Indian Navy's Ageing Chetak Helicopters Set For New Life As Autonomous Combat Drones

The Indian Navy’s ageing Chetak helicopters, which are gradually being retired after serving for decades, could soon be transformed into autonomous uncrewed aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of military missions, The Hindu Business Line reported.

Defence technology company Xinfiniti AeroSpace has commenced ground-phase trials aimed at converting the Navy’s legacy Chetak helicopters into pilotless aerial platforms. The initiative is being developed under the Indian Navy-backed iDEX framework and represents one of the most ambitious attempts to repurpose an ageing military helicopter fleet.

If successful, the project would place India among a select group of only six nations known to have converted existing crewed military helicopter airframes into fully autonomous uncrewed systems.

The company specialises in transforming proven crewed helicopters, boats and land vehicles into autonomous platforms. Its flagship effort, the Naval Chetak Autonomous System (NCAS), is currently being developed in partnership with the Indian Navy.

The conversion process involves removing systems associated with human pilots and integrating autonomous flight controls, navigation technologies and ground-control infrastructure. The result would be a drone-like aircraft capable of operating without a pilot on board.

According to Xinfiniti AeroSpace Chief Executive Officer Vishal Kumar Verma, the Indian Navy awarded the company a major project to attempt what could become India’s first successful conversion of legacy helicopters into autonomous, pilotless aircraft.

Verma said the modified aircraft could perform a broad range of missions, including heavy cargo lifting, reconnaissance, surveillance and combat operations, while using an already proven airframe.

He further argued that the initiative could make autonomous helicopter capabilities far more affordable for India’s armed forces. Drawing a comparison with the transformational impact of the Maruti 800 on the Indian automotive sector, he suggested the project could significantly lower barriers to adopting autonomous aviation technology.

According to Verma, the converted helicopters would be capable of operating in adverse weather conditions while costing considerably less than developing an entirely new helicopter in the same category. The approach could also sharply reduce development timelines by leveraging existing aircraft rather than designing a platform from scratch.

The Chetak is a seven-seat, multi-role helicopter produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under licence from the French manufacturer Sud-Aviation. First inducted into Indian military service during the 1960s, the aircraft has been extensively employed by the Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Over the decades, the platform has undertaken a variety of roles, including transport, communications, search-and-rescue missions, maritime patrols, casualty evacuation and general military support duties. 

As newer helicopter types gradually replace the ageing fleet, the autonomous conversion program could provide the venerable aircraft with a second operational life rather than sending them into retirement.

“This could be India’s first conversion of legacy helicopters into autonomous, pilotless aircraft,” Verma said, adding that the platforms could carry out “heavy cargo lifting, reconnaissance and combat operations” while remaining significantly more cost-effective than developing a new helicopter from the ground up.

Agencies

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India's Quiet War To Purge Chinese Technology From Its Armoury

Supply chains have now emerged as one of the most decisive factors in determining whether a nation can sustain a conflict, because the availability of equipment, spare parts and essential components shapes both how a country prepares for war and how long it can keep fighting once hostilities begin, Times of India reported. 

Recognising that vulnerability, India's Defence Ministry is looking beyond the finished weapons and equipment it procures to examine what goes inside them, including platforms manufactured domestically.

The Government has moved beyond restricting direct imports to scrutinising the origins of electronics, software, sensors and critical subsystems fitted into Indian-built military platforms. The concern is security: components sourced from potentially hostile countries could be exploited to compromise communications, expose sensitive information or disrupt military operations.

This effort to secure defence supply chains has gathered momentum since 2020, following the deadly Galwan Valley clash and the wider border stand-off with China, which exposed how deeply strategic dependence could become a national security risk.

The first major step came in July 2020, when the Government amended the General Financial Rules to restrict public procurement from firms based in countries that share a land border with India.

Under that change, bidders from these countries, including China, must register with a competent authority and obtain clearance before participating in Government procurement. The competent authority is the Registration Committee constituted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, and the screening process involves security and political clearance.

The rules cover purchases of goods, services and works by Government entities, but they do not impose a blanket ban on every Chinese-origin component used by private Indian manufacturers, a gap that has made enforcement far more complex in practice.

The restrictions became more targeted in 2023, when, according to Reuters, India barred domestic military drone manufacturers from using Chinese-origin components, including cameras, radio transmission equipment, communication systems and software.

In 2024, an order for 200 medium-altitude logistics drones was reportedly put on hold until the manufacturer could demonstrate that the systems contained no Chinese components. The episode highlighted the difficulty of tracing individual subsystems in military equipment assembled in India using parts sourced from across the world, especially when components pass through intermediaries, are rebranded, or are embedded deep inside larger assemblies where their origin is not immediately visible.

To test what goes inside, the Army Design Bureau released a draft framework in March 2026 for assessing security vulnerabilities in drones. It covers flight controllers, electronic speed controllers, communication and navigation equipment, sensors, firmware and ground-control software.

The proposed framework includes hardware inspections, software validation, penetration testing and checks of hardware and software bills of materials. Vendors found to have provided incorrect information about the origins of critical components could face action.

A business daily reported in August that the framework was still awaiting approval, although later reporting indicated that a finalised framework had been prepared in concurrence with internal and external stakeholders and was expected to feed into future procurement rules.

