The UK is witnessing renewed calls for a dedicated Sikh regiment in the British Army, echoing the Gurkha model. Labour peer Lord Kuldip Singh Sahota raised the issue in the House of Lords, citing Sikh soldiers’ loyalty in both World Wars. Defence Minister Lord Coaker expressed openness to discussions, though the Ministry of Defence cited anti-discrimination laws as a barrier. Advocates argue such a regiment would boost ethnic minority recruitment and honor Sikh military heritage. With over 700,000 Sikhs in the UK and only 200 serving in the armed forces, proponents believe a Sikh regiment could foster inclusion and strengthen ties with India. King Charles has also voiced support for greater Sikh representation. (PC: Wavell Room & India Today)

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) launched Ajay, the eighth and final Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) for the Indian Navy on July 21 in Kolkata. Designed for coastal operations, these 77.6m-long vessels feature low draughts and advanced underwater surveillance systems including hull-mounted sonar and low-frequency variable depth sonar. Armed with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, and remote-controlled guns, they support coordinated anti-submarine missions with aircraft. The launch marks a milestone in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with over 80% indigenous content. Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh praised GRSE’s legacy of building 110+ warships, reinforcing India’s maritime strength and self-reliance in naval defense. (PC: Janes & The Economic Times)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh fiercely criticized opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha for questioning the outcome of Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Singh rebuked queries about Indian aircraft losses, stating the opposition never asked how many enemy jets were shot down. He emphasized the operation’s success: nine terror hubs destroyed, over 100 terrorists neutralized, and no Indian soldier harmed. Singh urged focus on national achievements rather than “comparably minor matters,” warning that misplaced scrutiny could harm armed forces’ morale. The operation concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, following decisive strikes across Pakistan-occupied territories.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced the formation of ‘Rudra’ all-arms brigades, integrating infantry, mechanised units, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems with tailored logistics. Two brigades have already been converted. Simultaneously, ‘Bhairav’ Light Commando Battalions were launched to deliver swift, high-impact border operations. Every infantry battalion now includes Drone Platoons, while artillery gains Divyastra Batteries and loitering munitions. Indigenous missile systems bolster air defence. The announcement follows Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes on Pakistani terror infrastructure. The Army’s transformation reflects a shift toward agile, tech-driven warfare, reinforcing national security and deterrence posture.

India has successfully test-fired the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 from a drone at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the flight trials mark a major boost to India’s missile capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement, congratulating DRDO and its industry partners, including DcPPs, MSMEs, and start-ups. The success demonstrates India’s readiness to absorb and produce critical defence technologies. The ULPGM-V3 enhances precision strike capabilities from unmanned aerial vehicles, reducing risk to personnel and expanding strategic flexibility. This milestone aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

India has successfully test-fired the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 from a drone at the National Open Area Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the flight trials mark a major boost to India’s missile capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement, congratulating DRDO and its industry partners, including DcPPs, MSMEs, and start-ups. The success demonstrates India’s readiness to absorb and produce critical defence technologies. The ULPGM-V3 enhances precision strike capabilities from unmanned aerial vehicles, reducing risk to personnel and expanding strategic flexibility. This milestone aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The Indian Army has officially inducted the advanced Apache AH-64E combat helicopters after a 15-month wait. Known for their lethal precision, agility, and survivability in combat, the Apache helicopters mark a significant boost to India’s defence capabilities. These multi-role helicopters are equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance both offensive and defensive operations. Defence experts call this a milestone moment for India’s military preparedness, especially for high-altitude warfare. The induction strengthens India’s strike capabilities along sensitive borders. Army officials praised the Apache for its unmatched performance in complex combat environments, calling it a “game changer” for future missions. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will retire all MiG-21 Bison fighter jets by the end of 2025, marking the end of an era. These jets, introduced in 1963, have served for over six decades and played a key role in the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. The IAF has already phased out three MiG-21 squadrons since 2022, with the final unit, based in Rajasthan’s Nal, set to retire by year-end. Known for both their legacy and accident record, the MiG-21s are being replaced with advanced aircraft like the Tejas. The decision is part of IAF's larger modernisation and fleet upgrade strategy. (PC: The Sunday Guardian & AFP)

On July 17, India successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. Conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, the launches validated all operational and technical parameters. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a boost to India’s strategic deterrence. The tests followed the July 16 trial of the Akash Prime missile in Ladakh, which intercepted two high-speed aerial targets at altitudes above 4,500 metres. Akash Prime features an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker and is tailored for high-altitude warfare. These back-to-back successes reinforce India’s air defence capabilities and readiness in forward regions. (PC: ANI & Business Today)

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved ₹1.05 lakh crore worth of acquisitions, replenishing surface‑to‑air missile (SAM) stocks and adding 12 undersea mine‑countermeasure vessels. Triggered by Operation Sindoor where layered SAM defences shot down hundreds of Pakistani drones and missiles the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Rajnath Singh, cleared Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for ten military systems via indigenous procurement. While the exact number of SAMs was undisclosed, sources confirm restocking of missiles expended during recent skirmishes. The DAC also approved an electronic‑warfare suite and a joint logistics inventory‑management software, alongside the long‑awaited specialised naval vessels. (PC: News18 & DD News)