In a landmark step toward modernizing its training infrastructure, the Indian Army has inaugurated a state-of-the-art drone training laboratory at the Madras Regimental Centre. The initiative, led by Lt Gen Karanbir Singh Brar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Southern Command, aligns with the Army’s 2024 “Year of Technology Absorption” drive, focused on preparing recruits for emerging digital battlefield environments.
The new facility was developed in collaboration with Chennai-based Zuppa Geo Navigation Pvt Ltd, a leader in advanced drone and navigation technologies. The company brings cutting-edge capabilities, including its patented “Disseminated Parallel Control Computing” technology, and is certified under AS9100D and DGCA standards. This partnership supports the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, encouraging indigenous defense innovation.
Central to the lab’s mission is the upskilling of Agniveer recruits under the Agnipath Scheme, launched in 2022. The program aims to create a younger, technologically adept force by integrating high-tech training modules into traditional military regimens. Certification opportunities at the lab also aim to provide Agniveers with career pathways in both defense and civilian tech sectors.
According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Defense Studies, integrating drone systems into infantry operations could improve efficiency by up to 30%, making this advancement strategically critical. The lab includes real-time drone control systems, simulators, and modular training frameworks to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer
Lt Gen Brar reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to holistic development, drawing parallels with initiatives like “Mission Olympics”, which have produced top-tier athletes from military ranks. The drone lab follows his earlier inauguration of a synthetic athletic track at the same centre in February 2025.
As the Indian Army continues to adopt cutting-edge technologies, this development marks a crucial step in enhancing the force’s operational readiness and fostering a culture of tech-enabled defense excellence.
In a tragic incident in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, a 25-year-old Army jawan, Sunil Rawat, lost his life while trying to save a friend from drowning in the Nandakini river on Wednesday afternoon. Rawat, a native of Nandanagar and attached to the Garhwal Rifles regiment, was home on leave for a religious event when the incident occurred.
According to Nandanagar SHO Narendra Rawat, the soldier had gone to bathe with three local friends at the confluence of the Punera rivulet and the Nandakini river around 2 PM. One of the friends slipped and was dragged into deeper water. In a valiant attempt to rescue him, Sunil Rawat jumped in but was caught in a powerful whirlpool and swept away. Despite the efforts of his friends, Rawat could not be saved due to the treacherous terrain and large submerged boulders.
His body was later recovered by rescue teams, lodged between rocks under the water, and was sent to a nearby hospital for postmortem examination.
In a separate tragedy in Chamoli on the same day, two factory workers from Haryana—Sachin Kumar (30) and Ravi Kumar (26) of Yamunanagar—died after their motorcycle was struck by a landslide near Jyotirmath while returning from Badrinath.
Meanwhile, in Tehri Garhwal, seven people were injured on Thursday in a head-on collision between a Haryana-registered camping van and a UP-registered car on the Rishikesh-Gangotri highway near Sarot temple. The car’s occupants—four from Muzaffarnagar and three from Noida—were en route to Gangotri. Three of the injured are reported to be in serious condition.
These back-to-back incidents highlight the hazards of both natural and road-related emergencies during the peak pilgrimage and travel season in Uttarakhand.
The White House has firmly denied reports that Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was invited to attend the US Army’s 250th anniversary celebration scheduled for June 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The clarification comes amid heightened attention on the event, which coincides with US President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Earlier this week, India Today reported that Munir had confirmed his attendance and would be engaging with senior US State Department and Pentagon officials. However, the White House issued a statement asserting that “no foreign military leaders were invited,” effectively debunking those claims and prompting scrutiny over the source of the misinformation.
White House has denied inviting Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir to US Army Day parade. https://t.co/PlycVTyJKT
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Munir’s controversial leadership in Pakistan. Elevated to Field Marshal in May 2025 after a military clash with India, Munir’s extended tenure—prolonged by two years in November 2024—has faced sharp criticism from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. PTI leaders have denounced the extension as an unconstitutional power consolidation by the military, sparking domestic unrest.
Fuelled by reports of his alleged US visit, PTI supporters have announced a protest outside the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., on June 14, calling for participants to display Pakistani and PTI flags. Despite the White House’s clarification, the demonstration appears poised to proceed, serving as an unusual international display of dissent against Pakistan’s military leadership.
The situation has drawn international commentary. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, compared Munir to Osama bin Laden—a provocative statement linked to the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack. His remarks have intensified calls among some US policymakers to designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism, potentially escalating tensions between the two countries.
