SFO Technologies Unveils Electrical Nerve Centre For SARAS MK-II

SFO Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the flagship aerospace and defence division of NeST Group, has successfully handed over the first airworthy Primary Power Distribution System for India’s indigenous passenger aircraft SARAS MK-II.

The unveiling took place at NeST Hi-Tek Park in Kalamassery, marking a significant milestone in India’s civil aviation program.

The system was formally handed over by N. Jehangir, Chairman and Managing Director of NeST Group, to Abhay A Pashilkar, Director of CSIR-NAL. The ceremony was attended by Krishnadas Nair, former CMD of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Nazneen Jehangir, Executive Director and CEO of NeST Digital, the software division of NeST Group.

Jointly designed and developed with CSIR-NAL in Bangalore, the Primary Power Distribution System is engineered to meet stringent airworthiness standards. It acts as the electrical nerve centre of the 19-seater SARAS MK-II, managing power generated by the aircraft’s twin turboprop engines and distributing it to mission-critical systems. The PPDS features advanced monitoring capabilities, enabling real-time health checks of critical components through the central flight computer.

N Jehangir stated that SFO Technologies is proud to partner with CSIR-NAL on this prestigious national mission, emphasising that the achievement strengthens the company’s resolve to take on more complex aerospace challenges in the future.

Abhay Anant Pashilkar highlighted that the PPDS is the heart of the SARAS MK-II electrical system, integrating multiple sources from generators and batteries. He confirmed that the program has completed Critical Design Reviews of all systems and is now progressing towards the Aircraft Level Critical Design Review.

NeST Digital developed the software powering the PPDS entirely in-house. The division specialises in high-criticality solutions across avionics, automotive, and healthcare, underscoring its expertise in mission-critical domains.

The integration of hardware and software within the PPDS reflects India’s growing capability in indigenous aerospace technology.

The SARAS MK-II, designed and developed by CSIR-NAL, is intended to bolster regional air connectivity under the Union Government’s UDAAN scheme. It will connect remote hubs across the country, while also being certified for military transport duties with the Indian Air Force. This dual-use capability enhances the strategic value of the aircraft, ensuring it serves both civilian and defence needs.

The unveiling of the PPDS represents a major boost to India’s indigenous aviation ecosystem. It demonstrates the synergy between public research institutions and private industry, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in aerospace technology.

With the successful handover of this critical subsystem, the SARAS MK-II program moves closer to operational readiness, strengthening India’s position in regional aviation and defence transport.

Agencies

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US House Clears Russia Sanctions Bill After Senate, Tariff Threat Over India’s Energy Trade Looms

The US House of Representatives has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill by 262 votes to 159, sending the measure to President Donald Trump for enactment.

The legislation, named in honour of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was the product of more than a year of negotiations and represents the most substantial American legislative effort in support of Ukraine since Trump returned to the White House.

Its passage follows a prolonged period of congressional gridlock that had stalled major foreign policy initiatives after the 2024 emergency aid package.

Securing Trump’s backing was critical, with the final package incorporating his demand for a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran. This integration ensured the administration’s support and broadened the bill’s scope to target both Russia and Iran simultaneously.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy actively lobbied for the measure, appealing directly to lawmakers and later posting on social media that during wartime, imperfect decisions are preferable to inaction.

The legislation expands penalties against Russian officials, financial institutions, and banking authorities. It also targets Russia’s shadow fleet of vessels used to circumvent Western restrictions and maintain energy exports.

By addressing these loopholes, the bill aims to cut off Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort through energy revenues. In addition, the measure instructs the president to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian petroleum or natural gas.

However, exemptions are provided for nations importing less than 15 per cent of Russian natural gas exports if they are actively reducing those purchases.

India is directly affected by this statutory framework. The bill establishes a pathway for Washington to levy tariffs of up to 100 per cent on Indian imports due to New Delhi’s continued acquisition of Russian crude. India, alongside China, has been identified as a principal target of these tariff clauses, given their status as leading buyers of Russian energy.

Supporters of the legislation argue that access to the American market should be used as leverage against states that sustain Russian revenues and indirectly finance Moscow’s military campaign.

It is important to note that the bill does not automatically enforce tariffs on Indian goods. Instead, it grants discretionary authority to the executive branch, meaning President Trump would need to invoke these powers under defined statutory conditions.

This distinction underscores that while the threat of tariffs looms, their implementation remains contingent upon presidential decision-making.

The Senate had previously passed the legislation by an overwhelming 86-11 majority on August 7. However, momentum slowed in the House due to disputes over the tariff provisions. With the House vote now complete, the measure advances to Trump for his signature.

Once enacted, the administration will possess expanded sanctions and tariff authorities to intensify pressure on Russia and nations persisting in energy commerce with Moscow.

The bill’s passage marks a significant escalation in Washington’s economic campaign against Russia, while simultaneously placing India in a precarious position. New Delhi has consistently defended its energy procurement strategy as essential for national energy security and affordability, particularly since discounted Russian crude became a major component of its imports after 2022.

The discretionary nature of the tariff authority means India must now weigh the risks of potential trade repercussions against its energy requirements.

