Asianet Newsable

India's Netra AEW&C Gets Final Operational Clearance: What It Means for IAF

Anish Kumar — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:05:03 +0530

New Delhi: India’s indigenous airborne surveillance capability is set to achieve a major milestone later this month, as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will formally award Final Operational Clearance (FOC) to the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system on June 25 at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru.

What Is Final Operational Clearance?

The certification marks the culmination of a programme aimed at providing the Indian Air Force with a fully operational airborne early warning platform equipped with indigenous mission systems. Final Operational Clearance signifies that a military system has successfully completed all developmental and user trials and is considered fit for operational deployment.

A ceremony for the declaration of Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System is planned on 25 June 2026 at Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, Bengaluru. The FOC is a major milestone achieved for an indigenous system of… pic.twitter.com/wD90TAEyTO

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) June 12, 2026

What Is Netra AEW&C Mk1?

The Netra AEW&C programme involved integrating advanced surveillance and mission avionics onto Embraer EMB-145 aircraft. Three aircraft have already been supplied to the Indian Air Force in the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) configuration, following extensive developmental testing carried out with active participation from the service.

Designed to detect and track airborne and maritime threats, the platform combines active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, electronic support measures and secure communication systems. The aircraft acts as an airborne command post, transmitting real-time information to controllers on board and to ground-based command centres.

Over the years, the system underwent a series of evaluations to validate critical subsystems, including software-defined radios, radar warning receivers and other mission equipment, paving the way for full operational certification.

All About Netra Mk-2 Programme

Meanwhile, India is preparing for the next phase of its airborne surveillance capability with the Netra Mk-2 programme.

On July 17, 2025, Prime Minister-Narendra Modi-headed Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the proposal worth ₹19,000 crore for the development of six AEW&C aircraft based on the Airbus A321 platform. The larger aircraft will carry more powerful AESA radars offering near 360-degree coverage and significantly enhanced detection ranges.

GE F404 Engine Snag Compounds LCA Mk1A Delays; MoD Warns HAL Over Missed Deadlines

Anish Kumar — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:14:56 +0530

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has issued a strict directive to state-owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), warning the company to adhere to contractual delivery deadlines for the light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk1A and to make up for time lost, delays that have now stretched beyond two years.

The development follows mounting concerns over persistent delivery delays, further compounded by a technical snag in one of the recently delivered GE Aerospace F404-IN20 engines.

At a high-level review meeting earlier this month the HAL was also informed about the formal penalty clause. A follow-up meeting, to be chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with the participation of Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kota, has been scheduled for September 2026.

Engine Snag and Supply Chain Hiccups

A significant setback emerged with the sixth GE Aerospace F404-IN20 engine delivered to HAL. The engine arrived with a technical snag, which a senior HAL official confirmed has since been rectified.

“Following standard operating procedure, we detect any issue upon the engine's arrival and immediately inform GE Aerospace,” the official told Asianet Newsable, adding that the fault likely stemmed from a transshipment issue and described it as routine.

Since April 2025, HAL has received a total of six F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace, with the most recent delivery arriving in May 2025. The engines are part of a ₹5,375-crore contract signed in 2021 for the supply of 99 F404-IN20 engines to power the Mk1A fleet.

HAL is currently engaged in integration of Israeli AESA radar, systems certification, and other pre-delivery processes that must be completed before the jets can formally be handed over to the IAF.

The Strategic Urgency: A Force in Deficit

The IAF currently operates 30 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, the minimum considered necessary to fight a credible two-front war against both China and Pakistan simultaneously. Each lost year means the gap widens.

IAF chief ACM AP Singh has, on multiple occasions, publicly expressed displeasure over the pace of LCA Mk1A deliveries. The induction of new Tejas jets was conceived as the most immediate remedy to the IAF’s depleting combat strength, as ageing MiG-21s and other legacy platforms are retired.

The LCA Mk1A Programme: Scale and Stakes

The Tejas Mk1A is a 4.5-generation delta-wing multi-role combat aircraft, indigenously designed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL. The first-generation LCA Mk1 entered service in 2016; of the 40 jets ordered in that initial tranche, 38 have been inducted to date.

In 2021, the IAF placed a follow-on order for 83 LCA Mk1A jets at a total cost of ₹46,000 crore, with deliveries originally expected to commence in February 2024 at an average rate of eight aircraft per year. Those timelines have slipped, with HAL now committing to 12 deliveries annually once the programme reaches full tempo, a target that requires resolving both engine supply delays and certification bottlenecks.

A second, larger order for 97 additional Mk1As, was signed in September 2025 at a cost of ₹62,370 crore. Combined, the two orders account for a fleet of 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft.

Operation Amistad: Indian Army Sets Up 20-Bed Field Hospital in Earthquake-Hit Venezuela

Anish Kumar — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:34:54 +0530

New Delhi: The Indian Army medical task force has successfully established a 20-bed fully functional field hospital in the quake-hit Venezuela, committing to providing any critical medical support as part of Operation Amistad.

The medical facility will be expanded to 50 beds capacity to meet rising demands, an Indian Army official said. “The facility has already been running, treated 42 outpatients and had one admission.”

Indian Army medical task force has successfully established a fully functional field hospital which is committed to providing any critical medical support.@adgpi pic.twitter.com/vcawUlnYfd

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) June 29, 2026

Designed to deliver comprehensive care under one roof, “the Indian Army’s hospital is fully staffed and equipped with specialised services, including dedicated medical officers, surgeons, and anaesthetists, dental and orthopaedic specialists.”

He further stated that the facility also provides essential on-site X-ray and laboratory diagnostics. “The team is professionally prepared to deliver life-saving treatments and dependable healthcare exactly where it is needed most.”

