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Fourth Ukrainian F-16 Lost in Combat as Pilot Dies Repelling Massive Russian Airstrike

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Ukraine’s Air Force confirmed the loss of another F-16 fighter jet in a deadly night engagement against an intense Russian missile and drone barrage. The pilot, who reportedly shot down seven airborne threats before his jet was damaged, was killed after failing to eject in time—marking the fourth confirmed F-16 crash since the aircraft’s induction into the Ukrainian military.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the pilot exhausted all his onboard weapons to counter the massive Russian assault. His aircraft sustained damage during the final engagement and lost altitude rapidly. Despite attempting to steer the fighter away from populated areas, he was unable to escape the crash.

President Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to the fallen pilot, praising his bravery and calling for immediate reinforcement of Ukraine’s aerial defense, particularly the procurement of more Patriot missile systems. “This pilot died defending Ukraine from the skies. His sacrifice shows why advanced air defense is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Zelensky said.

This tragic loss follows three earlier F-16 crashes:

  • The first crash occurred shortly after the aircraft’s initial deployment, reportedly due to technical malfunction or friendly fire.
  • The second, in April 2025, was confirmed to be the result of a Russian air defense system.
  • The third crash on May 16 involved a jet repelling a Russian air attack, and though the pilot survived, the cause was believed to be either mechanical failure or a hit by an S-400 missile.

With this fourth loss, concerns are mounting over the survivability of Ukraine’s small but critical F-16 fleet, especially against Russia’s dense air defense systems and persistent missile attacks. Military analysts have warned of the challenges F-16s face when operating in contested airspace without robust support from Western-style integrated air defense networks.

In the same wave of Russian attacks, Kyiv reported the launch of 477 drones and 60 missiles overnight. Ukrainian defenses intercepted most of them, but six strikes still penetrated, causing casualties and infrastructure damage in regions including Cherkasy, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kharkiv, where a drone strike killed a 60-year-old man.

Moscow, meanwhile, claimed to have intercepted three Ukrainian drones and awarded 15 million rubles to 12 soldiers involved in shooting down the first Ukrainian F-16 earlier this year.

Despite growing battlefield pressure, talks between Russia and Ukraine remain at a stalemate. Kyiv accuses Moscow of prolonging the war while intensifying calls for Western military assistance—appeals that remain unanswered by the current U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.

Retired Military Leaders Inspect Karbi Anglong Site for Upcoming Sainik School

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A high-level delegation comprising retired senior military officials and Assam government representatives conducted an in-depth site inspection on Friday at Langvoku, Karbi Anglong, to assess the proposed location for the upcoming Sainik School. The initiative is part of a broader push to provide quality education and instill discipline among the region’s youth.

The delegation was led by Lt Gen (Retd) Rana Pratap Kalita, Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Supervision and Monitoring of the school project. He was accompanied by Major Gen (Retd) Bhaskar Kalita, Brigadier SM (Retd) Ranjit Borthakur, and Brigadier (Retd) Palash Choudhury. Their collective military experience is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the school’s establishment.

Senior state officials and members of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) also participated in the visit. Key figures included Pranjal Choudhury, Joint Secretary of the Department of Education, and the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department. The team also included architects, engineers, and representatives from the State Land and Revenue Department.

During the visit, the team reviewed the 133-acre land parcel allocated by the KAAC and examined the site plan prepared by the Chief Engineer’s office. The assessment focused on terrain suitability, accessibility to highways, railways, and airports, and proximity to hospitals and other essential services, all of which are vital for the smooth functioning of a residential institution like a Sainik School.

The proposed school has been officially sanctioned under Clause 5.1 (Annex-II) of the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) 2021 and approved by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It represents a strategic investment in the region’s educational infrastructure, aiming to produce future leaders through a structured and disciplined academic environment.

The site inspection marks a significant step forward in the establishment of the Sainik School, underlining the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and nurturing talent in Karbi Anglong and nearby areas.

Former Soldier Arrested in Sitapur for Cheating Youth with False Job Promises

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The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Rahul Kumar, a former soldier, for impersonating an Indian Army colonel and deceiving unemployed youth by offering fake military recruitment in exchange for money. The arrest took place in the early hours of Saturday from a residence in Narayan Nagar, Hema Purwa, under the jurisdiction of Kotwali police station in Sitapur.

Kumar, a native of Kakrala village in Muzaffarnagar district, was caught red-handed with a fake army uniform, four counterfeit appointment letters, forged seals, a canteen card, Aadhaar card, and a mobile phone. He confessed during interrogation that he had served in the Mahar Regiment and left the Army, later taking up driving a goods transport vehicle before launching his fraudulent scheme.

