat evaluation and sensor fusion are being integrated to sharpen joint targeting and decision-making.

The trajectory of India’s military modernisation after Operation Sindoor reflects a determination to institutionalise lessons from the conflict. By reinforcing missile systems, expanding air defence, adapting infrastructure, and considering next-generation platforms, India is positioning itself to maintain operational superiority against Pakistan while preparing for broader regional challenges.

The emphasis on deterrence, survivability, and self-reliance underscores a strategic recalibration that will define India’s defence posture in the years ahead. The arsenal is not being built around one superweapon but as a network of conventional, autonomous, hypersonic, and directed-energy capabilities stretching from tactical battlefields to strategic deterrence.

India’s defence push reveals a military preparing for the next war to be fought across domains, with saturation attacks, autonomous systems, and hypersonic strikes forming the core of future conflict.

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Govt Sets Annual Defence Production Target At ₹3 Lakh Crores


Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth has announced that the Government has set an ambitious target of ₹3,00,000 crore in annual defence production and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. 

He made this statement while addressing the second Annual Trident Lecture of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) in New Delhi.

He highlighted that India’s defence production has already reached approximately ₹1,78,000 crore, marking a significant rise in indigenous capabilities. This achievement reflects the country’s steady progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a cornerstone of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The minister emphasised that India’s defence strength is undergoing a major transformation, with increasing reliance on indigenous systems and production capabilities. He cited Operation Sindoor as a landmark example, noting that it was the first time since 1947 that India carried out such a response entirely using indigenous systems. The operation demonstrated the credibility and effectiveness of homegrown platforms in real-world scenarios.

He also drew attention to India’s economic resilience, pointing out that the country recorded a GDP growth of 7.8 per cent despite global challenges. These included conflicts in West Asia and between Russia and Ukraine, volatility in crude oil prices, and climate-related concerns. The ability to sustain strong growth amid such pressures underscores India’s economic stability and its capacity to support large-scale defence modernisation.

The Annual Trident Lecture was organised on the theme National Resurgence through the Lens of Defence Forces. The event brought together senior leadership and eminent experts for deliberations on critical issues such as jointness and integration, multi-domain operations, civil-military fusion, and the role of the Armed Forces in nation building.

The discussions underscored the importance of synergy between the defence establishment and national development, with emphasis on how indigenous defence production strengthens sovereignty, enhances operational readiness, and contributes to India’s global standing.

India’s defence trajectory is now firmly aligned with the goal of achieving ₹3,00,000 crore in annual production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

With proven operational success, rising production figures, and clear policy direction, the country is positioning itself as a global hub for defence innovation and manufacturing.

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President Putin’s Dual Push: S-500 Shield, Su-57 Stealth At Core of India Defence Offer


Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bishkek on Monday has set the stage for a renewed Russian defence pitch to India, NDTV reported.

This comes just days before the two leaders are scheduled to meet again in New Delhi. At the heart of Moscow’s latest push are two of its most advanced weapon systems: the S‑500 Prometheus air defence and anti‑ballistic missile system, and the Su‑57 Felon stealth fighter.

The timing of this pitch is crucial. India is urgently seeking to strengthen both its air defence architecture and combat aircraft strength, while simultaneously diversifying military purchases away from its traditional dependence on Russian equipment. Moscow is positioning the S‑500 as the next step in the India‑Russia air defence partnership, building on the operational success of the S‑400 already in Indian service.

However, renowned defence journalist Shiv Aroor views that it would be a shame if either of them comes to fruition.


During Operation Sindoor last year, India’s Russian‑built S‑400 systems were extensively deployed against Pakistani aerial threats. In one extraordinary engagement, an S‑400 brought down a Pakistani airborne early warning and control aircraft at a record‑breaking range.

This sharply enhanced the system’s reputation within the Indian military and gave Russia an opportunity to capitalise on that operational experience.

Just a day before the Bishkek handshake, Putin’s government submitted a fresh bid to supply India with five additional S‑400 squadrons, potentially doubling the number already contracted.

This proposal comes even as India begins testing elements of Project Kusha, the indigenous long‑range air defence program intended to eventually provide an Indian alternative in the S‑400 class. The S‑500 proposition therefore becomes far more complex than simply buying a better version of a proven weapon.

India already has a homegrown ballistic missile defence program at an advanced stage of rollout, while Project Kusha is specifically intended to create an indigenous long‑range air defence capability. Any decision on the S‑500 will have to be weighed against these systems, into which India has invested years of development, money and technological effort.

The question is not only whether the S‑500 is formidable, but whether acquiring it fills a genuine capability gap or risks overlapping with indigenous programs approaching maturity.

The second major Russian proposition is the Sukhoi Su‑57 Felon stealth fighter. Russia has intensified its pitch of this fifth‑generation aircraft as the Indian Air Force grapples with depleted fighter squadron strength and the absence of an Indian stealth fighter for years to come. Moscow has indicated that technology transfer, localisation and production in India could form part of any future Su‑57 deal.

