India’s First Jet-Powered Loitering Munition HoverIT's Divyastra MK-3 Completes Maiden Flight

India has achieved a landmark in indigenous defence technology with the successful maiden flight of the DIVYASTRA MK-3, the country’s first jet-powered loitering munition, developed by Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) in Lucknow.

Powered by an indigenous jet engine from DG Propulsion, the system was conceived, engineered, and flown within one calendar year, marking a decisive step in Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The maiden flight of DIVYASTRA MK-3 took place on 11 August 2026. HoverIt announced the achievement on 16 August, emphasising that the system was built entirely in India without imported jet engines or foreign subsystems.

The company declared, “The Sky Has Changed. INTRODUCING DIVYASTRA MK-3. Faster. Smarter. Uncompromising. This is more than a flight. This is Atmanirbhar Bharat in action.”

The co-founders described the flight as not merely a test but a declaration of intent. They stressed that India has demonstrated at scale and speed its ability to conceive, engineer, and fly a jet-powered precision strike system entirely within its own borders. This milestone underscores the growing maturity of India’s private defence ecosystem.

DG Propulsion’s indigenous jet engine is central to this achievement. It represents a breakthrough in propulsion technology, aligning with India’s broader push to develop indigenous fighter jet engines under parallel national programs. The DIVYASTRA MK-3 engine is optimised for loitering munition applications, offering high thrust-to-weight ratios and fuel efficiency suitable for extended endurance missions.

The DIVYASTRA MK-3 builds upon HoverIt’s earlier Divyastra Mk1 loitering munition, which featured a propeller-driven design with a 500 km range and five-hour endurance. The MK-3’s jet propulsion significantly enhances speed, survivability, and strike precision, enabling rapid penetration of contested airspace and saturation attacks against enemy defences. Its design allows for modular payloads, including electro-optical sensors, communication relays, and precision warheads.

The achievement comes alongside parallel developments by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

DRDO recently completed final configuration trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at its Kurnool test range.

These trials validated the missile in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air roles, using an advanced Ground Control System (GCS) that automates readiness and launch operations.

DRDO partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies for missile production, while integration was carried out on UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, PSUs, and industry partners, describing the ULPGM-V3 trials as a strategic milestone towards Atmanirbharta in Defence. He highlighted the system’s anti-tank capability in Air-to-Ground mode and its effectiveness against drones and helicopters in Air-to-Air mode.

The DIVYASTRA MK-3’s maiden flight and the ULPGM-V3 trials together signal a new era in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing. They demonstrate the ability of both private industry and public institutions to deliver advanced systems rapidly, entirely through domestic resources. These achievements strengthen India’s operational readiness and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

The DIVYASTRA MK-3 is expected to be inducted into service after further validation trials. Its jet-powered design positions it as a transformative asset in India’s drone warfare doctrine, bridging the gap between traditional cruise missiles and tactical UAVs.

With scalability, affordability, and indigenous design, it offers commanders versatile options for surveillance, precision strikes, and swarm-based saturation operations.

ANI

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India’s Mobile Defence Satellite Launcher VEDA Redefines Space Warfare

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has embarked on a transformative initiative known as Project VEDA, or Vehicle for Defence Application.

This project is centred on the development of a dedicated Defence Satellite Launch Vehicle for the Defence Space Agency. Unlike traditional launch architectures that depend on fixed pads, lengthy fuelling, and extended payload integration cycles, VEDA introduces a mobile, cannisterised launch platform bridging missile technology with counter-space deterrence in a contested orbital environment.

The system is being developed by the Advanced Systems Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat under the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex. It represents India’s first operationally responsive space and counter-space platform, designed to fulfil varied anti-satellite roles.

By repurposing the solid-fuel ballistic missile heritage of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile into a mobile satellite delivery mechanism, VEDA provides the armed forces with an on-demand capability to reconstitute space assets or execute counter-space missions during high-intensity conflicts.

The architecture is built around three solid-propellant stages and focuses on five core capabilities. The first is the rapid launch window. Unlike civilian launch vehicles that rely on liquid propulsion and lengthy assembly, VEDA uses pre-packaged solid rocket motors with factory-integrated payloads inside sealed canisters. This enables order-to-orbit readiness within 24 to 72 hours.

The second capability is dispersed, pad-independent deployment. Mounted on heavy Transporter Erector Launcher vehicles, VEDA eliminates reliance on fixed spaceports such as Sriharikota. TEL units can operate from highways, remote bases, or rugged terrain, making it difficult for adversaries to pre-target launch infrastructure.

The third capability is tactical satellite replenishment. In the event of adversary anti-satellite strikes, directed-energy attacks, or cyber jamming, VEDA allows substitute tactical satellites to be launched into Low Earth Orbit, restoring critical command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions.

The fourth capability is nanosatellite swarm ejection. With specialised payload dispensers, VEDA can eject multi-satellite constellations or CubeSat clusters into precise orbits in a single flight. These swarms provide low-latency, high-revisit synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical and infrared, and signals intelligence directly to tactical commanders.

The fifth capability is offensive counter-space missions. VEDA can operate as a direct-ascent or co-orbital platform capable of hard-kill and soft-kill anti-satellite operations.

Hard-kill missions involve kinetic interceptors or co-orbital nanosatellites to disable hostile assets via collision. Soft-kill missions involve payloads such as high-power microwave emitters, RF jammer suites, or laser dazzlers to blind sensors and disrupt electronics without creating long-lasting debris.

Globally, VEDA’s positioning can be compared with China’s Kuaizhou program and the United States’ Tactical Satellite and commercial quick-reaction frameworks.