ANI

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Operation Sindoor Redefines India’s Military Doctrine; LAC Calms As PLA Pulls Back

The Defence Ministry’s annual report for 2025-26 frames Operation Sindoor as a decisive turning point in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, while also noting a marked reduction in Chinese PLA deployments along the Line of Actual Control during 2025. It stresses capability reviews, jointness, restructuring, and technology integration as key lessons.

Operation Sindoor is described as a calibrated military response following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists. On 6–7 May, Indian forces struck nine terrorist targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir using precision-guided weapons against Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed infrastructure at Muridke and Bahawalpur. The strikes were deliberately designed to avoid civilian and military casualties, causing no collateral damage.

The report emphasises that the operation was precise, calibrated, and non-escalatory, establishing a new doctrine where state-sponsored terrorism would invite targeted military retaliation.

Pakistan responded with drone and missile attacks against Indian installations, which India countered through its Integrated Air Command and Control System. This network fused surveillance sensors and air-defence assets to create a common air picture, enabling effective interception.

Systems such as the S-400, Akash, Pechora, and OSA-AK played a central role. A notable highlight is the claim that an S-400 unit successfully destroyed a Pakistani special mission aircraft at 314 km, demonstrating India’s long-range air-defence reach. The Indian Air Force also struck Pakistani radars, missile sites, command centres, hangars, and airfields at Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari.

The Navy deployed frontline ships, including a Carrier Battle Group and submarines, in the North Arabian Sea. Persistent maritime domain awareness and offensive posturing contributed to Pakistan seeking a ceasefire by 10 May.

The Army’s Counter Explosive Device Units disposed of 220 unexploded ordnance items in Northern Command and 13 in Western Command. Drone wreckage was recovered and sanitised, including Turkish-origin Baykar YIHA III systems, Turkish MAM munitions, and two PL-15 missiles.

Beyond operations, the report underscores lessons learned. India has initiated a comprehensive review of capability gaps, focusing on force restructuring, jointness among services, and integration of emerging technologies.

Operation Sindoor is portrayed as a test of India’s ability to conduct integrated, network-centric warfare involving intelligence, precision strike, air defence, maritime power, and unmanned systems.

On the northern border, the report records a significant reduction in PLA deployment opposite Indian positions during 2025. Ten Combined Arms Brigade-sized PLA forces remained in areas along the LAC and traditional training zones. The Indian Army’s deployment across all sectors is described as robust and prepared for contingencies.

Diplomatic and military engagements contributed to stability. The report cites the 33rd and 34th Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meetings in March and July 2025, the resumption of Special Representatives’ boundary talks in August 2025, and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Tianjin for the SCO summit.

The 23rd Corps Commander-level meeting in Eastern Ladakh in October 2025 also reinforced dialogue. Border Personnel Meetings continued in cordial environments across all sectors.

The report further notes India’s defence production reaching ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, with Defence PSUs instructed to reduce import dependence. This reflects a broader push for self-reliance and indigenous capability development.

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DRDO Hands Over 9 Tech Transfer Agreements To 13 Industry Partners

DRDO has handed over nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) to thirteen manufacturing partners during the ‘VIMARSH 2026’ industry synergy meet in New Delhi, marking a major step in expanding indigenous defence production and industry participation.

The agreements cover advanced naval, aerospace, and missile-related technologies, with both public and private sector firms involved.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation transferred nine technologies to thirteen manufacturing partners to enable commercial production of state-of-the-art systems.

The agreements were handed over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and industry representatives.

Among the technologies transferred was the multi-influence ground mine, designed to target stealth ships and submarines. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a defence PSU, will co-produce this mine along with Hyderabad-based Apollo Micro Systems Ltd. Both companies had earlier contributed to the development process by manufacturing electronic systems and resistance casings.

Three private explosive manufacturers — Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd, Premier Explosives Pvt Ltd, and Salvo Industries Pvt Ltd — were selected for the production of propellant and igniter systems used in booster and sustainer motors of short-range anti-ship missiles. These solid rocket propulsion components are critical for generating thrust during different flight phases.

Apollo Micro Systems Ltd and Ananth Technologies Pvt Ltd were chosen for the production of the Semi Active Homing Laser System (SALHS), a precision guidance mechanism widely used in laser-guided bombs, missiles, and artillery shells. This technology enhances accuracy in striking high-value targets.

Other technologies transferred included the ZnTe (Zinc Telluride) Single Crystal Growth system, which has applications in detecting concealed chemicals and explosives as well as wireless communication.

A Hydro Suit for submarine escape operations was also handed over, alongside a Heavy Drop System for C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft, enabling the airdrop of military vehicles using multi-stage parachutes and platforms.

Additionally, DRDO transferred an Electronic Activation Device for remote triggering of equipment, a Wireless Control cum Actuation System, and a Smart Helmet designed for enhanced battlefield communication and protection.

The event also unveiled new policy initiatives aimed at lowering technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech Start-Ups, offering direct funding, incubation support, and dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities. Strategic MoUs were exchanged with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) to expand industry outreach.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that DRDO-Industry collaboration should extend beyond production to encompass research, design, testing, certification, and manufacturing, thereby transforming India into a global hub for defence manufacturing.