On June 26, the Army dispatched a specialised medical contingent to assist in humanitarian relief efforts in the affected region.

The medical team from 60 Para Field Hospital departed from Hindon Air Force Station aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft.

The contingent comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers.

Besides, the team had also carried approximately six tonnes of medical stores and humanitarian relief supplies provided by the Ministry of External Affairs.

About BHISHM Cube

In addition, one of the two aircraft is transporting a BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project.

The BHISHM Cube is a state-of-the-art, indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical facility designed specifically for disaster and humanitarian response.

Comprising compact, self-contained medical modules, it can be quickly assembled into a fully functional field hospital capable of delivering advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries, intensive care support and essential medical treatment for up to 200 patients.

Equipped with portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, power generation and oxygen support systems, the BHISHM Cube significantly enhances India’s capability to provide swift and effective medical assistance during humanitarian crises anywhere in the world.

IAF Mourns 5 Air Warriors Killed in AN-32 Crash, Orders Court of Inquiry

Divya Danu — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 16:51:18 +0530

Five IAF personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident during landing at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. Co-pilot survived and is undergoing treatment. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the crash.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed the death of five personnel after an AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident at the airbase in Assam's Jorhat on Saturday. The tragic incident occurred during landing operations and has left the defence community mourning the loss of five air warriors.

While five personnel lost their lives, the aircraft's co-pilot survived the crash and is currently receiving medical treatment.

According to initial reports, the AN-32 aircraft caught fire after landing within the premises of the Jorhat Air Force Station. Emergency response teams and firefighters rushed to the scene soon after the accident was reported.

Senior Indian Air Force officials also reached the site as rescue and recovery efforts began.

The exact circumstances that led to the accident are still unclear.

The Indian Air Force has identified the five personnel who died in the crash. They are:

Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
Agniveervayu Danish Alam

An IAF An-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time. IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till preliminary results are not in.IAF deeply…

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 13, 2026

In an official statement, the IAF said the five air warriors made the supreme sacrifice while serving the nation.

Expressing grief over the tragedy, the Indian Air Force extended its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased personnel.

The force said it stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time. Tributes have also started pouring in on social media, with many users remembering the service and dedication of the personnel who lost their lives.

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 13, 2026

The deaths have once again highlighted the risks faced by military personnel while carrying out operational duties.

Co-Pilot Undergoing Treatment

The co-pilot onboard survived the accident and is undergoing medical treatment. Officials have not yet released further details about his condition.

The focus remains on providing medical care to the survivor while supporting the families affected by the tragedy.

The Indian Air Force has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.

Investigators will examine all aspects of the crash, including technical, operational and environmental factors that may have contributed to the incident.

BIG BREAKING : Indian Air Force IAF AN 32 Aircraft Crashed while Landing at Jorhat Air Base in AssamIAF personnel have immediately reached and are carrying out rescue operations.The Antonov An-32 is a twin engine, Soviet origin military transport aircraft#planecrash pic.twitter.com/qq6qIBLmSp

— Kamalraj Singh (@kamalrajsingh_) June 13, 2026

Officials said more details are expected to emerge once the inquiry progresses.

The AN-32 has long been one of the Indian Air Force's key transport aircraft, regularly used for logistics, troop movement and supply missions across the country. Saturday's accident has come as a major loss for the force and the families of the personnel who were serving onboard.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army Receives 106 Peacekeeper Kamikaze Drones From SMPP, Expands Long-Range Strike Capability

Anish Kumar — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:50:05 +0530

New Delhi: Delhi-based defence manufacturer SMPP has completed the delivery of 106 turbojet-powered loitering munitions, known as the Peacekeeper (Agniveg), to the Indian Army, 100 operational units and six training systems. The Peacekeeper is a one-way attack drone, or kamikaze system, designed to strike targets at distances of up to 180 kilometres at speeds of up to 450 kmph.

During user trials, the system recorded a circular error probable (CEP) of under five metres, a measure of strike accuracy, while operating in electronically contested conditions involving jamming and GPS spoofing.

A CEP of five metres is considered competitive for this class of weapon.

SMPP Completes Delivery of 106 Jet Based Kamikaze Drones to Indian Army, Strengthening Indigenous Deep-Strike Capabilities.@SMPPDEFENSE pic.twitter.com/Gu2ojj9EQ7

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) June 11, 2026

The system is turbojet-powered, setting it apart from the battery-electric propulsion used in most short-range loitering munitions currently in service with the Indian army.

Ashish Kansal, chief executive and director of SMPP, said the company had met its delivery commitment on schedule.

“Modern warfare is increasingly defined by precision, autonomy and affordability,” he said, adding that SMPP intended to offer an extended-range variant of the system for future procurement consideration.

The induction comes at a time of rapid and large-scale drone acquisition by the Indian army.

Since Operation Sindoor in 2025, the Indian Army has inducted loitering munitions, kamikaze and surveillance drones worth over Rs 5,000 crore from domestic firms, with the defence acquisition council approving a further Rs 3,000 crore in drone procurement in late 2025.

In early April 2026, the army released a comprehensive technology roadmap for unmanned aerial systems and loitering munitions, targeting the acquisition of 30 distinct drone variants and the deployment of tens of thousands of locally manufactured drones over five years.

SMPP is perhaps better known as a manufacturer of ballistic protection equipment. In July 2025, the company won a Rs 300 crore contract to supply 27,700 bulletproof jackets and 11,700 advanced ballistic helmets to the Indian army.

The Peacekeeper occupies a capability niche between conventional tube artillery and longer-range cruise or ballistic missiles.