The Indian Air Force has officially considered the Russian offer, describing the Su‑57 as a “stopgap” before India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) arrives. This highlights the dilemma the Su‑57 is intended to solve.

One expert view is that buying a foreign stealth fighter would amount to an acknowledgement that Indian defence planning and project management failed to provide the IAF with a credible fifth‑generation capability within the required timeframe.

Meanwhile, the strategic environment has raced ahead. China is believed to operate a fleet of more than 500 J‑20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighters, while Pakistan is expected to begin receiving Chinese J‑35 stealth fighters in the coming months.

In this jet‑for‑jet dynamic, the IAF faces a genuine capability dilemma: wait for the indigenous AMCA and accept a potentially dangerous stealth gap, or import an interim fifth‑generation fighter and accept the costs and consequences that come with it. Those consequences are substantial.

A Su‑57 acquisition would add yet another fighter type to what has been described as the IAF’s “beauty pageant” of combat aircraft. Its frontline inventory already includes the Russian Su‑30MKI and MiG‑29, French Rafale and Mirage-2000, British‑French Jaguar and indigenous TEJAS. Each additional type brings its own training, maintenance, weapons, spares and logistics ecosystem.

The irony is stark. Russia’s pitch is significant given the history of the abandoned India‑Russia Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, which was intended to produce an Indian derivative of the aircraft that eventually became the Su‑57. Team Putin’s renewed defence offensive extends beyond these two headline systems.

Russia is also pushing the Voronezh strategic early‑warning radar, a powerful long‑range system designed to detect ballistic missile launches and other threats across enormous distances. Extensive upgrade programs for India’s large Su‑30MKI fleet in partnership with HAL, and for its Russian‑origin Kilo‑class submarines, are also part of the wider portfolio of potential cooperation.

For Moscow, there is urgency behind this sales push. India has spent two decades deliberately diversifying its defence suppliers. The most recent reminder is New Delhi’s procurement of American Javelin anti‑tank guided missiles after a process stretching back roughly 16 years.

A massive additional purchase of 114 Rafale fighters from France is also taking shape. At the same time, India is investing heavily in indigenous programs. Russia therefore faces competition not only from American, French and Israeli defence companies, but increasingly from India’s own expanding military‑industrial ecosystem.

Yet Moscow retains a structural advantage. Decades of defence cooperation mean Russian‑origin fighters, tanks, submarines, helicopters, missiles and air defence systems remain deeply embedded across the Indian military.

Maintaining, upgrading and eventually replacing those platforms creates opportunities that newer suppliers cannot easily replicate. Major individual weapons negotiations will not be conducted personally by Modi and Putin, but the political direction established by the two leaders has traditionally provided momentum to large strategic projects.

The Bishkek meeting is therefore more than another display of Modi‑Putin personal warmth. Behind the handshake lies an increasingly competitive battle over what India’s military will look like over the next two decades.

Russia’s two biggest propositions force India to confront two difficult questions: how much more foreign air defence does it need when indigenous systems are finally arriving, and how long can the IAF afford to wait for an Indian stealth fighter while both China and Pakistan move into the fifth‑generation era.

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India’s Shell Supply: Building Resilience For Prolonged Conflicts


India has indigenised over 90% of its ammunition variants and inaugurated massive shell production facilities, giving it the capacity to sustain prolonged conflicts.

India’s ammunition supply chain has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, driven by the urgency of preparing for prolonged, high-intensity conflicts. Modern wars, from Ukraine to the Middle East, have shown that the decisive factor is not merely advanced weapons but the ability to sustain firepower over months of attrition.

For India, the question of whether it has enough shells for a long war is now central to its defence preparedness.

India has indigenised 159 of 175 ammunition variants used by the Army, covering pistols, rifles, machine guns, artillery shells, rockets, tank rounds, and precision-guided munitions. Nearly 90 per cent of the Army’s ammunition requirements are now met domestically, a sharp reversal from decades of import dependence.

This shift has been enabled by reforms in procurement, private-sector participation, and long-term contracts that have given industry confidence to invest in large-scale production capacity.

The Ordnance Factories and private defence firms are producing between 25,000 and 30,000 artillery shells per month, with plans to expand output further. New facilities, such as the ₹1,000 crore shell plant in Maharashtra, are capable of producing up to 5 lakh 155mm shells annually.

Private companies and defence Start-Ups are also entering the sector, integrating robotics, AI, and advanced testing systems to accelerate production cycles and ensure quality standards.

The Army currently operates close to 200 ammunition types, and contracts worth ₹16,000 crore are already in place with domestic suppliers, while ₹26,000 crore worth of indigenous supply orders have been placed in the past three years. Vendor diversification ensures that multiple Indian manufacturers can supply the same ammunition type, reducing the risk of bottlenecks. This resilience is critical in wartime, when consumption rates can exceed peacetime projections by several multiples.

