By N. C. Bipindra New Delhi: The killing of top Maoist commander Mandvi Hidma in Andhra Pradesh has delivered one of the most consequential setbacks to Left-Wing Extremism in recent memory. Long seen as the most feared battlefield strategist of the CPI (Maoist), Hidma’s elimination is being hailed […]
India’s human spaceflight ambitions are advancing rapidly, with ISRO set for its Gaganyaan mission’s uncrewed flight by December 2025 and crewed mission in early 2027. By 2035, India’s first space station is planned, alongside significant lunar exploration missions. ISRO aims to boost its global market share and capabilities significantly by 2062.
Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) remains a critical risk for India’s helicopters, exemplified by the tragic 2021 crash involving General Bipin Rawat. A landmark partnership between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and HENSOLDT aims to develop an advanced LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance system, enhancing operational safety and autonomy for Indian helicopters in challenging environments.
China’s disinformation campaign post-Operation Sindoor aimed to undermine India’s Rafale jets while promoting its J-35 aircraft, according to a US report. Beijing employed social media tactics to distort the India-Pakistan clash narrative, reinforcing military ties with Pakistan and attempting to influence regional defense procurement dynamics amid rising tensions with India.
India has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro to procure BvS10 ‘Sindhu’ armoured vehicles, enhancing its high-altitude mobility and combat capabilities. Produced in partnership with BAE Systems at L&T’s Hazira facility, these vehicles will support operations in extreme terrains, bolstering the Indian Army’s readiness in strategic regions.
India and Germany are enhancing their defence partnership through a High Defence Committee meeting, focusing on co-development of advanced military systems. The two nations aim to strengthen collaboration on military technologies, including submarines, and confirm participation in joint exercises, highlighting their commitment to mutual security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s Solar Industries India Limited has secured INR 1,400 crore in export orders for defence products, marking a significant long-term contract. This reinforces its role in global defence manufacturing, with the defence segment growing 57% year-on-year. The company aims to achieve its FY26 revenue target of INR 3,000 crore.
Adani Defence and Aerospace is significantly expanding its operations in India’s defence sector, aiming for 100% indigenous military supplies. The company plans to triple its investment, increasing ammunition production and developing advanced systems like drones and electronic warfare technologies. By 2028, it seeks to eliminate reliance on imports for key materials.
France’s plan to provide Ukraine with up to 100 Rafale fighter jets signifies a major shift in European defense and Ukraine’s air capabilities. The deal enhances Rafale’s global market position while asserting France’s role as a key military partner for Ukraine, amid increasing geopolitical tensions and the push for advanced military support.
India’s commissioning of INS Mahe on November 24, 2025, represents a significant advancement in its coastal defense capabilities. This Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare vessel, developed by Cochin Shipyard, underscores India’s focus on self-reliance in defense amid growing maritime challenges from Pakistan and China. It is a key component of India’s modern naval strategy.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set for an ambitious expansion, with seven launches planned before the financial year 2026 end. Key initiatives include Chandrayaan-4, aiming for a lunar sample return in 2028, and India’s first crewed mission Gaganyaan in 2027. The country targets 8% of the global space market by 2030.
The Indian Army’s decision to induct women into the Territorial Army’s Home & Hearth battalions marks a significant step toward gender integration. Initially limited to a small section, this policy allows women to engage in operational roles in counter-insurgency environments, signaling a gradual shift in military norms despite existing restrictions on frontline combat roles.
India and Germany are discussing lifting a decade-old ban on Rheinmetall AG to reset their defence partnership. This move could enhance industrial collaboration, coinciding with a submarine deal between ThyssenKrupp and Indian shipbuilders. The German Ambassador confirmed initial talks, indicating a shift towards stronger strategic ties as India diversifies defence partnerships.
India’s recent UNSC intervention emphasizes the need for structural reform in response to its outdated framework and opaque processes. Ambassador Harish critiques the Council for undermining trust and represents global inequities, advocating for expanded membership to better reflect current geopolitical realities. India insists on transparency and accountability in reform discussions.
Boeing’s delay in delivering three Apache AH-64E helicopters to India reveals geopolitical tensions involving India, Türkiye, and Pakistan. Türkiye’s blocking of airspace for the cargo highlights vulnerabilities in India’s defense logistics, emphasizing the intersection of military acquisitions and international relations amid India’s efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain strategic autonomy.