Unlike artillery, it can be redirected or aborted mid-flight. Unlike costlier missile systems, it is expendable and the company claims, can be produced at a fraction of the price of a conventional strike platform.

Why Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Is Being Called India's 'Drone General'

Anish Kumar — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:19:52 +0530

New Delhi: When General Upendra Dwivedi retires as Chief of Army Staff on June 30, 2026, he will leave behind an army that looks very different from the one he inherited. The numbers tell part of the story — 50,000 drones deployed, more than 25 hubs built across the country, a reach of 500 kilometres, nearly 25 policy documents written, and 32 nations brought together at a single military conclave. That is why many now call him the “Drone General.”

But the numbers alone don’t explain what actually happened. They show the result. They don’t show the thinking behind it. The key was a choice General Dwivedi made early on: he treated modernisation not as something to plan for gradually, but as an urgent problem that needed solving now. He didn’t need to look far for reasons.

Wars in Ukraine and Gaza were showing the world, in real time, what future battlefields would look like — fast, transparent, and dominated by drones, electronic warfare, and precision weapons.

An army built around large numbers of soldiers and traditional equipment was simply not built for that kind of war. General Dwivedi saw the gap and decided to close it quickly.

What followed was not a superficial upgrade. New units were built from scratch — Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Platoons, Divyastra Batteries, and Rudra All Arms Brigades — designed specifically for modern, multi-domain warfare.

The drone and counter-drone hubs that now dot the country were not showpieces. They were built to actually sustain operations. And because an army that relies on foreign suppliers for its most critical equipment is an army with a serious weakness, domestic drone production was pushed hard.

The doctrinal side was just as important. Nearly 25 policy and strategy documents gave the transformation a clear direction and intellectual backbone. The goal set out in them was ambitious: every soldier should understand and be able to work with drone technology. That kind of change cannot happen if only a few specialist units are trained. It requires the whole institution to shift.

Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor showed that a significant part of the institution had. In a live campaign, the Indian Army used drones, loitering munitions, electronic warfare, and real-time intelligence in a coordinated and effective way. What had been a plan on paper became a proven method of fighting. Strategic observers have since described Sindoor as a blueprint for India’s future approach to warfare — which is really just another way of saying that what General Dwivedi built actually worked when it mattered. He also worked to strengthen India’s position internationally.

Thirty-two nations came together through the UNTCC Chiefs Conclave. A platform called “Friends for Life” connected nearly 100,000 alumni of Indian military training institutions around the world. Infrastructure projects along border regions served both military and civilian purposes. None of this was a distraction from the core mission.

It all reflected the same understanding: a strong modern military is connected to the world around it, and draws strength from those connections.

India's Defence Output Hits Record Rs 1.78 Lakh cr In FY26, Private Sector Share At All-Time High

Anish Kumar — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:42:49 +0530

New Delhi: The defence production rose to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26 (FY26), a 15.6 per cent jump over the Rs 1.54 lakh crore registered in FY25 and the latest in a decade-long run of consecutive annual highs. The figures, released by the ministry of defence, show that output has climbed by 110 per cent compared with FY21, when the total stood at Rs 84,643 crore.

Going further back, production has grown roughly fourfold from the Rs 43,746 crore recorded in FY14.

India’s indigenous #defenceproduction has soared to Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26. The record setting achievement reflects the growing momentum of the government’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under #AatamnirbharBharat initiative. #MakeInIndia #ViksitBharat… pic.twitter.com/zyyErb89G3

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) June 17, 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Under the inspiring leadership of PM Modi, India’s defence production is reaching new heights every year. I am delighted to inform everyone that India’s annual defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the… pic.twitter.com/pIl0rGGqi9

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026

Private sector marks fresh milestone

State-owned firms and other public sector enterprises still account for about 76 per cent of output. But it is the private sector that has drawn the most attention this year.

Private companies contributed roughly Rs 42,000 crore or 24 per cent of the total, up from 22 per cent the year before, marking their highest-ever share of India’s defence industrial output.

The shift reflects a deliberate policy effort over the past decade to open defence manufacturing beyond the traditional circle of public sector behemoths such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and the erstwhile ordnance factory network, now reorganized into seven defence public sector undertakings.

The government has progressively raised the foreign direct investment limit in defence to 74 per cent under the automatic route and to 100 per cent through the approval route, while rolling out multiple ‘positive indigenisation lists’ that bar or phase out imports of hundreds of items, forcing the armed forces to source them domestically.

Exports surge on the back of rising overseas demand

India’s defence exports also reached a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY26. Markets in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Europe have been the primary buyers, with products ranging from artillery guns and ammunition to patrol vessels, radar systems and light combat aircraft trainer variants.

The government has set an ambitious target of Rs 50,000 crore in annual defence exports by 2029.

Indigenous programmes at the core The domestic production figures draw on a broadening portfolio of indigenous programmes.

HAL’s Tejas light combat aircraft, now in series production for the Indian Air Force with an order book of 83 aircraft, is the most visible symbol of that push.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Akash surface-to-air missile system, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher and Pralay ballistic missile have also attracted export interest. In the naval domain, the commissioning of INS Vikrant.

Private-sector entrants such as Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Defence, L&T Defence and Adani Defence & Aerospace have expanded their footprint in areas such as armoured vehicles, small arms, unmanned aerial vehicles and aerospace components, often in joint ventures or as tier-one suppliers to prime contractors.

Indian Navy Neutralizes Unexploded Missile Warhead Aboard Oil Tanker MT Olympic Life

Anish Kumar — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:34:21 +0530

New Delhi: The Indian Navy has successfully defused and removed a live missile warhead from a crude oil tanker MT Olympic Life, averting a potentially catastrophic maritime incident. The Marshall Islands-registered vessel was en route from Fujairah, UAE, to Kochi when an explosion struck its hull on May 26, while sailing off the Omani coast. The tanker, which carried no Indian nationals, continued toward Kochi with an unexploded ordnance embedded in its structure.

The Specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team

Acting on intelligence relayed through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Indian Navy swiftly mobilized a specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from Kochi's Southern Naval Command.

Upon inspection, an Indian Navy official said that the team discovered that a projectile had pierced the vessel's hull, passed through several internal compartments, and come to rest inside a fuel storage tank, a scenario carrying enormous risk of explosion.

“The EOD team took a careful, step-by-step approach to the extraction. Using advanced diagnostic tools, they first identified and disabled the warhead's detonation mechanism before safely removing it along with surrounding debris.”

The recovered ordnance has since been transferred to a secure facility for storage and further analysis. “The operation underscores the Indian Navy's advanced capabilities in explosive ordnance disposal and its ability to coordinate complex, high-stakes responses at sea.”

Officials noted that “the Navy's swift action, regardless of the vessel's flag or crew nationality, reflects its broader commitment to maritime safety and its standing as a dependable security partner across the Indian Ocean region.”

The incident took place just days after the US forces reportedly struck two Iranian boats allegedly attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside attacks on a naval facility near Bandar Abbas.

DRDO Successfully Tests Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Off Odisha Coast

Anish Kumar — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 19:48:01 +0530

India’s defence research agency on Monday conducted a fresh flight test of its long-range land attack cruise missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast, with all test objectives met, according to the defence ministry. New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the test of its long-range land attack cruise missile (LRLACM) on Monday, with performance data captured by tracking instruments deployed by the integrated test range at Chandipur.

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on June 15, 2026. pic.twitter.com/o7vgRkoNB0

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) June 15, 2026

What Is LRLACM?

The LRLACM is a defence acquisition council-approved, mission mode project.

It can be launched from the ground using a mobile articulated launcher, and also from frontline warships through a universal vertical launch module system — the same launch infrastructure already in use for the BrahMos missile.

The subsonic cruise missile, developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bengaluru, is capable of striking targets at a range of 1,000 km.

It uses waypoint navigation to follow a designated flight path, and is designed to perform manoeuvres across multiple altitudes and speeds.

Its terrain-hugging flight profile at subsonic speed makes it harder to detect and intercept, giving it a tactical edge against layered air defences.

The LRLACM traces its lineage to the Nirbhay long-range cruise missile, first tested in 2013, and draws on technologies developed under the indigenous technology cruise missile (ITCM) programme, including the domestically developed Manik turbofan engine.

While the BrahMos trades range for speed, the LRLACM is designed to travel considerably farther, enabling deeper penetration strikes.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Hyderabad, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru, are the development-cum-production partners involved in the missile’s development and integration.

Both the Indian air force and the army have received acceptance of necessity for procurement of the missile.

Monday’s test was the second in the programme. The maiden flight test was carried out on November 12, 2024, also from Chandipur, using a mobile articulated launcher, when all sub-systems performed as expected and met primary mission objectives.

An air-launched variant of the LRLACM is currently in development, with integration work under way for launch from the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, which will serve as the primary platform for initial trials.

The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, congratulated the DRDO and its industry partners on the test.

The DRDO chairman and defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, who monitored the launch, also extended his congratulations to the teams involved.

Indian Navy's Power Boost: Bharat Forge Inks 425 Crore Deal for Indigenous Marine Generators

Anish Kumar — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:26:35 +0530

The Ministry of Defence and Pune-based Bharat Forge Limited on Friday inked a ₹425 crore contract for the procurement of 12 sets of Marine Gas Turbine Generators for the Indian Navy.

These marine gas turbine generators will be equipped on board Kolkata-class ships. The contract will be executed over a period of 5 years. Rated at 1.25 MW, the new marine gas turbine generators will replace the lower capacity units currently in service onboard.

Also Read: Sitharaman lays foundation for Rs 1,246 crore projects in Meghalaya

Major step in Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Awarded under the Buy (Indian) category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP-2020), the company said that the contract marks its entry into the marine gas turbine (GT) business and “will deliver the first indigenous GT-based power plant to operate aboard Indian Naval ships.”

“The project reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India by creating a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem,” the ministry said.

“It would enhance maritime self-reliance in critical strategic technologies and bolster the Indian Navy’s operational readiness through indigenous production & end-to-end life-cycle support.”

The contract marks a significant step towards establishing indigenous capability to manufacture marine gas turbine generators.

Key Upgrade To Boost Power Systems Of Kolkata-Class Warships

The generator serves as a backbone of modern naval combatants for power generation applications that power critical combat systems and advanced weapons and sensors.

The Kolkata-class destroyers – INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai – are equipped with some of the most advanced weapons and sensor systems in the Indian Navy’s inventory, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, and a host of anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Ensuring reliable, high-capacity onboard power generation is essential to sustaining the operational performance of these platforms.

Also Read: DRDO Successfully Tests Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Off Odisha Coast

Netra AEW&C Gets Full Combat Clearance: DRDO Hands Over Final Operational Clearance Certificate to Indian Air Force

Anish Kumar — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:42:17 +0530

New Delhi: India’s indigenous airborne early warning programme reached a definitive juncture on Wednesday when the Defence Research and Development Organisation formally handed over the final operational clearance (FOC) certificate for the Netra airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force at its Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru.

The FOC certifies that the system is fully combat-ready, structurally sound, and equipped with all required mission capabilities.

For a platform as complex as Netra – which knits together an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic support measures, communication suites, software-defined radios, data links, and a self-protection electronic warfare suite on a single modified airframe – the clearance carries considerable weight. Achieving FOC indicates that the system has met the required performance benchmarks under realistic operating conditions and can now be fielded as a mature military capability.