The Army is also setting up AASHVAST laboratories, short for Assessment and Analysis of Electronic Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities and Security Threats. Six such facilities are planned, with the first already operational in Delhi.

The laboratories will examine drone hardware, embedded software and firmware for hidden commands, unauthorised access and foreign-origin components. CCTV cameras installed at military establishments could eventually come under similar scrutiny, reflecting concern that surveillance and networked devices, not only weapons, can create entry points for espionage or sabotage.

Alongside inspection, the Government is also trying to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers by developing domestic alternatives. The SRIJAN portal, launched in August 2020, allows defence public sector undertakings and the armed forces to list imported items that Indian companies can indigenise.

A parliamentary committee report in March 2026 said more than 15,400 items listed on the portal had been indigenised, while later assessments put the figure above 15,700, including items drawn from the Positive Indigenisation Lists.

The Ministry of Defence's Positive Indigenisation Lists identify thousands of components that must be sourced locally after specified deadlines. By May 2026, ten such lists, five each from the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Defence Production, had covered 5,521 items, with a sixth Department of Defence Production list later adding 405 strategically important items with an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.

Meanwhile, the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure 2026 proposes raising the indigenous content requirement under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category from 50% to 60%, alongside simpler acquisition categories, stronger support for indigenous design, and a requirement that Indian entities own the design documents, software source code, system architecture and critical technical data for a system to qualify as indigenously designed.

Together, the procurement restrictions, drone-security framework, AASHVAST laboratories and indigenisation drive signal a shift from buying finished Indian-assembled equipment to verifying, testing and ultimately replacing what lies inside it.

Agencies

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TDB-DST Backs Astrome's AI-Enabled Space Intelligence Constellation With ₹64.05 Crore RDI Support

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has signed an agreement with Astrome Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, providing ₹64.05 crore in financial assistance through the Research, Development And Innovation (RDI) Fund, announced PIB.

The project's total cost stands at ₹128.11 crore and is aimed at developing a sovereign space-based Artificial Intelligence-enabled Electronic Intelligence (AI-ELINT) constellation for national security applications.

The funding will be extended through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD) and is intended to support the development of critical indigenous technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 to TRL-9, taking them from advanced prototyping to deployment-ready systems.

The initiative reflects India's growing focus on strengthening domestic capabilities in space-based intelligence, secure communications and advanced data processing technologies. As space increasingly becomes a strategic domain, indigenous systems for intelligence gathering and real-time information analysis are gaining importance for national security and technological self-reliance.

Astrome's project combines three major technology pillars into a single integrated platform: an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) payload, Artificial Intelligence-driven ground processing software, and inter-satellite communication links. Together, these technologies are intended to create an advanced constellation capable of persistent surveillance and intelligence collection.

The proposed architecture centres on microsatellites in the 50 kg class operating in low-Earth orbit. These satellites will be progressively deployed as part of a constellation designed to enhance coverage, improve revisit rates and provide more frequent observation of areas of interest.

The ELINT payload is being developed to detect, collect and analyse signals across a wide frequency spectrum. Supporting this capability, the AI-powered ground segment will process and interpret large volumes of information generated by the satellite network, enabling efficient analysis and decision-making.

A key element of the project is the development of indigenous inter-satellite communication links, allowing satellites within the constellation to exchange information and function as a coordinated network. This capability is expected to improve operational effectiveness and enable more integrated mission performance.

The project encompasses technology development, engineering, integration, testing and validation activities required to advance all core systems to TRL-9, demonstrating readiness for operational deployment.

Positioned within India's Deep Technology sector and specifically under Space Technology, the initiative brings together several frontier disciplines, including satellite engineering, electronic intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and secure space communications.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, said: "India's growing capabilities in space technology are creating new opportunities to develop advanced systems that combine indigenous engineering with artificial intelligence and next-generation communications. Building such complex technology platforms requires sustained innovation, rigorous validation and long-term investment.

Through the RDI Fund, TDB is supporting Indian enterprises working on frontier technologies that can strengthen the country's strategic technology capabilities. The project with Astrome reflects the potential of India's deep-tech ecosystem to develop sophisticated space-based solutions for emerging national requirements."

An authorised representative of Astrome Technologies stated: "The support from TDB under the RDI Fund will help us accelerate the development and integration of critical technologies for our AI-enabled space-based intelligence program.

By bringing together indigenous ELINT payloads, AI-based data processing and inter-satellite communications, we aim to develop an integrated constellation capability that can address emerging requirements in the space and national security domains. This partnership will support our efforts to advance these technologies towards TRL-9."

The project marks another step in India's broader push towards strategic autonomy in critical space technologies, with increasing emphasis on developing indigenous capabilities in satellite systems, secure communications, artificial intelligence and intelligence-gathering infrastructure for future national requirements.

PIB

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Ski-Jump Drone Trials Could Unlock India's Next Naval Aviation Leap

Upcoming trials of Northrop Grumman's Talon Blue drone, designated YFQ-48A by the US military, are set to demonstrate how a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) can launch from a ski-jump aircraft carrier next year.

Following its maiden autonomous flight in Mojave, California, in October 2026, the jet-powered drone's upcoming deck launch holds immense strategic relevance for India's maritime ambitions.

Unlike flat-deck carriers equipped with catapults to fling jets airborne, India's indigenous carrier INS Vikrant relies on a bow ski-jump ramp angled at roughly 14 degrees. Aircraft on the Vikrant take off entirely under their own power, utilising the upward-curved ramp and the warship's forward speed into the wind to lift heavier fuel and weapon payloads into the sky.

