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Last Rites of Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu Performed with Full Military Honours in Rohtak

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The final rites of Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu, one of the two Indian Air Force pilots who lost their lives in the tragic Jaguar fighter jet crash in Churu, Rajasthan, were held in Rohtak on Thursday with full military honours.

Also Read: Who Were Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh and Sqn Ldr Lokendra Singh Sindhu?: The IAF Pilots Martyred While Saving Lives in the Jaguar Crash Tragedy

A sea of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the 33-year-old officer, whose coffin arrived draped in the Indian tricolour. Family members, local residents, IAF officials, and civil dignitaries stood in solemn silence as the Air Force contingent gave a ceremonial gun salute.

Squadron Leader Sindhu had been serving with No. 5 Squadron ‘Tuskers’ and was on a routine training mission when the Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district on July 9. He was accompanied by Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, who also died in the accident.

A native of Rohtak, Sindhu had recently become a father. His family described him as a dedicated officer who had always dreamed of flying for the nation. His sacrifice has evoked deep emotions across Haryana, with tributes pouring in from former officers, public leaders, and citizens.

As the bugle sounded and the flames rose from the funeral pyre, Squadron Leader Sindhu was bid farewell with cries of “Shaheed Amar Rahein” echoing through the air.

His legacy, marked by courage and duty, lives on in the hearts of a grieving but proud nation.

Bilawal Bhutto Admits Pahalgam Was a Terror Attack, Acknowledges LeT and JeM Presence in Pakistan

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In a rare and striking admission, former Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has publicly acknowledged that the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir was a terrorist incident. Speaking to Indian journalist Karan Thapar in a televised interview, Bhutto also admitted that terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) still operate within Pakistan.

While accepting the terrorist nature of the Pahalgam attack, Bhutto firmly denied any role of the Pakistani government or military. He called such allegations “propaganda” and reiterated that Pakistan has suffered greatly due to terrorism. “We have lost over 92,000 lives, including 1,200 civilians in more than 200 attacks just last year,” he stated, warning that 2025 could become Pakistan’s bloodiest year if the violence continues.

Responding to charges of state-sponsored terrorism, Bhutto claimed that Pakistan had offered to cooperate in an impartial international investigation into the Pahalgam attack, but India had declined. “Our hands are clean,” he asserted, dismissing accusations of official complicity.

During the interview, Bhutto acknowledged that groups like LeT and JeM do exist in Pakistan, describing them as remnants of the Afghan jihad era. He explained that these organisations were once viewed as “freedom fighters” during the 1980s and 1990s but have since been outlawed following global pressure post-9/11. He maintained that neither his party, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), nor his late mother Benazir Bhutto, ever supported such groups.

Addressing the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Bhutto stated that Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the carnage, was sentenced to 31 years in prison in 2022. However, he placed the blame on India for delays in the legal process, alleging a lack of cooperation in presenting evidence and witnesses. When pressed further about Pakistan’s accountability, Bhutto grew visibly agitated and said, “If you don’t want to hear the answer, I can leave the programme.”

Despite the pointed questions, Bhutto called for constructive engagement between India and Pakistan. He urged both sides to move beyond hostility and focus on a comprehensive dialogue that includes counter-terrorism cooperation. Referring to the assassination of his mother by terrorists in 2007, he said he personally understands the pain of victims and stressed the importance of peace. “Let’s not talk hate and war. Every Pakistani is not a terrorist or an enemy,” he concluded.

The interview has sparked intense debate on both sides of the border, with some viewing Bhutto’s comments as a step toward transparency, while others remain skeptical of Pakistan’s official stance on terrorism.

BLF Launches ‘Operation Baam’; 17 Coordinated Strikes Hit Government Targets Across Balochistan

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The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has launched a major offensive against Pakistani state forces, targeting multiple government and military installations across Balochistan. Dubbed “Operation Baam” or “Dawn,” the series of coordinated attacks unfolded late Tuesday, marking one of the most extensive and synchronized insurgent actions in the restive province in recent memory.