China’s ExPace has scaled into a commercial provider, while the US leverages partnerships with companies like Firefly Aerospace and Rocket Lab. VEDA, however, remains tightly integrated within India’s defence-industrial ecosystem. Its sealed-canister TEL architecture matches China’s road-mobile capability, ensuring survivability superior to fixed-pad concepts.

Global Responsive Launch System - A Comparison

Parametres	DRDO VEDA	KUAIZHOU (China)	Firefly/Victus (US)
System Source	K-4 SLBM/Agni-P Missile Systems	DF-21 IRBM	Commercial Small-Lift & US DoD Incubators
Operational Focus	Battlefield Necessity & ASAT	Dual-Use (Civil/Military)	Rapid Tactical Engagement and Situational Dominance
Launch Platform	TEL Cannisterised	Deployable Road-Based Launch Platforms	Transportable Pad/Modular Ground Support
Order-To-Orbit	24–72 Hours	Hours To Days	~24 Hours
Payload To LEO	~1,000–2,000 kg	200 kg (KZ-1A) to 1,500+ kg (KZ-11)	~1,000 kg

Strategically, Project VEDA strengthens India’s deterrence equilibrium. By demonstrating credible capability to reconstitute space assets mid-conflict, it reduces the incentive for adversaries to launch first-strike anti-satellite attacks. It also integrates seamlessly with India’s Strategic Forces Command, leveraging existing logistics and handling procedures for ballistic missiles.

In the Indo-Pacific theatre, where maritime choke points and mountain borders demand real-time tracking, VEDA’s on-demand satellite swarms provide continuous situational awareness during crises. This ensures regional dominance in high-altitude and maritime domains.

Project VEDA marks a doctrinal shift in India’s space strategy. It moves from static earth observation and long-lead exploration toward resilient, responsive space-defence architectures. As orbit becomes militarised, platforms like VEDA guarantee that national command retains its eyes in the sky even under severe counter-space conditions.

In conclusion, VEDA is not merely a launch vehicle but a strategic shield and sword in space. It embodies India’s transition to a responsive, mobile, and survivable space-defence program, ensuring sovereignty and operational superiority in an increasingly contested orbital environment.

Agencies

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Indian Army Advances MUM-T System For Autonomous Battlefield Integration

The Indian Army’s Armoured Corps is steadily advancing towards a more connected and autonomous battlefield through the adoption of Manned-Unmanned Teaming systems. This initiative reflects a broader transformation in modern warfare, where human crews and robotic platforms are integrated into a seamless combat network.

The MUM-T system is designed to bring together unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and a centralised Command and Control Station.

These assets will be equipped with customised electro-optical and infrared sensors, thermal imaging, LiDAR, and other advanced sensor suites. Such integration ensures comprehensive situational awareness, enabling commanders to monitor, detect, and respond to threats across multiple domains.

The unmanned ground vehicle at the heart of this system is expected to deliver a payload capacity in the range of 500 to 1,000 kilograms. It will operate at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour and sustain endurance of up to 10 to 12 hours in hybrid configuration. This endurance is critical for extended missions in contested environments, where reliability and persistence are essential.

Autonomous navigation capabilities will be a defining feature of the UGV. With simultaneous localisation and mapping, obstacle avoidance, and secure communications, the platform will be able to manoeuvre independently in complex terrain.

These attributes reduce the need for constant operator input, allowing the vehicle to function effectively in high-risk zones.

The system is envisaged to support a wide range of payloads, including Remote Weapon Stations, Medium Machine Guns, and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance payloads will further enhance its battlefield utility.

Integration with UAVs and loitering munitions will provide layered offensive and defensive options, ensuring that the UGV is not just a support asset but a core combat enabler.

This approach aligns with global trends in autonomous warfare, where manned-unmanned teaming is increasingly seen as the future of armoured operations. By combining human decision-making with robotic precision, the Indian Army aims to reduce risks to personnel while maximising battlefield effectiveness.

The emphasis on hybrid endurance, secure communications, and multi-role payloads underscores the ambition to create a versatile platform capable of adapting to diverse mission profiles.

The development of such systems also reflects India’s broader defence modernisation program, which prioritises indigenous innovation and integration of advanced technologies.

By fielding UGVs with high payload capacity, long endurance, and autonomous capabilities, the Armoured Corps is positioning itself to operate in a networked, multi-domain environment where speed, survivability, and connectivity are decisive factors.

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Indian Army Set To Advance Guided Pinaka Contracts With 120 Km Rocket Milestones

The Indian Army is accelerating its artillery modernisation with indigenous Pinaka rocket systems, having already inducted the 75‑km guided variant and now preparing contracts for the 120‑km Long Range Guided Rocket by late 2026.

Expansion to ten Pinaka regiments is underway, with TATA Advanced Systems and L&T Defence playing key roles in manufacturing and upgrades.

The Indian Army has cleared flight tests and inducted initial manufacturing batches of the guided 75‑km Pinaka rockets. These precision‑guided munitions use inertial navigation combined with GPS and India’s NavIC system to deliver accurate strikes. Their induction has already bolstered artillery firepower along sensitive border sectors.

The next major milestone is the 120‑km Long Range Guided Rocket variant. Trials have been successfully conducted, including a December 2025 test that demonstrated flawless precision at maximum range.

Defence reports indicate that contracting milestones for this longer‑range system are targeted for late 2026, marking a significant leap in India’s deep‑strike capability.

The Army has operationalised its seventh Pinaka regiment and is preparing the eighth to become combat‑ready by the end of 2026. Deliveries from earlier contracts are continuing, with plans to field ten regiments by 2027.

Long‑term objectives aim at expanding the fleet to around twenty‑two regiments, replacing ageing Soviet‑origin BM‑21 Grad systems that are nearing the end of their service life.

