Category: Defence

New Delhi: The Indian Army’s Zorawar light tank programme is facing fresh design challenges as the force seeks enhanced armour protection for the high-altitude combat vehicle, potentially increasing its weight and requiring changes to its powerpack. The Zorawar was conceived as a highly mobile tank of around 25 tonnes for deployment in mountainous areas such as eastern Ladakh. The requirement emerged after the 2020 border standoff, which highlighted the difficulties of operating heavier T-72 and T-90 tanks at high altitudes. The Army is now seeking substantially higher protection levels. The…

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New Delhi: With the Indian Air Force (IAF) continuing to face a shortage of fighter squadrons, a proposal to upgrade its existing Mirage 2000 fleet with India’s indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is attracting attention as a possible interim capability enhancement. The Mirage 2000 is expected to remain in IAF service for several more years, even as newer platforms such as the Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are developed. Supporters of the proposed upgrade argue that modernising the aircraft’s sensors could extend its operational…

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Yerevan/New Delhi: Armenia’s reported deployment of Indian-manufactured artillery systems during military training has highlighted the country’s efforts to modernise its ground forces and strengthen its precision-fire capabilities. Recent footage and defence reports have indicated that the Armenian Armed Forces are training with India’s Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and the MArG 155-BR artillery system. Their reported integration into military formations reflects Armenia’s growing focus on mobile artillery and modern battlefield operations. The development comes against the backdrop of Armenia’s experience during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and subsequent border clashes,…

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New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has established a delivery schedule for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) second batch of 97 indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, with inductions planned between September 2027 and September 2033. The timeline comes as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) continues to face delays in delivering aircraft from an earlier 83-jet order signed in 2021. The latest procurement, valued at ₹62,370 crore, was formally contracted with HAL in September 2025. It takes the total number of Tejas Mk1A aircraft ordered by the…

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New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a series of policy initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups and integrating smaller enterprises more deeply into India’s defence supply chain. The initiatives were announced at VIMARSH 2026, a DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet held in New Delhi on Tuesday. The new measures are designed to reduce technical and financial barriers for MSMEs and start-ups by providing direct funding, incubation support and dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities. A standardised and secure framework for…

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New Delhi: India has made a significant advance in indigenous semiconductor technology for defence applications, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developing and demonstrating Gallium Nitride (GaN)-on-Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology for high-frequency military systems. The development, highlighted in the Ministry of Defence’s annual report for 2025-26, is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in electronic warfare, military radar and other advanced defence platforms by reducing dependence on imported semiconductor components. GaN technology for high-power applications At the heart of the development is an indigenous GaN semiconductor designed for demanding…

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Kargil: The Indian Army organised the Capt Vikram Batra Cricket Cup at Capt Saurabh Kalia Cricket Stadium, Kaksar, as part of its continued efforts to promote sports, youth engagement and a spirit of camaraderie in the border areas. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from four girls’ teams representing Government High School Kaksar, Government High School Kharboo, Government Higher Secondary School Chanigund and Government Higher Secondary School Budgam. Government High School Kaksar emerged as the winner, while Government Higher Secondary School Badgam secured the runner-up position. Cash rewards were presented to…

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Sydney: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Thursday held talks with Rear Admiral Anita William, Commander of the Australian Fleet (COMAUSFLT), at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney, as India and Australia seek to further strengthen maritime defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions covered the evolving capabilities of the Australian Navy, planned fleet inductions and opportunities to expand operational cooperation between the two navies. The meeting also focused on improving interoperability and increasing interaction between their maritime forces. During his visit, Admiral Swaminathan toured HMAS Kuttabul, gaining an overview of…

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New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen India’s military preparedness and operational capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved defence procurement proposals worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. The approved acquisitions include helicopters, advanced radars, CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, mine-laying systems, mobile bridging equipment and several other modern military platforms. A major feature of the procurement package is its strong emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing. Rajnath Singh said on social media that nearly 98 per cent of…

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