The challenge, however, lies in sustaining stocks during a prolonged war. Ukraine has demonstrated that even advanced militaries can face shortages when interceptor and artillery shell reserves run low. For India, the Sudarshan Chakra air defence shield and its layered missile systems will only be effective if ammunition and missile replenishment can keep pace with combat consumption. Defence planners emphasise that “production is deterrence,” meaning industrial capacity itself is a strategic weapon.

India’s ammunition ecosystem is now being reshaped to ensure long-term endurance. Focus areas include strengthening domestic raw material supply chains for propellants and fuses, modernising manufacturing infrastructure, and accelerating technology transfers.

The DRDO continues to work with both public and private industry to indigenise the remaining high-end precision systems. The aim is to build a fully self-sustaining ammunition base that can absorb shocks and sustain operations in a two-front war scenario.

Financially, the scale of investment is significant. Indigenous ammunition contracts worth ₹26,000 crore reflect the government’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

The establishment of new plants, expansion of private-sector capacity, and integration of advanced technologies are all part of a ₹1.54 lakh crore defence production ecosystem. This industrial base is designed not only to meet India’s needs but also to position the country as a global supplier of defence consumables.

The real test will come in wartime. Can India replace thousands of shells consumed daily? Can it repair and upgrade systems under fire? Can it sustain a prolonged conflict without foreign supply chains? 

These are the questions that define readiness. India’s progress in indigenisation and capacity expansion suggests it is far better prepared than before, but the demands of a long war will stretch even the most robust supply chains.

India’s ammunition story is no longer about imports and shortages. It is about building resilience, scale, and speed. The ability to keep firing after the first 100, 500, or 1,000 shells is what will determine military power in the wars of tomorrow.

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ECONOMY: NRIs Drive $100 Billion FCNR(B) Inflows, Lifting India’s Forex Reserves To Record $729.3 Billion


India’s forex reserves have surged to a record $729.3 billion after non-resident Indians (NRIs) poured $100 billion into the RBI’s FCNR(B) scheme, far exceeding expectations and prompting the central bank to close the window a month early.

Reports indicate that this inflow has given the RBI fresh firepower to stabilise the rupee amid oil-driven volatility and geopolitical tensions.

The Reserve Bank of India launched the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR(B) program in June 2026 to attract overseas deposits from NRIs. By 31 August, collections had crossed the $100-billion mark, well above the $80 billion initially projected by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

The scheme’s success was so pronounced that the RBI decided to shut the FCNR(B) window ahead of its original 30 September deadline, citing concerns over reversal risks from excessive inflows. Banks, however, will continue to access the swap facility for contracted deposits until 11 September.

The inflows have significantly boosted India’s forex reserves, which now stand at $729.3 billion, compared to $682 billion in late July when reserves had been depleted by $46 billion due to the US-Iran war and rising global energy prices.

This replenishment has provided the RBI with greater ammunition to intervene in currency markets. On Tuesday, the rupee strengthened by 0.4% to 94.7988 against the US dollar, its strongest level since 1 July, supported by RBI’s dollar sales in offshore and onshore markets.

The FCNR(B) scheme allowed NRIs to deposit their overseas earnings in foreign currencies such as US dollars, with both principal and interest paid in the same currency. This protected depositors from rupee fluctuations while offering attractive tax-free returns.

To make the scheme more appealing, the RBI absorbed forex hedging costs normally borne by banks, particularly for deposits with three- to five-year tenures. By August 21, inflows through FCNR(B) accounted for $65.4 billion, while external commercial borrowings (ECBs) and overseas foreign currency borrowings (OFCBs) contributed $2.59 billion and $4.86 billion respectively.

This is not the first time India has tapped diaspora flows during economic stress. In 1991, during a balance-of-payments crisis, and again in 2013 amid the US Federal Reserve’s taper tantrum, similar measures raised billions from NRIs.

The current inflows are expected to comfortably finance India’s current-account deficit this financial year, strengthening the balance of payments and providing resilience against external shocks. Analysts note that the RBI’s calibrated move to close the window early was prudent, ensuring stability while preventing risks associated with sudden reversals.

The replenished reserves come at a crucial time, with elevated oil prices and geopolitical tensions continuing to weigh on India’s external sector. The RBI’s proactive measures have not only stabilised the rupee but also reinforced confidence in India’s ability to manage external vulnerabilities.

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India’s Javelin ATGM Gamble: Assembly Gains Or Indigenous Loss?


India’s new Javelin missile assembly deal with TATA Advanced Systems deepens defence ties with the US but raises critical questions about technology transfer, costs, and the future of DRDO’s indigenous MPATGM program.