He highlighted that DRDO brings knowledge and technology, industry provides scale, Start-Ups contribute innovation, and youth embody the vision of a new India.

Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh noted that over 2,300 technology transfers have already been handed over to more than 1,100 industries, and technologies related to 50 missiles developed by DRDO have been made available to industry partners.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat, aiming to build a technologically self-reliant, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and strategically secure nation.

By 2047, India seeks to achieve complete self-reliance in critical defence technologies, expand indigenous content, and significantly increase defence exports.

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Pakistani Warship PNS Hunain Suffers Heavy Damage After Collision With Indian Navy Vessel In Arabian Sea: Report

PNS Hunain (F-273), a Pakistani offshore patrol vessel supplied by Dutch Shipbuilder Damen Group, has suffered a significant dent and possible structural crack after colliding with an Indian Navy ship in the Arabian Sea.

The incident occurred when the Pakistani vessel approached the Indian ship at high speed in international waters while attempting to intercept or follow it. A close-range manoeuvre resulted in the two vessels grazing each other.

The Indian Navy ship was on a routine surveillance mission when the Pakistani vessel began its approach on Tuesday evening. The Indian captain observed the movement and issued warnings.

Despite this, PNS Hunain attempted a risky manoeuvre at close quarters, grazing the starboard side of the Indian vessel. The Indian ship sustained no major damage and continues its operational deployment, while PNS Hunain was forced to return to harbour due to the damage.

The "Kiss of Death", Kolkata-class stealth warship leaves deep scorching marks on PNS Hunain

Sources indicated that the Pakistani vessel’s handling and high-speed manoeuvring were responsible for the incident.

The ship reportedly failed to maintain control and steer clear of the Indian vessel in time.

Defence officials noted that the Indian ship involved was larger than the Pakistani OPV, though they declined to identify it.

PNS Hunain is a multipurpose medium-sized offshore patrol vessel equipped with electronic warfare systems, anti-ship and anti-air warfare capabilities, advanced sensors, self-protection systems, and a terminal defence system.

Built by Damen Shipyards in Romania, it was commissioned in July 2024. The vessel is based on Damen’s OPV 2600 design and measures approximately 98 metres in length.

The Yarmook-class vessel can accommodate helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, and it carries rigid-hull inflatable boats for maritime security and surveillance missions. It has a fuel capacity of about 300 cubic metres and is powered by four Caterpillar diesel engines. The ship is also fitted with a 450-kilowatt bow thruster and two propellers.

With a crew of 60, PNS Hunain has a reported top speed of 22 knots, a range of 6,000 nautical miles, and endurance of up to 40 days. Its weapons fit includes 30-mm and 12.7-mm remote weapon stations, surface-to-surface missile launchers, and a 20-mm close-in weapon system.

Hunain is the third vessel in Pakistan’s Yarmook-class OPV program, following PNS Yarmook and PNS Tabuk, which are based on the smaller Damen OPV 2300 design. These earlier vessels are about five metres shorter and roughly 600 tons lighter than Hunain.

The collision highlights the risks of aggressive manoeuvring in international waters and underscores the importance of adherence to maritime protocols. Analysts suggest that such incidents could escalate tensions if not managed through diplomatic channels.

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Omkam Aviations Signs Landmark Deal For 50 Russian IL-114-300 Aircraft With Plans For India Assembly

Omkam Aviations Pvt Ltd has announced a major initiative to introduce fifty Russian IL-114-300 regional aircraft into India. The company is in advanced discussions with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation for local assembly and technology transfer, with eventual domestic manufacturing proposed under the agreement.

The announcement was made during the Innoprom India trade fair held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Managing Director Peeyush Kumar Aggarwal confirmed that a Letter of Intent has been signed with UAC for the purchase of fifty aircraft.

Aggarwal explained that six aircraft will form the first batch, with an assembly line to be established in India. This will be followed by technology transfer, marking the creation of India’s first major plant dedicated to manufacturing civil aviation aircraft.

The initial investment for the first six aircraft and their support systems is estimated at ₹1,500 crore. Further investments are expected as the project advances towards larger-scale manufacturing.

The company has stated its ambition to achieve eventual one hundred per cent manufacture of the IL-114-300 in India under a full Transfer of Technology agreement with UAC. Export of aircraft manufactured in India to overseas markets is also envisaged.

Omkam Aviations confirmed that Russia’s Sberbank has committed in principle to support the venture with the required funding.

The IL-114-300 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed to carry between sixty-six and sixty-eight passengers. It is capable of operating on regional routes, including airports with shorter runways and limited ground infrastructure.

Executive Director Aditya Aggarwal emphasised that the aircraft could significantly improve direct connectivity between smaller cities and major economic centres. He cited examples such as prospective routes from Meerut to Mumbai, or connections linking Noida, Agra, and Pune directly to larger hubs.