According to initial reports, at least 17 targets were struck across the districts of Panjgur, Surab, Kech, and Kharan. The attacks reportedly disrupted communication lines, damaged administrative infrastructure, and hit military checkpoints. While the Pakistani government has not issued a full damage assessment, local sources confirmed widespread disruption in several affected regions.

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In a statement released by the BLF, spokesperson Major Gwahram Baloch described the operation as a new phase in the Baloch national resistance. He claimed the attacks stretched from the Makran coast to the Koh-e-Suleman mountains, demonstrating the group’s extended operational reach.

“The resistance has entered a new phase,” said Major Gwahram. “Operation Baam is designed to show that Baloch fighters can carry out large-scale, coordinated strikes over vast geography.”

He also stated that the attacks aimed to inflict both human and material losses on Pakistani security forces, though specific casualty figures remain unclear and unverified.

The offensive underscores long-standing tensions in Balochistan, where issues of political marginalisation, resource exploitation, and heavy military presence have driven armed resistance for decades. The BLF, a prominent separatist group, has periodically launched attacks against the Pakistani state, but the scale of Operation Baam suggests a more organized and confident insurgency.

As of Wednesday morning, Pakistani security forces had launched search operations across the impacted districts. Communication networks remain partially disrupted in Kech and Panjgur, and there is no official word yet on arrests or fatalities.

The BLF has stated it will release more detailed information about the outcomes of Operation Baam once the mission concludes. Meanwhile, the offensive has once again spotlighted the fragile security situation in Balochistan and the enduring challenge the insurgency poses to Islamabad’s control over the resource-rich region.

India and Indonesia Bolster Defence Partnership at 11th Army Staff Talks in Bali

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The 11th India–Indonesia Army Staff Talks concluded today in Bali, reinforcing the growing defence partnership between the two nations. Held from July 8 to 10, the high-level dialogue brought together senior military officials who reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing regional peace, joint operational capabilities, and mutual strategic interests.

The discussions focused on expanding both bilateral and multilateral military cooperation. Among the key areas addressed were joint training in jungle and mountain warfare, a domain where both armies possess deep operational experience. The talks also included plans for increased exchanges in counter-intelligence, particularly in the realm of psychological operations aimed at combating misinformation and addressing evolving regional security threats.

The strengthened cooperation builds on a solid foundation of support, including India’s humanitarian response following the devastating Palu tsunami in 2018. With both nations seeking to address hybrid threats and non-traditional security challenges, India’s growing expertise in psychological operations—highlighted in a 2023 RAND Corporation study—was identified as a potential area of collaboration to counter disinformation in the region.

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Both countries also explored avenues for technical cooperation, including possibilities for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of military platforms. This aligns with Indonesia’s ongoing military modernization efforts, with India offering systems like the Akash surface-to-air missile and the Pralay short-range ballistic missile as part of potential defence exports.

The successful conclusion of the Army Staff Talks marks a significant step in deepening India–Indonesia strategic alignment, reflecting their mutual aim to ensure a secure, stable, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Operation Jal Rahat 2: Indian Army Leads Massive Flood Relief Operations in Himachal and North East

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The Indian Army has launched extensive rescue and relief operations under Operation Jal Rahat 2, responding to devastating floods and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh and the North East. Army columns have been deployed across multiple disaster-affected areas, delivering critical aid and evacuating stranded civilians.

In Himachal Pradesh, the Army has mobilised its forces in Mandi district, one of the worst-hit regions where flash floods and landslides have cut off entire villages. Relief teams are actively operating in Thunag, Bagsiad, and Pandoh, working in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, and local authorities. On July 6, Army personnel successfully cleared a vital mule track between Bagsiad and Thunag, restoring access to remote villages and enabling the supply of food, medicine, and essential relief kits.

Medical camps have been established in Thunag, where Army medical teams are providing essential healthcare services. Relief supplies have reached previously inaccessible villages including Degi, Rushad, and Chapad. Aid arrived in Degi on July 7, in Rushad on July 8, and in Chapad on July 9, marking significant progress in the ongoing operation.

