indian defence News and Updates from The Economic Times Page 1

For India, which began inducting the C-17 fleet in June 2013, this roadmap ensures that its core strategic airlift capability will remain viable for decades, supporting missions ranging from rapid troop deployment to humanitarian assistance and high-altitude logistics. Traditional launch systems often involve bulky infrastructure, safety risks, and limited adaptability to different payload configurations. This initiative reflects a broader shift toward more efficient, flexible, and scalable launch mechanisms capable of supporting diverse mission requirements in modern maritime operations. The Indian Navy is pursuing next-generation launch technologies by inviting the development of a compact Electromagnetic Launch System (EMLS) under the DISC 14 innovation challenge. India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is increasingly being shaped around a much larger force structure than initially sanctioned.

Iran resumes commercial flights from Tehran airport for first time since war

This test follows other recent naval advancements by Pakistan. Pakistan has successfully test-fired its Taimoor air-launched cruise missile. In response to escalating geopolitical strains, Indian spacetech startups are making a bold pivot from commercial indian defence updates focuses to military applications. India's vast trained workforce and cost-effective infrastructure offer a significant advantage. Powerful AI models like Anthropic's Mythos present both opportunities and security risks for the banking sector.

• Armenia is getting ready to make history by becoming the very first international buyer of India’s latest air defence system—the Akash NG (Next Generation) surface-to-air
• The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project’s unit three witnessed the commencement of the “spillage to open reactor” phase on Saturday, marking a significant development in the ongoing construction of the project, a statement said.
• Security forces have apprehended three cadres of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) ULFA-I during a counter-insurgency operation in Nagaland’s Mon district, officials said on Saturday.
• The move aims to boost military strength, improve surveillance and modernise equipment.
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan held discussions with a senior US Indo-Pacific Command official, reinforcing the expanding strategic alignment between the two nations in terms of regional security.
• US forces are enforcing sanctions and have redirected 37 vessels since the blockade began.

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• But long-term commitments to nuclear power made now will likely lock it in to countries’ future energy mixes, said Joshua Kurlantzick of the Council on Foreign Relations.
• The Indian Air Force’s evolving Super Sukhoi construct—pairing a large-aperture AESA radar with a ramjet-powered long-range missile—does not eliminate stealth advantages, but it does compress them to the point where they are no longer decisive on their own.
• These are unified commands where personnel and assets of the army, navy and Airforce will operate together in specific geographical areas.
• The multi-layered system, comprising QRSAM missiles, VSHORADS missiles, and a high-power laser DEW, destroyed multiple UAV targets.

Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation, these radars will improve air surveillance in high-altitude areas. India on Friday commissioned its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman, enhancing the country's sea-based nuclear deterrence. With over 75% indigenous content, it highlights India’s growing defence capability. India has added a major boost to its naval strength with the commissioning of INS Taragiri in Visakhapatnam.

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Raksha Mantri emphasized that mastering frontier technologies is essential for India’s security. Hence, reforms will encompass training, capability development and procurement of technologies such as AI-based drones, electromagnetic weapons, and anti-satellite missiles. He highlighted India's growing market and skilled workforce. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged German companies to partner with India for co-development and co-production.

The adaptable nature of drone-based radars offers advantages over static systems, making them harder to neutralize and offering flexible deployment options. These systems aim to detect and track aerial targets in contested environments, providing an accurate picture to a central location. The Indian Air Force is seeking domestic development of collaborative drone-based surveillance radars through the Mehar Baba Competition.