Defense

Under the partnership, L&T and Exail will jointly offer a state-of-the-art unmanned MCM suite designed to detect, classify, identify and neutralise naval mines while keeping crews at a safer stand-off distance from the minefield. L&T will serve as the prime contractor, while Exail will act as the technology partner for the programme.

Its quasi-ballistic profile makes it more dangerous than a simple ballistic projectile. A conventional ballistic missile follows a relatively predictable path, but a quasi-ballistic missile can fly on a depressed or manoeuvrable trajectory, making interception more difficult. This is especially relevant in modern battlefields where air defence systems, missile shields and radar networks are becoming more advanced. Pralay is designed not only to reach the target, but to complicate the enemy’s ability to detect, track and intercept it.

The Rudra barrel-launched loitering munition is an Indian defence system developed by Machfly Aerospace, an Indian aerospace start-up associated with IIT Jammu. According to Machfly’s own description, Rudra is designed as a barrel-launched loitering munition that can be deployed from Pinaka and other multi-barrel launch systems, giving artillery units a new precision-strike option beyond conventional rockets.

The operation, launched in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, rapidly evolved into one of the most technologically significant military confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent decades. The strikes themselves reportedly lasted only minutes, but the broader operational and strategic consequences are continuing to reshape India’s military doctrine, procurement priorities, and battlefield philosophy.

The contract for six Air Cushion Vehicles was signed with Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa, on October 24, 2024. These platforms are designed for multipurpose maritime roles and are expected to give the Indian Coast Guard greater speed, reach and flexibility in areas where conventional boats may face operational limitations. ACVs can operate over shallow waters, marshy areas and difficult coastal terrain, making them particularly useful for India’s vast coastline, island territories, river mouths, creeks and sensitive coastal zones.

The first batch consists of 135 men and 9 women, selected for the 166 Infantry Battalion Territorial Army (Home & Hearth), Assam. The recruits are scheduled to leave for Shillong on May 15 to complete formalities before training. The male recruits will undergo training in Shillong, while the nine women recruits will proceed to Bengaluru for their training.

These warheads can manoeuvre independently and strike separate targets hundreds of kilometres apart. A single missile can therefore threaten multiple cities, air bases, command centres, or missile silos simultaneously.

A scramjet, or supersonic combustion ramjet, is an air-breathing engine designed for flight at hypersonic speeds, generally above Mach 5. Unlike conventional rocket motors that carry both fuel and oxidiser, a scramjet uses oxygen from the atmosphere, allowing sustained high-speed flight in the atmosphere. This makes the technology highly valuable for long-range hypersonic cruise missiles, where speed, manoeuvrability and reduced reaction time for enemy air-defence systems are crucial.