The ceremony was presided over by the deputy chief of the air staff, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti.

From concept to combat: A two-decade journey

The origins of the Netra programme trace back to 2003, when the IAF and DRDO jointly assessed the feasibility of developing an indigenous AEW&C system. Following government approval, CABS was designated as the nodal agency for design, system integration, and testing.

Four other DRDO laboratories contributed to the effort: the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment developed the primary radar, the Defence Electronics Application Laboratory handled communication systems and data links, the Defence Avionics Research Establishment worked on the self-protection suite and electronic warfare measures, and the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory provided communication support.

Three ERJ-145 aircraft were procured from Embraer of Brazil and extensively modified to meet military requirements. These modifications included in-flight refuelling capability, satellite communication systems, advanced avionics, electrical upgrades, and aerodynamic and structural changes.

The first Netra aircraft was delivered to the IAF in February 2017 and received its initial operational clearance (IOC) in October 2017 after trial runs at Bhisiana Air Force Station. The second and third aircraft were received by the IAF in 2019 and 2023 respectively.

The Netra Mk1 is built on a modified Embraer ERJ-145 twin-engine aircraft and features an indigenously developed AESA radar system.

The dorsal-mounted radar provides 240-degree electronic scan coverage with a detection range of approximately 250–300 kilometres.

It has capability of tracking targets deep inside adversary territory without breaching international borders.

It is also fitted with a secondary surveillance radar, electronic and communication counter-measures, line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight data links, and secure voice communication systems.

Its endurance of over eight hours, extendable via in-flight refuelling, further enhances its operational reach.

India is among only four countries in the world to have indigenously developed an AEW&C system of this type.

Tested in anger

Netra played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in the Balakot surgical strikes in February 2019, providing crucial surveillance cover during the pre-dawn aerial attack.

During the retaliatory operation the following day, when Pakistan Air Force F-16 combat jets attempted to violate Indian airspace, it was the indigenous AEW&C that alerted MiG-21s and other fighters on air patrol about the incoming F-16s, resulting in the aerial engagement that followed.

During Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, the IAF deployed the Netra Mk1A testbed – originally developed by DRDO for testing purposes – in an operational role.

The Netra aircraft were also deployed during the India-China border stand-off in 2020.

In his address at Wednesday’s ceremony, Air Marshal Bharti specifically referenced the system’s operational record during Operation Sindoor and the Balakot strikes, noting that indigenous systems offer the services the flexibility to adapt platforms to an evolving warfighting environment through modifications – a degree of autonomy that imported systems do not readily afford.

Distinguished scientist and director general of DRDO’s electronics cluster, Dr BK Das, described the Netra AEW&C as a demonstration of what coordinated effort among operational users, scientific agencies, and defence production establishments can produce.

Indian Army’s IBG Era Begins: Six Major Generals Lead New Warfighting Formations from July 1

Anish Kumar — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:38:05 +0530

New Delhi: In one of the most significant structural reforms undertaken by the Indian Army in recent decades, six Major Generals have assumed command of five newly raised Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) and one dedicated Fire Support Group (FSG) on July 1. The IBGs have been designed to deliver faster, leaner and more decisive military responses.

The move represents the first large-scale implementation of the Army’s long-discussed IBG concept, aimed at replacing cumbersome mobilisation procedures with integrated, mission-ready combat formations capable of responding to emerging threats at short notice.

A Trial Run, Not a Full Rollout

The entire exercise has been conceived as a pilot project, with 17 Mountain Strike Corps designated as the test-bed where the IBG and FSG model will be put through its paces under real operational conditions. The Army’s intent is to use this trial to validate the concept before committing to a wider transformation. The structure is expected to be extended to other Corps across the force.

What Makes an IBG Different?

The IBG concept has been on the Army’s drawing board for years, and this rollout is its first serious test in the field. Unlike a conventional division, which has to pull together infantry, armour, artillery and support units from scattered formations before it can fight, an IBG is built to be self-contained from day one.

Each one fuses infantry, mechanised forces, armour, artillery, engineers, air defence, signals and logistics into a single combined-arms package under one commander, so it can move and fight as a cohesive whole rather than being assembled piecemeal once a crisis breaks out.

A New Layer of Command: The Chief Operations Officer

A key institutional change accompanying the IBGs is the creation of the Chief Operations Officer (COO) appointment, to be held by a Brigadier in each formation. According to people familiar with the reorganisation, the COO is meant to act as the operational nerve centre of the formation – pulling together planning, intelligence, logistics, firepower and battlefield execution into one coordinated effort.

With the COO handling this day-to-day operational synchronisation, the Major General in command is freed up to focus on broader strategic and operational judgement calls, including during fast-moving situations in both peacetime and conflict.

Why the Army Wants a Shorter Chain of Command?

The underlying motivation is speed. In the existing setup, an operational decision often has to travel through several layers of headquarters before it translates into action on the ground. The IBG structure pushes more authority down to field commanders, cutting out intermediate steps so that tactical developments can be answered faster and combat power can be mobilised in a fraction of the time it currently takes.

The Fire Support Group’s Role

Standing apart from the five IBGs but raised alongside them, the new Fire Support Group has also been placed under a Major General. It brings long-range artillery, rocket systems, precision-strike capabilities and surveillance assets together under one roof, designed to deliver concentrated, on-demand firepower to combat formations as operations unfold, rather than leaving them to draw on dispersed fire assets.