According to officials, Kumar had been targeting jobseekers for months, promising them appointments in the Army in return for money. He issued fake appointment letters and documents to lend credibility to the scam. Acting on multiple leads about someone in uniform offering fake army jobs, the STF formed a team under the supervision of DSP Avnishwar Chandra Srivastava and led by Inspector Santosh Kumar Singh to conduct the raid.

The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of cheating, impersonation, and forgery. The local police are continuing the investigation, and the Indian Army has been notified of the impersonation.

Authorities reiterated their appeal to the public to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to fraudulent recruitment schemes. The Army has stressed that all official recruitment processes are transparent and conducted through verified online platforms without the involvement of intermediaries or agents.

Asim Munir Escalates Rhetoric, Threatens India While Calling Pakistan a Regional Stabiliser

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In yet another combative address, Pakistan’s Field Marshal General Asim Munir accused India of launching two “unprovoked attacks” and vowed a “decisive response” to any future aggression. Speaking at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, Munir reiterated Islamabad’s stance on Kashmir and claimed Pakistan remains a “net regional stabiliser” despite recent military escalations.

The comments come in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack earlier this May, which killed 26 Indian civilians. India retaliated swiftly with Operation Sindoor, a series of precision airstrikes deep inside Pakistan targeting terror launchpads. The operation marked a major escalation and was accompanied by India suspending parts of the Indus Waters Treaty—a move seen as a direct diplomatic blow to Pakistan.

Despite these developments, Munir alleged that India was responsible for stoking instability in the region, calling its actions a sign of “strategic recklessness.” He claimed that Pakistan had shown restraint and maturity, even as it prepared to respond forcefully to any future incursions.

Reinforcing Islamabad’s long-standing position on Kashmir, Munir said, “Pakistan remains committed to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.” He referred to Kashmir once again as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” echoing remarks made earlier this year that stirred controversy just days before the Pahalgam attack.

India has rejected Pakistan’s repeated attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue, emphasizing its internal nature and accusing Islamabad of sheltering terror groups operating in the region. Analysts believe Munir’s speech may be aimed at domestic political consolidation and diverting attention from Pakistan’s worsening economic and internal security crises.

The Indian government has not yet responded to Munir’s latest remarks. However, defense officials have previously stated that the Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert and are prepared to deal with any escalation across the Line of Control or international border.

Munir’s repeated threats and the revival of hardline rhetoric on Kashmir may further destabilize the already fragile relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Regional observers have warned that such statements, especially amid heightened tensions, could increase the risk of miscalculation and military confrontation.

British Royal Navy Deploys Warships and Helicopters to Track Russian Warship in English Channel

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In a focused four-day operation in June 2025, the British Royal Navy deployed warships and helicopters to monitor and escort Russian naval vessels transiting the English Channel and North Sea, underscoring the UK’s commitment to maritime security and NATO vigilance. The Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan and the River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Mersey played key roles in shadowing the Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette RFN Boikiy, which sailed eastward through the Channel.

HMS Duncan intercepted the Boikiy near the island of Ushant off the French coast on June 20, before HMS Mersey assumed escort duties off the Isle of Wight on June 21, allowing Duncan to resume training operations. The Boikiy, part of the Russian Baltic Fleet, is a stealthy multi-role corvette equipped with Uran anti-ship missiles, Redut surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, a 100mm naval gun, and a Ka-27 helicopter for anti-submarine and surveillance missions.

This operation followed earlier Royal Navy tracking of the Russian frigate RFN Admiral Grigorovich and other Russian naval movements, highlighting a surge in Russian naval activity near UK waters. Notably, the Boikiy was observed using a disguised identification signal while transiting alongside two Russian oil tankers under Western sanctions, marking an unprecedented escalation in Russia’s maritime strategy.

UK Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard reaffirmed the Royal Navy’s resolve to shadow Russian warships near British waters and protect critical infrastructure such as undersea cables. Commander Daniel Lee of HMS Duncan emphasized the strategic importance of these missions in safeguarding national security and upholding international maritime law.

The British Royal Navy’s intensified presence reflects growing concerns over Russian assertiveness in key maritime corridors, with the Royal Navy’s advanced platforms like HMS Duncan and HMS Mersey playing pivotal roles in maintaining vigilance and deterrence in the English Channel and surrounding seas.

U.S. Commits $3.1 Billion to Continue Boeing F-15EX Production, Enhancing Air Force Combat Readiness

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The U.S. Department of Defense has proposed a $3.1 billion allocation in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget to continue the procurement of Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, supporting the acquisition of 21 additional aircraft. This investment underscores the Pentagon’s commitment to modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s tactical airpower fleet and maintaining production continuity at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities.

