News , articles and essays on Indian Defense
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led an Indian defence delegation to Mari Naval Base, where he held discussions with Commodore Nicolaos Luca, Commander of the Cyprus Naval Command. India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, accompanied the delegation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and First Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček held discussions covering the broader spectrum of defence industrial cooperation between India and the Czech Republic. The meeting provided an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, review progress in bilateral industrial engagement and identify areas where cooperation could expand.
The construction of Samarthak by Larsen & Toubro demonstrates the expanding capabilities of India’s private-sector shipbuilding industry. The company has developed expertise in naval engineering, specialised ship construction and the integration of advanced defence systems. Its participation in the Multi-Purpose Vessel programme contributes to India’s efforts to establish a stronger domestic industrial base for naval requirements.
The Indian contingent was among just ten teams awarded Gold Medals during the 2026 exercise, which attracted more than 100 participating teams. According to the British Army, the event received a total of 140 patrol entries, including 35 international patrols and two combined British-international patrols, making the 2026 edition the largest in its history.
The October 13 unveiling represents progress in the company’s transition from aircraft design and digital engineering to physical prototype development. FWDA is also developing a smaller technology demonstrator, FWD Supreme Lite, which the company says has completed taxi trials and is preparing for its maiden flight.
By September 2026, the Indian Armed Forces had participated in numerous international exercises covering land warfare, maritime security, air combat, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and emerging military technologies.
The ninth edition carries the theme “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain,” reflecting the importance of cooperation in protecting commercial shipping, maintaining maritime stability and responding to emerging security challenges. The exercise also demonstrates the growing significance of South–South defence cooperation, particularly among countries whose economic development depends heavily on secure international maritime routes.
The initiative involves collaboration between ICMR, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), AIIMS Bilaspur and other research institutions. Its research programmes will investigate the effects of reduced oxygen availability, extreme cold, changing climatic conditions, geographical isolation and distinctive environmental factors on human health.
The Indian Army identified the requirement as Challenge 7 under DISC 14, formally titled Man-portable ELINT System with ESM Capabilities. The Department of Defence Production published the challenge as part of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative to develop indigenous military technologies through Indian startups and innovative enterprises.
Shakti represents a significant achievement in India’s efforts to develop sophisticated naval electronic warfare technologies domestically. The system has been associated with frontline platforms including INS Visakhapatnam and India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, while additional installations are planned across major warship programmes.