Neither the Pakistani government nor the US State Department has issued further comments. As the anniversary event nears, the episode highlights the fragile dynamics of US-Pakistan relations and the growing political turbulence within Pakistan’s civil-military establishment.
The Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal welcomed 95 cadets from the 1 Telangana Air Squadron of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for a 13-day attachment training program, offering a unique opportunity to experience life in the Indian Air Force (IAF). The initiative, part of a biannual schedule conducted in June and October, immerses cadets in military aviation, discipline, and leadership development.
The training session commenced with a Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) and a dynamic flypast, showcasing the capabilities of IAF aircraft and inspiring cadets with aerial precision and skill. Over the next two weeks, participants will engage in structured activities aimed at enhancing their understanding of IAF operations and motivating them to consider careers in the armed forces.
Founded in 1969, the AFA is a premier institution for IAF training, preparing over 2,000 officers annually for advanced platforms like the Rafale and Tejas fighter jets. The academy also made history by inducting women cadets in 1993, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and excellence in defence education.
Spanning 7,050 acres and located 25 kilometers from Hyderabad, the academy remains central to India’s pilot training ecosystem. Its collaboration with the NCC builds on a legacy that dates back to the 1955 reorganization of Andhra Pradesh NCC units. Telangana’s NCC units have continued this tradition of excellence, earning national recognition, including the Prime Minister’s Banner in 2021.
This training program underscores the critical role of early military exposure in shaping future defence leaders and strengthening civil-military ties. For the cadets, it serves not only as a career-shaping experience but also as a tribute to the enduring values of service, discipline, and national pride.
The 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise, “Nomadic Elephant,” concluded today in Ulaanbaatar with a grand closing ceremony, marking a significant chapter in the evolving defence partnership between the two countries.
India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, serving as the Guest of Honour, presided over the ceremony alongside Mongolia’s Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Baatar Baljid, India’s Ambassador to Mongolia Atul M. Gotsurve, and Lieutenant General Puspendra Singh, Director General of Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement.
The exercise, which commenced earlier this month, brought together 45 personnel from India’s Arunachal Scouts and 150 troops from Mongolia’s Special Forces. Over the course of the drills, both sides engaged in joint tactical training and cultural exchanges, reinforcing military cooperation and mutual understanding.
In his address, Defence Secretary Singh praised the discipline and synergy displayed by both contingents, emphasizing the role of such exercises in promoting regional peace and strategic collaboration. The ceremony featured formal honours, group photographs, and the symbolic display of the Indian and Mongolian flags set against Ulaanbaatar’s rugged hills.
Initiated in 2004, “Nomadic Elephant” has grown into a key platform for military engagement, reflecting the strategic elevation of India-Mongolia relations since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 visit. The 12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting held in May 2024 further reinforced this momentum, opening new avenues for defence cooperation.
Mongolia’s strategic location between Russia and China adds a geopolitical dimension to the partnership. Experts note that India’s expanding military presence and aid, highlighted in 2024 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, could help balance regional power dynamics.
The successful completion of this year’s exercise underscores the growing interoperability between the two armed forces and sets a solid foundation for future collaborations in regional security and defence.
A delegation from Japan’s Joint Staff College visited the Indian Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Sujeet on June 12 in Mumbai, strengthening the ongoing maritime collaboration between India and Japan. The visit featured an interactive session where faculty and student officers from Japan were briefed on the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) structure, operational responsibilities, and strategic initiatives.
The Japanese delegation was given a detailed tour of the indigenously constructed Sujeet, commissioned in May 2020 by Goa Shipyard Limited. The vessel is outfitted with state-of-the-art systems, including an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, and high-capacity external firefighting equipment. It is designed to support a variety of missions, capable of carrying a twin-engine helicopter, four high-speed boats, and two inflatable boats for search-and-rescue, boarding, and maritime patrol operations.
The visit comes amid expanding regional cooperation under the Quad grouping—India, Japan, Australia, and the United States—which announced plans for joint Coast Guard patrols in the Indo-Pacific in 2025 during their September 2024 summit. This collaboration aims to strengthen interoperability and bolster maritime domain awareness in response to increasing regional tensions, particularly with China.
The OPV Sujeet, currently based in Goa, plays a crucial role in the surveillance of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and is a key asset within the ICG’s growing fleet of 155 ships and 62 aircraft. An additional 35 vessels are under construction as part of the Coast Guard’s modernization efforts.