Aggarwal further noted that the project extends beyond aircraft operations, contributing to the development of a sustainable aviation ecosystem in India. This includes skills development and enhanced regional connectivity, strengthening ties between emerging cities and economic centres.

Co-Founder and Director Govind Gupta highlighted that localisation of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure would deepen industrial cooperation between India and Russia. He stressed that such collaboration would profoundly strengthen strategic and industrial bonds.

The company underscored that the initiative aligns with India’s expanding economic and trade engagement with Russia. Gupta added that the project supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiatives.

The proposed manufacturing and technology-transfer arrangements remain subject to definitive agreements, regulatory approvals, and other applicable processes.

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MDL Anchors ₹15,000 Crore Dighi Shipbuilding Cluster To Expand Into Commercial Vessels

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has signed a landmark MoU with National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries Park Maharashtra Ltd (NSHIPML) to serve as the Anchor Shipyard for the ₹15,000 crore Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi, Maharashtra.

This project positions Maharashtra as a maritime powerhouse, with MDL expanding beyond warships and submarines into large-scale commercial shipbuilding.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has formally entered into a memorandum of understanding with NSHIPML to anchor the proposed Greenfield Shipbuilding Industrial Cluster at Dighi in Raigad district, Maharashtra.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, underscoring the state’s commitment to transforming its maritime sector.

The proposed facility will involve an investment of ₹15,000 crore, equivalent to ₹1,50,000 lakhs, and is envisaged to deliver an annual shipbuilding capacity of at least 1.2 million gross tons. This marks a strategic expansion for MDL, which has traditionally focused on warships and submarines, into the domain of large commercial vessels.

The Dighi cluster itself is part of a larger ₹27,500 crore initiative under the National Shipbuilding Mission, designed to create plug-and-play infrastructure for shipbuilding and repair.

The cluster will cover 2,000 acres with a 2.6 km waterfront along Dighi creek, adjacent to Adani Ports’ Dighi Port. Its proximity to Mumbai and Bangalore ensures access to skilled manpower and industrial supply chains.

Under the MoU, MDL will bring its expertise in complex ship construction, engineering, and project management, while also fostering a strong domestic vendor ecosystem.

The agreement will remain valid for five years or until replaced by a comprehensive concession and lease arrangement.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the initiative as transformative, noting that Maharashtra will account for 40% of India’s shipbuilding capacity. He highlighted that the cluster will integrate shipbuilding, repair, breaking, and recycling under one roof, generating 15,000 direct and 75,000 indirect jobs.

The Dighi project aligns with the Government of India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which aims to elevate India into the world’s top five shipbuilding nations by increasing output to 4.5 million gross tons.

The Union government has already budgeted ₹19,989 crore for the Shipbuilding Development Scheme, including ₹11,728 crore for greenfield clusters and ₹8,261 crore for brownfield expansions.

MDL’s role as anchor shipyard will ensure the cluster attracts ancillary industries such as engine manufacturing, steel fabrication, and suppliers of shipboard machinery. This ecosystem is expected to strengthen India’s maritime industrial base and enhance global competitiveness.

The development follows NSHIPML’s expression of interest process, where MDL emerged as the sole bidder for the anchor role. This underscores MDL’s strategic intent to diversify into commercial shipbuilding while retaining its leadership in defence ship construction.

The Dighi cluster will be a cornerstone in India’s shipbuilding ambitions, combining state support, industrial integration, and MDL’s proven expertise to create a globally competitive maritime hub.

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IAF Showcases 'Vayu UTtaM' At Dronathon 2026 To Advance Indigenous Drone Management Capabilities

'Dronathon 2026' opened at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan with the Indian Air Force successfully demonstrating 'Vayu UTtaM', an indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management system.

This ground-based capability is designed to facilitate coordinated management of drones in increasingly congested airspace while also supporting identification and mitigation of rogue drones.

Officials emphasised that the system has potential applications beyond the military domain, including airspace safety, civil aviation, critical infrastructure protection and public safety.

The demonstration took place on the opening day of the three-day event, which runs from 14 to 16 September at Jaisalmer. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that during its real-time demonstration, 'Vayu UTtaM' detected and tracked both military and civil unmanned aircraft systems. The system is intended to provide a coordinated framework for UAS operations, ensuring safety and security in contested and crowded skies.

'Dronathon 2026' is being hosted by the Indian Air Force to provide domestic manufacturers, innovators, DPSUs, MSMEs and Start-Ups an opportunity to showcase their capabilities in unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS technologies.

More than 20 leading defence companies and innovators from India's rapidly evolving unmanned systems ecosystem are participating. The event is designed to help stakeholders witness emerging drone and counter-drone technologies through live demonstrations and static displays.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the event and released the 'IAF UAS Roadmap'. This roadmap provides clarity to Indian industry on capability priorities and is intended to facilitate focused innovation.

It enables industry, academia and research organisations to align their efforts with the future requirements of the Air Force. The IAF views unmanned systems as an important complement to manned aviation, enhancing reach, persistence, responsiveness and flexibility of air operations.

The demonstrations at Pokhran encompass a wide spectrum of operational capabilities. These include surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aircraft systems.

