India’s long-delayed Project 75(I) submarine programme could see progress soon, with the proposal likely to go before the Cabinet Committee on Security. The project involves building 6 advanced conventional submarines for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of Rs 70,000 crore. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders will build the submarines in India in partnership with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The submarines are expected to feature air-independent propulsion, modern sensors, missiles, torpedoes and electronic warfare systems. The deal aims to strengthen India’s submarine fleet while expanding domestic shipbuilding, technology transfer and underwater warfare capabilities. (PC: NDTV)

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce have announced a strategic partnership to develop an indigenous combat aircraft engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. The proposed collaboration will combine Rolls-Royce’s expertise in advanced aircraft-engine technology with Reliance’s manufacturing, technology and execution capabilities. The companies also plan to explore establishing an Aerospace Gas Turbine Complex in India, potentially strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative marks a significant step in India’s effort to develop home-grown fighter-jet engine capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology. The partnership could also support the government’s broader push for defence indigenisation, advanced manufacturing and private-sector participation in strategic aerospace programmes. Further details on the proposed engine and facility were not provided.

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Rs 1-lakh-crore tender for 60 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to replace the Indian Air Force’s ageing Soviet-origin AN-32 fleet. HAL, Tata and Mahindra will partner foreign manufacturers, with technology transfer required. Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Embraer are competing with the A400M, C-130J and C-390 Millennium respectively. The aircraft must carry 18-30 tonnes, operate from short, unprepared runways and support high-altitude logistics along Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. They should transport equipment including the 25-tonne Zorawar tank and M777 howitzers. Twelve aircraft will be imported, while 48 will be manufactured in India. Local content is expected to exceed 50%, alongside domestic MRO facilities and open architecture for future upgrades. (PC: The Tribune)

India has rejected social media claims alleging that China is carrying out a “slow encroachment” in Arunachal Pradesh, with government sources describing such posts as attention-seeking claims. Sources told ANI that there is no such encroachment and said Indian security forces are fully prepared to monitor and dominate the border and check Chinese activities. India has repeatedly conveyed to China that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the country. The comments come amid renewed Chinese assertions over Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing refers to as “South Tibet.” China reportedly articulated territorial claims over the region during 1960 border talks, claiming around 69,000 square kilometres of Arunachal Pradesh. Indian authorities continue to reject these claims. (PC: ANI)

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has become the first woman in the Indian Air Force to qualify as a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) after completing the elite course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE), Gwalior. The rigorous 20-week programme trains fighter pilots in advanced air combat tactics, mission planning, and leadership. Kanth was among India's first three women fighter pilots commissioned in 2016 and became the country's first woman cleared for fighter combat missions in 2019. Her latest achievement marks another historic milestone for women in India's armed forces and strengthens the IAF's combat leadership ranks. (PC: X)

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has become the first woman in the Indian Air Force to qualify as a Fighter Combat Leader after completing the prestigious 20-week Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) in Gwalior. Regarded as the IAF's elite "Top Gun" programme, the course trains pilots in advanced air combat tactics, with only about one percent of pilots selected. Kanth, one of India's first three women fighter pilots commissioned in 2016, currently flies the Sukhoi-30MKI. Her achievement marks a major milestone for women in Indian military aviation and combat leadership. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan has reportedly deployed nearly 250 Chinese-made SH-15 self-propelled howitzers along sectors facing India, marking a major upgrade to its artillery capabilities. According to defence analysts, the mobile 155 mm gun system offers longer range, faster deployment and improved precision compared to Pakistan's older artillery. Reports suggest the weapons have been positioned near key sectors along the International Border and the Line of Control. Experts say the deployment reflects growing China-Pakistan defence cooperation and could complicate India's military planning. India is responding by expanding indigenous artillery programmes, including ATAGS, K9 Vajra-T, Dhanush and extended-range Pinaka systems. (PC: X)

India's indigenous fighter jet engine programme has entered a decisive phase, with the proposed Safran-GTRE joint venture awaiting Cabinet Committee on Security approval before August 15. The project aims to develop a 120 kN engine, followed by a 140 kN variant for future fifth- and sixth-generation fighters, with India retaining full intellectual property rights. Parallel efforts include reviving the Kaveri engine, producing GE F404 and F414 engines for Tejas and AMCA, and expanding private-sector participation in fighter manufacturing. The initiative seeks to reduce dependence on foreign propulsion technology, strengthen strategic autonomy and modernise India's air combat capabilities amid China's rapid advances in military aviation. (PC: The Eur Asian Times)

New satellite images show China has deployed at least 11 J-20 stealth fighter jets at two airbases facing India, highlighting the People's Liberation Army Air Force's growing presence along the Himalayan frontier. Seven J-20s were spotted at Hotan airbase in Xinjiang, while four were seen at Damxung airbase in Tibet. Defence experts say the deployment reflects China's routine operation of fifth-generation stealth fighters near India. The J-20's stealth capabilities give it an advantage over India's current fighter fleet, which lacks stealth aircraft. India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still years away from operational service. (PC: NDTV)

Aero India 2027 will take place from February 8 to 12 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. It will be the 16th edition of Asia’s largest airshow. The event aims to promote India's defence industry and increase defence exports. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will lead the event with support from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Indian and foreign companies will meet to explore new business opportunities. The government hopes to expand local defence manufacturing through the airshow. Officials expect this to be the biggest Aero India event so far, with more global participation than previous editions.