Communication remains a major hurdle in remote regions, especially in Thunag where mobile networks are unavailable. To maintain operational effectiveness, the Army has deployed satellite-based communication systems such as ISAT phones and HX terminals to ensure real-time coordination with civil authorities.

In a significant development, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to visit Thunag to assess the ground situation and interact with both relief workers and affected residents. At the same time, the Brigade Commander overseeing the Army’s relief efforts will visit Mandi to evaluate operations and discuss strategic coordination with the Chief Minister and Deputy Commissioner.

In the North East, Operation Jal Rahat 2 is being spearheaded by Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), covering flood-affected regions in Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur. On July 10, the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur formally requisitioned Army assistance after floods submerged Singrijan Colony in Nagaland. In response, an Engineer Task Force was promptly deployed and began relief operations. Although civil authorities later issued a verbal de-requisition, Army teams remain on high alert and fully prepared for further deployment.

In Assam’s Golaghat district, the Dhansiri River crossed its danger mark earlier in the week. While water levels are now receding, Army personnel continue to monitor the region and remain ready to act at short notice. In Manipur, floodwaters from the Nambol River have affected parts of Imphal West and Bishnupur districts. Army teams have been actively engaged in evacuating residents and providing food and medical aid.

As of July 10, a total of 40 Army relief columns have been deployed across the North East, including 24 active columns and 16 in reserve. These teams have rescued more than 3,820 people, distributed over 1,361 food packets, provided medical assistance to more than 2,000 individuals, and delivered nearly 15,500 bottles of clean drinking water.

The Indian Army’s timely and coordinated response has been critical in preventing further loss of life and alleviating suffering in flood-hit communities. Their swift deployment and dedication underscore the Army’s dual role as both a military force and a humanitarian lifeline in times of crisis.

Senior defence officials reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment to the people. “We are here to serve, always—whether in war or in disaster,” said one officer. “From mountain passes to floodplains, our mission remains the same: to protect and assist our fellow citizens.”

As climate-related disasters grow more frequent and intense, the Indian Army’s capacity for rapid, disciplined, and effective humanitarian response continues to set a national benchmark in disaster relief operations.

My SSB Journey: From 13 Failures to Success in the 14th Attempt

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“डर मुझे भी लगा फासला देखकर, पर मैं बढ़ता गया रास्ता देखकर, खुद-ब-खुद मेरी नज़दीक आती गई मेरी मंज़िल, मेरा हौसला देखकर।” Hello Aspirants, Today, I Harsh Dubey sharing a journey that spanned 7 years, 13 failed attempts, countless sacrifices—and finally, success. On 20th June 2025, my life changed forever when I was recommended in my 14th SSB attempt. This wasn’t just a result; it was the culmination of relentless persistence, unwavering patience, and unshakable belief. My journey began in 2018 with my first attempt at NDA II. What followed was a long and testing phase filled with disappointments:

  • ❌ 5 unsuccessful NDA attempts
  • ❌ 6 unsuccessful CDS attempts
  • ❌ 6 unsuccessful AFCAT attempts
  • ❌ 1 unsuccessful CGCAT attempt

And finally—a recommendation in the Indian Coast Guard.

The Seed of a Dream

From a young age, I was a bright student. A sentence my father once told me in Class 7 stayed with me forever:
“No one from our village has ever become an officer — you must be the one to change that legacy.”
That one thought lit the fire of purpose in me.

Watching my cousins serve in the BSF as soldiers only fueled that desire. But it was only after joining the NCC that I truly discovered my passion for the armed forces. That’s when I knew — this is my calling.

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The Setback That Shook Me

Despite being a strong student, I underperformed in Class 12. My confidence shattered. I felt I had lost everything — even my father’s trust. Doubts haunted me:
“Will I ever do anything meaningful in life?”

But then came a turning point — graduation. I pursued B.Tech and graduated with a 9.1 CGPA, which opened opportunities through TGC, SSC (Tech), and Navy (Tech) entries. The SSB calls started rolling in.