Each Pinaka regiment consists of three batteries, with six launchers per battery. A single battery can unleash seventy‑two rockets in about forty‑four seconds, saturating a zone of roughly 1,000 by 800 metres.

This provides devastating suppression against enemy troop concentrations, logistics hubs, and artillery positions. The launchers are mounted on high‑mobility vehicles produced by Bharat Earth Movers Limited using the Tatra chassis, enabling rapid deployment and relocation after firing.

The Pinaka family has evolved through several variants. The MK‑I offered a range of 37–40 km, while the MK‑II extended this to 60 km. The guided variant now reaches 75–90 km with pinpoint accuracy. 

The upcoming 120‑km LRGR will further extend strike depth, offering India a cost‑effective alternative to foreign systems such as Israel’s EXTRA rocket. France has already shown interest in the LRGR following its successful trials.

TATA Advanced Systems has been awarded contracts to overhaul and upgrade in‑service Pinaka systems, ensuring sustained availability and peak performance.

L&T Defence is also a key partner in domestic manufacturing. These collaborations highlight the growing role of India’s private sector in defence production, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Operationally, the LRGR’s trajectory peaks at high altitude before descending precisely on target. Multiple warhead options, including high explosive pre‑fragmented, penetration cum blast, thermobaric, and cluster munitions, make it versatile for diverse battlefield scenarios. This flexibility allows the Army to neutralise fortified positions and high‑value targets deep inside adversary territory.

The expansion of Pinaka regiments reflects lessons learned from recent border clashes, where rapid, area‑saturation firepower proved critical. By scaling up indigenous rocket artillery, the Army is reducing dependence on imports and strengthening deterrence along both northern and western borders.

The Defence Acquisition Council has already cleared the LRGR project for induction. With contracts expected by late 2026, the Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its long‑range strike capacity, reinforcing its artillery modernisation program and deep‑strike dominance.

Agencies

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ISRO Plans Crew Training Facility At Sriharikota For Future Human Spaceflight Missions

Indian Vyomanauts undergoing Hydrolab training at Star City in Moscow Oblast, Russia

India is building its own astronaut training hub, Gaganyaan Nivas, at Sriharikota to ensure future astronauts no longer need to train abroad, The Print reported.

The facility will replicate NASA-style simulators, support diverse professionals beyond military pilots, and prepare crews for India’s maiden human spaceflight in 2027 and subsequent missions.

India’s human spaceflight ambitions are entering a new phase with the establishment of Gaganyaan Nivas. The facility is being set up at Sriharikota to provide complete astronaut training within India, eliminating the need for future batches to travel to Russia or the United States as the first group of astronaut designates did.

The tender for the facility has been floated under EPC Mode-II. This means ISRO will provide the architectural planning and design, while the contractor will handle construction and electrical work. The tender is valued at over ₹26 crore, reflecting the scale of investment in building indigenous astronaut training infrastructure.

Officials confirmed that India is preparing to send at least two astronauts to space by 2027 under the maiden Gaganyaan mission. Beyond this, ISRO intends to extend its human spaceflight expertise with more regular missions, supported by the new training centre and isolation facility.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced last year the creation of an astronaut pool. This pool will expand beyond test pilots from the Indian Air Force or armed forces officers, to include professionals from diverse fields such as teachers, scientists, and medical experts. The aim is to ensure that future missions can address multiple facets of space exploration.

Officials highlighted the importance of including microbiologists, medical doctors, and botanists in astronaut training. These professionals will be able to conduct experiments and research in space, particularly as India moves towards establishing its own Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). The BAS will provide a platform for long-duration missions and scientific research in orbit.

The Gaganyaan Nivas will also include a crew isolation facility. This is critical for acclimatising astronauts to the confined and controlled environments they will face during missions.

The facility will be modelled on NASA’s Mission Simulation and Training Facility (MSTF), which uses simulators to replicate different aspects of space travel. ISRO plans to start with a basic facility and gradually add more advanced simulators and systems.

India’s first batch of astronaut designates—Prasanth Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Angad Pratap, and Ajit Krishnan—trained abroad. The new facility ensures that future astronauts will be fully trained domestically, strengthening India’s self-reliance in human spaceflight.

Complementary infrastructure has already been established at Sriharikota, including the Orbital Module Preparation Facility (OMPF), which integrates and tests the crew and service modules before launch. 

Human-rating modifications to the Second Launch Pad and advanced propulsion testing have also been completed. These developments, combined with Gaganyaan Nivas, form a comprehensive ecosystem for India’s human spaceflight program.

The facility represents a significant step in India’s journey towards becoming the fourth nation capable of independently sending humans into orbit. It also aligns with the broader vision of sustained human presence in space through the BAS.

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Digantara Unveils MOSAIC AI-Powered Wide Area Sensing Architecture For Orbital Intelligence

Digantara’s MOSAIC architecture represents a breakthrough in space-domain awareness, enabling real-time detection, tracking, and analysis of hundreds of orbital objects simultaneously.

By fusing AI-driven sensing with orbital intelligence, it strengthens India’s ability to safeguard satellites, mitigate collision risks, and build a proprietary catalogue of resident space objects.

MOSAIC, or the AI-powered Wide Area Sensing Architecture, is designed to search, detect, and track multiple objects across orbital volumes. It transforms raw sensor observations into orbital intelligence, providing actionable insights for satellite operators, defence agencies, and commercial space actors. 

This capability is critical as the number of satellites and debris fragments in orbit continues to rise, with projections exceeding 70,000 active satellites in the coming years.

The system integrates patented space-based sensors with ground observatories, combining optical, infrared, radar, and LiDAR inputs. This multi-sensor approach ensures redundancy, reduces measurement noise, and enhances accuracy in orbital predictions.

