SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India and Russia have initiated discussions on the local production and potential sale of the R-37 very long-range air-to-air missile (VLR AAM) for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, signalling a renewed focus on enhancing long-range air combat capability. According to information accessed by idrw.org, Russian sources have confirmed that the talks include both off-the-shelf procurement and a possible follow-on arrangement for manufacturing the missile in India.
The R-37, a heavyweight VLR beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with an engagement range exceeding 200 km, is designed to counter high-value airborne targets such as AWACS, aerial refuellers, electronic warfare aircraft, and stand-off strike platforms. Russian officials have indicated that a single Su-30MKI can be configured to carry at least eight R-37 missiles in a maximum air-to-air loadout, a capability that would dramatically increase the aircraft’s long-range interception and area-denial potential.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence is set to fund the development of an Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Geostationary Earth Orbit satellite for secure military communications under the MAKE-I (Government Funded) category, marking a major step in strengthening India’s space-based defence communications architecture. The programme allows government funding of up to 70 percent of the prototype development cost, capped at ?250 crore per Development Agency, with a mandatory minimum Indigenous Content requirement of 50 percent.
The proposed AEHF GEO satellite is intended to provide the Indian armed forces with a highly secure, survivable, and resilient communications backbone capable of operating in contested and electronically hostile environments. AEHF-class systems are specifically designed to deliver encrypted, jam-resistant, and anti-spoof communication links, ensuring continuity of command, control, and coordination even during high-intensity conflict.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s indigenous PRALAY Short-Range Tactical Ballistic Missile (SR-TBM) has achieved a critical combat-relevant milestone with the successful execution of a salvo launch in quick succession from the same launcher. The demonstration validates three core operational attributes of the system: launcher reloadability, thermal tolerance, and the robustness of its Fire Control System (FCS).
The ability to fire multiple missiles rapidly from the same Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) is a demanding requirement for modern missile forces. The PRALAY salvo launch confirms that the launcher can withstand repeated firing cycles without degradation, including rapid reload operations under operational timelines. This directly enhances unit-level firepower without increasing launcher footprint.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India has taken a decisive step toward next-generation undersea warfare with the first public showcase of the complete design of the Jalkapi Extra-Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV), also referred to as an XLUUV. The programme is being jointly developed by Rekise Marine Private Limited—winner of the iDEX ADITI 1.0 challenge for this design—and Krishna Defence and Allied Industries Ltd. The unveiling of the full configuration signals that the project has moved beyond conceptual studies into a mature, execution-ready phase.
The Jalkapi XLAUV is positioned as India’s flagship indigenously developed unmanned submarine and represents a significant qualitative jump in the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. Designed to operate autonomously for extended durations without a human crew, the platform is intended to act as a force multiplier by assuming high-risk, persistent, or repetitive missions that would otherwise tie down scarce manned submarines.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A captivating image of an Indian Air Force pilot in the cockpit of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI has taken the internet by storm, particularly among fans of the legendary manga and anime series Naruto. The pilot, captured during operations or an exercise in France, is seen flashing a peace sign while wearing a flight helmet adorned with the distinctive purple Rinnegan eyes – the powerful dojutsu famously associated with characters like Pain (Nagato), Madara Uchiha, and Sasuke Uchiha in Masashi Kishimoto’s epic storyline.
The Rinnegan, known as one of the “Three Great Dojutsu” in the Naruto universe, grants its wielders god-like abilities, including mastery over all nature transformations, control of gravity, soul extraction, and even resurrection techniques. Its signature appearance – concentric purple circles with ripple patterns – has become an iconic symbol in anime culture, instantly recognizable to millions of fans.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a twist that has ignited social media frenzy and diplomatic discourse, Indians have responded with sharp wit to China’s assertion that its leadership played a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire during the brief but intense India-Pakistan conflict known as Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement, attributing mediation efforts to President Xi Jinping, has been met with widespread ridicule, particularly highlighting the alleged failures of Chinese-supplied weapons used by Pakistan. This online backlash underscores deeper frustrations over perceived poor-quality armaments that reportedly underperformed, leading to creative mockery that has gone viral across platforms.
The episode began when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a press conference in Beijing, claimed that China had actively mediated between India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following the four-day skirmish.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A heated and profane radio exchange allegedly between a Taiwanese F-16 pilot and a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) J-15 pilot has taken social media by storm, drawing millions of views and shares for its sharp political jabs and escalating vulgarity. The clip, which surfaced in late December 2025, captures a tense aerial interception over the Taiwan Strait turning into a verbal showdown that highlights deep ideological divides across the strait.
The interaction begins calmly but quickly devolves as the Taiwanese pilot repeatedly calls the Chinese counterpart “poor thing” and “tragic,” mocking perceived subservience to the Communist Party. In response, the Chinese pilot unleashes a barrage of expletives, unable to counter the pointed criticisms about freedom, leadership selection, and authoritarian control. The Taiwanese pilot’s composed delivery, contrasting with the furious outbursts from the other side, has led many online users to declare it a clear rhetorical victory.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor on Thursday took charge as the IAF’s Vice Chief of the Air Staff. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command (SWAC).
He succeeds Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, who retired on Wednesday after four decades of illustrious service to the nation.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
On the occasion of the 68th Foundation Day of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday extended heartfelt greetings to the scientists and personnel, praising their unwavering commitment, scientific excellence and deep sense of national duty.
DRDO is marking its 68th Foundation Day on Thursday. The organisation was established on this day in 1958 to strengthen India and make the country self-reliant in the fields of science and technology, particularly in defence.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
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Boeing, opens new tab was given an $8.6 billion contract for the F-15 Israel Program, the Pentagon said on Monday, after U.S. President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. “This contract provides for the design, integration, instrumentation, test, production, and delivery of 25 new F-15IA aircraft for the Israeli Air Force with an option for an additional 25 F-15IA aircraft,” the Pentagon said.
The Pentagon said the contract involved foreign military sales to Israel. The U.S. has long been by far the largest arms supplier to its closest Middle East ally.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The security agencies have their task cut out this year as the situation in Bangladesh is worsening and Pakistan is back to its old tricks to try and destabilise India. At least three Intelligence Bureau assessments suggest that the biggest challenge this year would be Bangladesh and the security situation in the northeastern states.
An official stated that two highly troubled nations — Myanmar and Bangladesh — are holding elections this year, and one could anticipate trouble. There is intense international scrutiny due to the deteriorating security situation in both countries. Hence, the elections would be extremely crucial, another official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Continuing an over three-decade practice, India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged a list of their nuclear installations under a bilateral pact that prohibits the two sides from attacking each other’s atomic facilities.
The exchange of the list came even as the ties between the two countries remain under deep freeze following four-day military hostilities last May. The list exchange took place under the provisions of an agreement on the prohibition of attack against nuclear installations and facilities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday visited the Bangladesh High Commission here and expressed his condolence on the demise of former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Sharing a photo of his visit on X, Singh said, “Went to the High Commission of Bangladesh in New Delhi. Signed the Condolence Book expressing our profound sorrow at the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of Bangladesh.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday represented India at the funeral of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and handed over to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman a letter of condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his meeting with Rahman, a front-runner for prime ministership in the February 12 parliamentary polls, Jaishankar expressed confidence that Zia’s “vision and values” will guide the development of partnership between the two nations.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended New Year greetings to the crew of INSV Kaundinya, who are currently on a maritime voyage, lauding their spirit and dedication as the country prepared to welcome 2026.
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said he was delighted to receive a picture from the crew and conveyed his best wishes to them as they marked the New Year while sailing on the high seas.
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