While the Javelin offers immediate battlefield capability, long-term self-reliance hinges on scaling up India’s own missile development.

India is set to assemble American Javelin anti-tank missiles on its soil. TATA Advanced Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, to explore co-production of the Javelin All Up Round.

TATA will act as the prime Indian partner, with a proposed facility expected to handle final assembly, integration, and some component production.

The deal comes at a time when warfare is rapidly evolving. Ukraine has shown how inexpensive FPV drones and loitering munitions can challenge heavily armoured platforms at a fraction of the cost of traditional missiles.

Analysts describe the Javelin as a “boutique weapon”, noting that modern warfare increasingly relies on precision mass, with large numbers of low-cost unmanned systems.

Yet the Javelin is not obsolete. Its fire-and-forget capability allows soldiers to engage armoured targets without maintaining guidance after launch. This makes it portable, effective, and complementary to drones, especially in environments where electronic warfare disrupts unmanned systems.

The bigger question is how the Javelin fits alongside India’s indigenous MPATGM. Defence analyst Unnithan argues that the Indian system is “as good as any other in the world”, highlighting its top-attack capability and tandem warhead.

He stresses that India must scale up the program, since true technological expertise comes from developing systems, not just assembling them. At the same time, the Javelin could provide operational capability while the MPATGM expands into larger-scale production.

Technology transfer remains a sticking point. Lockheed Martin will produce sub-assembly kits in Alabama, while Raytheon will manufacture guidance electronics in Arizona. These components will be shipped to India for assembly.

This means the technology resides with the US, and India’s role will be limited to assembly rather than ownership of design and intellectual property. Local assembly can strengthen supply chains and create jobs, but it does not equate to full self-reliance.

There is also a geopolitical dimension. If Indian-assembled Javelins become part of a wider American supply chain, questions could arise over their end use, particularly in conflicts involving countries with which India has strategic ties. Analysts warn that India must carefully consider the implications of such arrangements.

The financial aspect is also significant. Earlier purchases of Javelins under the US Foreign Military Sales route were valued at around $45.7 million, which translates to approximately ₹380 crores. Future co-production could involve larger investments, with costs depending on the scale of assembly and localisation.

For India, the Javelin deal should not be seen as a binary choice between foreign technology and indigenous development.

It can serve as an immediate capability while the MPATGM matures. However, the true measure of self-reliance will depend on how much technology India develops and controls for itself, rather than how many foreign systems it assembles.

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Japanese Fighter Jets To Join India in Veer Guardian 2026 Amid Rising China Tensions


Japan is preparing to deploy its fighter jets to India for the first time, marking a significant step in bilateral defence cooperation under the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” framework.

The Japan Air Self-Defence Force will send three F-2 fighters and 110 personnel from the Eighth Air Wing at Tsuiki Airbase in Fukuoka Prefecture to participate in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026.

The deployment will involve a long ferry flight from Tsuiki to Jodhpur, routed via Naha Air Base in Okinawa and a stop in Thailand, with aerial refuelling support provided by the United States Air Force. The exercise is scheduled to run from 9 September to 21 September 2026 at Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.

The drills will focus on advanced air combat training, including simulated engagements between F-2s and Su-30MKIs. Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the JASDF, emphasised that the exercise will enhance mutual trust and tactical understanding.

This marks the first time Japanese fighters will operate from Indian soil, following earlier bilateral exercises in Japan in 2023 where Su-30MKIs faced off against F-2s and F-15s.

The F-2, nicknamed “Viper Zero,” is a Japanese-developed multirole fighter derived from the F-16 but extensively modified with larger composite wings, indigenous AESA radar, advanced avionics, and strong anti-ship capabilities. It has been a cornerstone of Japan’s air defence since the early 2000s, alongside the F-15J fleet. Its deployment to India represents a shift from limited interactions to complex reciprocal training.

The Indian Air Force’s exact fleet composition for the drills remains unclear, though Su-30MKIs are expected to participate. Rafale fighters are not likely to be involved.

The inclusion of Su-30MKIs will provide Japanese pilots with valuable exposure to heavy thrust-vectoring Flanker-type aircraft, similar to China’s J-16. Conversely, Indian pilots will gain experience against an advanced F-16 derivative, akin to Pakistan’s fleet, with distinct radar and electronic warfare systems.

Such dissimilar training enhances pilot proficiency in both Beyond-Visual-Range and Within-Visual-Range combat, while exposing both sides to unfamiliar sensors and weapons. This builds operational interoperability and strengthens tactical adaptability.

Japan’s military posture is undergoing a historic transformation. For the first time in eight decades, Tokyo is expanding defence partnerships beyond the United States, with India emerging as a key partner.

The two nations have conducted multiple joint exercises, including Dharma Guardian in Uttarakhand earlier this year, and signed a landmark Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation in New Delhi in August 2026.