Part of a Larger Transformation Drive

The IBG and FSG rollout sits within a broader modernisation effort that gathered momentum after the 2020 military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. That episode pushed the Army to move faster on building agile formations, deepening jointness with the other services, integrating drones and loitering munitions into its operations, expanding network-centric warfare capabilities, and decentralising command.

PM Modi to Commission Three Indigenous Indian Navy Ships in Kolkata on June 21

Anish Kumar — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 20:12:38 +0530

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission three indigenously designed and built naval ships – Dunagiri, an advanced stealth frigate, Sanshodhak, a survey vessel (large) and Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, in Kolkata on June 21. “These inductions will significantly bolster the nation’s operational capabilities, enhance maritime domain awareness, and strengthen the security of our coastal waters against geopolitical threats,” an official said.

Indian Navy is scheduled to commission three indigenously built frontline platforms – Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray – in Kolkata on June 21, 2026. pic.twitter.com/M38Uw2wVBl

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) June 19, 2026

Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, the vessels represent key operational capabilities across maritime combat, hydrographic surveying, and anti-submarine warfare.

Dunagiri

Dunagiri, the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile system, significantly enhancing the Navy’s combat capability.

Sanshodhak

Sanshodhak, the fourth Survey Vessel (Large), is designed for coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys and collection of oceanographic and geophysical data for defence and civil applications, and is equipped with advanced survey systems, including autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles.

Agray

Agray, the fourth of the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers, and shallow-water sonar systems to detect and engage underwater threats in littoral waters.

These ships have an indigenous content of over 75 percent, marking India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta.

“The commissioning of these vessels highlights the collaborative efforts of the Government of India, the Indian Navy, public sector shipyards, private industry and MSMEs in advancing the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.”

INS Trikand Foils Pirate Attack on MV Golden Arsenal Near Djibouti, All 21 Crew Safe

Anish Kumar — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 19:23:35 +0530

New Delhi: Indian Naval Ship Trikand, a mission-deployed stealth frigate of the Indian Navy operating in the Gulf of Aden, responded swiftly to a piracy attempt on MV Golden Arsenal, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines-flagged bulk carrier, on July 1. The ship under attack, MV Golden Arsenal, a St Vincent and the Grenadines-flagged bulk carrier, was roughly 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti and en route from Aden, Yemen, when it sent out the alert.

MV Golden Arsenal, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines-flagged bulk carrier, en route from Aden, Yemen, with 21 crew members, including one Indian national, reported an attempted pirate attack approximately 300 nautical miles east-northeast of Djibouti on July 1. Mission deployed… pic.twitter.com/Fzn0eKtooE

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) July 2, 2026

INS Trikand alerted

Word reached the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region – the multinational maritime security hub India has run out of Gurugram since 2018 – which passed the alert on to INS Trikand. The frigate, already on deployment in the area, was sent to intercept.

The bulk carrier had 21 crew aboard, one of them Indian, and took damage to its bridge structure and nearby compartments in the attack. The crew locked themselves into the ship’s citadel and came through unharmed.

A boarding party from Trikand went aboard the next morning to clear the vessel. They found no one hiding aboard, and the crew was able to leave the citadel. Navy personnel then stayed on to help the crew work out how bad the damage was.

Overhead, a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft flew reconnaissance passes to build a fuller picture of the area – one of several long-range surveillance aircraft the navy keeps for this kind of work.

Once the ship had been cleared and the threat was gone, Trikand wrapped up the operation and Golden Arsenal carried on with its voyage.

It’s the latest in a busy stretch for Indian warships patrolling the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean under the navy's long-running Operation Sankalp.

MV Fareeda 5's distress call

On June 17, Trikand answered a distress call from MV Fareeda 5 and drove off a suspected pirate approach in the western Indian Ocean. Before that, on May 27, the destroyer INS Kolkata did the same for MV Mashallah 1.

The pattern fits a broader spike: piracy is picking up again off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, with maritime security trackers logging more than a dozen incidents since January 2026, several of them hijackings. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency bumped its threat rating for the region up to “severe” in April.

India has kept warships on anti-piracy duty in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, watching over one of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet, the route linking Asia to Europe and the Americas through the Suez Canal.

The Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022 gives the navy and other agencies the power to put captured pirates on trial in Indian courts. That law was put to use in 2024, when naval commandos freed a hijacked ship off Somalia and brought 35 suspected pirates back to Mumbai to face charges.

DRDO Explores Alternate Engines For AMCA as GE F414 Costs Spiral Threefold

Anish Kumar — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:27:48 +0530

New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is actively scouting for alternate engine options for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) prototype after the projected cost of the American GE Aerospace F414 engines soared to nearly three times the originally anticipated figure, people familiar with the development confirmed.

Besides, the prototype, the F414-INS6 turbofan engine has also been planned as the interim powerplant for AMCA Mk1, tentatively powering its first 2-4 squadrons of around 60-70 fighters before a more powerful indigenous engine becomes available.

A twin-engine, AMCA is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter, designed for air supremacy and deep-strike missions. It features a low radar cross-section, supercruise capabilities, and internal weapons bays.

However, “the sharp price escalation has compelled DRDO to reconsider its dependence on the American turbofan,” a source said.

Currently, the ADA is negotiating for the procurement of 15 engines for the five AMCA prototypes.

Another source stated that the unit cost of an engine stood at Rs 70-80 crore prior to the latest price hike.

It must be noted that the development comes months after the HAL and GE Aerospace concluded the technical agreement. The two sides are currently undergoing commercial negotiations for the F414-INS6 engine.

It should also be mentioned that HAL and ADA are negotiating separately. Sources added: “The requirements are different so we are negotiating separately. HAL is pursuing for its light combat aircraft Mk2 while ADA is for fifth-generation AMCA programme.”

