Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed frustration over delays in delivering 40 Tejas jets ordered in 2009-2010. Speaking at the Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, he highlighted concerns about India's slow production pace compared to China's rapid air force modernization, including the recent testing of sixth-generation stealth jets. Singh emphasized, "Technology delayed is technology denied," and called for involving private players to boost production. With only 30 fighter squadrons against the sanctioned 42, India faces a severe strength crunch. The Tejas, designed to replace the ageing Mig-21 fleet, has seen significant delays since its inception in 1984.

India is finalizing a $4 billion deal with Russia for the Voronezh radar system, enhancing its air defence and threat detection capabilities. With a vertical range exceeding 8,000 km and horizontal reach over 6,000 km, the radar can track 500+ objects, including missiles and stealth aircraft. The system will primarily address threats from China and the Indian Ocean region. In line with 'Make in India,' 60% of the radar will be locally manufactured. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Russia underscores the strategic partnership, with discussions also covering S-400 missile deliveries and broader military cooperation.

The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹13,500-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 12 Su-30 fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The new aircraft will have 62.6% indigenous content, boosting India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. HAL's Nashik division will manufacture the aircraft, enhancing IAF's operational capabilities. The deal also highlights the country’s focus on modernising its military, with previous contracts signed for K9 Vajra-T guns and Su-30 engines. The defence ministry’s efforts aim to strengthen India’s preparedness and support the local defence industry’s growth.

INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine under Project 75, will join the Indian Navy in January 2025. Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, it is designed for stealth and precision attacks. Powered by a diesel-electric system, it can carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and over 30 mines. Vagsheer will help India counter challenges in the Indian Ocean from China and Pakistan. With advanced anti-torpedo systems and intelligence capabilities, it is a key addition to India’s submarine fleet. As part of India’s growing naval power, the submarine strengthens the country’s role as a dominant force in the Indo-Pacific.

The Indian Navy's new Russian-made guided missile frigate, INS Tushil, was commissioned on Monday in Kaliningrad, Russia. The 3,900-tonne warship, part of a $2.5-billion deal signed in 2016, is expected to enhance India's naval capabilities, especially in the Indian Ocean, amidst rising tensions with China's PLA Navy. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, alongside senior officials, attended the ceremony. The ship features a mix of Russian and Indian technologies, with 26% indigenous content. Its design includes advanced stealth features and improved stability. INS Tushil marks a significant milestone in Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has postponed the MiG-21 Bison's retirement, initially set for December 2025, due to production delays in the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. Engine supply issues have hindered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from meeting timelines, impacting the planned induction of Tejas jets. The IAF currently operates two MiG-21 squadrons, extending their service despite safety concerns and the aircraft's aging technology. The MiG-21 has been pivotal in conflicts like the 1971 war and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The IAF urgently requires new fighters, operating only 30 squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 42.

France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, will visit India next month with three other French warships, strengthening Indo-French defence ties. The carrier, capable of deploying Rafale naval jets, will participate in joint exercises with Indian Navy vessels, including INS Vikrant or INS Vikramaditya. Italy's defence minister will also accompany the Amerigo Vespucci, a training ship, signaling enhanced Indo-Italian defence cooperation. The visit reflects Western nations' strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific amid rising Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and tensions over Taiwan. The renewed collaboration follows India lifting its ban on Italy’s Leonardo defence conglomerate.

India’s Navy successfully test-fired the 3,500-km-range K-4 ballistic missile from the nuclear submarine INS Arighaat on Wednesday. This test validates India’s second-strike capability, strengthening its nuclear deterrence. INS Arighaat, inducted in August 2024, is one of two submarines in the Indian Navy equipped to fire ballistic missiles, alongside INS Arihant. Further tests are planned to refine the missile system. A third nuclear submarine is under development and expected to join the fleet next year. This test marks a significant step in enhancing India's maritime strategic defense capabilities.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested its first long-range hypersonic missile, achieving a significant milestone in military technology. Conducted off Odisha's coast, the missile can travel over 1,500 km and carries various payloads. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh celebrated the achievement, highlighting that India now joins a select group of nations with such advanced capabilities. Hypersonic missiles, traveling at Mach-5 or higher, provide precision, speed, and maneuverability, enhancing national security. Developed indigenously by DRDO labs and industry partners, this cutting-edge system strengthens India’s defence capabilities amid a global arms race in hypersonic technologies.

India successfully conducted the flight trial of its first long-range hypersonic missile, capable of exceeding 1,500 km, on Saturday night. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a "historic moment," placing India among the few nations with advanced hypersonic technology, alongside the U.S., Russia, and China. Developed indigenously by DRDO’s Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, the missile demonstrated precise terminal manoeuvres and impact accuracy. Hypersonic missiles, known for their extreme speed and manoeuvrability, are revolutionizing global military capabilities. They present significant challenges for detection and interception, enhancing India’s defense readiness.