The F-15EX Eagle II is a significantly upgraded variant of the legacy F-15 platform, designed to complement stealth fighters like the F-35 by offering unmatched payload capacity, high survivability, and extended operational range. It can carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles or a wide array of precision-guided munitions, including hypersonic weapons such as the AGM-183A ARRW. The aircraft features advanced systems like the AN/APG-82 AESA radar, Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a digital cockpit with multifunctional large-area displays, fly-by-wire controls, and open mission systems architecture for future weapon and sensor integration.

Originally contracted in 2020 for up to 144 aircraft, the U.S. Air Force has refined its procurement plans to 104 jets to replace the aging F-15C/D fleet and sustain air superiority. As of mid-2025, nine F-15EX jets have been delivered, with operational units including the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard.

This continued investment reflects the strategic importance of the F-15EX in bridging the gap between legacy fighters and future sixth-generation platforms, ensuring the U.S. Air Force retains robust, versatile air combat capabilities in both homeland defense and contested environments.

Indian Defence Attaché Issues Stern Nuclear Warning at Indonesian Air Force Seminar

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Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, delivered a firm warning during two high-level seminars hosted by the Indonesian Air Force University, declaring that any nuclear strike from Pakistan would result in its complete annihilation. The remarks came in the context of seminars analyzing the recent May 2025 air conflict between India and Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor.

Addressing senior Indonesian military officials, scholars, and defense analysts, Captain Kumar underscored India’s long-standing nuclear doctrine of no-first-use and massive retaliation, reaffirming that India would not tolerate nuclear coercion or blackmail. His comments echoed the government’s stated policy and recent statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting a hardened posture in the wake of recent regional tensions.

Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Air Force in retaliation to a Pakistan-backed terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. According to Indian officials and independent reports, the operation involved precision strikes on 11 Pakistan Air Force bases and demonstrated India’s growing capabilities in missile warfare, drone operations, and electronic warfare. These operational successes were a key focus of the seminar series.

The Indonesian seminars not only examined India’s military actions but also explored how lessons from the conflict could inform Jakarta’s ongoing air power modernization. Topics included the strategic use of surface-to-air missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the need for robust deterrence frameworks in Southeast Asia’s evolving security environment.

Captain Kumar’s statements drew attention to the broader regional implications of the India-Pakistan conflict and signaled India’s intent to foster deeper defense ties with partners like Indonesia. The seminars served as both a platform for strategic dialogue and a warning to adversaries about the risks of nuclear escalation.

India’s emphasis on responsible nuclear behavior and deterrence comes amid a wider reassessment of military doctrines across Asia, particularly as nations like Indonesia prepare for greater security challenges in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

LCH Prachand to Get Indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite Developed by DRDO

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The Indian Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is set to receive a fully indigenous electronic warfare (EW) suite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), replacing the currently used Saab Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS). This upgrade represents a key stride in India’s ongoing efforts to indigenize its defense capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign military technology.

Earlier versions of the LCH have been operating with Saab’s South African-origin IDAS, which offers threat detection against radar, missiles, and lasers, along with automatic countermeasure deployment. While effective, the reliance on imported systems has posed strategic limitations, particularly in sensitive and high-threat deployments. The new DRDO-developed EW suite is designed to address these issues with advanced, homegrown solutions tailored to Indian military requirements.

The indigenous suite will include radar warning receivers, laser warning systems, missile approach warning components, and countermeasure dispensing units—all integrated into the LCH’s avionics. These systems aim to offer robust protection against threats such as radar-guided missiles and infrared-guided weapons, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).

In addition to the EW upgrade, the LCH will also be fitted with a Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system, currently under development in India. DIRCM uses laser-based technology to deflect incoming heat-seeking missiles, further enhancing the aircraft’s survivability. The production of approximately 180 DIRCM units is planned for 2026–2027, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) leading the domestic solution.

This technological shift is not only about enhancing survivability but also ensuring that the LCH remains operationally effective in high-altitude conflict zones, such as India’s northern borders, where it has already been deployed. With India’s armed forces set to operate a fleet of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, the inclusion of a native EW suite provides long-term strategic and logistical benefits.

The decision aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, encouraging indigenous defense production and reducing import dependency. The DRDO’s customized approach ensures that the system will meet specific operational needs, particularly in the context of mountain warfare and network-centric operations.

As the DRDO advances integration and testing, the LCH’s capabilities are poised to reach a new level, combining indigenous electronic protection with advanced combat agility. This marks an important evolution in India’s journey toward technological autonomy in modern warfare.