The maritime agreement provides for enhanced information sharing, joint search-and-rescue, humanitarian assistance, mutual ship visits, logistical support, and personnel exchanges. It marks Japan’s first dedicated maritime security document with any country. Both sides have also agreed to pursue joint development under the “Design with Japan, Make in India” framework, combining Japanese technology with Indian production capacity.

A new Working Group has been established to coordinate cooperation across operational, intelligence, equipment, technology, and industrial domains. This builds upon the 2020 Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement and expands logistics arrangements.

In July 2026, India and Japan announced their first co-development project to jointly produce the UNICORN integrated communications mast for warships, enhancing stealth and communications.

Japan’s April 2026 defence export policy overhaul formally ended post-war restrictions on lethal weapons sales. India welcomed the move, noting defence cooperation as a pillar of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

The new guidelines open avenues for Japanese warships, drones, and advanced systems to be exported. Japan has also pitched its Global Combat Aircraft Program, a sixth-generation fighter, to India. While India has shown interest in the France-led FCAS, it remains a dialogue partner in GCAP discussions.

Both nations face direct challenges from China. Japan encounters hostile PLA activity in the East China Sea, around the Senkaku Islands, and near Taiwan. India remains locked in a Himalayan border dispute, while Beijing arms Pakistan and cultivates ties with India’s neighbours.

Although neither country is expected to intervene directly in each other’s conflicts, closer interoperability raises the cost of Chinese coercion and signals strategic convergence.

Analysts argue that a strong India-Japan defence axis could create two-front pressure on China, with India bordering it to the west and Japan positioned off its eastern maritime approaches.

This collaboration has triggered alarm in Beijing, which accuses Japan of militarism and attempts to pull India into an anti-China coalition. Chinese state media has criticised Tokyo’s policy shifts, likening them to efforts to revive militarism and warning India against loosening constraints.

Japan’s latest defence white paper described China’s military posture as an “unprecedented” strategic threat and a matter of serious concern for the international community. It reaffirmed the importance of the US alliance but stressed the need to strengthen Japan’s own capabilities and partnerships with like-minded Indo-Pacific nations, including India, Australia, and the Philippines.

Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 thus represents more than tactical training. It is a demonstration of strategic intent, building practical interoperability and reinforcing the growing defence partnership between New Delhi and Tokyo at a time of heightened regional tensions.

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Always-On ISR: The Defence Logic Behind GISAT‑1’s Geostationary Orbit


ISRO is preparing for a landmark mission with the launch of EOS-05, also known as GISAT-1, aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket on 4 September at 2:55 AM IST. This mission is historic because it will be the first time India places an imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, nearly 36,000 kilometres above Earth.

The rocket will initially place EOS-05 into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, or Sub-GTO. This elliptical orbit will have a perigee of about 170 kilometres and an apogee of nearly 28,934 kilometres. 

From this position, the satellite will use its onboard propulsion system to gradually raise its orbit until it reaches its final geosynchronous altitude of 35,786 kilometres above the equator.

A geosynchronous orbit allows the satellite to remain synchronised with Earth’s rotation. Unlike low-Earth-orbit satellites that move rapidly across different regions, EOS-05 will continuously observe the same broad area. This capability is vital for India, as it enables persistent monitoring of the subcontinent and surrounding regions.

The GSLV-F17 rocket, making its 19th flight, will lift off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It will fly in its four-metre-diameter ogive composite payload fairing configuration. The mission is a major test of ISRO’s resilience, especially after setbacks with earlier PSLV launches and the failure of GISAT-1 (EOS-03) in 2021 due to a cryogenic stage anomaly.

EOS-05 is designed to provide frequent imaging in multispectral and hyperspectral bands. It can deliver images of selected regions every five minutes and cover the entire Indian landmass every 30 minutes, with a spatial resolution of about 42 metres.

This will support disaster management, cyclone tracking, flood monitoring, forest fire detection, agriculture, environmental observation, and national security surveillance.

The Sub-GTO trajectory is a carefully planned step. Instead of placing the satellite directly at its final altitude, the rocket delivers it into an intermediate orbit, allowing EOS-05 to complete the climb using its own engines. This approach reduces the rocket’s workload and ensures precise orbital insertion.

From its high vantage point, EOS-05 will give India a new eye in space, capable of watching the same region far more continuously than conventional Earth-observation satellites. This persistent observation will be crucial for both civilian and strategic applications, strengthening India’s space-based monitoring infrastructure.

The mission cost is estimated at around ₹450 crores, reflecting India’s commitment to expanding its space capabilities. Live streaming of the launch will begin at 2:25 AM IST, and visitors can witness the event from the Launch View Gallery at SDSC SHAR.

Agencies
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Russia Reveals New Technical Details About Su-57 Engine Amid Global Fighter Rivalry


As stated in this report, Russia has revealed new technical details about the Su-57’s engine, highlighting its ability to withstand extreme thermal stress during advanced manoeuvres.