The SSB Rollercoaster

My first SSB was on 24th July 2023, just two days after my final exam. And I got screened in! For the first time in years, I saw pride in my father’s eyes. Though I wasn’t recommended, something inside me whispered:
“You are meant for something big.”

I soon joined TATA Electronics as an Engineer. But I knew the corporate world wasn’t my true destination. I decided to work for just one year, gain experience, and continue chasing my real dream.

During that time, I made endless excuses to attend SSBs — fake MBA calls, a fabricated grandfather’s death, even a staged hospital admission. But these actions had consequences. My manager lost trust, my team grew distant. Eventually, in January 2025, I left the ₹50,000/month job and returned home to Delhi to pursue my dream full-time.

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The Dark Phase

Quitting that job was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. With no income, no guarantee, and just a dream in hand — I walked a lonely path. And things didn’t immediately improve. I faced multiple screen outs and conference outs.

The fear crept back in:
“Did I make a mistake?”

But something deep within kept me going. I reminded myself: “Your time will come.”

And finally, it did.

The Moment of Glory

20th June 2025 — I received my recommendation from the Indian Coast Guard.

The moment my chest number was called, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Years of pain, struggle, and silent effort rushed back — but they now had a purpose. That single moment of success made every hardship worth it.

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What I Learnt (And Did Differently)

While coaching and mentoring helped, I realized that self-introspection and honest improvement were equally vital. Here’s what worked for me:

Time management during psych tests
Confidence and boldness in responses
Clarity of thought and staying cheerful during the process
GTO performance — being a real team player, staying calm, and contributing meaningfully

Even while working a demanding job, I gave it my all:

  • 🎯 I set clear targets
  • 🎤 Recorded my lecturette videos and self-reviewed them
  • 🤝 Practiced with friends and adopted their feedback
  • 📌 Stayed in regular touch with my mentors

By my 14th attempt, my mindset had transformed. Earlier, I used to carry the heavy burden of pressure. This time, I entered with the mindset:
“This will be the best attempt of my life.”

And it truly was.

I gave my best interview ever, delivered a lecturette that came straight from the heart, and performed in the GTO tasks with complete clarity and calmness.

Harsh Dubey SSB

7 Years, 14 Attempts, One Victory

It took:

  • 7 long years
  • 14 SSB attempts (7 conferences, 7 screen outs)
  • Countless sacrifices and painful decisions

But the dream came true. Along the way, I found great friends, unforgettable memories, and life-changing lessons. I learnt that:

Hard work, patience, and a never-give-up attitude never go in vain.

My Gratitude

I owe this victory to:

  • 🙏 Prateek Bhaiya and Kumar Bhaiya for their constant support
  • 🙏 My parents and mentors who stood by me through every failure
  • 🙏 SSBCrack, for keeping me updated with current affairs and helping aspirants like me stay focused and motivated

To every defence aspirant reading this — never give up. Your journey may be long, painful, and full of uncertainties. But if your goal is strong and your heart is pure, your time will come.

Jai Hind

Who Were Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh and Sqn Ldr Lokendra Singh Sindhu?: The IAF Pilots Martyred While Saving Lives in the Jaguar Crash Tragedy

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“In skies where thunder roars, they flew with valor and fell as heroes. The nation salutes Flt Lt Rishi Raj Singh and Sqn Ldr Lokendra Singh Sindhu. Their courage will echo in the winds above forever.”

On July 9, 2025, a Jaguar trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a routine training sortie in Churu district, Rajasthan, killing both pilots on board. The IAF confirmed the loss of Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu (33) and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23) in the fatal accident, which occurred near Bhanoda village around 1:25 PM.

No civilian casualties or property damage were reported. The IAF has initiated a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.

What Happened in the Jaguar Crash?

The ill-fated aircraft was a SEPECAT Jaguar, a twin-engine, deep-penetration strike aircraft of Anglo-French origin. It took off from the Suratgarh Air Force Station and crashed in an agricultural field during a training mission. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by black smoke billowing from the wreckage.