The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan and their shared commitment to maritime safety and a free and open Indo-Pacific. It also reflects a global focus on maritime governance, as highlighted by the International Maritime Organization’s report of a 15% increase in maritime incidents in 2023, reinforcing the urgency of international cooperation.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, who assumed command of the Indian Army’s Northern Command on May 1, 2025, conducted a strategic visit to the Siachen Glacier, reaffirming India’s commitment to safeguarding its territory at the world’s highest battlefield.
Situated over 6,000 meters above sea level, the Siachen Glacier has been under Indian control since Operation Meghdoot in 1984, a critical military operation that secured more than 1,000 square miles in the contested region. During the visit, Lt Gen Sharma paid tribute at the Siachen Memorial to honor the over 900 Indian soldiers who have lost their lives due to extreme conditions and combat.
He inspected the operational preparedness of forces at both forward posts and the base camp, commending the troops for their exceptional courage, endurance, and professionalism. He emphasized the need to maintain high standards of readiness in the face of continuous challenges posed by terrain, weather, and regional tensions.
The visit also brought attention to the ecological impact of sustained military presence. A 2011 study by The Energy and Resources Institute projected that the Siachen Glacier could shrink by 80% by 2035, driven by climate change and military activity. In response, the Defence Research and Development Organisation launched a 2023 initiative to develop waste-decomposing bacteria, aiming to reduce environmental damage in the sensitive Himalayan ecosystem.
Lt Gen Sharma’s visit highlights both the strategic importance of the Siachen Glacier and the Indian Army’s evolving approach to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and at least 28 on the ground. The tragedy, the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, shocked the aviation world and sparked intense speculation about its cause. As investigations continue, no definitive root cause has been confirmed, but preliminary findings, expert analyses, and witness accounts point to several potential factors. This article explores the leading theories, the context of the crash, and the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind this catastrophic event.
The Crash: A Tragic Sequence of Events
Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. local time, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. According to Flightradar24, the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 625 feet before issuing a Mayday call, indicating an emergency. Seconds later, communication ceased, and the plane crashed into a medical college hostel in the Meghani Nagar residential area, triggering a massive explosion fueled by approximately 100,000 liters of aviation fuel. The sole survivor, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, reported hearing a “loud noise” 30 seconds after takeoff, followed by flickering lights and the plane’s rapid descent.
The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 delivered to Air India in January 2014. Piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kunder, both highly experienced with over 9,000 combined flying hours, the plane appeared to struggle to gain altitude. Video footage showed the aircraft descending with its nose up and landing gear down, an abnormal configuration for takeoff.
Investigating the Root Cause: Key Theories
With one black box recovered and the second located on June 13, 2025, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), supported by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Boeing, and General Electric (the engine manufacturer), is leading the probe. While a conclusive report may take months or years, several theories have emerged based on initial evidence, expert insights, and posts on X.
1. Engine Failure or Loss of Thrust
One of the most prominent theories suggests a catastrophic loss of engine power. The Boeing 787-8 is powered by two General Electric GEnx engines, and some speculate that both engines may have failed simultaneously, leaving the aircraft without sufficient thrust to climb. A post on X claimed that “both engine compressors stalled,” resulting in a 240-tonne aircraft unable to generate lift.
Aviation experts note that dual engine failure is rare but possible, with potential causes including:
Bird Strike: Dr. Jason Knight from the University of Portsmouth suggested that a bird strike could have caused both engines to fail, given the low altitude and proximity to the airport. Bird strikes are a known hazard during takeoff, and Ahmedabad’s urban environment may increase such risks.
Fuel Contamination or Delivery Issues: Contaminated fuel or a failure in the fuel delivery system could have starved the engines, though this would require significant maintenance or supply chain lapses.
Mechanical Failure: Engine corrosion or component failure, as seen in past 787 incidents with Rolls-Royce engines, could have played a role, though GE engines have a different track record.
The loud noise reported by the survivor could indicate an engine-related issue, such as a compressor stall or explosion. However, the 787 is designed to fly on one engine, so a dual failure would point to an extraordinary event.
2. Flap Configuration Error
Another theory focuses on the aircraft’s wing flaps, which are critical for generating lift during takeoff. Video analysis by aviation experts, including former British Airways pilot Alastair Rosenschein, suggested that the flaps may not have been extended properly. Incorrect flap settings could prevent the plane from climbing, especially with a full fuel load.
