India’s DRDO chief, Dr Samir V Kamat, confirmed to NDTV that the country's hypersonic glide missile is in an advanced development stage and could complete trials within the next 2–3 years. He also highlighted the stellar performance of indigenous systems BrahMos, Akash SAM, the D4 anti‑drone withered Pakistan’s defences during Operation Sindoor. Those successes underscore India’s growing aerospace prowess and strategic autonomy. Kamat emphasised that the hypersonic glide vehicle, a cutting‑edge boost‑glide system, will significantly enhance penetration capability against modern missile defences. This progress furthers India’s ambition to join a select club of nations with deployable hypersonic systems, marking a strategic leap in deterrence. (PC: X)

Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation to manufacture Rafale fighter jet fuselages in India. A new facility in Hyderabad will produce four main fuselage parts, with a capacity of 24 units annually and first deliveries expected by FY28. This marks the first time Rafale fuselages will be made outside France. The move is part of a broader effort to bring up to 60% of Rafale manufacturing value to India. Over 100 fuselages are expected initially, with numbers likely to rise if India places more orders. The deal enhances India's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem significantly. (PC: Economics Times)

On May 27, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the programme execution model for India's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This model mandates that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must compete with private firms for manufacturing rights, marking a shift from previous practices where HAL was the default choice. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO will oversee design, with an expression of interest to be issued soon. This initiative aims to bolster indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem. The decision follows Operation Sindoor, highlighting the need for advanced air combat assets amid regional tensions, particularly with Pakistan. (PC: Mint & Outlook India)

India has moved a step closer to joining the elite club of nations with fifth-generation stealth fighters, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a Rs 15,000-crore execution plan for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The indigenous jet, equipped with stealth, supercruise, and multi-role capabilities, will be developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Indian industry. Prototype rollout is expected by 2029, with induction into the Indian Air Force by 2034. With tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific, AMCA is seen as a strategic game-changer, aimed at boosting India’s self-reliance and countering China's growing air dominance. (PC: AMCA)

US urban warfare expert John Spencer hailed India’s military prowess, stating that its BrahMos missile strike during Operation Sindoor proved that India can target Pakistan “anytime, anywhere.” Spencer emphasized that Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defences were no match for India’s advanced systems. Lauding the precision and impact of BrahMos, he said the operation would be studied as a model for counter-terrorism worldwide. He urged the West to abandon “both-side-ism” and call out Pakistan’s terror links. Spencer also praised India’s strategic move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, calling it a smart pressure tactic in the evolving regional conflict. (PC: Business Today)

India is poised to bolster its defence budget with an additional ₹50,000 crore allocation, following the success of Operation Sindoor. This supplementary funding, expected to be approved in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament, aims to enhance the procurement of new weapons, ammunition, and advanced technology. The operation, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan without breaching the border, demonstrated India's superior defence capabilities, including its indigenous multi-layered air defence system that effectively neutralised incoming threats. The current defence budget stands at ₹6.81 lakh crore, marking a significant increase from ₹2.29 lakh crore in 2014-15, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening national security and military modernization. (PC: India Today, Hexagon Safety & Observer Research Foundation)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-level security review with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs. The meeting emphasized the need for a joint military vision to prepare for future conflicts. Discussions included the proposed establishment of three theatre commands targeting China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region, aiming to streamline operations by replacing the current 17 single-service commands. Singh highlighted the importance of analyzing global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, to anticipate potential challenges. He stressed the necessity for a synergized, swift, and proportionate response to provocations, underscoring India's commitment to peace through strength.

On May 2, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a landmark exercise on Uttar Pradesh's under-construction Ganga Expressway, showcasing its operational readiness by performing both day and night landings and take-offs. This marked India's first expressway equipped for nocturnal fighter jet operations, enhancing its strategic infrastructure. The drill featured aircraft such as the Rafale, SU-30 MKI, and Mirage-2000, demonstrating the expressway's potential as an emergency runway during national crises. Locals and students gathered to witness the spectacle, capturing the event on social media. The exercise underscores India's commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: EurAsian Times & CNBC)

In a landmark military exercise, the Indian Air Force conducted a spectacular "land and go" drill on a 3.5-km stretch of the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Fighter jets including Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29, and transport aircraft like C-130J showcased day and night operational readiness. A highlight was the rare night landing between 9–10 pm, underscoring the IAF’s advanced combat capabilities. Thousands of spectators, including villagers and schoolchildren, watched the breathtaking manoeuvres. The dual-use expressway, India’s first 24/7 airstrip, is set to bolster national defence and disaster response, with full expressway completion expected by November 2025. 

On May 2, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct take-off and landing drills on the Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Advanced fighter jets, including Rafale and Jaguar, will participate in the exercise, assessing the expressway's viability as an alternative runway. This marks the first airstrip in India designed for both day and night fighter landings. High-level security measures are in place for the event. The exercise aims to enhance the IAF's operational readiness and flexibility in utilizing non-traditional airstrips during emergencies. The Ganga Expressway, upon completion, will be one of the longest expressways in India, further bolstering the country's defense infrastructure. (PC: Defence News India)