Debris was found scattered over 200 feet. A local farmer, who saw the jet go down, said, “The pilot steered the aircraft away from the village to avoid loss of civilian life.”

This was the third Jaguar crash reported in 2025, after previous incidents in Haryana (March) and Gujarat (April).

Also Read: Indian Air Force Confirms Death of Both Pilots in Jaguar Crash; No Civilian Damage Reported

Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu

Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, a native of Rohtak, Haryana, was a decorated and experienced pilot. He was commissioned into the IAF in 2016 after training at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

Family Background:

  • Son of a retired university superintendent and a teacher.
  • Youngest among three siblings.
  • His sister was a short service officer in the IAF; his brother works in an MNC.

Personal Life:

  • Married during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Became a father on June 10, 2025, less than a month before the crash.
  • His wife was staying at her parental home in Hisar when she received the heartbreaking news.

Family members described him as a brilliant student and a humble officer who always dreamed of flying for the nation.

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Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh

Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, 23, hailed from Pali district, Rajasthan. As a young pilot, Singh was known for his sharp skills, discipline, and enthusiasm. His untimely death shocked his hometown of Jodhpur, where residents mourned the loss of a “rising star.”

Social media posts and tributes praised his selfless act of not ejecting, in an effort to guide the aircraft away from civilian areas. Singh’s sacrifice has struck a deep chord with youth across India, symbolizing courage beyond age.

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The Legendary No. 5 Squadron ‘Tuskers’

Both officers belonged to the No. 5 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, also known as the “Tuskers.”

  • Established in 1948 at Kanpur.
  • India’s first bomber unit, later transitioned to Jaguar aircraft in 1981.
  • Participated in major wars — including 1965, 1971, and the Congo UN mission (1961).
  • Currently based at Ambala Air Force Station, under Western Air Command.

The Tuskers are a strategic deep-strike squadron, and their legacy is deeply embedded in India’s air combat history.

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Jaguar Pilots: The Backbone of India’s Deep-Strike Capability

The Jaguar, also called “Shamsher” (Sword of Justice), is one of India’s most versatile strike aircraft. It’s capable of:

  • Low-level penetration missions
  • Precision bombing
  • Maritime strike operations
  • Carrying nuclear weapons

Flying the Jaguar demands immense skill and composure. It lacks modern automatic ejection systems, making missions even riskier.

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A Harsh Reality: The Jaguar’s Ageing Airframe and Crashes

This crash highlights growing concerns about the ageing Jaguar fleet:

  • Originally designed in the 1960s.
  • Over 50 recorded crashes in 45 years.
  • On average, 2–3 accidents per year in recent times.
  • Many lack modern cockpit tech and ejection systems.

While the Jaguar’s retirement is scheduled around 2032–2035, India continues to operate them due to a shortage of combat aircraft and the platform’s unique capabilities.

Modern jets like the Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas Mk1A are expected to gradually phase out the fleet.

Honoring Their Legacy

Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh are more than names in a headline — they are symbols of duty, courage, and ultimate sacrifice.

Their act of steering the doomed aircraft away from civilian homes reflects the core ethos of the Indian Air Force: “Touch the Sky with Glory.”

INS Surat’s Combat Debut: Stealth Destroyer Played Key Role in Operation Sindoor

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As reported by IDRW, INS Surat, India’s most advanced stealth-guided missile destroyer, played a pivotal role during the high-stakes Operation Sindoor, marking its combat debut less than six months after commissioning. The revelation was made by the warship’s commanding officer, Captain Sandeep Shorey, who confirmed that INS Surat was actively deployed in the Arabian Sea during the operation.

Commissioned in January 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, INS Surat is the fourth and final ship in the Visakhapatnam-class destroyer series under Project 15B. Named after the historic port city in Gujarat, it represents a significant leap in India’s maritime strength and defence self-reliance.

Captain Shorey described INS Surat as “a true multi-role destroyer” with the ability to “detect, classify, and neutralise enemy targets in all dimensions — air, surface, and underwater.” Powered by gas turbines, the 7,400-tonne vessel can reach speeds of 30 knots and sustain extended missions at sea.