Proving that an uncrewed jet can safely launch off a ski-jump deck and seamlessly integrate alongside crewed fighters within an air wing of 30 to 40 aircraft will validate a crucial operational concept for New Delhi.

India is actively pursuing its own unmanned wingman capability through the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) program. Centred on the Abhimanyu platform, this indigenous effort is spearheaded by the Bangalore-based Start-Up NewSpace Research & Technologies.

Selected under the Ministry of Defence's iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) initiative via ADITI 2.0, the Start-Up showcased a half-scale model at Aero India in February 2025 before signing a formal design-and-development contract in April 2025. While a proof-of-concept aircraft was targeted for 2026, the system remains in development rather than operational induction.

Designed with swept wings and low-observable features, the jet-powered Abhimanyu is intended to augment—rather than replace—the Indian Navy's crewed MiG-29K and Rafale-M fighter fleets. Operating semi-autonomously under high-level pilot commands, the drone is built to fly ahead of manned jets to execute surveillance, electronic warfare, radar jamming, decoy, and strike-support missions.

Despite the shared ski-jump launch architecture, a key technical divergence remains in how these aircraft return to the ship. While short take-off and vertical landing decks lack arresting gear, INS Vikrant employs an arrested recovery system, requiring aircraft to catch one of four deck wires with a tail hook to decelerate safely.

The US Navy previously demonstrated autonomous carrier landings when the X-47B touched down aboard the USS George HW Bush in 2013, and it plans to regularly operate the MQ-25A Stingray from its flat tops from 2029 onwards.

Consequently, while an international ski-jump launch demonstration offers valuable validation for India's naval aviation roadmap, New Delhi will still need to independently master deck recovery. 

Shipboard storage, deck handling, maintenance, and arrested recovery procedures for the N-CCAV will all require rigorous testing aboard Indian warships before operational deployment.

Agencies

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PSLV Third Stage Successfully Clears Key Ground Test Following Configuration Upgrades

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed a ground static test of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle's (PSLV) third stage, known as PS3, at the Static Test Facility in Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 12 November 2026.

The test marks a significant step in validating a strengthened version of the solid-propellant stage after anomalies were observed during the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 missions.

In response, ISRO undertook a comprehensive review of the PS3 configuration, examining design margins, raw material acceptance criteria, assembly procedures and quality assurance practices.

As part of the review, the organisation introduced a series of engineering improvements aimed at enhancing reliability and operational robustness. The nozzle configuration was revised to provide greater design margins, while procedures governing raw material acceptance, stage assembly and quality inspections were updated and strengthened.

Engineers also reinforced the mechanical interfaces and incorporated redundancy into critical sealing systems. These modifications were accompanied by a detailed verification programme to confirm the adequacy of the revised design margins under operating conditions.

ISRO further implemented enhanced assembly procedures and additional Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) measures across various stages of integration and transportation. The upgraded PS3 solid motor stage was subsequently realised and subjected to the successful static firing test.

The latest test demonstrates progress in ISRO's efforts to address the issues identified during recent PSLV flights and restore confidence in one of India's most widely used launch vehicles.

The PSLV has historically served as the country's workhorse launcher, supporting Earth observation, scientific and commercial satellite missions.

ISRO stated that the "new version of the PS3 Solid motor stage is realised and tested successfully". The space agency added that, based on detailed analysis and reviews of the test data, further tests are planned before the upgraded configuration is cleared for future missions.

The successful qualification effort is expected to contribute to improved mission reliability as ISRO continues preparations for upcoming PSLV launches and expands its broader space transportation capabilities.

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Freed A Year After Acquittal, Rampur Attack Accused Gunned Down Metres From Police Station

Mohammad Shareef, aged 52, was shot dead on Tuesday in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. He had been released from jail about a year earlier. His release followed his acquittal by the Allahabad High Court in the 2008 terror attack on a CRPF camp. That attack had claimed eight lives.

Shareef was killed less than 200 metres from Khajuria Police Station. He had been summoned to the station for verification at around 4 pm. He left the station sometime after 6 pm. He was shot at around 6.30 pm.

The shooting took place near Panwaria village. Shareef was riding pillion on a motorbike behind his son. His son has been identified in later reports as Abu Wais Khan, aged 21. Two masked assailants on another motorbike approached them.

They opened fire and then fled the spot. Anurag Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police, Rampur, described the sequence. “He left the police station sometime after 6 pm and was shot around 6.30 pm, some 200 metres away from the police station,” he said.

He added: “Two bike-borne masked assailants came and opened fire at Shareef near Panwaria village. Shareef was riding pillion on another bike behind his son when these men approached them, opened fire and then fled the spot.”

Shareef’s son escaped unhurt. Residents of the village first alerted the police. The police took Shareef to a hospital. Doctors there declared him dead.

Two bullet wounds were visible on his body. “The picture will become clear after the post-mortem examination,” the officer said. The police said they were recording statements from family members. They wanted to determine whether there had been any recent threat or dispute involving Shareef.

Since his release, Shareef had been living with his family. He had been farming his land at Badanpuri village. He had walked out of Bareilly Central Jail in November 2025. He had spent nearly 18 years in custody before that release. The Uttar Pradesh government later challenged the acquittal in the Supreme Court. That challenge was still relevant at the time of his death.