The central focus of the event is to move from technology demonstration to operational effect, with systems being assessed for reliability, effectiveness in demanding environments and adaptability to evolving threats.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that the event reinforces the IAF's commitment to Atmanirbharta in unmanned systems. The focus extends beyond airframes to the complete ecosystem, including propulsion, sensors, payloads, communications, autonomy, electronic warfare, countermeasures and airspace management. This comprehensive approach is intended to strengthen indigenous capabilities across the unmanned domain.

The event follows an industry outreach program undertaken by the IAF to identify and engage Indian industry and technology developers. Participating companies are undertaking live demonstrations of systems such as expendable ISR platforms, loitering munitions, UAS with electronic warfare capabilities, logistics and delivery drones, mapping and surveying systems, counter-drone technologies and AI-enabled autonomous navigation. These systems incorporate real-time data transmission and advanced payloads.

Applications being demonstrated cover defence and border surveillance, disaster management, infrastructure inspection and other civilian uses.

The event also includes participation by students and local youth, who are being given the opportunity to view live and static displays of unmanned systems and related technologies. This outreach is intended to inspire future innovators and provide exposure to cutting-edge defence technologies.

'Dronathon 2026' is part of the IAF's continuing engagement with Indian industry for the development and induction of indigenous unmanned capabilities.

The event provides an interface between the Air Force and industry to understand available technologies and their applicability to operational requirements. It marks a significant step in advancing India's unmanned systems ecosystem and strengthening national security through indigenous innovation.

PTI

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ECIL’s Smart Jammer: India’s Indigenous Anti-Drone Shield For VIP And Critical Infrastructure Protection

ECIL’s Anti Drone Smart Jammer is a compact, man-portable indigenous system designed to detect, classify and neutralise hostile UAVs using RF detection and GNSS jamming. It has already been deployed for high-profile events such as the G20 Summit, offering layered protection against rogue drones.

The Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), under the Department of Atomic Energy, has developed the Anti Drone System (ADS) Smart Jammer to counter aerial threats posed by rogue drones.

The system has received approval from the Anti Rogue Drone Technical Committee (ARDTC) and the Cabinet Secretariat, underscoring its credibility for deployment in sensitive environments.

The system is compact and man-portable, requiring only two personnel for installation, which can be completed within 15 minutes. This rapid deployment capability makes it suitable for both static and mobile operations, including VIP security and protection of critical infrastructure.

The detection component is based on a Software Defined Radio (SDR) passive RF detector. It operates across a wide frequency range of 400 MHz to 6 GHz, enabling detection, classification and localisation of UAVs and their ground control stations. The detection range extends up to 8 km with 360-degree azimuth coverage, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness.

The neutralisation system is indigenously designed and developed. It disrupts communication links and navigation systems of aerial threats by jamming RF and GNSS signals.

The jammer operates within the same 400 MHz to 6 GHz frequency band and can neutralise drones within a 2 km radius, again with full 360-degree coverage. This ensures both soft kill capabilities without physical destruction and effective denial of hostile drone operations.

ECIL’s Smart Jammer has already been deployed during major national events. At the Bharat Mandapam venue of the G20 Summit, ECIL’s anti-drone jammers provided all-round protection against potential aerial threats. Similar deployments have been made at VVIP motorcades and sensitive defence establishments, highlighting the system’s operational reliability.

The system integrates seamlessly with ECIL’s broader Homeland Security Solutions portfolio, which includes vehicle-mounted jammers, integrated security systems for Parliament House, Reserve Bank of India offices, nuclear power plants and defence installations. This reflects ECIL’s role as a key provider of end-to-end security solutions for India’s most sensitive sites.

The development of the Smart Jammer aligns with India’s strategic emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology. By indigenously designing and producing such systems, ECIL reduces dependence on imported technologies and ensures full intellectual property ownership.

This is particularly critical in the rapidly evolving domain of counter-drone warfare, where threats are becoming more sophisticated and widespread.

The Smart Jammer complements other indigenous counter-drone systems such as DRDO’s Akash Tarang and private sector solutions like Bhumi Entech’s Shatrunjay and Gurutvaa Systems’ DRONAAM. Together, these platforms form a layered defence against UAV threats ranging from small commercial drones to coordinated swarm attacks.

The rise of drone warfare in conflicts across Ukraine, West Asia and South Asia has underscored the vulnerability of conventional defence systems to low-cost UAVs.

India’s investment in indigenous counter-drone programs ensures preparedness against such threats, particularly along sensitive borders and during high-profile national events.

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GRSE Lays Keels For Two GSI Coastal Research Vessels To Boost Offshore Mineral Exploration

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers has laid the keels for two Coastal Research Vessels being built for the Geological Survey of India.

The ceremony was held on Tuesday with GSI’s Director General Varsha Ashok Aglawe as the chief guest. Senior officials from GRSE, GSI, TNSL and the Indian Register of Shipping were also present.

The vessels will each measure 64 metres in length and 13 metres in width. They will have a dead-weight tonnage of about 461 tons, an endurance of 15 days and a top speed of 10 knots. Each vessel will be able to accommodate up to 35 personnel.

