India has recently inducted its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridaman, marking a major milestone in its maritime nuclear capability. With this induction, India will, for the first time, maintain three operational SSBNs at sea, significantly strengthening its undersea deterrence capability. In addition, India has commissioned the stealth frigate INS Taragiri, which enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to secure strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). INS Aridaman INS Aridaman is India’s third Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, following INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, and INS Arighaat, commissioned in 2024. It has been developed under the Advanced…
30 April, 2026
Defence
Salvo Test of ‘Pralay’ Missile On 31st December 2025, a successful salvo launch of two ‘Pralay’ missiles was conducted in quick succession off the coast of Odisha. The test demonstrated the missile system’s rapid-launch capability, operational reliability, and battlefield readiness. Development and Test Details Aspect Details Test Date Conducted on 31st December 2025. Test Location Conducted off the coast of Odisha. Conducted By Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Developed By Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories. Key Features of ‘Pralay’ Missile Feature Details Type A surface-to-surface, short-range, quasi-ballistic missile. Strike Range Has a strike…
26 April, 2026
Defence
LR-AShM at Republic Day Parade At the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) for the first time. The missile represents a major step in strengthening India’s long-range maritime strike and sea-denial capability. What is LR-AShM? Aspect Details Missile Type A hypersonic glide missile with a quasi-ballistic flight profile. Primary Role Designed for the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy. Coastal Battery A land-based system of artillery or missiles designed to protect coastlines from enemy ships. Present Range Has a range of about 1,500…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Rail-Based Agni Prime Missile On 24th September 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime (Agni-P) missile from a rail-based mobile launcher. With this achievement, India joined a select group of countries capable of firing containerised missiles from mobile rail networks, alongside Russia, the United States, and China. Key Features of Agni Prime Rail Launch Feature Specification / Details Missile Type An Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM). Strike Range Approximately 2,000 km. Launch Platform Fired from a mobile rail-based launcher mounted on a train network. Strategic Importance Enhances survivability, mobility, concealment, and operational flexibility of missile deployment. Why Rail-Mobile Missile Launch Matters Area…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III & VL-Shtil Air Defence Missiles The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs. 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch-Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts aim to strengthen India’s coastal surveillance, maritime operations, and naval air-defence capability. Key Procurement Details Component Details Total Contract Value Contracts worth Rs. 5,083 crore were signed by the Ministry of Defence. ALH Mk-III Contract A Rs. 2,901 crore contract for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard. Helicopter Supplier Signed…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Agni-5 Ballistic Missile On 20th August 2025, India successfully test-fired the Agni-5 ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district, Odisha. The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command, strengthening India’s long-range strategic deterrence capability. What is Agni-5? Aspect Details Missile Type An indigenously developed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Strike Range Has a strike range of about 5,000 km. Developer Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Warhead Capability Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. Strategic Role Forms part of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy and…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Prithvi-II, Agni-I and Akash Prime Missiles On 16–17 July 2025, India successfully test-fired three important missile systems — Agni-I, Prithvi-II, and Akash Prime — from testing sites in Odisha and Ladakh. The tests demonstrated India’s growing strategic deterrence capability and advancements in high-altitude air-defence systems. What are Agni-I and Prithvi-II? Missile Key Details Agni-I A nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of about 700–900 km. Prithvi-II India’s first indigenously developed ballistic missile with a strike range of around 350 km. Strategic Role Both missiles are part of India’s Strategic Forces Command. Nuclear Doctrine Support India’s policy of minimum credible…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Agni-III Missile Test India successfully test-fired the Agni-III intermediate-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The test was conducted on 6 February 2026 as part of a routine training exercise to validate operational preparedness. Key Details of Agni-III Aspect Details Missile Type A surface-to-surface intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Developer Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Strike Range Has a strike range of over 3,000 kilometres. Strategic Role Strengthens India’s long-range strategic deterrence capability. Test and Operational Significance Area Importance Test Location Conducted from ITR Chandipur in Odisha. Test Nature Conducted as…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Indian Army Signs Deal for ‘Suryastra’ On 3rd January 2026, under emergency procurement powers, the Indian Army signed a Rs. 293 crore contract with Pune-based NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Elbit Systems, for the supply of an advanced long-range universal rocket launcher system. The system, named Suryastra, is India’s first Made-in-India universal multi-calibre rocket launcher. Key Details of Suryastra Aspect Details System Name Suryastra. Contract Value The Indian Army signed a contract worth Rs. 293 crore. Supplier Pune-based NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Elbit Systems. Launcher Type India’s first Made-in-India universal multi-calibre rocket launcher. Procurement Mode Procured under emergency procurement…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Indigenous VTOL UAV ‘Rudrastra’ On 11th June 2025, the Indian Army successfully completed trials of the Rudrastra hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV at Pokhran, Rajasthan. The UAV is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, target engagement, and terrain mapping in challenging battlefield environments. What is Rudrastra? Aspect Details UAV Type A hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle. Runway Requirement Capable of taking off and landing vertically without a conventional runway. Developer Built by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). Operational Role Designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, target engagement, and terrain mapping in difficult battlefield conditions. Key Capabilities of…
