Russia Arms Shahed Drones With MANPADS, Creating New Threat for Ukrainian Helicopters

New Delhi |  Nearly four years into the Russia–Ukraine war, the conflict continues to witness rapid technological evolution, with drones emerging as one of the most decisive weapons on the battlefield. In a significant and alarming development, Russia has now reportedly equipped its Shahed kamikaze drones with man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), marking a new and potentially dangerous phase in the ongoing drone war. This is the first confirmed instance of a Shahed drone being fitted with a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile system such as the Igla or its advanced variant,…

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Engine of the Future: Rolls-Royce Eyes Key Role in India’s AMCA Programme

New Delhi |  As India moves closer to selecting a foreign partner for the development of a high-thrust engine for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), British aerospace major Rolls-Royce has stepped up its outreach, positioning its fifth-generation fighter engine experience as a key differentiator against French rival Safran. With the AMCA programme seen as a cornerstone of India’s long-term air power and self-reliance goals, competition between global engine manufacturers has intensified. While industry reports indicate that Safran may currently enjoy an edge, Rolls-Royce is emphasising its historical involvement in…

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IAF Marks 25 Years of TEJAS First Flight, Celebrates India’s Indigenous Air Power Journey

New Delhi | The Indian Air Force (IAF)  commemorated the 25th anniversary of the maiden flight of the TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), marking a landmark moment in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence aerospace manufacturing. Sharing a message on social media, the IAF highlighted the collective effort behind the indigenous fighter programme, acknowledging the contributions of scientists from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), engineers from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), test pilots, and personnel from the IAF and Indian Navy. The post underscored the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, concluding with…

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HAL Eyes Global Markets, Seeks Indian Consultants to Drive Export Strategy

New Delhi | State-owned aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from Indian consultancy firms as part of a strategic initiative to expand its footprint in global defence and aerospace markets. The move is aimed at strengthening HAL’s export roadmap by tapping domestic expertise to assess foreign defence procurement systems and identify opportunities for its indigenous fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. The Maharatna PSU, operating under the Ministry of Defence, is seeking long-term advisory support to build structured export pipelines and deepen engagement with overseas stakeholders.…

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Avantel Wins ₹4.16 Crore MoD Contract for Naval SATCOM Maintenance

New Delhi | Defence communications firm Avantel Limited has secured a ₹4.16 crore contract (inclusive of taxes) from the Ministry of Defence, Headquarters Naval Aviation, for the comprehensive annual maintenance of Satellite Communication (SATCOM) equipment used by the Indian Navy. According to company sources, the contract covers Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) services and will remain in force until January 2028, highlighting a long-term engagement aimed at ensuring uninterrupted performance and operational reliability of critical naval communication systems. The order strengthens Avantel’s presence in India’s defence ecosystem, particularly in the…

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BEL Adds ₹569 Crore in Fresh Orders, Bolsters Defence Manufacturing Push

New Delhi : Navratna defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has strengthened its order book with fresh contracts worth ₹569 crore, received after its previous disclosure on December 29, 2025. The latest inflow signals a strong finish to the third quarter of FY26 and reflects sustained demand for indigenous defence and electronic solutions. In a regulatory filing, BEL said the new orders cover a wide spectrum of products and services, including advanced communication systems, medical electronics, fire detection and suppression solutions, equipment upgrades, spares, and associated services. The diversified nature…

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Indian Army Set to Become World’s First to Deploy Ramjet-Powered 155 mm Artillery Shells

New Delhi: The Indian Army is on the verge of achieving a historic breakthrough in artillery warfare, with plans underway to induct the world’s first ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery shells. This cutting-edge development marks a major leap in India’s military modernisation and firmly reinforces the country’s push towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence technology. Developed through a close collaboration between IIT-Madras and the Indian Army, the innovative shell is expected to extend the range of existing 155 mm artillery ammunition by 30 to 50 per cent without compromising destructive capability. Once…

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Made in India, Ready for the World: Inside India’s Defence Boom of 2026

New Delhi: As India steps into 2026, its defence sector stands on the threshold of a historic transformation. What began as an ambitious policy vision under Atmanirbhar Bharat has evolved into a measurable, system-wide shift—one marked by indigenous manufacturing breakthroughs, record-high budgetary support, accelerated weapon inductions, and a decisive push toward becoming a global defence exporter. The year is not merely about new platforms entering service; it represents a structural realignment of India’s military-industrial ecosystem. From advanced fighter aircraft and stealth submarines to next-generation missiles and space-enabled warfare systems, 2026…

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Global Defence in 2025: A Year the World Armed for Uncertainty

Lucknow: The year 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment in modern global defence history—a year when geopolitics hardened, military budgets shattered records, technology reshaped battlefields, and long-simmering conflicts pushed the world closer to a permanent state of strategic tension. From Eastern Europe to the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, nations recalibrated their security priorities in response to a volatile international order where deterrence, rather than diplomacy, increasingly dictated policy. Global military spending surged to an unprecedented $2.7 trillion, reflecting not only ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza but…

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India–US $4 Billion MQ-9B Predator Deal with Local MRO to Transform Drone Warfare Capabilities

New Delhi | India and the United States have finalised a landmark government-to-government defence agreement worth approximately US$4 billion for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from American defence major General Atomics. The deal, one of the largest in the history of India–US defence cooperation, is set to significantly enhance India’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities across land and maritime domains. The agreement, cleared by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security and formally signed in October 2024, includes not only the drones and associated weapons but…

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