The 787’s Takeoff Configuration Warning System (TOCWS) is designed to alert pilots to improper flap settings, but a post on X noted that pilots could theoretically ignore these warnings, though this would be highly unusual given the experienced crew and multiple pre-takeoff checklists. Former pilot Mr. Chan told BBC Verify that flap errors are “highly unusual” due to rigorous procedures.
If flaps were retracted or misconfigured, the aircraft would require a longer runway to gain speed, consistent with reports that Flight AI171 used the full 11,499-foot Runway 23. The plane’s shallow climb and dust at the runway’s end, as noted by former United Airlines captain Laura Savino, support this theory.
3. Human Error and Automation Dependency
Some aviation professionals, including a former jet pilot on X, have suggested that human error, possibly compounded by over-reliance on automation, could be a factor. The pilot, claiming 6,000 hours of experience, described the crash as a “textbook breakdown of automation dependency, flawed data inputs, and eroded stick-and-rudder basic airmanship.”
This theory posits that incorrect data entry, such as weight or performance calculations, could have led to improper thrust or flap settings. Former Air Force accident investigator David Scholl, cited in a post on X, also pointed to possible “incorrect data entry” or “flap setting error” as potential causes.
However, Captain Sabharwal’s 22 years of experience and the crew’s adherence to checklists make gross human error less likely, though not impossible. The 787’s advanced automation systems, while reducing pilot workload, have been criticized in past incidents (e.g., Boeing 737 MAX crashes) for creating dependency or confusion under stress.
4. Structural or Manufacturing Defects
The crash has reignited concerns about Boeing’s manufacturing quality, particularly after whistleblower allegations in 2024. Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour testified to Congress that the 787’s fuselage had “thousands of gaps” due to improper fastening, potentially reducing the aircraft’s lifespan. Another whistleblower, John Barnett, alleged in 2019 that faulty parts were used on 787s, though Boeing denied these claims.
Between 2021 and 2023, 787 deliveries were halted due to assembly defects, including fuselage gaps and improperly fastened components. While the aircraft involved (VT-ANB) was delivered in 2014, long-term structural stress could theoretically contribute to a failure. However, no evidence currently links these issues directly to the crash, and Boeing has stated there is “no indication” of a manufacturing fault.
5. Maintenance Issues
Air India’s maintenance practices have come under scrutiny, with a post on X alleging that a “maintenance issue” caused the engine compressors to stall. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reportedly warned Air India about safety lapses in the past, and the airline’s 2020 Kozhikode crash raised questions about its safety culture.
The 787 involved had 41,000 flight hours, considered average, but maintenance records are being examined for missed inspections or deferred repairs. Air India grounded its entire 787 fleet pending the investigation, suggesting concerns about systemic issues.
6. External Factors
Less likely but not ruled out are external factors like sabotage or weather. A post on X by a user claiming National Security Guards (NSG) recovered the black box stated that sabotage was “apparently” not involved, though this remains unverified. Weather conditions in Ahmedabad on June 12 were not reported as severe, making factors like wind shear unlikely.
The Investigation: Challenges and Next Steps
The recovery of one black box and the location of the second are critical milestones. The 787’s flight data recorder, which monitors thousands of parameters, and the cockpit voice recorder will provide insights into the aircraft’s systems, pilot actions, and final moments. However, the intense fire and explosion may have damaged the boxes, complicating data retrieval.
Investigators face additional challenges:
Ground Casualties: The crash site’s residential location and the destruction of a medical college hostel make it difficult to distinguish between aircraft and ground victims, delaying identification and analysis.
Public Pressure: With 241 fatalities, including 53 British nationals, and global attention on Boeing, there is intense pressure for quick answers, risking premature conclusions.
Complex Systems: The 787’s advanced composite structure and automation systems require specialized expertise to analyze, prolonging the investigation.
The AAIB’s final report will likely identify a chain of events rather than a single cause, as modern aviation accidents often involve multiple failures. For example, the 2018 and 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crashes revealed a combination of design flaws, pilot training issues, and regulatory oversights.
Implications for Boeing, Air India, and Indian Aviation
The crash has profound consequences:
Boeing: The Dreamliner’s flawless safety record is shattered, and Boeing’s stock fell over 8% post-crash. Renewed scrutiny of manufacturing practices and whistleblower allegations could lead to further FAA inspections or delivery delays.
Air India: The airline, under Tata Group’s revival efforts, faces a crisis of confidence. Grounding its 787 fleet disrupts long-haul operations, and past safety concerns amplify calls for stricter oversight.