The aircraft currently relies on the AL-41F-1 engine, but future integration of the AL-51F-1 and Product 177 engines is expected to significantly boost performance, placing the fighter in competition with the U.S. F-35 and China’s J-20.

The Russian state technology conglomerate ROSTEC has provided new insights into the engines powering the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter. The announcement comes as Moscow intensifies efforts to market the aircraft for export.

ROSTEC emphasised that the engine enables advanced aerobatic manoeuvres, allowing pilots to evade missile attacks. This was demonstrated by test pilot Sergey Bogdan at Aero India, where he performed a series of complex manoeuvres, including a standstill hover at 600 metres altitude.

During Bogdan’s manoeuvre, the engine reached an internal temperature of 2,000 degrees Celsius. ROSTEC described this as a critical test at the edge of thermal limits, which the domestic powerplant successfully endured due to its highly reliable design. Such manoeuvres are not merely for display but have practical combat significance, as high manoeuvrability enhances survivability against missile threats.

The Su-57 is currently powered by the AL-41F-1 engine, a derivative of the Soviet-era AL-31F, but upgraded with next-generation technologies. This transitional engine has allowed the fighter to enter service while development of a clean-sheet design continues.

The AL-51F-1, also known as Product 30, was originally intended for the Su-57 but has faced repeated delays. It is now expected to become operational around 2030 with the Su-57M1 variant.

Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation, announced in June that deliveries of a new engine type would begin “in the coming years.” However, Russia’s repeated delays have raised questions about its ability to field a truly next-generation powerplant.

The AL-51F-1 promises dry thrust of around 11,000 kgf and afterburning thrust between 16,000 and 18,000 kgf, enabling supersonic cruise speeds of Mach 1.9 to 2.1 without afterburner. This would place the Su-57 closer to Western  benchmarks.

Parallel to this, Russia has tested the Product 177 engine, which delivers 16,000 kgf of thrust with reduced fuel consumption and extended service life.

ROSTEC positions this as a fifth-generation engine incorporating advanced superalloys, ceramic coatings, and 3D cooling techniques. It is seen as an evolution of the AL-51F-1, potentially serving as an alternative for export variants of the Su-57.

Globally, the Su-57 faces competition from the U.S. F-35 powered by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. This engine is considered a leader in thrust and efficiency. China is expected to introduce a new engine around 2030 for its sixth-generation fighters, underscoring the pace of technological advancement in rival nations.

ROSTEC has also highlighted the Su-57’s combat record, claiming it is the only fifth-generation fighter proven against Western air defence systems in real-world operations. The aircraft integrates artificial intelligence for threat detection and decision-making, and can carry advanced weapons including the R-37M long-range missile and hypersonic systems.

These features are intended to strengthen its appeal in export markets, particularly as Russia seeks buyers in India, the Middle East and other Asian countries.

The Su-57’s future hinges on successful integration of the AL-51F-1 and Product 177 engines. If Russia can overcome delays, the fighter could achieve performance parity with its American counterpart. 

However, the timeline remains uncertain, and the credibility of Russia’s engine development program continues to be questioned.

Agencies
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BrahMos Board Shake-Up Proposed Amid Rising Demand And CEO Appointment Dispute Continues


Sixteen months after BrahMos missiles were battle-tested during Operation Sindoor, the Indian side is examining a proposal to restructure the Indo-Russian joint venture behind the supersonic cruise missile, New Indian Express reported. 

The plan includes changes to the board and a move to bring more engineering and R&D work in-house.

The proposal, discussed at a meeting on Monday, looks at dropping DRDO’s Director General (Missiles and Strategic Systems) from the Indian side of the BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd board. It also envisages splitting the Chairman of BrahMos Aerospace and Director General (BrahMos) roles into two separate posts. The Russian side’s representation is proposed to remain unchanged.

This restructuring comes as BrahMos scales up to meet a sharp rise in domestic orders and exports following its combat use during Operation Sindoor. The Philippines, BrahMos’s first overseas customer, began receiving the missiles in 2024. Indonesia and Vietnam have emerged as new buyers, while negotiations with the UAE are also gaining momentum.

Production is being ramped up to meet demand. The BrahMos integration and testing facility in Lucknow has added around 20% to the program’s overall production capacity, supplementing existing lines in Hyderabad, Pilani and Thiruvananthapuram. Indigenous content has risen to around 70%, against a target of 85%.

The broader missile ecosystem is also evolving, with DRDO transferring technologies developed in its laboratories to industry, while private companies are taking on a larger role in manufacturing and integration.

Sources familiar with the restructuring said BrahMos Aerospace had outgrown the governance structure created in 1998, when the program was still under development. They noted that the company now runs four plants, supplies all three services, and works against fixed export delivery schedules. A structure suited to a production company is seen as more appropriate than one designed around a development program.

