Indian Defence News

SC has ruled that women Short Service Commission officers denied Permanent Commission will receive full pension benefits. The court said they will be treated as having completed 20 years of service. It also found bias in how their performance reports were judged. The decision came after petitions, including one by Wing Commander Sucheta Edan.

The Indian Army is creating "Shaurya Squadrons," dedicated drone units for its armoured regiments, following similar initiatives in the infantry, artillery. Inspired by lessons from recent global conflicts, these company-level units will be embedded with tank formations. Each squadron will operate surveillance, attack drones, loitering munitions.

Five Indo-Pacific partners, Indian Navy, US Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force, have begun two-week Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 at Andersen Air Force Base from March 16. The drill deploys P-8I, P-8A and P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to practise advanced anti-submarine warfare.

Sagar Defence Engineering has laid the foundation for the world's first autonomous maritime shipbuilding and systems centre in Andhra Pradesh. Located at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour with direct sea access, the facility will bolster India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and maritime technology.

India has successfully tested the indigenous ADC-150 Air Droppable Container, designed to deliver up to 150 kg of supplies to naval ships at sea. The DRDO and Indian Navy carried out four in-flight release trials from a P-8I aircraft off Goa between February 21 and March 1.

SMPP Limited has secured an additional order for 10,000 bulletproof jackets for BSF, CISF and SSB, adding to its earlier 40,000-unit contract as India pushes to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing.

India and Indonesia have signed an agreement for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, marking a major step for India’s defence exports. Indonesia becomes the second country after the Philippines to purchase the missile. The deal is part of Indonesia’s efforts to modernise its military, especially its maritime defence.

India’s arms imports dip 4% but it remains the world’s 2nd-largest buyer after Ukraine, relying on Russia, France & Israel amid domestic production delays and rising security needs.

Vir Chakra awardee Lance Havildar KG George (retd), a hero of 1965 India-Pakistan War, has died at the age of 95 in Kerala's Kottayam. He was honoured for restoring vital communication lines under heavy enemy shelling in Wagah sector.

India allowed Iranian naval ship IRIS Lavan to dock urgently in Kochi after technical issues. The vessel’s 183 crew members are now staying at Indian naval facilities following Tehran’s request.