The police were also verifying a later claim of responsibility. A Facebook post, in the name of a man identifying himself as Rahul Singh, claimed responsibility for the killing. The police had not confirmed the authenticity of that claim.

Shareef had been arrested in connection with the attack on a CRPF camp in Rampur. The attack took place on the intervening night between 31 December 2007 and 1 January 2008. Seven CRPF personnel and a rickshaw-puller were killed. Five others were injured.

The attackers were described at the time as heavily armed. They were suspected to belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The police arrested Shareef along with Jung Bahadur from Moradabad. They also arrested Kausar from Pratapgarh. Khan from Bareilly was arrested too. Sabauddin from Bihar was also arrested. 

Two Pakistani nationals, Shahzad and Farooq, were also arrested in the case. The police said they had recovered AK-47 rifles from the accused. They also said they had recovered magazines, grenades and other items.

In November 2019, a court in Rampur delivered its verdict. It awarded the death sentence to Shareef, Sabauddin and the two Pakistani nationals, Imran Shahzad and Mohammad Farooq. Jung Bahadur was sentenced to life in prison. Gulab Khan and Mohammad Kausar were acquitted.

They were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence. On 29 October 2025, the Allahabad High Court set aside those sentences. The bench comprised Justices Siddhartha Varma and Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra.

It set aside the death penalty for the four men. It also set aside the life imprisonment for the fifth man. The court cited defects in the investigation. It said those defects struck at “the root of the case”. It mainly cited gaps related to eyewitness accounts. It also cited gaps in the safekeeping of evidence.

The court acquitted the men of murder and terror charges. It did not, however, acquit them entirely. It sentenced the five men to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment. That sentence was under Section 25 of the Arms Act, 1959. It related mainly to possession.

It imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on each man. The high court ruled that time already served would count towards the sentence. It said the “period of imprisonment undergone by the appellants will be adjusted towards… sentence awarded to the appellants.

Because Shareef had already spent far longer in jail, he was released. His death has now reopened questions about his safety after acquittal. It has also raised questions about security so close to a police station. The police said their investigation was continuing.

Agencies

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Constelli India Seals Spark Grant Deal For Drone-Based Signal Intelligence In Hilly Terrain & High-Altitude Areas

Constelli India signed a Spark Grant Agreement at the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) office on 12 November 2026. The signing marked a fresh step for indigenous defence innovation in India.

The project centres on the development of UAS-Based ESM for SIGINT in hilly terrain and high-altitude areas. UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System. ESM stands for Electronic Support Measures.

SIGINT stands for Signals Intelligence. The system is meant to listen, detect and make sense of electronic signals from the air. It is designed for places where ground systems struggle. Hills, ridges and high passes often block signals. They also limit line of sight. A drone-based system can rise above those barriers. It can therefore watch a wider area. It can also reach places that are hard to access on foot or by vehicle.

The stakeholder and beneficiary is the Indian Air Force (IAF) Maintenance Command (MCC). The Command will guide the operational need behind the work. Its role links the technology to real maintenance, readiness and field use.

The initiative falls under iDEX. iDEX stands for Innovation for Defence Excellence. It is a scheme that backs indigenous defence manufacturing and innovation. It supports the wider push for Aatmanirbharta in Defence. Aatmanirbharta means self-reliance. The aim is to build critical capability inside India. It also aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Constelli India is a Hyderabad-based defence technology Start-Up. The firm specialises in electronic intelligence and signal processing. Its work covers radar, electronic warfare, tactical communications and telemetry. It was founded in November 2017 by Satya Gopal Panigrahi and Avinash Chenreddy. It began with a strong software focus. It has since added hardware capability. It has also supplied sub-systems over the past four to five years.

In February 2026, the company raised about $20 million. The round was led by General Catalyst. It also saw participation from 360 One Asset Management and existing investor Pravega Ventures. The fresh capital was meant to accelerate research and development. That work focuses on next-generation electronic warfare and communication payloads. Those payloads are designed for drones, ground systems, naval vessels and satellites.

The new Spark Grant fits that same direction. SPARK stands for Support for Prototype and Research Kickstart. Under iDEX, the grant helps Start-Ups and MSMEs turn ideas into working prototypes. Funding is generally released against defined milestones.

iDEX does not take equity in the Start-Up or MSME. The DIO is the body behind iDEX. It works under the Ministry of Defence. It was set up to give high-level policy guidance for high-technology indigenous ventures. Those ventures serve India's defence and aerospace needs.

The timing matters for the Air Force. Modern operations depend on fast, accurate electronic awareness. In mountain areas, that awareness is harder to gain. An airborne ESM payload can improve detection. It can improve direction-finding. It can improve the tracking of adversary emissions. It can also support safer planning for air operations.

The project therefore blends three strands. The first is unmanned flight. The second is electronic support. The third is signals intelligence. Together, they offer a flexible sensing layer for difficult terrain.

The agreement does not, by itself, promise a finished product. It starts a structured development path. That path will test design, performance and field fit. It will also test how the system works at altitude. Cold, wind, thin air and rugged ground all add risk. The grant model is meant to manage that risk in stages. Each milestone can be checked before the next step begins.