The CRVs are designed to support offshore geological mapping and mineral exploration. Their roles will include dredging, ocean environment monitoring and research. They will be fitted with scientific laboratories for data processing and sample analysis. Each vessel will also feature Dynamic Positioning-1 systems to maintain position in Sea State 3.

The propulsion system will be diesel-electric, with diesel generators driving the thrusters. The vessels will operate within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone at depths ranging from 5 to 1,000 metres. This capability will allow them to conduct a wide range of offshore geological and mineral exploration tasks.

The order highlights GRSE’s expertise in designing and building specialised vessels. The shipyard is currently constructing an Ocean Research Vessel for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is also building an Acoustic Research Ship for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory, a DRDO establishment.

GRSE has a track record of delivering advanced research and survey ships. It has previously built two series of Sandhayak-class survey vessels for the Indian Navy. In 1994, it delivered the marine acoustic research ship INS Sagardhwani to NPOL.

More recently, GRSE received a Notification of Award from ONGC for the construction of four Platform Supply Vessels.

GSI Director General Varsha Ashok Aglawe said the two vessels would strengthen India’s ability to explore mineral resources beyond its land borders. She emphasised their role in expanding offshore mineral exploration capabilities. GRSE CMD Commander PR Hari (Retd) stated that the keel laying marked the transition from design and planning to physical construction. He expressed confidence that the vessels would be delivered on schedule and to high quality standards.

The construction of these vessels reflects India’s growing emphasis on offshore resource exploration. It also demonstrates GRSE’s role in supporting national scientific and strategic objectives through advanced shipbuilding.

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UN Secretary General Guterres Demands Urgent UNSC And Bretton Woods Overhaul As BRICS Rises

Antonio Guterres has issued one of his strongest calls yet for urgent reform of the UN Security Council and the Bretton Woods system, stressing that the rise of BRICS and other emerging economies has fundamentally altered global power balances.

He argued that redistribution of power is now unavoidable, linking it directly to multipolarity, equity, and inclusive global growth.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking in Geneva ahead of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, highlighted the rapid rise of emerging economies and the shifting global balance.

He said that every day the share of developed countries in global GDP diminishes slightly, while the share of emerging economies increases. This, he argued, demonstrates that the institutions created after World War II no longer reflect modern realities.

He emphasised that the relative weight of countries today is vastly different from when the UN Security Council and Bretton Woods institutions were established. He declared that power relations no longer correspond to the realities of the world, making redistribution of power essential. He identified the Security Council and the Bretton Woods system as the two institutions most urgently requiring reform.

Guterres tied this reform agenda to the broader theme of multipolarity. He said that a multipolar world can help restore balance and equity to global systems, but only if multilateral institutions are restructured to reflect contemporary dynamics. He underscored that institutional reform is central to achieving global equity and fairness.

Earlier, Guterres met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that both leaders underscored the significance of multipolarity and the need to reform multilateral institutions, including the Security Council.

They also discussed ongoing conflicts, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, human-centric AI, renewable energy progress, and global food security. Modi extended best wishes to Guterres for the remainder of his tenure.

India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit on 12–13 September under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Development, sustainability, and innovation were key areas of focus. BRICS has emerged as a major platform for coordination among leading emerging economies, advancing the interests of the Global South in multilateral institutions. Its agenda spans development, finance, technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

The grouping now comprises 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. The expansion reflects the growing influence of emerging economies in shaping global governance. India’s chairship of BRICS for the fourth time further underscored its leadership role in advocating reforms to international institutions.

At the BRICS Summit, Guterres expanded on his reform agenda. He stressed that inclusive global growth requires stronger multilateral systems. He identified four priorities: financing, technology, climate justice, and peace.

He called for reforms to the international financial architecture to give developing countries greater participation, urged multilateral development banks to expand concessional funding, and pressed for effective debt-relief mechanisms.

On technology, he warned that artificial intelligence risks widening divides unless access is broadened. On climate, he highlighted the urgency of addressing extreme weather events and called for wealthy nations to honour climate finance pledges. On peace, he urged respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes, citing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.

Guterres’ remarks reinforced India’s long-standing demand for a permanent seat on the Security Council and broader reforms to make the Council more representative of 21st-century realities. His call also resonated with the Global South’s push for equity in global governance, particularly in financial and technological domains.

ANI

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'Drain The Swamp': India Condemns Safe Havens For LeT And JeM Terrorists

India has issued a strong censure at the United Nations Security Council over the involuntary repatriation of millions of Afghans, while simultaneously urging the dismantling of permissive environments that continue to shelter transnational terrorist networks. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the humanitarian plight of Afghan returnees, noting that 2.9 million Afghans were returned in 2025 and another 1.15 million by August 2026, most of them involuntarily.

He stressed that such large-scale forced returns, unsafe and undignified, would have triggered political outcry and urgent humanitarian mobilisation elsewhere, lamenting the absence of such a response in this case.

India reaffirmed that returns must be voluntary, safe, and dignified, pointing to its cooperation with UN agencies and Afghan authorities in providing housing, food, and essential provisions. Recently, India gifted family tents to the Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, underscoring its humanitarian commitment.