26 April, 2026
Defence
FPV Drones The Indian Army has inducted its first batch of indigenously developed First Person View (FPV) drones equipped with anti-tank payloads, marking a major advancement in India’s tactical drone warfare capability. These drones are designed for precision battlefield strikes and reflect evolving modern warfare trends seen in recent global conflicts. Development and Deployment Aspect Details Drone Type Indigenously developed First Person View (FPV) drones. Co-Developers Co-developed by Major Saurav Sen, Chetan, and the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh. Assembly Centre Entirely assembled at the Rising Star Drone Battle School. Production Scale More than 100 drones have been produced…
26 April, 2026
Defence
Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) On 23rd August 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the Odisha coast. The system marks a major step toward building India’s first indigenous multi-layered air defence shield for protecting critical military and civilian installations. What is IADWS? Component Details System Type A multi-layered, all-indigenous air defence system. Missile Layer Includes Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) and Advanced VSHORADS missiles. Directed Energy Layer Comprises a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). Command and Control Controlled by…
26 April, 2026
Defence
India to Procure 26 Rafale-Marine Fighter Jets India has signed an agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy, valued at approximately Rs. 63,000 crore. These jets will primarily operate from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, strengthening the Navy’s carrier-based aviation capability. About the Rafale-Marine Deal Aspect Details Total Aircraft India will procure 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. Deal Value The agreement is valued at approximately Rs. 63,000 crore. Aircraft Composition Includes 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seat trainers. Operating Platform The jets will primarily operate from INS Vikrant. Support Package Covers weapons, simulators,…
25 April, 2026
Defence
Dhruv-NG Helicopter On 30th December 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully completed the inaugural flight of the Dhruv New Generation (Dhruv-NG) helicopter in Bengaluru, marking an important step toward its induction into the civil aviation market. The achievement highlights India’s growing capability in indigenous helicopter development and aerospace manufacturing. Key Developments Aspect Details Inaugural Flight HAL successfully conducted the first flight of the Dhruv-NG helicopter in Bengaluru. Civil Aviation Milestone Marks a significant step toward the helicopter’s entry into the civil aviation market. Engine Certification HAL received DGCA certification for indigenous manufacturing of the Shakti civil engine. Certification Importance The…
25 April, 2026
Defence
ERASR Anti-Submarine Rocket The successful user trials of the indigenous Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) were conducted from INS Kavaratti, a frontline warship of the Indian Navy. Following the successful trials, the Indian Navy is expected to induct the ERASR system to strengthen India’s anti-submarine warfare capability. Significance of ERASR Area Details Indigenous Development ERASR is an indigenously developed anti-submarine weapon system for the Indian Navy. Underwater Combat Capability Enhances India’s ability to detect and neutralise enemy submarines with precision. Naval Security Strengthens anti-submarine warfare capability for protecting sea lanes and naval assets. Operational Progress Successful user trials pave the…
25 April, 2026
Defence
Astra BVR Missile On 11th July 2025, India successfully test fired the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile from a Su-30 Mk-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha. Astra is India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets. Key Details of Astra Missile Aspect Details Missile Type India’s first indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). Test Platform Test fired from a Su-30 Mk-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha. Target Capability Designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets. Developer Developed by the Defence Research and…
25 April, 2026
Defence
ASW Drones In March 2025, Indian firm Sagar Defence Engineering and Liquid Robotics, a Boeing subsidiary, signed an MoU to co-develop autonomous surface vessels for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). The initiative aims to strengthen maritime security and improve Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) across the Indo-Pacific region. Key Features of the Partnership Aspect Details Main Objective Co-development of autonomous surface vessels for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Maritime Role Intended to strengthen maritime security and improve undersea surveillance capability. Focus Areas Covers manufacturing, system integration, testing, and development of MRO capabilities. Regional Significance Supports the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) initiative in the Indo-Pacific…
25 April, 2026
Defence
Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) On 25th February 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR). The successful trials demonstrated advanced targeting, guidance, and retargeting capabilities for modern naval warfare operations. Key Features of NASM-SR Feature Description Missile Type A short-range anti-ship missile designed for naval strike missions. Man-in-Loop System Allows in-flight retargeting through a high-bandwidth two-way datalink transmitting live images to the pilot. Guidance Seeker Equipped with an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker for precise terminal guidance. Lock-on Mode Fired in Bearing-only Lock-on after launch…
25 April, 2026
Defence
Tejas LCA Mk1A Fighter Jet On 17th October 2025, the Defence Minister unveiled the first Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jet from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) new Nashik production line. A second production line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft was also inaugurated at the same facility. Key Details of the Nashik Production Facility Aspect Details Production Facility HAL’s new production line located in Nashik. Production Line Status The Nashik unit is HAL’s third production line for Tejas fighter jets. Additional Capacity The Nashik facility will produce 8 additional Tejas aircraft annually. Total HAL Capacity HAL’s total production capacity will rise to…
25 April, 2026
Defence