Digantara’s proprietary orbit engine processes these inputs, generating state vectors and trajectories with minimal latency, often below five minutes. Such rapid updates allow for near real-time collision assessments and manoeuvre detection.

MOSAIC is capable of tracking objects from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit, with expansion potential towards cislunar space. Its detection threshold is reported to be as fine as three centimetres, enabling monitoring of even small debris fragments that pose significant risks at orbital velocities.

The architecture supports revisit rates of up to eight observations per day for selected targets, ensuring continuous custody of critical objects.

Artificial intelligence forms the backbone of MOSAIC. The system employs advanced algorithms for behaviour pattern analysis, conjunction screening, volumetric monitoring, and event reconstruction. 

This allows operators to not only detect objects but also predict their future trajectories and potential threats. AI-driven analytics provide tailored orbit insights, supporting both defensive and commercial applications.

Digantara is developing satellites in the 25–150 kilogram class equipped with optical and LiDAR payloads for space-to-space surveillance.

These satellites complement ground-based telescopes, which are limited by weather, daylight, and atmospheric distortion. By maintaining custody of objects beyond the reach of ground networks, MOSAIC ensures comprehensive orbital coverage.

Applications of MOSAIC extend beyond collision avoidance. Defence agencies can use it for proximity screening, neighbourhood watch functions, and safeguarding strategic assets. Commercial operators benefit from lifecycle analysis, insurance risk assessments, and operational support.

Regulators gain tools to enforce compliance with international treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty, which mandates continual supervision of national space activities.

The architecture aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in space situational awareness. By building an indigenous orbital intelligence network, Digantara reduces dependence on foreign data providers and strengthens India’s strategic autonomy.

It also positions India as a potential exporter of advanced space surveillance services, fostering international cooperation and transparency in orbital operations.

MOSAIC’s introduction marks a significant milestone in India’s space modernisation. It provides a scalable, AI-driven solution to one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century: ensuring safety, security, and sustainability in an increasingly congested orbital environment.

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India’s Defence Transformation Powers Self‑Reliance And Global Credibility

India’s defence sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, emerging as a stronger, more self‑reliant and globally credible force, announced PIB.

Guided by Atmanirbhar Bharat, sustained reforms, investment and indigenous innovation have strengthened defence capabilities.

The domestic defence industrial base has expanded significantly. As India marks its 80th Independence Day, this transformation reflects growing confidence in India’s ability to safeguard sovereignty and contribute to global security.

The defence budget has seen a 3.1‑fold growth, rising from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27. Capital expenditure has increased 2.3‑fold, from ₹94,587.95 crore in 2014–15 to ₹2.19 lakh crore in 2026–27, enabling sustained modernisation of the armed forces.

This investment has driven indigenous defence production, which reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26, with 76 per cent of production from public‑sector entities and 24 per cent from the private sector.

Exports have expanded dramatically, rising 56‑fold from ₹686 crore in FY2013–14 to ₹38,424 crore in FY2025–26. India now exports defence systems to more than 80 countries, marking a growth of over 5,500 per cent in twelve years.

The private sector contributed ₹17,353 crore or 45.16 per cent of exports, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings contributed ₹21,071 crore or 54.84 per cent. The government has set ambitious targets of ₹3 lakh crore in annual defence production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

Defence research and development has also strengthened the technological foundation. Allocation rose from ₹13,716.14 crore in 2014–15 to ₹29,100.25 crore in 2026–27, an increase of over 112 per cent. Since 2022–23, 25 per cent of the R&D budget has been opened to industry, start‑ups and academia. 

Testing facilities across 24 DRDO laboratories are now accessible through the Defence Testing Portal, a digital platform that allows domestic manufacturers and innovators to request paid access to specialised infrastructure.

Key initiatives are expanding India’s defence industrial capacity through indigenous manufacturing, modern infrastructure and greater private‑sector participation. The Defence Acquisition Council has accorded Acceptance of Necessity for over ₹6 lakh crore of DRDO‑designed, Indian industry‑manufactured systems.

Major acquisitions include 97 TEJAS MK‑1A fighter jets worth ₹62,000 crore and 156 LCH Prachand helicopters worth ₹62,700 crore, strengthening aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities. The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 and Defence Procurement Manual 2025 have streamlined procurement, accelerated approvals and prioritised indigenous projects. 

The Draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026 proposes simpler categories and indigenous content requirements of up to 60 per cent.

Innovation has been boosted through schemes such as iDEX, ADITI and the Technology Development Fund. iDEX, with a ₹498.78 crore outlay, has engaged 676 start‑ups, MSMEs and innovators, resulting in 551 design and development contracts by March 2026.

The ADITI scheme, approved with a ₹750 crore outlay, provides financial support to accelerate innovative defence technologies. The Technology Development Fund offers grants of up to ₹50 crore, with 80 projects worth ₹334 crore under implementation and an additional ₹500 crore corpus sanctioned for deep technology.

Technology transfer and industry participation have expanded. DRDO’s Development cum Production Partner framework has transferred technologies to 134 companies. Over 2,180 technology transfer agreements have been signed, and more than 2,780 intellectual property rights have been opened for industry use as of March 2026.

Indigenisation has been strengthened through ten Positive Indigenisation Lists covering 5,521 items, and platforms such as the Srijan Defence Equipment Empowerment Program have listed over 41,000 vendors and 2.7 lakh products.

Defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have attracted investments of ₹42,057 crore and ₹32,699 crore respectively, with significant grounding realised. The BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow has begun missile manufacturing.

Ease of doing business reforms have extended industrial licence validity to 18 years, with lifetime validity now granted under the Arms Act. The revamped Defence Exim Portal enables end‑to‑end application processing, automated verification, real‑time tracking and secure payment integration. 