The envoy then shifted focus to regional security, invoking lessons from the 9/11 attacks. He reminded the Council that al-Qaeda’s leadership did not evade justice in remote wilderness but was found sheltered in settled communities.

Osama bin Laden was tracked and killed in a fortified compound under Operation Neptune Spear, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was captured in an ordinary residential house, Ramzi Binalshibh was found in an urban centre, Walid bin Attash was separately captured, and Mustafa Ahmed al-Hawsawi, a key financial facilitator, was also apprehended under similar circumstances.

Ambassador Harish emphasised that these operatives were not fugitives hiding in caves but individuals who thrived in permissive environments. He declared that draining such swamps that enable terrorists to prosper remains crucial.

He warned that the same permissive environment that sheltered the 9/11 masterminds continues to provide space and impunity to affiliates of al-Qaeda such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. 

These groups, he cautioned, have acquired new identities to evade sanctions while their leadership and training infrastructure remain shielded. India urged the international community to act collectively to eliminate such sanctuaries, ensuring that no more families lose loved ones to terrorism.

The reflections coincided with the recent 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. On 11 September 2001, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial aircraft, crashing two into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, one into the Pentagon in Virginia, and a fourth into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers resisted.

The attacks killed 2,977 people, marking one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in history. The destruction of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon assault triggered a national crisis in the United States, ushering in a new era of counter-terrorism operations, military campaigns, and heightened domestic security.

At Ground Zero, annual remembrance ceremonies continue to honour victims, with family members reading aloud the names of those killed. The attacks, orchestrated by Osama bin Laden, prompted Washington to launch a global campaign against al-Qaeda and its affiliates, beginning with the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001.

Communities across the United States observed Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance with solemn traditions, moments of silence, flags at half-staff, and volunteer projects, reinforcing resilience in the face of tragedy.

India’s intervention at the UNSC thus combined humanitarian concern with a sharp security warning, linking the plight of Afghan returnees to the enduring threat posed by permissive environments that continue to shield terrorist networks. The message was clear: unless the international community acts decisively, the conditions that enabled 9/11 could once again foster catastrophic violence.

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UN Chief Calls BRICS Commitment To Multilateralism 'Reassuring'

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the BRICS 2026 New Delhi Declaration, calling its strong commitment to multilateralism 'reassuring' and emphasising the UN’s central role in addressing global crises.

His remarks came after bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders, where he pressed for reforms to international institutions to reflect today’s multipolar realities.

The UN Chief highlighted that the BRICS summit produced a common declaration with a strong commitment to multilateralism and to the United Nations. He described it as reassuring that major powers believe multilateralism is the way forward, with the UN at the centre of crisis management.

He noted that while not all permanent members of the UN Security Council were present, the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin was significant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the proceedings, joined by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, representing nations seeking permanent council seats with broad support.

Western nations, including the US, France and Britain, stayed away from the summit. The US administration under President Donald Trump has opposed multilateral approaches, favouring unilateral policies that reduce the prominence of the UN and other international bodies. Trump has viewed BRICS as a challenge to his objective of maintaining a US-led unilateral global power structure.

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on 12 September 2026. The declaration emphasised expanded cooperation in global health initiatives and a shared dedication to universal health coverage through resilient and inclusive measures. It reiterated the conviction that multilateral cooperation in health must be preserved and reinforced, stressing the coordinating role of the World Health Organisation.

The declaration also addressed broader reforms. Guterres, in his summit remarks, underscored that today’s economic and geopolitical realities are not those of 1945, and institutional structures must reflect this. He called for reforms to the UN Security Council and Bretton Woods institutions to ensure equity and justice. He stressed four priorities: financing, technology, climate justice and peace.

On financing, he urged multilateral development banks to become bigger, better and bolder, mobilising private investment and expanding concessional funding. He pressed for debt-relief mechanisms and a fairer financial architecture. On technology, he warned that artificial intelligence’s benefits are concentrated in a few countries and companies, risking widening divides. He thanked BRICS nations for supporting the UN’s AI governance initiatives and urged backing for new funds to help developing countries build AI capacity.

On climate, Guterres warned of scorching heat, glacier melt, wildfires and floods, noting that the world will soon breach the 1.5°C limit. He called for urgent action to minimise the overshoot, faster transitions away from fossil fuels, and fulfilment of climate finance pledges of $300 billion annually, alongside tripled adaptation funding. He condemned the plundering of critical minerals from developing countries.

On peace and security, he cited conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and West Asia, urging respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes under the UN Charter. He stressed that multipolarity must be accompanied by reforms to ensure balance and equity in global systems.

During his visit, Guterres met Modi and other leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. Discussions covered conflicts, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, renewable energy, food security and lethal autonomous weapons. India’s push for UN reform and greater representation in global institutions was a recurring theme.

The BRICS declaration also highlighted gender imbalance at the UN, noting that no woman has ever served as Secretary-General in its 81-year history. With Guterres’ term ending in December 2026, several female candidates are in contention, making this a decisive moment.

