Security forces eliminated Bagu Khan, notorious "human GPS" terrorist facilitator, during Saturday's Gurez infiltration attempt. Known as Samandar Chacha, Khan operated from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir since 1995, masterminding over 100 successful infiltrations across Line of Control using intimate terrain knowledge. The Hizbul commander assisted all terror outfits in planning Gurez sector operations, earning his "human GPS" nickname for navigating secret mountain routes. His elimination alongside another terrorist near Nowshera Naar represents major blow to regional terror logistics networks. This follows Thursday's Operation Naushera Nar IV encounter where two infiltrators died, with five more reportedly hiding. Khan's decades-long evasion of security forces ended during latest cross-border attempt, significantly disrupting terror infiltration capabilities across Jammu-Kashmir's strategic Gurez sector. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Navy commissioned two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command. The ships, built under Project 17A, feature 75% indigenous content and highlight India’s progress in warship building. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, while INS Himgiri came from Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata. Both frigates are equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 air defense systems, and advanced sonar and radar. Their induction boosts India’s maritime power and strengthens security in the Indian Ocean region. (PC: X)

The Defence Ministry has started the process to buy 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUHs) for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Of these, 51 will go to the Navy and 25 to the Coast Guard. The helicopters will support missions like search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and maritime patrol. They will also be armed for low-intensity operations. The NUHs will be made under the Buy and Make (Indian) category, boosting self-reliance in defence. The move follows Operation Sindoor and is part of India’s plan to modernise its forces and replace ageing helicopters.

India will commission two advanced Nilgiri-class stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on August 26 in Visakhapatnam. Built under Project 17A, these guided-missile warships mark a generational leap in naval design, featuring reduced radar cross-sections and cutting-edge weaponry. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata. Together, they showcase India’s indigenous defense capabilities, supported by over 200 MSMEs and thousands of jobs. Designed to counter China’s maritime expansion, these frigates will bolster India’s presence from the Strait of Malacca to Africa, reinforcing sea trade security and regional power balance. (PC: NDTV & Bharatpedia)

DRDO carried out maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System off the Odisha coast On 23 Aug 2025 at about 12:30 pm. The test follows the announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra on 15 Aug 2025. IADWS combines indigenous QRSAMs, VSHORADS and a high-power laser directed energy weapon. The Ministry of Defence said the system will help detect and destroy missiles, aircraft and drones. It will link with Indian Air Force and Army command networks. DRDO will work with private firms to speed development. A defence official said, "This test shows our defence strength." (PC: X)

India has successfully test-fired the Agni-5 ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile, with a range of up to 5,000 km, can reach almost the entire Asian continent, including northern China, and parts of Europe. The Defence Ministry said the test was carried out under the Strategic Forces Command and met all technical and operational requirements. Powered by a three-stage solid-fuel rocket, Agni-5 can carry nuclear warheads with high accuracy. The test, held three months after Operation Sindoor, highlights India’s growing military strength and makes Agni-5 a vital part of its nuclear deterrence. (PC: HT)

India on Wednesday successfully test-fired its Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni 5’ from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the missile validated all operational and technical parameters during the launch. “The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command,” the Ministry said in a statement. The successful test strengthens India’s deterrence capability and comes as North Korea also test-fired cruise missiles into the sea last week. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, unveiled the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a decade-long plan to secure India’s skies by 2035. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s legendary weapon, the indigenous system will combine the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) with an Integrated Rocket Force for nationwide air defence and precision strikes, akin to Israel’s Iron Dome. Developed entirely in India, it will protect critical infrastructure, religious sites, and strategic assets from aerial threats. The mission follows recent Pakistani attempts to target civilian infrastructure and aims to ensure every citizen feels secure under a rapidly expanding protective shield. (PC: India Today)

On India’s 79th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi unveiled the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a next-gen defence initiative to be launched by 2035. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s mythical weapon, the system will form a multi-layered shield protecting strategic, civilian, and religious sites. It will integrate advanced surveillance, interception, and counter-attack capabilities across air, land, and sea domains. Modi emphasized domestic development, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The mission aims to rival Israel’s Iron Dome and counter threats like Pakistan’s recent attacks, including the Pahalgam incident. Operation Sindoor was praised for its decisive retaliation. Modi warned against nuclear blackmail, asserting India’s readiness to respond with force and autonomy.

India is expediting deliveries of US-made F404 engines for its Tejas Mk-1A fighters, with General Electric committing one engine per month and two monthly after October. Two engines have been received after delays, with a third due this month. Talks with the US include a follow-on order for 97 more Tejas Mk-1A jets and procurement of F414 engines for AMCA and Tejas Mk-2, to be made in India. The Ministry of Defence denied reports of pausing US defence deals after President Trump’s tariff hike, confirming ongoing discussions for P8I aircraft, MRFA fighters, and other procurements to address capability gaps. (PC: India Today)