Foreign direct investment limits have been raised to 74 per cent under the Automatic Route and up to 100 per cent via the Government Route, attracting inflows of ₹6,670.59 crore by March 2026.

Operational self‑reliance has been strengthened. The Indian Army has achieved roughly 91 per cent self‑sufficiency by indigenising 159 of 175 ammunition variants. India has successfully tested the Agni‑4 and ICBM Agni‑5 ballistic missiles, validating operational parameters.

Indigenous precision‑strike capabilities have been demonstrated through the TARA Glide Weapon and RudraM‑II missile. DRDO has advanced systems such as the Kusha Long Range Air Defence Missile and Very Short‑Range Air Defence System, and tested integrated air‑defence systems combining interceptors, short‑range weapons and laser technologies. A 12‑minute ground test of an actively cooled scramjet combustor has supported hypersonic missile development.

Maritime defence has advanced with the commissioning of 12 warships and submarines, including INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer. INS Mahendragiri, a stealth frigate with over 75 per cent indigenous content, has entered service.

SHACHI, the first of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels, has been launched, while INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray have completed the indigenous Sandhayak‑class survey fleet. 

DRDO has successfully tested the Naval Anti‑Ship Missile–Medium Range and demonstrated multi‑layered Ballistic Missile Defence capability, strengthening India’s ability to counter aerial and maritime threats.

India’s defence transformation has built greater depth across military preparedness, manufacturing and internal security. It reflects a clear shift towards self‑reliance, technological capability and global confidence.

Stronger indigenous production, research and innovation are enhancing defence capacity across land, air and maritime domains. Growing exports and strategic partnerships are reinforcing India’s role as a reliable global defence partner.

With continued investment in advanced technologies and domestic manufacturing, India is building the capabilities needed to meet future security requirements and strengthen its position as a technologically advanced defence power by 2047.

PIB

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Addverb Tech And EndureAir Join Forces To Advance Indigenous Robotics And Drone Technology

Addverb Tech and EndureAir Systems, two of India’s most promising deep‑tech companies, are joining forces to advance indigenous robotics and drone technology, combining Addverb’s expertise in automation with EndureAir’s cutting‑edge aerial systems.

This collaboration reflects India’s growing ambition to lead in physical AI, heavy‑lift UAVs, and defence‑grade drone innovation.

Addverb Technologies was founded in 2016 by former Asian Paints executives and has since grown into a global robotics and warehouse automation leader.

The company serves more than 350 customers across 25 countries, with subsidiaries in the US, Europe, Singapore and Australia. Its portfolio includes collaborative robots, quadrupeds, humanoids, and advanced automation solutions.

Addverb’s co‑founder and CEO, Sangeet Kumar, has emphasised that humans will remain central in the age of physical AI, with robotics designed to complement human capabilities rather than replace them. He has also stressed the importance of continuous skill development to keep pace with rapid technological change.

EndureAir Systems, incubated at IIT-Kanpur in 2018, has established itself as a pioneer in aerial robotics. The company has developed high‑altitude Kamikaze drones for Bharat Electronics Limited, designed specifically for India’s mountainous frontiers where thin air challenges conventional UAVs. 

These loitering munitions combine endurance, payload capacity, and precision strike capabilities, making them suitable for anti‑radar suppression, anti‑vehicle attacks, and logistics interdiction. 

EndureAir has also raised significant funding, including ₹13.5 crore in seed investment led by Asian Paints co‑promoter Jalaj Dani, with participation from Addverb’s founders.

More recently, it secured ₹30 crore in RDI funding from the Department of Science and Technology for its SABAL‑200 heavy‑lift drone platform, capable of carrying payloads up to 200 kg over 200 km with 2.5 hours endurance.

The SABAL‑200 represents a breakthrough in indigenous UAV development, combining a variable‑pitch rotor system with a turbocharged internal combustion engine to enable sustained heavy‑lift operations.

It is designed for both military and civilian applications, from high‑altitude defence logistics to cargo delivery in remote regions. EndureAir’s roadmap builds on earlier SABAL models, progressively increasing payload and range to meet demanding operational requirements.

The collaboration between Addverb and EndureAir is significant because it bridges ground‑based robotics and aerial systems, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of automation and unmanned platforms. Addverb’s global reach and expertise in robotics integration complement EndureAir’s specialised UAV capabilities, positioning the partnership to deliver solutions across defence, logistics, and industrial sectors.

This partnership also aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, reducing dependence on imported platforms and fostering indigenous innovation.

By combining strengths, the two companies aim to push the boundaries of robotics and drone technology, opening opportunities for export markets while strengthening India’s defence and industrial infrastructure.

The broader context is that India’s defence and technology ecosystem is rapidly embracing autonomous systems, AI‑driven platforms, and indigenous manufacturing. With rising global interest in drones and robotics, collaborations like this are crucial to ensuring India remains competitive in the global race for physical AI and unmanned systems.

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'Shameless Generals, Pack Your Bags': Protesters In PoK Demand Army Withdrawal On Independence Day

Protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Rawalakot raised their voices on Pakistan’s Independence Day demanding the withdrawal of the Pakistani Army and paramilitary forces from the region, Deccan Chronicle reported.

The call came amid heightened tensions following firing by Pakistani forces at demonstrators on Thursday evening.

Locals alleged that troops not only opened fire but also looted belongings from homes. Among those injured was Bilawal, the first cousin of Sardar Aman Khan, who is leading the ongoing movement in PoK.

Crowds gathered in Rawalakot on Friday shouted “Ye Watan Hamara Hai” as they reminded Pakistan that for eight decades it has controlled PoK despite repeated promises by several Prime Ministers that the territory would be a “free zone.”

The demand for withdrawal was reinforced by Sardar Aman Khan, a core member of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), who directly questioned Pakistan’s generals about the timeline for implementing the United Nations resolution of August 13, 1948, which called for the withdrawal of Pakistani forces from the region.