The summit reinforced BRICS’ advocacy for greater influence of emerging economies in international bodies historically dominated by Western powers. India’s chairship underscored its role as a bridge between competing worlds, with the declaration covering governance, health, energy, technology, supply chains and sustainable development.

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'No Boundary Between Pakistan And China': India Slams Joint Commission, Demands End To Illegal Occupation

India has firmly rejected the operationalisation of the so-called Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission, declaring that it has no legal basis and reiterating that no geographic boundary exists between Pakistan and China.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India’s position remains unequivocal, stressing that China and Pakistan do not share a boundary and that the Commission is entirely without legal foundation. He emphasised that India’s stance on the matter is consistent and clear.

Reaffirming India’s sovereign claims, Jaiswal underlined that Pakistan has no authority to enter into bilateral accords regarding territories under its illegal occupation. He reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have always been, and will always remain, integral and inalienable parts of India.

The spokesperson recalled India’s long-standing objection to past boundary agreements between Beijing and Islamabad involving Indian territories. He specifically highlighted that India has never recognised the so-called China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963, maintaining that it is both illegal and invalid.

The MEA warned against any attempts to alter the status quo, stressing that such joint initiatives will have zero impact on India’s sovereign rights. Jaiswal asserted that India resolutely opposes and rejects any attempts to alter the status of occupied territories or legitimise illegal occupation, as these moves impinge on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He made clear that any so-called boundary cooperation between China and Pakistan concerning Indian territories would be unacceptable and would have no bearing on India’s sovereignty.

Calling on Islamabad to end its diplomatic manoeuvres, Jaiswal issued a direct directive, urging Pakistan to vacate areas under its illegal and forcible occupation instead of engaging in theatrics.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the India-China boundary question. The two leaders reaffirmed that bilateral ties should be viewed from a strategic and long-term perspective.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where both leaders welcomed the steady progress in India-China relations since their last meeting in Tianjin in August 2025.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders reaffirmed that India and China must take a strategic and long-term perspective of their ties. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that differences should not become disputes and that both sides must be guided by mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest.

He further stressed that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remain essential for the continued development of bilateral relations. Modi underlined the importance of observing existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues to ensure stability and progress in ties between the two nations.

This latest rejection of the Pakistan-China Boundary Commission underscores India’s consistent position on sovereignty and territorial integrity, while simultaneously highlighting its commitment to maintaining constructive engagement with China under mutually respectful terms.

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Fresh Photographic Evidence Exposes Scale of Iranian Strikes On US Gulf Bases

Fresh photographic evidence has revealed the hidden scale of Iranian missile and drone strikes on US bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, showing destroyed aircraft, shredded tents, and gutted trailers. The Pentagon’s inspector general has confirmed hundreds of structures and dozens of aircraft lost, with the campaign costing nearly ₹2,78,000 crores, excluding rebuilding expenses.

Photographs supplied by active-duty US service members to CBS News depict the aftermath of Iranian strikes at Prince Sultan Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia and at Camp Buehring and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait.

The images show a Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft with its tail severed, hollowed-out barracks, destroyed trailers, and vehicles reduced to wreckage. Service members described the devastation as “major damage to our bases that hasn’t been communicated to the American public,” adding that personnel were “standing there with our eyes closed getting punched in the face.”

The Pentagon inspector general’s report confirmed that Iranian missile barrages damaged or demolished hundreds of buildings across US installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. It also verified that dozens of US aircraft were either heavily impacted or destroyed, including strategic airborne early-warning platforms.

The report estimated the cost of Operation Epic Fury between 28 February and 30 June at $33.4 billion, equivalent to approximately ₹2,78,000 crores. Of this, nearly $22.3 billion, or ₹1,85,000 crores, was spent solely on munitions procurement and utilisation.

The fiscal tally excluded expenses for restoring compromised infrastructure, meaning the total economic burden will rise further. The inspector general also highlighted growing deficits in US ordnance inventories, contradicting President Donald Trump’s repeated claims that America’s ammunition supplies remain “virtually unlimited.” The Department of War has initiated accelerated acquisition and manufacturing programs to replenish critical raw materials, specialised components, and tactical munitions, but warned that expanding domestic industrial capacity will take considerable time.

The war began on 28 February when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, claiming the offensive was intended to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, a charge Iran has consistently denied. In retaliation, Iran targeted US bases across multiple Gulf states, striking aircraft, radar systems, fuel depots, and logistics hubs.

Iranian forces also moved to restrict navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor that handles about one-fifth of global petroleum shipments. This disruption drove international crude oil prices upward and intensified concerns about the conflict’s destabilising effect on the global economy.

The newly released images underscore the operational consequences of precision Iranian strikes against high-value aircraft and vulnerable support infrastructure. Analysts warn that the destruction of scarce platforms such as the E-3 Sentry has degraded US surveillance and command capabilities in the region. 

Service members have expressed frustration at the lack of transparency, arguing that the scale of damage has been withheld from the public. Independent assessments suggest that rebuilding the damaged bases could take decades, further straining American military posture in the Middle East.

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