Taiwan has officially shown interest in acquiring India’s state-of-the-art D4 anti-drone system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The move comes in response to a surge in Chinese drone activity near Taiwan’s borders and strategic facilities.

India’s D4 system has emerged as a reliable and battle-tested counter-drone solution. It gained global attention following its deployment during high-stakes border tensions, where it successfully neutralized various classes of drones, including those used for surveillance and armed incursions. The system combines electronic jamming and hard-kill capabilities, offering a layered defense mechanism.

Taiwanese defense sources have highlighted the increasing frequency of Chinese unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) incursions, which pose a serious threat to national security. The D4’s modular architecture, quick deployment, and ability to adapt to both urban and remote environments make it an attractive option for Taiwan’s military modernization efforts.

If the procurement proceeds, it would mark a significant step in India-Taiwan defense cooperation—an area traditionally approached with caution due to geopolitical sensitivities. It could also establish India as a reliable exporter of cutting-edge defense technology in the Indo-Pacific region.

Discussions between technical teams from both countries are expected to begin soon, focusing on system customization, integration, and export logistics. While India’s Ministry of Defence has not released an official statement yet, sources confirm that preliminary talks are underway.

Taiwan’s interest in the D4 system reflects a broader regional trend where nations are prioritizing anti-drone capabilities as part of their national defense strategies. As drone warfare becomes more prevalent, India’s growing expertise in this sector is opening new avenues for strategic partnerships.

In a significant counter-insurgency operation, the Indian Army eliminated two suspected militants belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K-YA) faction near the Indo-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district on June 5. The encounter underscores the ongoing challenges in securing India’s northeastern borders against cross-border insurgent activity.

According to Army officials, the firefight began when a patrol team, acting on credible intelligence inputs, came under attack by insurgents believed to have crossed over from Myanmar. The area, known for its dense forests and porous terrain, provided cover for the attackers. After several hours of intense engagement, the militants were neutralized while others managed to flee across the border.

The two deceased insurgents were later identified as Sgt Major Nyaklung and Lance Corporal Neyung Aung, both active members of the NSCN(K-YA) faction. Despite ongoing peace talks with several Naga groups, the NSCN(K-YA) has continued to engage in cross-border militant operations, posing a persistent threat to security forces and local populations in the region.

Army sources confirmed that no casualties were reported among Indian personnel during the operation. Search and combing efforts remain ongoing in the region to track down fleeing militants and prevent any further infiltration attempts.

The encounter highlights the broader issue of insurgent groups exploiting the Indo-Myanmar border to launch attacks and retreat into safe havens across the border. In response, the Indian Army has increased surveillance, improved coordination with border security forces, and stepped up joint efforts with Myanmar authorities to curb militant movement.

As border infrastructure development continues under the government’s Act East Policy, such operations reflect India’s determination to safeguard its territorial integrity and restore peace in the insurgency-hit northeast.

Lieutenant General Harbinder Singh Vandra, Chief of Staff (COS) of the South Western Command, conducted a detailed review of the Black Charger Brigade’s operational readiness and technological advancements today in Jaipur. The inspection emphasized the Indian Army’s strategic push towards adopting next-generation warfare capabilities and modernizing its combat units under the Western Command.

During his visit, Lt Gen Vandra closely examined advanced operational systems and assets of the brigade, with a particular focus on the integration of drone technologies and other high-tech platforms. He interacted with troops to assess their combat preparedness, training effectiveness, and ability to adapt to emerging warfare environments. The COS praised the brigade for its progress in technology adoption and innovation, particularly its focused efforts on drone training and human resource development.

Highlighting the need for agility and adaptability, Lt Gen Vandra urged the brigade to remain future-ready by continuously refining its operational strategies and embracing technological evolution. He reiterated that leveraging cutting-edge tools is key to maintaining tactical superiority in dynamic combat situations.

The Black Charger Brigade, officially known as the 14th (Independent) Armoured Brigade, holds a distinguished service record since its establishment in 1967. It has played vital roles in key operations, including its contributions during the 1971 Indo-Pak War in the Shakargarh sector and urban warfare missions in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF). Operating under the South Western Command, the brigade is responsible for securing critical stretches of India’s western frontier.

The Indian Army has been increasingly focused on incorporating unmanned aerial systems such as the Israeli-origin IAI Heron and indigenous drones like Rustom-II into its surveillance and combat operations. These platforms are especially valuable in challenging terrains, including the Himalayas and densely forested regions of the Northeast. However, as per a 2024 report by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the armed forces still face constraints in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity due to a lack of domain-specific talent.

Lt Gen Vandra’s review visit reflects the Indian Army’s broader vision of building a modern, technology-driven force prepared to counter hybrid and conventional threats. The Black Charger Brigade’s emphasis on tech-oriented training and strategic innovation was commended, positioning it as a leading example in the Army’s modernization roadmap. As global military doctrines evolve, such forward-looking initiatives are vital for ensuring India’s operational edge and national defense preparedness.

In response to growing security threats along the northern frontier, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the newly appointed Army Commander of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, paid a crucial visit to Basantgarh in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. This high-level inspection follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians, primarily tourists. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has linked the attack to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist network.