The PoK Police claimed that protesters had fired at police personnel, but the JAAC strongly denied the allegation. Locals reported heavy firing on Thursday evening after the JAAC issued a declaration calling for civil disobedience and non-cooperation, including refusal to pay income tax and electricity and water bills. Bilawal, who lives with Khan and manages many of his affairs, was injured but later reported to be out of danger.

Tensions escalated further following the JAAC’s statement, with people gathering at several locations across PoK. Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri, another JAAC member, condemned the violence and warned that if attacks continued, the movement’s core members would announce a new course of action and begin a long march towards Muzaffarabad.

He emphasised that the blood of martyrs would not go to waste and that every drop had given new life to the struggle for Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement posted on X, the JAAC pledged that the sacrifices of the people would strengthen the movement. Khan accused the Pakistani government of attempting to divide PoK and declared that the people would resist any such move.

He told the gathering that every man, woman, child, elder, and youth present was prepared to sacrifice their lives rather than allow the division of Jammu and Kashmir.

Large numbers of women and children joined the ongoing protests alongside their families, reflecting the depth of the movement across society.

The JAAC highlighted that their participation demonstrated how far the struggle had penetrated into communities, with demands for fundamental rights, justice, and implementation of public demands becoming a unifying cause.

The protests on Independence Day underscored the growing anger against Pakistan’s continued presence in PoK.

The JAAC’s call for civil disobedience, combined with the participation of diverse sections of society, has intensified pressure on Islamabad, which faces mounting criticism for its handling of dissent in the region.

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TCS And Rolls-Royce Validate 100% Hydrogen Propulsion For Aviation

TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) and Rolls-Royce have successfully demonstrated the operation of a modern aero gas turbine using 100% hydrogen across a full simulated flight cycle, marking a landmark achievement in sustainable aviation, announced TCS.

This breakthrough validates hydrogen’s viability as a zero‑emission aviation fuel and strengthens confidence in future propulsion technologies.

The announcement was made jointly in London and Mumbai on 14 August 2026. The program was first launched by Rolls-Royce and easyJet in 2022, with TCS joining in 2024 to provide engineering and technology expertise. The demonstration represents the culmination of a four‑year effort to prove hydrogen’s potential as a future aviation fuel.

The modified engine operated entirely on hydrogen and successfully completed a simulated flight cycle including take‑off, cruise, and landing. The tests validated critical hydrogen propulsion technologies across combustion, fuel systems, and engine controls. This is the first time a modern aero gas turbine has been demonstrated across a full flight cycle using hydrogen alone.

As Rolls-Royce’s engineering partner, TCS played a pivotal role in fast‑tracking development and validation. Its contributions included fuel system and engine controls integration, hydrogen combustion analysis, test preparation, validation, data analytics, risk management, and detailed design. This integrated approach combined advanced engineering with digital capabilities to accelerate delivery.

Adam Newman, Chief Engineer of the Hydrogen Demonstrator Program at Rolls-Royce, emphasised that the program provided valuable insights into how hydrogen behaves in a modern aero gas turbine. He noted that the learnings will support future propulsion innovations, including the UltraFan® engine, and reinforce confidence in gas turbine technology’s role in sustainable flight.

Anupam Singhal, President – Manufacturing at TCS, highlighted that the milestone reflects what becomes possible when advanced engineering is combined with digital capabilities and ecosystem collaboration. He stressed that the achievement demonstrates not only hydrogen’s viability but also the industry’s readiness to move from ambition to execution.

The partnership underscores TCS’ commitment to driving sustainable transformation across industries. Aviation currently contributes approximately 2–3% of global CO₂ emissions, and hydrogen propulsion technologies have the potential to eliminate in‑flight CO₂ emissions when deployed at scale. This demonstration is therefore a significant step towards enabling lower‑carbon aviation.

The program brought together expertise from across the aviation ecosystem. Rolls-Royce and TCS collaborated with easyJet, NASA, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and other industry partners. This collective effort strengthens the knowledge base that will inform future propulsion technologies and support the aviation industry’s transition to low‑carbon air travel.

Rolls-Royce continues to position itself as a global leader in integrated power and propulsion solutions across civil aerospace, defence, and power systems. Its focus on sustainable technologies aligns with broader industry goals of reducing emissions and achieving climate targets.

TCS, rooted in the heritage of the TATA Group, has consistently upheld innovation and engineering excellence since its inception in 1968. With a workforce spread across 56 countries and 194 service delivery centres, the company generated consolidated revenues of over $30 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2026. Its aspiration to become the world’s largest AI‑led technology services company complements its role in advancing hydrogen propulsion.

The success of this hydrogen demonstration marks one of the clearest proofs to date of hydrogen’s potential to power future aircraft engines. It provides a foundation for further research, optimisation, and eventual deployment of hydrogen propulsion systems in commercial aviation.

TCS Press Release

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India Issues Draft SHANTI Rules With Composite Licence, Insurance Mandates And Foreign Reactor Integration Framework

India’s Department of Atomic Energy has released draft rules under the SHANTI Act, 2025, introducing a single-window composite licence, mandatory insurance and financial security for nuclear operators, and strict conditions for foreign reactor integration.

These measures mark a decisive overhaul of India’s nuclear regulatory framework, aiming to balance safety, accountability, and private participation.

The draft rules propose a single composite licence that will cover the entire lifecycle of a nuclear power plant, including construction, ownership, operation, and decommissioning. This eliminates the need for multiple permits and streamlines the approval process, ensuring faster project execution while retaining strict oversight.

A major provision is the requirement for nuclear plant operators to maintain insurance, financial security, or a combination of both to cover nuclear damage. This financial security must remain in place until all spent fuel has been removed from the storage pool.