For Constelli India, the deal adds a clear defence user. It also adds a clear operational problem. For the IAF Maintenance Command, it offers a home-grown option. For iDEX, it shows the program working as intended. A Start-Up receives support. A Service states its need. A prototype moves closer to use.

The broader goal remains unchanged. India seeks to design, build and sustain its own defence electronics.

Deals such as this one help turn that goal into hardware, software and tested capability.

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Indian Army Expands MSME And Start-Up Role To Secure Critical Combat Spare Supply Chain

The Indian Army is increasingly turning to private industry, particularly MSMEs and Start-Ups, to develop and manufacture combat-critical spares and sub-assemblies for key armoured platforms, including T-72 and T-90 tanks, as well as other armoured vehicles. Hindu Business Line reported.

The move comes amid persistent supply chain constraints and the inability of traditional defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) to fully meet operational requirements.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen indigenous manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports and enhance operational readiness through localised production. Army officials view supply chain sovereignty as a critical element of modern warfare, with reliable access to spare parts becoming as important as frontline weapon systems themselves.

Sources said the Army's Master General Sustenance (MGS) branch, responsible for revenue procurement, logistics and equipment maintenance, is preparing to release a new compendium containing around 300 categories of critical spares along with their required quantities for domestic industry participation.

This follows an earlier engagement with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the apex body representing India's private defence sector, when a separate compendium covering 200 spares and components was shared on 18 August. Through these interactions, the Army has sought to signal that industry is no longer viewed merely as a supplier but as an integral component of the nation's combat capability.

Officials said the emphasis is on overcoming supply chain bottlenecks while simultaneously improving ease of doing business for domestic defence manufacturers.

The drive emerged from a sustenance policy introduced several years ago after DPSUs, despite manufacturing tanks and armoured vehicles for decades, faced difficulties in developing many critical spare parts in-house. This prompted the MGS branch to provide greater long-term business visibility to private industry and encourage investment in indigenous solutions.

As part of the effort, the Army's Indigenisation Directorate released a list of 375 specific components in 2025 for industry development. These items span multiple technical domains, including engine systems, electronics, metallurgy and other specialised equipment required for maintenance and upgrades.

Out of roughly 4,50,000 spare parts identified across Army platforms for replacement or enhancement, approximately 50,000 critical items have been prioritised for indigenisation because of their importance in sustaining operational availability.

The Army has already generated more than ₹97 crore worth of business for domestic industry through 2,340 supply orders issued over recent years. These contracts covered 1,073 items selected specifically for indigenisation, with costs reportedly falling by nearly one-third following research and development undertaken by participating firms.

According to officials, procurement contracts now incorporate strict warranty provisions, lifetime sustenance commitments and integrated engineering support packages.

These requirements are built directly into production planning, pricing structures and order volumes to ensure long-term reliability.

Before the drive towards Atmanirbharta gathered momentum in the defence sector after 2014, India relied heavily on Russia and neighbouring countries for many of these critical spares.

However, the Russia-Ukraine conflict exposed vulnerabilities in global defence supply chains and accelerated efforts to diversify procurement sources while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The initiative also aligns with the wider national objective of building a self-reliant defence industrial base, improving equipment availability rates and creating long-term opportunities for India's growing network of MSMEs and Start-Ups involved in advanced defence technologies.

Agencies

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Turkey-Pakistan Defence Cooperation In Bangladesh A 'Very Serious Development': Former Envoy To Bangladesh

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, has cautioned that the strengthening defence relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey, alongside Ankara's growing cooperation with Pakistan, requires close and continuous monitoring.

Speaking to ANI following a recent meeting between the Bangladesh Prime Minister and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a COP summit in Antalya, Sikri said defence cooperation was among the subjects discussed and highlighted what she described as increasing coordination between Turkey and Pakistan in Bangladesh.

Sikri claimed that "Turkey and Pakistan have been acting together in Bangladesh" and alleged that Pakistan played a significant role in the political changes that took place in Bangladesh in August 2024. She asserted that Islamabad acted as a direct coordinator of those developments, while alleging support from Western powers.

According to Sikri, Pakistan has spent more than two years attempting to rebuild its influence in Bangladesh and restore a level of engagement reminiscent of the pre-1971 period. She argued that Islamabad has encouraged greater educational, commercial and strategic ties with Dhaka, although she questioned the practical viability of expanded trade links given transportation costs, time requirements and logistical challenges.

She expressed particular concern over emerging defence cooperation involving Bangladesh, Turkey and Pakistan. Referring to reports of a Turkish-supported drone manufacturing facility in Bangladesh, Sikri described the project as "very surprising and a very serious development in many ways". She further argued that Pakistan and Turkey appear to be working closely together across multiple areas of engagement in Bangladesh.

Earlier reports indicated that a joint venture drone manufacturing factory could be established in Bogura with Turkish collaboration. The proposed facility is expected to be located near the local airport and a planned Bangladesh Air Force base, underscoring the strategic significance of the project.

Bangladesh and Turkey have also expanded cooperation beyond defence. Reports suggest that a delegation of 15 senior Bangladeshi officials is expected to visit Turkey to gain experience and seek assistance in fields including defence, education, technology and disaster management. The visit is reportedly being funded by the Turkish government.

Sikri additionally pointed to Turkey's ideological orientation, noting Ankara's longstanding association with groups linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. She remarked, "Turkey, as we know, with their support for the Muslim Brotherhood, they bring their own groups of people."