During his field visit, Lt Gen Sharma assessed the operational readiness of troops deployed across the Pir Panjal range—an area that has witnessed a surge in militant infiltration and terrorist encounters in recent months. Notably, a fierce gunfight occurred in Basantgarh on April 24, resulting in the death of one Indian soldier and injuries to two others. Commending the troops for their vigilance and tactical precision, Lt Gen Sharma urged them to maintain an aggressive posture in counterinsurgency operations and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

The Northern Command, headquartered in Udhampur, holds strategic significance as the frontline force defending India’s northern borders, including the sensitive Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Sharma’s visit is seen as a reaffirmation of the Army’s resolve to counter growing threats from across the border. In a major diplomatic and strategic shift, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism and national security concerns.

As part of the intensified operations, the Indian Army has deployed helicopters to assist in combing operations across the rugged terrain of the Pir Panjal range, where militants are believed to have taken refuge. A temporary lockdown was enforced in Basantgarh to aid the manhunt. Simultaneously, the NIA is actively pursuing leads by analyzing CCTV footage from key travel corridors around Pahalgam to trace the attackers’ movements prior to the attack.

The heightened alertness and rapid mobilization of resources underscore the Indian Army’s commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats and stabilizing the region. The ongoing search and security operations in Basantgarh are part of a larger counterterrorism strategy aimed at denying militants any safe haven in Jammu and Kashmir.

With rising Indo-Pak tensions and international scrutiny of cross-border terrorism, the Indian Army’s Northern Command remains steadfast in its mission to protect national integrity and ensure civilian safety. Lt Gen Sharma’s proactive leadership signals a clear message of zero tolerance towards terrorism and unwavering focus on operational preparedness in one of India’s most volatile and strategically vital regions.

In a crucial move reflecting India’s heightened security posture, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, visited the headquarters of Strike One Corps in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. The visit aimed to review the corps’ operational preparedness in the wake of escalating regional tensions, particularly after the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, mostly Hindu pilgrims.

During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma received a detailed briefing on the combat readiness, rapid deployment capability, and strategic positioning of Strike One Corps—India’s premier mechanized formation. The formation plays a pivotal role in India’s offensive doctrine and has historically been integral to rapid response strategies along the Line of Control (LoC). Commending the corps for its innovation and high morale, Lt Gen Sharma reiterated the critical need for vigilance and operational superiority amid evolving security threats.

The Northern Army Commander also inspected a transit camp under the Northern Command and interacted with troops, appreciating their efforts in maintaining seamless logistics and welfare services for soldiers passing through the sensitive region. In a further show of inter-service cooperation, Lt Gen Sharma visited the Udhampur Air Force Station, home to No. 153 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force. This base gained national prominence during the 1999 Kargil War when Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena made history as the first female IAF officer to operate in a combat zone.

Addressing personnel at the air base, Lt Gen Sharma praised their professionalism and emphasized the importance of Army-Air Force synergy in maintaining security along India’s volatile northern frontiers. He also noted the significance of modern warfare integration, with Indian Army troops now equipped with upgraded camouflage uniforms designed for operational efficiency in diverse terrains.

The visit holds special significance given the context of the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which was initially claimed by the Resistance Front (TRF)—a known proxy linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. Though the group later retracted its claim, alleging Indian intelligence involvement, security agencies have attributed the attack to Pakistan-based terror outfits, consistent with patterns seen in previous incidents like the 2016 Uri attack and 2019 Pulwama bombing, both of which led to decisive Indian military responses.

Analysts say the Northern Command’s renewed emphasis on operational readiness, mobility, and force modernization aligns with India’s larger defense strategy, especially in light of persistent cross-border threats and recent diplomatic frictions with Pakistan.

Lt Gen Pratik Sharma’s visit to Udhampur underscores the Indian Army’s firm resolve to protect national interests, bolster troop morale, and ensure seamless coordination across services in one of India’s most strategically sensitive regions.

A new chapter was written in the legacy of the 14 Gorkha Training Centre as 158 Agniveers were formally inducted into the Indian Army during a solemn attestation parade held at the iconic Salaria Stadium in Subathu, Himachal Pradesh. The event marked the successful culmination of 31 weeks of rigorous basic military training for the fifth batch of Agniveers under the Indian government’s Agnipath Scheme.

Impeccably dressed and marching in perfect unison to stirring patriotic tunes, the Agniveers took their oath of allegiance to the Republic of India in a ceremony steeped in tradition and pride. The event was graced by senior military officers, who presented awards to outstanding recruits in recognition of their performance during training. A symbolic moment of the parade included the handing over of a trophy and the ceremonial pinning of a badge on one of the Agniveers, marking their official transition into the Indian Army.

Adding to the grandeur of the occasion was a pipe band performance and a march-past, reviewed by a senior officer from a ceremonial vehicle. Families of the Agniveers were also honored during the ceremony, with proud parents receiving the Gaurav Padak as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support.

The Agnipath Scheme, launched in June 2022, aims to recruit youth between 17.5 and 21 years of age for a four-year term, including six months of training. Designed to rejuvenate the Army’s age profile and address annual retirements of nearly 50,000 to 60,000 personnel, the scheme has drawn both praise and criticism. While the government touts it as a transformative reform that instills discipline and opens new career avenues, critics—including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress—have expressed concerns over its short tenure, absence of pension for most recruits, and limited absorption into the permanent cadre.

This parade in Subathu is part of a larger nationwide series of attestation parades inducting over 6,500 Agniveers into the Indian Army. Similar ceremonies have recently taken place in locations such as Leh, Srinagar, Nasik, and Belagavi, reflecting the wide implementation of the Agnipath initiative across the country.