Captain Sridhar Tata to Commission INS Tamal in Russia

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Captain Sridhar Tata, an accomplished naval officer and alumnus of Sainik School Korukonda, is set to commission the Indian Navy’s latest stealth frigate, INS Tamal, in Kaliningrad, Russia on July 1. With this appointment, he becomes the first Saikorian to command a frigate-class warship during a foreign induction, marking a proud moment for his alma mater and Andhra Pradesh’s defence community.

Korukonda, a quiet town in Vizianagaram district, is home to one of India’s premier Sainik Schools. Established in 1961, the institution has produced a remarkable list of armed forces officers, including Lt Gen K. Surendra Nath, Vice Admiral M.S. Pawar, and the late Col. B. Santosh Babu, who was martyred in the Galwan clash. Captain Sridhar now joins this esteemed list with a milestone that reflects decades of hard work, dedication, and military excellence.

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Hailing from Srikakulam district and coming from a family with a strong defence legacy, Captain Sridhar has served the Indian Navy for over 26 years. His professional journey includes service aboard 12 different warships and command of three. He has participated in key operations like Operation Vijay during the Kargil conflict, Operation Parakram following the Parliament attack, and multiple anti-piracy and maritime security missions. He was also a founding member of the Maritime Security Wing in the National Security Council Secretariat under NSA Ajit Doval.

INS Tamal, the warship he is commissioning, is part of the Krivak class of stealth frigates and is likely to be the last complete warship imported by India as the country pushes forward with its Atmanirbhar Bharat defence initiative. Built in Kaliningrad, the ship is equipped with cutting-edge technology including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, HUMSA NG Mk II sonar, advanced communication systems, and Russian-origin Shtil vertical launch surface-to-air missiles.

Leading a team of 250 personnel for the commissioning, Captain Sridhar’s achievement has sparked pride among his peers from Sainik School Korukonda. With both his father and father-in-law having served in the Indian Air Force, along with his brother and in-laws in high-ranking military roles, Captain Sridhar carries forward a rich legacy of service.

As INS Tamal prepares to join the Indian Navy fleet, this moment serves as a powerful reminder of the role Sainik Schools continue to play in shaping India’s defence leadership. Captain Sridhar’s journey from Korukonda to Kaliningrad is not just a personal milestone, but a symbol of institutional excellence and national pride.

Meet Commander Ronie Chowpoo: First Arunachali to Lead Indian Navy Warship

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Commander Ronie Chowpoo from Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district has made history by becoming the first officer from the state to take command of a frontline Indian naval warship in the Eastern Fleet. Announced on June 28, 2025, this achievement marks a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Northeastern region, offering new inspiration to aspiring defence personnel across the country.

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Early Life and Education

A first-generation naval officer, Commander Chowpoo grew up in the landlocked district of Namsai. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. Both institutions have produced many of India’s top military leaders, and Chowpoo’s selection and training there laid the foundation for his distinguished naval career.

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Service Journey and Specialization

Commissioned into the Indian Navy’s executive branch in 2008, Commander Chowpoo is a specialist in communication and electronic warfare. Over the years, he has served on multiple frontline platforms, including guided missile destroyers and frigates. His assignments have also included critical roles at Naval Headquarters, Fleet Headquarters, and other strategic operational commands, underscoring his leadership and professional depth.

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A Symbolic and Strategic Milestone

Commander Chowpoo now leads a warship in the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet—often referred to as the “Sunrise Fleet” due to its eastern deployment. Arunachal Pradesh, known as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” now has one of its own contributing directly to India’s maritime strength. This achievement breaks historical barriers and enhances representation of the Northeastern region in top-tier defence roles.

Public and Official Response

The announcement has been met with appreciation across the military and civilian spectrum. Leaders from Arunachal Pradesh, including government officials and ex-servicemen, have praised Commander Chowpoo’s dedication. The Navy has also highlighted his journey as an example of professionalism, perseverance, and inclusivity in the armed forces.

A Source of Inspiration

For young people across the Northeast, Commander Chowpoo’s success offers a powerful message—that with discipline, education, and determination, barriers can be broken. His rise through the ranks, from a remote part of the country to commanding one of India’s frontline warships, exemplifies the transformative role of institutions like Sainik Schools, RIMC, and NDA in shaping future military leaders.

The Eastern Fleet’s Role

The Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet plays a crucial role in securing maritime interests in the Bay of Bengal and beyond. Commander Chowpoo’s leadership in such a critical formation reflects not only his personal calibre but also the Navy’s growing emphasis on indigenous leadership, regional inclusion, and modernization.

Conclusion

Commander Ronie Chowpoo’s story is one of grit, dedication, and quiet revolution. As the first naval officer from Arunachal Pradesh to command a frontline warship, he opens new doors for future leaders from the Northeast. His success marks a new chapter in India’s journey toward a more inclusive and representative defence establishment.