The former diplomat also recalled past speculation surrounding Bangladesh's possible inclusion in the so-called Mecca Pact, a trilateral security arrangement involving Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. 

She said some in Bangladesh had expected an invitation to join and had initially welcomed the prospect, although she added that no such development appears likely.

In her concluding remarks, Sikri stressed the importance of carefully tracking these developments. While she acknowledged that there is currently no indication of Bangladesh joining any such security arrangement, she maintained that the evolving relationship between Bangladesh, Turkey and Pakistan, particularly in the defence sphere, merits sustained observation and scrutiny due to its potential regional implications.

ANI

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India Supports Coordinated Maritime Patrols Near Malacca Strait Amid Expanding Indo-Pacific Security Challenges

India has reiterated its support for coordinated maritime patrolling around the strategically vital Strait of Malacca, emphasising that collaboration is essential to effectively monitor one of the world's busiest and most important maritime regions.

During a special media briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manila for the 49th ASEAN Summit, the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon highlighted the scale of surveillance challenges across the Indo-Pacific.

He stressed that the Strait of Malacca falls within the territorial waters of several ASEAN member states, while India itself is located outside the waterway. However, he underlined the value of cooperative security arrangements, stating: “We certainly look at a coordinated sort of patrolling because that always helps in surveilling a maritime domain which is so huge and requires collaborations of this nature to surveillance successfully.”

The comments reflect New Delhi’s continuing focus on maritime security, regional connectivity and stability under its Act East Policy, all of which are expected to feature prominently during discussions with ASEAN partners.

The issue of maritime security has gained greater international attention amid concerns over the vulnerability of key global shipping routes. Earlier in July, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Southeast Asian leaders that allowing illegal maritime blockades in one region could encourage similar actions elsewhere, including in crucial Indo-Pacific waterways.

Addressing ASEAN foreign ministers in Manila, Rubio accused Iran of contributing to instability in West Asia and pointed to threats posed by the Houthis to shipping passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key route connecting the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. He said the United States was working closely with Saudi Arabia to address those challenges.

Warning against any attempts to control international waterways, Rubio said: “If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll and if you don't pay them, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent which will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including in this region.”

His remarks were widely interpreted as a reference to major Asian maritime chokepoints, including the Strait of Malacca and the Taiwan Strait, both of which are critical to global commerce and energy flows.

The Strait of Malacca remains one of the most strategically significant sea lanes in the world, serving as the primary link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It carries roughly one-third of global trade and more than 55 per cent of India’s seaborne trade, making its security a matter of direct national interest for New Delhi.

India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated around 600 kilometres from the western entrance of the strait, provide the country with a unique geographical vantage point overlooking maritime traffic moving between the Indian Ocean and East Asia.

According to international maritime assessments, the waterway narrows to about 10 miles where it joins the Singapore Strait, creating a natural bottleneck that increases the risk of shipping incidents.

Any prolonged disruption, blockage or closure could significantly affect global supply chains, East Asian energy imports and regional trade networks.

To address such risks, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore established the Cooperative Mechanism on Safety of Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore in 2007. 

The framework, developed under Article 43 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, promotes collaboration between littoral states, user states and industry stakeholders to improve navigational safety, environmental protection and information-sharing.

The mechanism is widely regarded as the first practical implementation of Article 43 of UNCLOS and provides a platform for joint projects, dialogue and cooperative efforts aimed at ensuring the continued safety and openness of one of the world's most important maritime corridors.

ANI

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Defence Minister Unveils Indigenous AI Tools Developed By The IAF To Accelerate Modernisation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a suite of artificial intelligence applications developed in-house by the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant step in the force’s drive towards greater technological self-reliance and digital transformation.

The AI tools have been created by the IAF under UDAAN, the Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking. They are designed to automate and speed up tasks across operations, administration and aerospace safety, helping improve efficiency and decision-making across key functions.

The applications will be deployed on the IAF’s secure network, reinforcing the force’s efforts to integrate advanced technologies into its day-to-day activities while maintaining operational security.

Speaking at the Air Force Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of strengthening both offensive and defensive capabilities to preserve the “element of surprise” in modern warfare. He highlighted the growing impact of rapid technological advances and the changing nature of global conflicts.

“Our Defence Forces must develop capabilities and methods that leave the adversary with no time to react or recover, while simultaneously ensuring that we are never caught off guard by an unexpected move from the enemy,” he said.

The Defence Minister also underscored the need for stronger intelligence and surveillance systems, improved integration between platforms and the ability to identify threats before they emerge. He noted that surprise can take both conventional and electronic forms, making technological preparedness increasingly important.

Singh called on the IAF to continue developing capabilities in emerging domains such as cyber, electronic and space warfare. He emphasised that future military success will depend not only on conventional assets but also on technological sophistication, precision and rapid response.

The launch of the indigenous AI applications reflects India’s broader push to expand home-grown defence technologies and reduce reliance on external solutions. It also supports the ongoing modernisation of the IAF as it adapts to increasingly complex operational requirements and evolving security challenges.

The initiative highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in defence, with the new tools expected to enhance operational effectiveness, streamline administrative processes and strengthen aerospace safety across the service.

