News , articles and essays on Indian Defense
The IAF is inducting the indigenous Tejas Mk1A and developing the more capable Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. These programmes, however, require time to reach their intended production rates and fleet strength. The Rafale acquisition is therefore intended to provide a proven, high-end platform alongside India’s indigenous fighter programmes rather than replace them.
The opening programme, known as Yudh Sansmaran, was organised at the Lamochen View Point overlooking the battlefield. A documentary on Operation Vijay and a special presentation recounting the acts of courage of 40 war heroes were screened during the ceremony. Veterans shared their memories of the conflict, while family members spoke about the soldiers whose courage and sacrifice became part of India’s military history.
The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 by Bharat Forge Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Guru Biswal and FLYING WHALES President Sébastien Bougon. It proposes the establishment of manufacturing, integration and production capabilities for FLYING WHALES–Bharat Forge airships within India.
The Kusha system is being developed to counter a broad range of airborne threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and large military aircraft across an extensive range and altitude envelope. Its missiles, surveillance and fire-control radars, command-and-control centre and associated weapon-system components have been developed by DRDO laboratories in cooperation with Indian industry.
An expendable turbojet is generally designed to power platforms intended for limited-duration or one-way missions. Such engines can potentially support unmanned aerial systems, aerial targets, decoys and stand-off platforms. The government has not disclosed the specific platform for which the new engine has been developed.
DRDO’s Centre for Air Borne Systems signed the first contract with AI Engineering Services Limited, New Delhi, for converting six Airbus A321 aircraft from their commercial configuration into platforms suitable for further modification under the AEW&C Mk-II programme. A second contract was signed with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited, Ahmedabad, which will serve as the Development-cum-Production Partner for the aircraft’s mission systems.
Named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, the warship is the first Indian naval vessel to be commissioned at Karwar and the seventh ship inducted into the Navy during the year. It is one of eight Mahe-class vessels being constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited and incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content.
Hosted by the Southern Naval Command, the programme is being conducted under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces. The engagement includes 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, representatives of four international organisations and subject-matter experts.
Under the new provisions, 50 per cent of the vacancies in these recruitment categories will be reserved for former Agniveers. The measure is intended to provide a structured employment pathway for personnel completing their term of service under the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
The IAF contingent includes experienced pilots, engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers and other specialists. India will deploy its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft, which will play key combat support roles throughout the exercise.
