China significantly reduced the deployment of People’s Liberation Army forces along the Line of Actual Control in 2025, helping bring greater stability along India’s northern borders, the Defence Ministry said in its 2025–26 annual report. The report said around 10 PLA Combined Arms Brigade-sized forces remained deployed in areas along the LAC and traditional training zones. It added that the Indian Army maintained a robust deployment across all sectors and remained prepared for any contingency. The report also highlighted renewed political, diplomatic and military engagement between India and China, with both sides seeking partnership over rivalry and peaceful resolution of differences. (PC: The Week)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to establish a new missile and weapons testing facility at Junput in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district, along the Bay of Bengal. The project is intended to supplement the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, and reduce pressure on the existing facility. The Junput range will support testing of weapon systems, radar equipment and short-range missiles. The project had faced delays amid administrative issues and concerns from local fishing communities. With necessary state-level clearances now granted, the facility is expected to strengthen India’s defence-testing infrastructure and indigenous defence capabilities. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan’s latest military display has highlighted its growing reliance on China and Turkey for fighters, drones and air-defence systems. The Pakistan Air Force showcased Chinese J-10 and JF-17 fighters, Wing Loong II drones and the HQ-17AE air-defence system, along with Turkish Akinci drones and counter-UAV equipment. The display comes as Pakistan expands its military capabilities despite economic constraints, with analysts questioning how the acquisitions are being funded. Pakistan is also strengthening its navy with Chinese submarines and frigates. Meanwhile, India is accelerating indigenous development of armed drones, long-range missiles and air-defence systems while awaiting US MQ-9B drone deliveries. (PC: HT)

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved defence acquisition proposals worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. About 98% of the procurements are expected to come from Indian industry, the Defence Ministry said. The Army proposals include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, helicopters, mine layers, trawl tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System. The Navy received approval for Arudhra radars and the development and procurement of marine gas turbines. The Air Force proposals include ground-based multi-purpose jammers and a secure access card system. The approvals are in-principle and do not constitute contracts.

India’s reported interest in joining a sixth-generation fighter programme could bring advanced technology and strategic partnerships, but an NDTV opinion article warns that pursuing too many projects could overstretch its resources. The Indian Air Force is already developing Tejas Mk2, a 114-aircraft MRFA programme, and the fifth-generation AMCA. India has approached Europe’s GCAP and FCAS partnerships, though FCAS’s core fighter collaboration has collapsed. The article identifies advanced fighter-engine technology as India’s biggest challenge, with engine development estimated at $10 billion. It argues that India needs a clear air-power roadmap rather than multiple programmes competing for limited industrial and financial resources. (PC: NDTV)

India is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Russia’s S-500 missile defence system and Su-57 stealth fighter as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with President Vladimir Putin. The discussions follow the reported performance of India’s S-400 systems during Operation Sindoor and come as the IAF faces a shortage of combat aircraft. India operates four of five S-400 squadrons ordered in 2018 and is also considering five additional units. Russia has discussed possible local co-production of the S-500 and licensed Su-57 production. Broader talks include Sukhoi-30MKI upgrades, logistics cooperation and defence industrial partnerships. (PC: Economic Times)

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first non-medical woman officer in the Indian Defence Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent. She assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1, 2026, the Indian Air Force said. Commissioned into the IAF’s Education Branch in 1994, Sharma has served for over three decades at training establishments, field stations and headquarters. She earlier became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as principal of Sainik School Kapurthala. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper over the Strait of Hormuz, though Washington had not confirmed the loss. The $50 million Reaper is a long-endurance combat drone capable of surveillance and precision strikes. India also operates MQ-9B Sea Guardians, but they serve a different role. India’s Sea Guardians are primarily used for long-range maritime surveillance and can remain airborne for about 30 hours. The Navy currently operates four leased drones, while India has ordered 31 MQ-9B drones under a Rs 32,000 crore deal, with deliveries expected from 2029. (PC: India Today)

The National Security Guard (NSG) has launched its first Mahila Commando Conversion Course at its Training Academy in Manesar, marking a significant step in women’s participation in specialised counter-terror operations. Begun on August 24, the 12-week residential programme trains women personnel from State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces in physical conditioning, weapons handling, marksmanship, tactical intervention and hostage rescue. Twenty-five women from Rajasthan’s RAC 5th Battalion are among the first participants. The trainees will return to their parent forces after completing the course in November, carrying advanced skills to strengthen counter-terror preparedness and cross-agency cooperation. 

The DRDO has successfully tested its indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at the Nyoma-Mudh drop zone in Ladakh, one of the world's highest-altitude zones. Three test jumpers jumped from 22,000 feet above mean sea level in freezing temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius. The parachute system was deployed at 20,000 feet, and all three jumpers landed safely at an altitude of about 13,700 feet. The successful trial demonstrated the MCPS's performance in extreme high-altitude conditions, marking a significant step towards strengthening India's indigenous military airborne capabilities.