Agencies

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Iran Showcases Underground Missile City As Tehran Warns US Bases In Europe Could Be Targeted

Iran has unveiled a new underground military facility packed with ballistic and cruise missiles, using the display to underline its ability to sustain military operations despite external pressure and recent regional tensions.

The facility, presented by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during its Aerospace Week, was described as a new underground “missile city”. Footage released by Iranian state-linked media showed extensive tunnel networks lined with missiles, launch vehicles and support equipment stored beneath the surface.

The unveiling was attended by IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Brig Gen Seyyed Majid Mousavi and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi. Iranian officials said the complex contains multiple categories of ballistic and cruise missiles, including the Fattah missile, which Tehran describes as hypersonic, as well as the long-range Khorramshahr system.

Iran portrayed the installation as evidence that its missile forces remain operational and capable despite sustained military pressure. However, the exact location of the facility, the number of missiles stored there and its full operational status have not been independently verified.

Several weapons visible in the released footage were deliberately blurred, apparently to conceal technical details. Images from inside the complex also featured a portrait of Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, widely regarded in Iran as the architect of the country’s missile program, alongside images of Mojtaba Khamenei and IRGC flags.

The announcement coincided with fresh warnings from Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who indicated that Tehran would not confine any future retaliation to US military facilities in the Middle East.

Speaking to Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen television, Rezaei warned that if Washington launched another attack on Iran, US military installations in Europe could also become targets if they were used to support operations against Iranian territory.

He stated that Iran could strike “distant American military bases” and even “some islands that they think our missiles cannot reach”, adding that Tehran’s military capabilities were now significantly stronger than they had been at the beginning of the conflict.

Mousavi echoed that message during the unveiling ceremony, declaring: “If necessary, we will bring all of their capacities in the region and beyond under our fire, and leave nothing for the enemy but defeat.”

Abdollahi praised Iranian missile operators and argued that the United States had failed to degrade the country’s military strength despite employing advanced weaponry. He further suggested that Tehran possesses additional capabilities that have yet to be publicly disclosed.

The underground complex forms part of Iran’s broader strategy of hardening its military infrastructure. For years, Tehran has invested heavily in underground facilities designed to shield missiles, launch systems and command networks from aerial attack.

Earlier, IRGC spokesman Brig Gen Hossein Mohebbi revealed that missile and drone production lines had been transferred from surface locations into fortified underground sites. He described these facilities as “missile production cities”, emphasising that they are intended not merely for storage but also for continued weapons manufacturing.

Iranian officials maintain that domestic engineering expertise, extensive underground infrastructure and the country’s geographical depth would allow missile and drone production to continue even during sustained air campaigns. Independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.

Military analysts have long viewed Iran’s underground tunnel network as a key component of its deterrence strategy, intended to complicate targeting efforts and ensure the survivability of missile forces. The latest footage appears designed to reinforce that message and demonstrate that much of the country’s strategic infrastructure remains protected below ground.

Questions nevertheless remain regarding the extent of damage inflicted by previous strikes, the number of operational missile launchers still available to Iran and the overall condition of its underground facilities. Assessments vary considerably, and many of Tehran’s claims have not been independently confirmed.

Rezaei also addressed Iran’s nuclear policy, firmly rejecting any proposal to transfer the country’s enriched nuclear material abroad.

He said Tehran intends to retain its entire stockpile for domestic purposes, including future nuclear-powered vessels and small modular reactor power plants. According to Rezaei, Iran has already communicated this position to Russia and made clear that none of its enriched nuclear material will be exported.

His remarks further underscored Tehran’s determination to maintain control over its nuclear assets amid continuing tensions with Washington and ongoing scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities.

The combination of the underground missile facility’s unveiling, renewed threats against US military infrastructure and the refusal to move enriched nuclear material abroad signals Iran’s continued emphasis on strategic self-reliance, deterrence and military resilience in the face of mounting regional and international pressure.

Agencies

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Trump Threatens To Quit NATO— Europe Starts A Side Chat Without America

A historic shift is unfolding inside one of the world's most powerful military alliances, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, commonly known as NATO. As uncertainty grows around America's commitments to the bloc it once led, Europe is quietly preparing for a future, this time without the US at the centre.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, European officials are now developing contingency plans for what some are calling a 'European NATO'. This initiative reflects deepening anxieties over potential US disengagement, particularly driven by friction surrounding strategic policies, Washington's ambitions regarding Greenland, and escalating conflicts involving Iran.

The standoff over the Iran war has brought transatlantic relations to a critical juncture. European allies largely refused to join American military operations and naval blockades against Tehran, prompting the Trump administration to explore punitive measures, including shifting US troops away from non-compliant nations.

Simultaneously, the conflict has spilled dangerously close to European soil. Iranian officials have explicitly threatened to target American bases across Europe, from Cyprus to Britain, prompting the US military to evacuate bombers and refuelling aircraft from British bases such as RAF Mildenhall and RAF Fairford.

In response to this volatile landscape, the fall back plan for a European-led security architecture has gained substantial momentum, notably securing backing from Germany, a nation that historically resisted alternatives to traditional transatlantic structures. Quietly discussed during diplomatic working dinners, the blueprint seeks to utilise NATO's existing command frameworks so continental forces can defend themselves if Washington withdraws.

Can Europe create its own NATO without the US, and what are the challenges it faces? Defence analysts and military leaders acknowledge that while European nations possess professional armed forces and substantial conventional hardware, they remain heavily reliant on American strategic enablers.