Indian Aviation: As India aims to become a global aviation hub, the crash highlights gaps in regulatory enforcement and infrastructure. The DGCA’s role in monitoring Air India and airport safety is under review.
Current Sentiment and Speculation
Posts on X reflect a mix of grief, anger, and speculation. Some users blame Boeing’s quality control, citing whistleblower warnings, while others point to Air India’s maintenance or pilot error. Unverified claims, such as dual engine failure or automation issues, fuel public debate, but experts urge caution until the investigation concludes.
Conclusion: A Complex Puzzle
As of June 13, 2025, the root cause of the Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad remains unknown. Leading theories include dual engine failure, flap configuration errors, human error, manufacturing defects, or maintenance lapses, but no single factor has been confirmed. The investigation, bolstered by black box data and international expertise, will aim to unravel the sequence of events that led to this tragedy.
For now, the focus remains on supporting victims’ families and preventing future disasters. The crash of Flight AI171 is a sobering reminder of the complexities of modern aviation and the need for rigorous safety standards across manufacturers, airlines, and regulators. As the world awaits answers, the lessons from this tragedy will shape the future of the Boeing 787, Air India, and global air travel.
An Apache helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made an emergency landing on Friday in Punjab’s Nangalpur area, according to reports from PTI. The incident occurred earlier today, though the specific reason behind the emergency landing has not yet been confirmed.
Officials stated that both the pilot and co-pilot are safe.
This incident comes just days after another IAF Apache helicopter was forced to make a precautionary landing in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur due to a technical issue during a routine sortie.
Further updates are awaited as more information becomes available from IAF sources.
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. The devastating crash killed 241 of the 242 people onboard and claimed additional lives on the ground, making it India’s worst-ever single-plane disaster and the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787-8 since its commercial launch.
Final Moments of Flight AI171
Flight AI171 departed 29 minutes behind schedule at 1:39 PM IST with a full fuel load. Just 32 seconds after takeoff, pilots issued a “Mayday” distress signal. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a nearby medical college campus, erupting in a massive fireball.
No adverse weather was reported at the time. However, eyewitnesses and radar data suggest the aircraft struggled to climb, staying between 625–825 feet before crashing.
Locals saw the jet flying abnormally low, trailing smoke. The sole survivor—a British national—recalled a loud noise moments before the crash and described the plane “struggling to gain height.”
Air India and India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the crash within hours. Global aviation bodies including the UK’s AAIB, the US NTSB, and Boeing are participating in the ongoing investigation.
A respected pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, Captain Sabharwal was known for his integrity and calm leadership. A resident of Mumbai, he had recently discussed retiring to care for his elderly father. Colleagues described him as a role model with a spotless safety record.
First Officer Clive Kunder
A promising young pilot with 1,100 hours of flying experience, Kunder was admired for his enthusiasm and meticulous approach to flight operations. Tributes from peers highlight his bright future and dedication to aviation safety.
Rescue, Recovery, and Ground Casualties
Emergency services responded within minutes, deploying more than two dozen ambulances and firefighting units. Of the 242 onboard, only one survived. At least five students on the ground also perished in the impact.
Investigators recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), critical for piecing together the final seconds of AI171.
Investigators are exploring several leads including possible engine thrust failure, a technical systems malfunction, or bird strike, though no conclusions will be drawn until black box data is fully analyzed.
Impact on Aviation Safety and Airline Operations
The crash has triggered a sweeping review of Air India’s 787 Dreamliner fleet. Temporary grounding of select aircraft and intensified maintenance checks are under discussion.
Experts and regulators are urging for enhanced pilot training, more rigorous aircraft inspection protocols and revamped emergency response systems.
National and Global Mourning
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, civil aviation authorities, and international leaders offered condolences. Flags at Air India offices and major airports were flown at half-mast.
Airports in India and the UK held candlelight vigils. Social media was flooded with tributes using hashtags like #AIF171Heroes and #CaptainSabharwal.
Remembering the Legacy of Captain Sabharwal and First Officer Kunder
Both pilots are being hailed as heroes for attempting to save the aircraft under dire conditions. Aviation communities are advocating for scholarships and facilities named in their memory to inspire future aviators.
Conclusion
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 is a solemn reminder of the high stakes in modern aviation. As investigations continue, the legacy of Captain Sabharwal and First Officer Kunder will live on in the collective memory of a grieving nation and an industry now called to do better.