Why Is GE Raising the Price of the F414 Engine?

The escalation in engine price is part of a broader trend in global defence acquisitions, driven by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the evolving nature of technology transfer agreements.

The supply chain crisis has been compounded by a shortage of critical aerospace-grade raw materials, specialist components sourced from geopolitically sensitive suppliers, and surging manufacturing costs at GE Aerospace’s facilities.

In 2025, the American giant had announced investment of nearly $1 billion in US manufacturing ecosystem to stabilize its supply chain, but the damage to India’s cost calculus has already been done.

GE Aerospace also committed to set up a dedicated F414 engine assembly line in India and has sought over $800 million or Rs 6,000 crore to establish the same.

The manufacturing is to be undertaken by the state-owned plane maker – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Bengaluru facility under a licensed production agreement.

HAL has targeted rolling out the first “Made-in-India” F414 engine by mid-2029, for its LCA Mk2 fighter jet.

Engine for AMCA Mk2

Amid these concerns, UK’s Rolls-Royce, France’s Safran, and GE have all presented proposals to the DRDO, with Safran offering 100 per cent technology transfer including full intellectual property rights, and Rolls-Royce also pitching for 100 percent ToT and complete IP transfer.

On the programme front, the Ministry of Defence has issued an RFP for five AMCA prototypes to three shortlisted private-sector-led consortia: Larsen & Toubro-Bharat Electronics Limited, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and Bharat Forge-BEML.

Being a twin-engine aircraft, each of the five prototypes will require three engines – two operational and one spare – bringing the total engine requirement for the prototype phase to 15 engines.

The RFP mandates the first prototype flight within 30 months of contract signing, with 1,800 test sorties to be completed within 84 months across all five aircraft.

History Made: First NDA-Trained Women Officers Cross IMA's ‘Antim Pag’, Join Indian Army

Anish Kumar — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:50:38 +0530

In a historic first for the Indian armed forces, women who trained at the National Defence Academy graduated as commissioned officers on Saturday, stepping across the IMA’s storied “Antim Pag” – the Final Step – for the very first time.

The moment marks the end of a journey that began with a Supreme Court ruling four years ago.

President Droupadi Murmu attended the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.

How it came to be

Women have served as officers in the Indian military for many years, but the doors of the NDA, the country’s premier tri-service training institution, remained closed to them.

In 2021, the Supreme Court ordered that women be admitted. The first batch entered the NDA in June 2022, with new cohorts joining every six months since. Saturday’s parade marks the commissioning of that pioneering first batch.

The Antim Pag

The IMA’s most hallowed tradition is the Antim Pag, a marked line on the parade ground that a cadet crosses the moment they are commissioned as an Army officer. On Saturday, women crossed it for the first time in the academy’s history.

Of the 515 cadets graduating from IMA, including 34 from 16 countries, nine are women from the NDA’s inaugural batch. Three of them will join the Army’s Artillery regiment, a branch that has been open to women for approximately three years.

Air Force Academy

At the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, 231 cadets received their wings, including 194 men and 37 women. Five of the women are from the NDA’s first batch. Two will fly fighter jets; the remaining three will serve in the technical branch.

India Clears Rs 52,000 Crore Defence Boost with Anti-Drone Systems and High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite

Anish Kumar — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:21:08 +0530

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-chaired Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Friday granted in-principle clearance to a set of capital acquisition proposals worth an estimated Rs 52,000 crore, intended to strengthen the army, navy and air force. An AoN is the first formal step for the defence procurement process. It clears a proposal to proceed to subsequent stages, including technical evaluation, trials and price negotiations with vendors, but it does not amount to a signed contract.

Rajnath Singh-headed Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity to various acquisition proposals for the Defence Forces at an estimated cost of about Rs 52,000 crore. pic.twitter.com/9eAeYG5992

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) July 3, 2026

Approvals for Indian Army

For the army, approval was given for six systems. Among them is an anti-drone electronic warfare system named Akash Tarang, intended to protect army formations from unmanned aerial threats, and Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) systems, meant to help infantry counter enemy armour.

The council also cleared the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) weapon system, for defence against aerial threats at medium range, and the Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), which uses multi-spectral sensors to improve resistance to enemy countermeasures. Rounding off the army's list are an active protection system for tanks, designed to intercept incoming projectiles before they strike, and a jet-based kamikaze drone system, a loitering munition intended to combine electronic warfare capability with lower running costs than comparable systems.

Approvals for Indian Navy

For the navy, the DAC approved procurement of a Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), a sea mine designed to restrict the movement of adversary vessels, and a Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS), fitted with sensors to improve situational awareness at sea.

It also cleared the setting up of a Land Based Testing Facility (LBTF) for electric propulsion systems, to test motors and associated propulsion equipment meant for naval vessels.

Approvals for Indian Air Force

For the air force, approval was accorded for a Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (FW-HAPS), among other proposals. HAPS are solar-powered, high-endurance unmanned aircraft that operate in the stratosphere, typically 18 to 20km above the earth, and can remain airborne for extended periods, offering satellite-like surveillance and communication coverage at a fraction of the cost of an actual satellite.

According to the defence ministry, the platform is meant to be used for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as telecommunication and remote sensing.

Friday's clearance is one of several such approvals the DAC has made this year. In August 2025, the council cleared proposals worth about Rs 67,000 crore, including compact autonomous surface craft and BrahMos fire-control systems for the navy.

The ministry has said that in the 2025-26 financial year, the DAC granted AoN for 55 proposals worth a cumulative Rs 6.73 lakh crore, while capital procurement contracts worth Rs 2.28 lakh crore were signed in the same period, the highest for any financial year on record.

Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026: Indian and US Armies to Train Near LAC in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan Desert

Anish Kumar — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:03:37 +0530

New Delhi: India and the United States will conduct the 22nd edition of their annual joint army exercise, Yudh Abhyas, in the first week of September, deploying roughly 350 soldiers each across two geographically contrasting locations: the high-altitude snowfields of Auli in Uttarakhand and the arid expanse of the Mahajan field firing range in Rajasthan.

Why Auli?

The choice of Auli carries strategic weight. Situated at an altitude of roughly 2,500 metres and approximately 95 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the exercise site at Auli offers realistic training ground for high-altitude operations of the kind that have become central to India’s military thinking since the prolonged stand-off in eastern Ladakh that began in 2020.

The three-week exercise will, for the first time in this series, incorporate AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and long-range vectored assets, giving both armies the opportunity to practise combined-arms operations, precision engagement and simulated close-air support across terrain that shifts from thin-air mountain ridges to open desert.

The Apache’s inclusion signals a deliberate effort to refine air-ground integration, target acquisition and dynamic manoeuvres under varied geographic and climatic conditions.

Training at Auli will test high-altitude logistics, acclimatization protocols and infantry manoeuvres where reduced oxygen and harsh weather impose a physical ceiling on operations.

Drills at Rajasthan's Mahajan

At Mahajan, the focus will shift to live-fire drills, mechanized manoeuvres and integrated artillery-aircraft coordination.

The previous edition, held in Alaska in September 2025, placed both armies in sub-arctic conditions.

Launched in 2004 as a modest bilateral initiative, Yudh Abhyas has grown into one of the largest recurring land-forces engagements between the two countries.

Over two decades, its scope has widened from counterinsurgency and counterterrorism drills to high-altitude warfare and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, evolving in step with India’s expanding defence relationship with Washington and with the changing security calculus in the Indo-Pacific.

Yudh Abhyas is one of a battery of bilateral and multilateral exercises in which India and the US participate together. These include the naval exercise Malabar, which also involves Japan and occasionally Australia, and the air force exercise Cope India, as well as the broader Quad military engagements.

Who Is Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth? Meet India's Next Chief of Army Staff

Anish Kumar — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:43:55 +0530

New Delhi: The government on Saturday named Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective from June 30, bringing with him nearly four decades of extensive operational and strategic experience.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth named as the next Chief of the Army Staff. pic.twitter.com/sxes7IcqBI

— Anish Singh (@anishsingh21) June 13, 2026

Background and Career

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over the years, he has built a distinguished career with service across diverse terrains, including significant counter-insurgency experience.

He has commanded an armoured regiment in the desert sector, an armoured brigade in a developed sector, and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.

On elevation to Army Commander rank, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, gaining the rare distinction of commanding two operational commands along the Western Front.

Upon promotion to the rank of lieutenant general, he took command of the Bhopal-based XXI Corps, also called Sudarshan Chakra Corps, a key strike formation of the Army.

Academic and Professional Excellence

As per the report, Lt Gen Seth has excelled in all courses of instruction. He stood first in the Junior Command Course and was awarded the Best All Round Student Officer Medal at the Defence Services Staff College.

He has also attended the Higher Command Course and the prestigious National Defence College.

As of now, as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth holds the second most senior position in the Indian Army.

Indian Army Seeks Infrared Target Rocket To Boost Air Defence Missile Training Against Drones, Cruise Missiles

Anish Kumar — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:24:36 +0530

New Delhi: The Indian Army has issued a request for information (RFI) to domestic and global defence manufacturers, seeking details on an Intermediate Target System Rocket, a ground-launched aerial target designed to simulate realistic threats for training troops equipped with infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles.

The move signals the army’s effort to close a critical gap in its air defence training infrastructure, where live-fire exercises against credible, manoeuvrable targets remain limited.

The RFI lays out a demanding set of technical and operational requirements. The target rocket must be capable of simulating manned aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – the three principal aerial threats that air defence units across theatres are trained to engage.

This breadth of simulation requirement reflects the evolving threat environment India’s military faces, particularly given increased drone activity documented along both the western and northern frontiers in recent years.

Performance requirements

The specifications set a minimum flight speed of 180 metres per second, a flight endurance of at least 30 seconds, and a slant range of more than 6 kilometres. These parameters intended to replicate the approach profile of fast-moving aerial threats at distances where shoulder-fired or vehicle-mounted infrared missiles are typically engaged.

The system must also be operable from altitudes of 4,200 metres or above, a requirement that directly addresses the army’s operational deployments along the Himalayan terrain, including in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

To serve as a credible surrogate for real targets, the rocket must generate a strong infrared signature detectable by in-service missiles. The launcher must be slew-able in both bearing and elevation.

Tactical mobility is central to the design brief. The entire system – launcher, rockets, and ancillary equipment – must be transportable on standard 2.5-tonne military vehicles or equivalent platforms, and launch preparation must be completed within 15 minutes.

The army also requires the system to function in adverse weather, including light rain, fog, and cloud cover, across a wide temperature and humidity range.

Indigenization and procurement process

In keeping with the government’s ‘Make in India’ policy for defence, the RFI mandates a minimum indigenous content of 50 per cent.

Broader context

India’s air defence modernization has accelerated sharply in the wake of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash with China and the sustained military standoff along the Line of Actual Control.

The army has in recent years inducted additional Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems and man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), and is pursuing a broader upgrade of its layered air defence network.

The Indian Air Force already operates target drones for pilot and missile crew training, but the army’s ground-based air defence units have long lacked a dedicated, cost-effective, infantry-portable target system tailored to their organic missile inventory.

The intermediate target system rocket, if successfully developed and fielded, would address that gap without requiring the elaborate logistics and airspace clearances associated with drone targets.