Replicating the United States' nuclear umbrella stands as the most daunting hurdle. Currently, only France and the United Kingdom possess independent nuclear arsenals in Europe, and military strategists note that expanding these capabilities to comprehensively deter adversaries like Russia across the entire continent would require massive financial and political restructuring.

Beyond nuclear deterrence, European officials admit that no rapid troop reorganisation can immediately replace America's space-based intelligence, satellite surveillance, and advanced missile warning systems.

Furthermore, the continent faces critical deficits in integrated air defence, anti-missile shields, heavy airlift logistics, and secure transport corridors needed to move forces rapidly toward Poland and the Baltic states.

To bridge these gaps, European capitals are accelerating defence spending, expanding domestic industrial production, and planning large-scale regional military exercises independent of American leadership.

Whether operating as a reinforced European pillar within the existing alliance or evolving into a separate European defence union, the continent is steadily moving toward strategic autonomy to safeguard its own stability.

Agencies

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Indian Army Delegation Visits Indonesia To Deepen Defence Cooperation

An Indian Army delegation from the 55th Army Higher Command Course at the Army War College visited the Indonesian National Armed Forces International Cooperation Centre (TNI-ICC) in Jakarta as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen military-to-military engagement between India and Indonesia.

The visit took place on Wednesday and provided the delegation with a detailed understanding of Indonesia’s national defence and security framework. It also offered an opportunity for both sides to discuss ways of expanding bilateral military cooperation amid steadily growing strategic ties between the two nations.

The delegation was received by Brigadier General TNI Perry Sandhi Sitompul, Commander of the TNI-ICC, along with senior officers from the Indonesian Armed Forces. During the visit, Indonesian officials delivered a comprehensive briefing on the country’s national defence and security strategy and highlighted the Indonesian military’s role in nation-building, public safety and national security.

According to the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, "The delegation was received by Brig General TNI Perry Sandhi Sitompul, Commander, TNI-ICC and senior officers from the Indonesian Armed Forces.

A holistic briefing on Indonesia's National Defence and Security Strategy, and the key role being played by the TNI in nation building, safety and security, was given by TNI-ICC to the course members."

The engagement was followed by discussions on existing mechanisms of defence cooperation and potential areas for future collaboration. The interaction enabled both sides to exchange perspectives on strengthening defence partnerships, capacity building and operational cooperation.

The embassy stated, "This was followed by an insightful session that enabled discussions on existing mechanisms and future areas for bilateral defence cooperation. The visit of AHCC to TNI-ICC reinforces the growing synergy between both countries while providing future leaders of the Indian Armed Forces a deeper understanding of the national security landscape of Indonesia."

The visit comes shortly after the successful completion of the 12th edition of the India-Indonesia joint military exercise, Garuda Shakti 2026, in Banyuwangi, Indonesia. The exercise concluded on 5 November following 11 days of intensive joint training designed to enhance interoperability and operational coordination between the two armies.

India’s contingent comprised personnel from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Indonesia was represented by troops from its Special Forces units. The exercise featured demanding training activities across jungle, island and coastal environments.

Highlighting the exercise, the embassy noted, "The exercise encompassed rigorous training across jungle, island and coastal environments, culminating in a 48-hour Joint Validation Exercise that demonstrated enhanced interoperability, tactical synergy and combat readiness in multiple combat environments."

Garuda Shakti has become a key pillar of India-Indonesia defence engagement, reflecting broader efforts by both countries to strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The latest high-level military interactions underscore the growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and Jakarta and their shared commitment to regional stability, professional military exchanges and closer bilateral defence ties.

ANI

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UAE Coast Guard Rescues 19 Indian Seafarers After Projectile Attack On Oil Tanker

All 19 Indian nationals aboard a Liberia\-flagged crude oil tanker are safe after the vessel was struck in a projectile attack off Mina Saqr in the United Arab Emirates on 11 November.

India's Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the tanker, MT DOMINICA PROSPERITY, was carrying a total crew of 22 when it came under attack.

Following the incident, the UAE Coast Guard carried out a swift evacuation operation, safely rescuing the entire crew from the vessel.

Sonowal confirmed that all 19 Indian seafarers escaped unharmed and that no injuries were reported among them.

“The entire 22-member crew was swiftly and safely evacuated by the UAE Coast Guard and all 19 of our Indian nationals are completely safe with no injuries,” the minister said.

He added that Indian authorities are maintaining close coordination with the ship's management company to support the crew and oversee their welfare following the evacuation.

“We remain in continuous contact with the ship management company to ensure their ongoing safety, welfare and logistical support,” Sonowal stated.

The attack occurred amid heightened security concerns in the Persian Gulf and nearby maritime corridors, where commercial vessels have faced a growing number of security incidents in recent months. The latest episode is one of several involving oil tankers operating in the region.

The incident also follows another reported projectile strike on a Liberia\-flagged tanker in the Persian Gulf a day earlier. In that case, several crew members were injured, including an Indian seafarer who sustained minor injuries. Indian authorities said they continue to monitor developments closely and remain engaged with shipping companies to safeguard Indian crew members working aboard international vessels.

With the successful evacuation completed by the UAE Coast Guard, all crew members from MT DOMINICA PROSPERITY are reported safe, while efforts remain focused on ensuring their continued security and well\-being.

Agencies

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