The rules also mandate a five-yearly review of civil liability limits, with a group of experts constituted by the Centre to reassess the maximum liability applicable to operators.

The draft rules establish clear conditions for foreign reactor designs. Any reactor imported into India must be certified or approved by the nuclear regulatory authority of its country of origin. The country of origin must have a self-reliant nuclear reactor design and supply-chain ecosystem, with globally trusted regulatory approvals.

Furthermore, such reactors must already be operational either in their home country or in another foreign jurisdiction before being considered for integration into India’s nuclear framework.

The licensing authority will also be empowered to grant in-principle approval even before a site or technology has been finalised. This provision allows applicants to negotiate with reactor technology vendors and begin acquiring land and infrastructure, thereby accelerating project timelines while maintaining regulatory safeguards.

The rules recognise the importance of captive nuclear power generation, particularly for energy-intensive industries such as aluminium, cement, semiconductor manufacturing, and artificial intelligence data centres. This provision opens new avenues for industrial self-reliance in energy supply, reducing dependence on conventional sources.

The draft rules supersede several older regulations, including those governing radioactive waste disposal, radiation protection, and nuclear liability funds. By consolidating these frameworks, the SHANTI Act seeks to modernise India’s nuclear governance and align it with international best practices.

Public consultation has been invited, with stakeholders, industry representatives, and experts asked to submit feedback by 4 September 2026. This participatory approach ensures that the final rules will incorporate diverse perspectives from both domestic and international stakeholders.

The SHANTI Act, 2025 itself replaced the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, enabling private and foreign participation in India’s nuclear sector.

The draft rules now provide the operational clarity required to implement this landmark legislation, ensuring that India’s nuclear expansion is both safe and globally credible.

This regulatory overhaul comes at a time when India is targeting 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of its clean energy transition.

By combining streamlined licensing, strict liability provisions, and transparent rules for foreign technology integration, the draft rules lay the foundation for a resilient and future-ready nuclear ecosystem.

Agencies

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President Putin Praises India’s Progress, Highlights Russia-India Strategic Partnership On 80th Independence Day

President Vladimir Putin extended warm greetings to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day.

He hailed India’s remarkable progress across economic, social, scientific and technological spheres, emphasising that the country rightfully commands considerable authority in the international arena.

Putin highlighted the strength of Russia-India relations, describing them as developing successfully in the spirit of a particularly privileged strategic partnership. He noted that Moscow and New Delhi are engaged in fruitful cooperation across a wide range of areas, coordinating closely within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS and other multilateral institutions.

He expressed confidence that the two countries would continue to strengthen their partnership. Putin stated that through joint efforts, Russia and India would comprehensively enhance their constructive partnership for the benefit of their peoples and in the interests of international security and stability.

His greetings coincided with ongoing deliberations between India and Russia to deepen cooperation along the Northern Sea Route, a vital Arctic maritime corridor that Moscow is seeking to develop into a major trade link between Europe and Asia.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that discussions on this corridor are already underway.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal explained that connectivity remains central to India’s multi-faceted cooperation with Russia. He confirmed that India and Russia are actively engaged in discussions on the Northern Sea Route, which represents a strategic opportunity for India to expand trade and connectivity with Russia.

This initiative complements existing connectivity projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously underlined India’s long-term vision for maritime and Arctic collaboration. He stated that both nations would work with renewed energy on connectivity initiatives, while also focusing on training Indian sailors for Arctic navigation. This reflects India’s commitment to building expertise in navigating challenging Arctic conditions.

Beyond its commercial utility for trade and energy supplies, the Northern Sea Route occupies a pivotal position in regional development.

The resource-rich Arctic corridor is witnessing growing commercial adoption and increasing Asian market participation, cementing its role as a vital global shipping channel. For India, participation in this initiative not only strengthens bilateral ties with Russia but also enhances its strategic presence in emerging global trade routes.

ANI

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Netanyahu, World Leaders Hail India’s 80th Independence Day, Highlight Global Partnerships

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended warm greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day. In his message, he described the friendship between India and Israel as “boundless,” emphasising that the two ancient nations, which achieved independence just a year apart, continue to seize the future together to bring a better life for their people.

He highlighted innovation and friendship as the cornerstones of this relationship, declaring that “the best is yet to come.”

The message was shared in a post on X by Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office, underlining the historic and forward-looking nature of the bilateral ties. Netanyahu’s words reflected the enduring partnership that has grown steadily across defence, technology, agriculture, and innovation, with both nations increasingly collaborating in areas such as cybersecurity, renewable energy, and advanced defence systems.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also extended his wishes to India on its Independence Day. In his letter, he recalled the arduous journey India undertook to achieve freedom, noting that the path was anything but easy.

He praised the sheer power of will, belief, and determination that led to independence, describing it as a bright new beginning filled with hope. His message reflected Australia’s growing strategic partnership with India, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where both nations share common interests in security, trade, and regional stability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, hailed India’s “remarkable progress” across economic, social, scientific, and technological spheres.

He noted that India rightfully commands considerable authority in the international arena. Russia’s greetings underscored the longstanding strategic partnership between the two nations, spanning defence cooperation, nuclear energy, and space exploration.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening its partnership with India. He emphasised the enduring friendship between the peoples of both nations, a relationship that has been central to regional stability in the Indian Ocean. His message highlighted the importance of India’s role in supporting Maldives’ development and security.

French President Emmanuel Macron also extended warm wishes to the people of India on this landmark occasion. France and India share a close strategic partnership, particularly in defence, space, and clean energy cooperation. Macron’s greetings reflected the depth of this relationship and the shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, in his message of goodwill, addressed Prime Minister Modi as his “elder brother.” He expressed hope that the friendship and close bond between the two nations would continue to flourish. Bhutan’s message highlighted the unique cultural and spiritual ties that underpin the bilateral relationship, alongside cooperation in hydropower and sustainable development.