The missile’s performance during Operation Sindoor has become central to government messaging and export promotion. Flagging off the first batch of BrahMos missiles produced at the Lucknow facility in October last year, defence minister Rajnath Singh said every inch of Pakistan was within BrahMos range and described Operation Sindoor as “just a trailer”.

However, the proposal has triggered concerns within sections of the establishment. Sources familiar with the work of the DG (MSS) laboratory cluster highlighted that DRDO labs had provided much of the design base, testing infrastructure and specialist manpower behind the program’s indigenisation efforts.

Removing the DG (MSS) from the board, they argued, could weaken BrahMos Aerospace’s formal institutional link with those laboratories. They also questioned whether a relatively small in-house engineering team could immediately replace capabilities built up across the DRDO missile complex over decades.

Concerns over staffing and production have surfaced earlier, with dips in output reportedly linked to staff transfers, resignations, and delays in clearing work on the next-generation BrahMos-NG missile.

The proposed revamp also comes amid a continuing legal dispute over the leadership of the joint venture. The Hyderabad bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal in December struck down the appointment of Dr Jaiteerth R Joshi as Director General (BrahMos), describing the selection process as marked by “manifest arbitrariness”.

The order came on a plea filed by Distinguished Scientist Sivasubramaniam Nambi Naidu, who argued that he was the senior-most eligible officer. The Telangana high court stayed the operative part of the CAT order in January, and the case remains pending.

Meanwhile, DRDO has been without a full-time chairman since Samir V Kamat demitted office on May 31, with defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh holding additional charge. Jagannath Nayak took over as DG (MSS) on July 1.

Agencies
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Aero India 2027 From 8–12 February 2027 To Showcase India’s Aerospace Power And Global Partnerships In Bangalore


Aero India 2027, Asia’s largest air show, will take place at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bangalore from 8–12 February 2027, announced PIB.

Online registration and booking of exhibition space begin on 3 September 2026 via www.aeroindia.gov.in, with the event set to showcase India’s aerospace strength, defence innovation, and global partnerships.

The 16th edition of Aero India is being organised by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. It will bring together leading global aerospace and defence companies, policymakers, innovators, technology experts, industry stakeholders, and defence forces personnel on a common platform. The event has become a flagship international program highlighting India’s expanding capabilities in aerospace, defence manufacturing, emerging technologies, and innovation.

The five-day program will feature a comprehensive exhibition and a wide range of business and strategic engagements.

Opportunities will be created for industry-to-industry interactions, government-to-industry engagements, technology demonstrations, and collaborations. The event will also include spectacular aerial displays by the Indian Air Force and international flying teams, giving visitors a chance to witness advanced aviation capabilities in action.

A dedicated web-based portal has been developed for Aero India 2027 to facilitate seamless participation. Online registration and booking of exhibition space will be available through www.aeroindia.gov.in, with exhibitor registrations commencing on 3 September 2026. Booth allocations are expected to close by October 2026, ensuring timely preparation for participants.

The exhibition will span nine hangars and a large outdoor static display area. Hangars A and B will be reserved for Indian Air Force and DRDO showcases. Hangars C, D, and E will host global OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, while Hangars F through I will highlight MSMEs and indigenous Start-Ups. This structure reflects India’s growing domestic defence-industrial base alongside established international players.

Aero India 2025, the previous edition, drew around 900 exhibitors, including 150 international participants, 26 defence ministers, and 118 CEOs from the global aerospace and defence industry. Over 250 business-to-business partnerships were announced, with a combined value exceeding ₹75,000 crore.

Aero India 2027 is expected to surpass these figures, building on India’s defence budget of ₹7.85 lakh crore, indigenous defence production worth ₹1.78 lakh crore, and record defence exports of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26.

The event will provide a significant boost to India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It will facilitate greater participation of Indian defence industries, including MSMEs and Start-Ups, while creating avenues for partnerships, investments, exports, and technology collaborations. Aero India 2027 will also serve as a meeting ground for international cooperation, strengthening India’s role as a trusted partner in the global defence and aerospace supply chain.

By combining advanced technology showcases, strategic dialogues, and aerial demonstrations, Aero India 2027 is poised to reinforce India’s emergence as a premier aerospace destination globally. The event will highlight India’s readiness to integrate into global supply chains while promoting indigenous innovation and industrial growth.

PIB
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Trump Open To Putin Summit Once Moscow Agrees To Ukraine Peace Deal


US President Donald Trump has announced that he is prepared to hold another summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but only when Moscow is ready to pursue a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine.

His remarks came during an interaction with reporters at the Oval Office, where he emphasised that the timing of such a meeting must coincide with genuine progress towards ending the conflict.

Trump stated that Putin would agree to another summit, but he insisted that the meeting should not be rushed. “He’d do it. I want it, but I want to do it when we’re ready to do a peace deal,” he said.

