A significant milestone in the indigenisation of infantry equipment has been achieved by India Optel Limited (IOL). The defence public sector undertaking has successfully completed the development and user trials of a fully indigenous telescopic sight tailored for the Indian Army’s AK-203 assault rifles.
The new optical system, designated IOL-TS-203, has been cleared for bulk production following rigorous testing. Deliveries for the initial order are scheduled to commence in mid-2026...
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In a significant move to modernize its armoured warfare capabilities, the Indian Army has unveiled innovative defensive upgrades for its T-90S Bhishma main battle tanks.
During the ongoing 'Exercise Dakshin Shakti 2025' in the deserts of Rajasthan, frontline tanks were observed fitted with three distinct variations of anti-drone armour, popularly known in military circles as "cope cages" or slat armour.
This development highlights the Army's proactive approach to countering the growing...
In a significant disclosure regarding the events of May 2025, representatives from the Turkish defence manufacturer Asisguard have acknowledged that the operational failure of their Songar armed drones against India was primarily due to tactical misuse by the Pakistan Army.
Sources within the Ankara-based firm stated that the systems were deployed in high-risk strategic roles far beyond their design specifications, leading to their neutralization by India’s robust electronic warfare (EW)...
In a development that could fundamentally alter the trajectory of Indo–Russian defence cooperation, Moscow has presented a comprehensive proposal to New Delhi that positions the Su-57E fighter jet not merely as a purchase, but as a bridge to future high-tech warfare.
Senior Russian officials have conveyed that reviving the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) programme could unlock deep collaboration on next-generation platforms, including sixth-generation fighter jets and strategic...
In a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation, Russia has formally presented a proposal to equip the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet with the 3M-14E Kalibr-PL (export designation Club-S) land-attack cruise missile system.
This latest offer is pitched as the most rapid and flexible solution to provide Indian submarines with a formidable 1,500 km deep-strike capability, utilising the existing 533 mm torpedo tubes without the need for extensive refits.
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A Modular "Bridge"...
The Philippines has initiated discussions with India regarding the acquisition of an indigenous medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
This potential procurement is aimed at replacing the Philippine Air Force’s aging inventory of MIM-23 Improved HAWK batteries, which were originally sourced from the United States during the 1990s.
Reports suggest this move aligns with Manila's broader efforts to secure modern defence capabilities under its ongoing modernization programme...
In a revelation that highlights the critical dangers of relying on foreign nations for military maintenance, a retired Indian Navy officer has disclosed a significant handicap faced by India during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
Vice Admiral Kishore O. Thakare (Retd.), speaking on The Sandeep Unnithan Show, detailed how the United States refused to return essential submarine periscopes to India during the height of the war, despite the payments having already been processed.
This historical...
A diplomatic misunderstanding regarding a major defence acquisition briefly took centre stage earlier this week, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding India’s military procurement processes.
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces was compelled to withdraw a public statement that prematurely confirmed an Indian order for 114 Rafale fighter jets, following a swift intervention by New Delhi.
Premature Celebration and Swift Retraction
On 2 December 2025, French officials released a...
In a significant development for infantry modernisation, India is currently in advanced discussions to manufacture a revolutionary Israeli small arms technology domestically.
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a premier private defence manufacturer, has developed a system known as 'ARBEL', which promises to dramatically enhance the accuracy and lethality of standard rifles.
A Leap in Infantry Technology
According to recent reports, including coverage by NDTV, the ARBEL system is being...
As the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) prepares to issue the long-awaited Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, the Russian defence industry has signalled a strong intent to re-enter the competition.
Officials from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state intermediary for military exports, have confirmed they will conduct a detailed examination of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirements.
Moscow aims to propose a platform that directly addresses previous...
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reinforced its confidence in the scalability of its indigenous Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, confirming its readiness to power India’s next-generation Project-76 (P-76) submarines.
While originally designed for the compact Kalvari-class (Scorpene) vessels, DRDO sources state the fuel-cell-based system is fully adaptable for larger platforms, promising enhanced stealth and endurance for the Indian Navy’s future...
Fresh images emerging from a recent aerospace exhibition have provided defence analysts with their clearest look yet at the future of India’s air superiority.
Photographs released by Vayu Aerospace display high-fidelity mockups of the Astra Mk2A, a next-generation air-to-air missile.
These visuals suggest significant design evolutions aimed at extending the weapon's strike range beyond 200 kilometres, directly challenging the capabilities of regional adversaries.
A Larger, More Potent...
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to launch a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at mastering sixth-generation fighter jet technologies.
Moving beyond the current standards of fifth-generation aerial warfare, sources indicate that the organisation plans to develop futuristic capabilities such as shape-shifting wings, self-repairing stealth coatings, and photonic flight control systems.
These innovations are intended to secure India's air dominance...
In a significant development for the Indian aviation sector, ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of turboprop aircraft, has indicated a strong willingness to establish a final assembly line in India.
The Franco-Italian aerospace giant is exploring the local production of its flagship ATR 72-600 aircraft to cater to the country’s rapidly expanding regional market.
This strategic consideration comes as demand for short-haul connectivity surges across India, driven largely by the...
In a significant development for Southeast Asian regional security, India is in the final stages of dispatching the third and concluding batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.
This shipment, anticipated to arrive before the end of 2025, will complete the historic $375 million (approximately ₹3,100 crore) defence contract established between the two nations in January 2022.
As New Delhi’s inaugural major export of lethal weaponry, this successful delivery not only...
In a significant disclosure regarding India's future combat aviation roadmap, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed it is actively exploring options to acquire fifth-generation fighter capabilities to bridge a critical operational gap.
The admission came from Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, during the inaugural ANI National Security Summit.
During the summit, Air Marshal Dixit provided a candid assessment of the IAF’s modernisation trajectory. He acknowledged...
India’s indigenous fighter jet programme is approaching a defining moment. The Tejas Mk2, a next-generation Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), has formally entered a decisive phase of development, with the first prototype currently subjected to rigorous ground-based testing.
According to the latest programme schedules, the aircraft is on track for a formal rollout between March and June 2026, provided the current workflow proceeds without interruption.
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Critical Testing Phase Begins
Engineers...
Following the severe operational losses sustained during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reportedly suspended plans to acquire additional Saab 2000 Erieye airborne warning and control systems (AWACS).
Instead, defence sources indicate a strategic pivot towards a new indigenous program, "Project Zarb-e-Samaa," which seeks to develop a jet-powered surveillance platform using commercial airliners.
This initiative mirrors the approach taken by the Pakistan...
In a significant development for India’s indigenous aviation capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to receive the fifth General Electric (GE) F404-IN20 engine by the second week of December 2025.
Sources close to the supply chain have confirmed that this delivery marks a pivotal moment in stabilizing the production line for the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
Boosting Indigenous Production
The arrival of this engine is a critical step in overcoming recent...
In a significant strategic pivot, India has reportedly opened fresh deliberations regarding the acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-57 ‘Felon’, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation fighter jet.
This renewed interest comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to bolster its long-range strike capabilities and stealth profile.
Defence sources indicate that New Delhi is currently evaluating the potential purchase of at least two squadrons of the heavy fighter, with discussions also extending to a...