These messages from leaders across the world came as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day, marking 79 years since its liberation from colonial rule. The greetings underscored the breadth of India’s diplomatic engagement and the emphasis placed on friendship, cooperation, and building a peaceful and prosperous region.

They also reflected India’s growing stature as a global power, with partnerships spanning continents and sectors, from defence and energy to technology and people-to-people ties.

The collective outpouring of goodwill demonstrated how India’s journey of independence continues to inspire nations worldwide, while its modern achievements strengthen its role as a key player in shaping the future of global cooperation.

ANI

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ECONOMY: India Inc Vows To Back PM Modi’s 'SAPTA DHARA' Vision For A Developed India By 2047

Industry leaders across India have strongly backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address, pledging to turn his vision into concrete action.

The Prime Minister outlined seven key areas of national development, which he described as 'Sapta Dharas' (a seven-point reform framework), aimed at boosting manufacturing, agriculture, technological innovation, defence, energy, infrastructure and soft power.

India Inc expressed readiness to invest in these strategic sectors, aligning with the broader national goal of achieving developed status by 2047.

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry, said that as India marked 80 years of Independence, Modi’s address placed people, sustainability and India’s global strengths at the centre of the development journey.

He emphasised that the Prime Minister’s call for Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Vocal for Local reflected growing confidence in building a self‑reliant, future‑ready nation. He noted that India had moved from being among the Fragile Five economies to becoming the fastest‑growing major economy in just over a decade.

Banerjee added that industry shared the Prime Minister’s resolve to build on this momentum and was prepared to match it with sustained investment in areas of strategic importance.

He identified agriculture and food processing as a real opportunity, pointing out that wider market access through free trade agreements could help take Indian farm produce to global markets.

He said building global brands around millets, spices, fruits and flowers would open new opportunities for farmers and rural enterprises, while strengthening India’s position in global value chains.

He also highlighted Modi’s focus on nuclear energy, semiconductors and the green and blue economies, saying these pointed to where India’s next decade of growth would come from. He added that the recognition of India’s soft power added a fresh dimension to the country’s global economic presence.

In his 75‑minute speech delivered on the nation’s 80th Independence Day, Modi listed the seven streams of development: manufacturing, power, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, gatishakti, defence power, green economy and blue economy, and soft power.

He called for developing a vibrant civil defence infrastructure and pitched for making India a global hub for defence manufacturing. He placed special emphasis on self‑reliance in advanced capabilities such as hypersonic technology and drone systems.

The Prime Minister also promised to provide free online coaching for various exams, noting that coaching classes had become a burden for the poor and middle class. He exhorted Indians to dream big to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, saying the world would be compelled to look at the country differently as it worked towards this dream.

Modi stressed the need to strengthen domestic capacity in critical areas, including energy and minerals, as geopolitical tensions increasingly exposed the risks of dependence on external sources.

He announced that India had taken a step towards self‑reliance in the nuclear power sector, with the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attaining criticality this year.

Nirmal Kumar Minda, President of ASSOCHAM, said the seven‑stream Sapta Dhara framework provided a broad‑based approach to inclusive, sustainable and accelerated development. He emphasised that the focus on self‑reliance, Vocal for Local, domestic manufacturing and strategic capabilities was highly significant for strengthening India’s economic resilience.

Minda added that the Prime Minister’s Independence Day vision provided strong confidence to Indian industry and the wider business community.

The collective response from India Inc underscores a readiness to translate Modi’s vision into action, with industry leaders pledging investment, innovation and strategic support. The alignment between government priorities and industry commitment reflects a shared determination to accelerate India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047.

PTI

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Maldives Extends Warm Greetings To India On 80th Independence Day, Reaffirming Strong Partnerships

India’s 80th Independence Day was marked with fervour and enthusiasm as greetings poured in from across the globe.

Among the notable messages was that of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening its partnership with India and strengthening the enduring friendship between the two peoples.

In a post on X, President Muizzu extended warm wishes to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government and the people of India. He described eight decades of independence as a reflection of the aspirations, resilience and enduring spirit of India’s Government and its people.

He emphasised that the Maldives remains committed to advancing the close partnership with India, built upon mutual respect, shared prosperity and lasting friendship.

The greetings from the Maldives were part of a wider wave of international messages. The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared greetings from the foreign ministries of Somalia, Romania, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Serbia and Slovenia. These messages highlighted the breadth of India’s diplomatic engagement and the recognition of its global role.

Other countries that extended wishes included Cyprus, Albania, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria and Estonia. Israel, Latvia, Jordan, Lithuania, Russia and Malaysia also joined in congratulating India as it heralded its 80th year of independence. The greetings underscored the diverse range of nations acknowledging India’s milestone.

Further messages came from the foreign ministries of Montenegro, Paraguay, Egypt, Chile and Dominica. These expressions of goodwill reinforced the global significance of India’s independence celebrations and the shared emphasis on friendship and cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a series of posts on X, expressed gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for their greetings. He thanked them warmly, highlighting the strong ties India shares with both France and Bhutan.

He also conveyed appreciation to Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane for their wishes.

PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to working together with Nepal to further strengthen the multifaceted and age-old civilizational ties between the two nations, ensuring mutual prosperity and well-being.

The collective messages from leaders and governments across the world illustrated the depth of India’s diplomatic relationships and the emphasis placed on cooperation, friendship and a peaceful, prosperous region.

The greetings from the Maldives, alongside those from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, highlighted India’s growing stature on the international stage and the shared aspirations of its partners.

ANI

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