The destroyer is equipped with a formidable arsenal, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, IRL rocket launchers capable of firing 150 rockets simultaneously, and a high-speed anti-aircraft gun that can fire 4,000 rounds per minute. It also features advanced radar systems for air and underwater tracking and operates two integral helicopters for extended reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.

What sets INS Surat apart is its status as India’s first Artificial Intelligence-enabled warship. Developed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the ship integrates indigenous AI systems to enhance combat decision-making and navigational efficiency.

With 75% indigenous content, INS Surat is a testament to India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities. Its active participation in Operation Sindoor not only validated its advanced systems in real combat conditions but also marked a strategic milestone in India’s naval modernisation and maritime deterrence posture.

Indian Army to Induct Indigenous ATAGS Artillery System by February 2027

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The Indian Army is set to significantly boost its long-range firepower with the induction of the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) by February 2027. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with the private sector, the ATAGS is approaching a key development milestone.

According to RP Pandey, Project Director of ATAGS, the first unit is ready for the crucial “first of product model test,” which will pave the way for operational deployment. Once the tests are cleared, the first regiment of 18 ATAGS guns is expected to be inducted within a year, with full deployment targeted for early 2027.

In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore for the procurement of 307 ATAGS 155mm/52 calibre guns and 327 high-mobility 6×6 towing vehicles. The artillery systems will be supplied by Bharat Forge Limited, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited will deliver the towing vehicles — both moves reinforcing the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The ATAGS boasts a firing range of over 40 kilometers, cutting-edge automation, and superior accuracy, making it one of the most advanced towed artillery systems in the world. Designed to eventually replace legacy guns, it will provide the Indian Army with critical firepower along sensitive border areas, particularly amid increasing regional security challenges.

This development marks a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence production and reflects the growing synergy between DRDO, private industry, and the armed forces. As the Indian Army prepares for the induction of the first regiment, ATAGS is set to become a game-changer in India’s artillery capabilities on the global stage.

India Set to Award AMCA 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Contract Within 6 Months, Confirms Defence Secretary

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India’s 5th-generation fighter jet ambitions are gathering momentum as Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the development contract for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program will be awarded within the next three to six months. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Singh said the program had reached a “critical juncture” in its path to bolster India’s airpower amid growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

The AMCA is a twin-engine, 25-tonne stealth multirole fighter jet being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO. Envisioned as a cornerstone of India’s aerial combat capability by 2035, the jet is intended for both the Indian Air Force and Navy. The program was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March 2024 with an initial budget of ₹15,000 crore for prototype development.

Breaking from traditional models, the AMCA is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structure approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in May 2025. Major private defence players like Tata and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are now eligible to independently or jointly bid for the contract alongside HAL, marking a new chapter in indigenous defence manufacturing.

The Defence Ministry issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) on June 18, 2025, inviting Indian industry participation in prototype development, flight testing, and certification. Interested firms must respond by August 16, 2025. The selected private partner will be required to establish dedicated facilities and deliver five prototypes, with rollout expected by 2028 and the first flight scheduled for late 2028 or early 2029.

The AMCA Mk1 variant will be powered by the GE F414 engine (98 kN thrust), while the Mk2 will incorporate a more powerful 110 kN indigenous engine being developed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), in collaboration with a foreign partner — likely Safran of France.

Designed for missions ranging from air superiority and ground attack to Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) and electronic warfare, the AMCA will feature cutting-edge stealth technology, an internal weapons bay (1,500 kg payload), external payload capacity of 5,500 kg, and 6,500 kg of internal fuel.

DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat stated that the aircraft’s development trials will conclude by 2034, paving the way for full-scale production by 2035. The project is expected to significantly enhance India’s defence self-reliance and complement recent achievements such as the Tejas Mk1A’s operational success in Operation Sindoor.

With co-production talks for the F414 engine nearing completion and the contract award expected between October 2025 and January 2026, the AMCA program is set to usher India into the league of nations fielding indigenous 5th-generation stealth fighters.