He underlined that the United States seeks good relations with both Russia and Ukraine, noting that improved ties would also benefit business. “We want to have good relationship with Russia, Ukraine, with everybody. Be great for business,” he added.

The President clarified that while another meeting with Putin could be arranged immediately, he preferred to wait until the war was nearing its conclusion. “I want to do it when that war is ending, and I think we will,” he remarked.

He reiterated his long-standing view that the war should never have happened, claiming that if he had won the 2020 election, the conflict would not have occurred. He argued that during his first presidency, from 2016 to 2020, he had spoken with Putin regularly and believed there was “zero chance” of war at that time.

Trump said, “It’s a war that should have never happened. If the election weren’t rigged in 2020, that war would have never happened. And it didn’t happen for four years. I was there 2016 to 2020, and I would talk to Putin; it would have never happened. Zero chance.

And when I left, I saw what was going on and I said, ‘I think these guys are going to go to war.’ I thought it was crazy; it wouldn’t have happened.” He also noted the “tremendous animosity” between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but suggested that the time for peace talks was approaching.

The last summit between Trump and Putin took place in Alaska in August 2025. It was the first direct meeting between US and Russian leaders since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Although the Alaska summit ended without a signed agreement or ceasefire, both sides acknowledged progress. Trump said the two sides had agreed on “many points,” while Putin noted that they had reached a mutual understanding on key security concerns.

Trump has now made clear that any future summit with Putin must be tied to the prospect of a peace agreement, rather than simply serving as another high-level diplomatic engagement.

His comments signal that Washington is positioning itself to play a central role in shaping the eventual endgame of the war, but only when Moscow demonstrates readiness to negotiate.

ANI
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Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Autonomous Ocean Flight Breakthrough By Bangalore Start-Up Alteon


Bangalore-based deep-tech aviation Start-Up Alteon has achieved a breakthrough by flying its autonomous aircraft less than 1 metre above the ocean, validating dynamic soaring manoeuvres that could allow aircraft to harvest wind energy and remain airborne for months.

The company has also secured ₹24 crore in pre-seed funding to accelerate development of ultra-long-endurance aircraft for maritime surveillance and defence applications.

Alteon’s recent offshore test demonstrated its aircraft autonomously performing multiple consecutive loops at extremely low altitude over the Bay of Bengal.

This milestone confirmed the feasibility of dynamic soaring, a technique inspired by albatrosses that involves extracting energy from wind gradients by repeatedly diving into slower air layers near the ocean surface and climbing into faster-moving layers above.

By mastering this manoeuvre, Alteon aims to build aircraft capable of remaining airborne for more than a year without conventional propulsion or refuelling.

The Start-Up was founded in 2025 by Samay Sanghvi, a self-taught engineer who began experimenting with radio-controlled prototypes in 2023. Despite lacking a formal engineering degree, Sanghvi has built a team of around 20 specialists, backed by investors such as Lachy Groom, Together Fund, Emergent Ventures, and 1517.

The company’s vision is to create fleets of autonomous aircraft that can provide persistent ocean surveillance, track illegal fishing and trafficking, monitor infrastructure, and support defence operations at a fraction of the cost of ships, satellites, or conventional aircraft.

The ₹24 crore funding round will be used to advance research and development, refine autonomous systems, and prepare for deployment of aircraft fleets over oceans.

Alteon’s next milestone is achieving “energy-neutral dynamic soaring,” where the aircraft sustains flight entirely on harvested wind energy with propulsion switched off. This would mark a decisive step toward perpetual flight.

Dynamic soaring is not a single breakthrough but a convergence of multiple engineering challenges. Sanghvi has emphasised that ultra-high endurance requires ultra-high efficiency, precision, and reliability across autonomy, aerodynamics, and structural design. Each build and flight test contributes incremental learning toward the goal of year-long airborne operation.

The aircraft under development features a wingspan of approximately three metres and is designed to fly close to the ocean surface at speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour. Future iterations may use propellers as turbines to convert harvested wind energy into electricity, recharging onboard batteries and extending endurance further.

For comparison, the longest continuous flight ever recorded by an aircraft is 67 days, achieved by Airbus subsidiary AALTO’s Zephyr in 2025. Alteon aims to exceed this by more than five times.

India’s UAV market, valued at around ₹3,900 crore in 2025, is projected to reach nearly ₹11,500 crore by 2030, driven by defence, surveillance, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring. Alteon’s innovation positions it at the forefront of this rapidly expanding sector, offering a disruptive solution to persistent aerial surveillance and ocean monitoring.

The company’s ambitions extend beyond endurance. By deploying fleets of autonomous aircraft, Alteon envisions continuous monitoring of maritime zones, weather systems, and critical infrastructure. Such capabilities could transform defence readiness, scientific research, and disaster response, while reducing reliance on costly conventional assets.

Agencies
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