Category: Defence

New Delhi: India is reportedly in advanced discussions with France to procure 31 additional carrier-capable Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy, according to French media reports. The move comes alongside New Delhi’s massive 114-aircraft Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program for the Indian Air Force, potentially cementing the Rafale platform as the backbone of India’s future combat aviation fleet. A report in the French publication La Tribune stated that India has formally conveyed its interest in expanding its naval Rafale fleet. The development follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s recent…

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New Delhi/Bengaluru |  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday inaugurated a new missile integration facility at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru and flagged off the combat systems of the third and fourth regiments of the Akash missile system. During the event, the Defence Minister also formally unveiled the Mountain Fire Control Radar, designed specifically for deployment in high-altitude and mountainous terrains. Strengthening India’s Air Defence Describing the development as a major step towards strengthening India’s air defence capabilities, Singh said indigenous air defence and anti-drone systems had proven their…

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New Delhi | Amid growing speculation over India’s potential acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets, France is set to deepen its defence partnership with New Delhi, with a key focus on the joint production of the advanced HAMMER missile system in India. French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin will meet India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on February 17 in Bengaluru. The two leaders will co-chair the sixth India–France Annual Defence Dialogue, where discussions are expected to include extending the bilateral defence cooperation agreement for another ten years and signing a Memorandum…

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New Delhi: In a major blow to transnational maritime crime, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully busted an international oil smuggling racket through a meticulously planned sea-air coordinated operation conducted on 05–06 February 2026. The operation led to the interception of three suspect vessels involved in the illegal transfer of oil and oil-based cargo originating from conflict-affected regions. The operation was initiated following the detection of suspicious maritime activity by the Indian Coast Guard’s technology-enabled surveillance systems. A motor tanker operating within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) raised red…

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Salalah | The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini has successfully completed the first port call of its landmark trans-oceanic expedition Lokayan 26 at Salalah, Oman, on February 5, 2026, marking an important step in strengthening India–Oman maritime ties. The ten-month global voyage aims to showcase India’s maritime heritage while promoting the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—through naval diplomacy and cultural outreach. During the port visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini held interactions with Captain Mohammad Al Ghailani, Southern Naval Area Commander of…

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New Delhi | Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral discussions with the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias, in New Delhi on Monday, reaffirming the growing India–Greece Strategic Partnership built on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect. During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between their indigenous defence industries, aligning India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with Greece’s defence modernisation programme under Agenda 2030. A Joint Declaration of Intent was signed to enhance defence industrial collaboration, marking the beginning of a…

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New Delhi | In a major development for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has shortlisted three industry consortia for the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter programme. The AMCA is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming decades. According to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the selection was made after evaluating seven industry consortia that participated in the pre-qualification phase. The assessment was based on technical expertise, financial strength, and advanced aerospace manufacturing…

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New Delhi | India has handed over 50 military utility vehicles to the Nepal Army, marking another significant step in strengthening long-standing defence ties between the two neighbouring countries. The handover took place near the India–Nepal border in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Tuesday. Indian defence authorities described the move as a symbol of mutual trust, cooperation, and enduring military partnership between India and Nepal. While the vehicles were technically transferred at the border, they will be formally presented during a ceremony in Kathmandu by the Indian Ambassador to Nepal.…

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Sagar, Madhya Pradesh | The Indian Army’s Combat Leadership Course concluded successfully on February 7 at the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy, Dhana, near Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, reinforcing the Army’s push towards preparing junior leaders for modern, technology-driven battlefields. The intensive training programme brought together NCOs from across the Indian Army and placed strong emphasis on counter-drone warfare, adaptive leadership, and decision-making in complex operational environments. The course was designed to address emerging threats and evolving combat scenarios shaped by rapid technological advancements. Emphasis on Future Warfare During the closing ceremony,…

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New Delhi: India and France are advancing towards a substantial defence agreement valued at approximately €300 million for the supply of additional SCALP cruise missiles to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This development follows the missiles’ proven efficacy during Operation Sindoor last year, where they delivered precise strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The SCALP, also recognised as the Storm Shadow, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile renowned for its stealth features and pinpoint accuracy. Launched from Rafale fighter jets alongside BrahMos missiles, it successfully neutralised high-value targets including the…

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