The Indian Navy will commission two advanced frontline warships, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on August 26 at Visakhapatnam, marking a historic milestone in indigenous naval shipbuilding. Both vessels are part of the Project 17A stealth frigate programme and represent a generational leap in design and capability. Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (Mumbai), and Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders (Kolkata), feature reduced radar cross-sections, advanced weapon systems including BrahMos missiles, and CODOG propulsion. This is the first time two major warships from separate Indian shipyards will be commissioned simultaneously. Rigorous sea trials have confirmed their operational readiness, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in maritime defense under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. (PC: PTI)

A gunfight erupted in the Dul area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district as the Indian Army established contact with terrorists during an ongoing anti-terror operation. The encounter began early on August 10, with security forces launching a cordon and search mission based on intelligence inputs. The operation is part of intensified efforts to neutralize terror threats in the region following recent escalations. The White Knight Corps confirmed the engagement via social media, stating that contact had been made and the operation was in progress. No casualties were reported at the time of publication. The situation remains tense, with reinforcements deployed and the area under strict surveillance. (PC: NDTV & Greater Kashmir)

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed that India shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one AEW&C aircraft during Operation Sindoor, marking the largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill at 300 km. Speaking at a memorial lecture in Bengaluru, Singh praised the S-400 air defence system as a “game-changer” that prevented Pakistani aircraft from deploying long-range glide bombs. He emphasized the operation’s success was driven by strong political will and coordination among military branches. Singh also dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of brokering peace through trade leverage. Satellite images revealed extensive damage to Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Bahawalpur headquarters, with minimal civilian casualties. The operation aimed solely at terror targets, not military escalation. (PC: X)

Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force and Navy are set to place massive orders for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. These missiles, developed through an Indo-Russian joint venture, were pivotal in striking Pakistani air bases and Army cantonments during the four-day conflict. The Navy plans to deploy them on Veer-class warships, while the Air Force will equip its Su-30 MKI fighter jets. A high-level defence ministry meeting is expected to approve the procurement soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the indigenous systems, highlighting BrahMos as a symbol of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The move marks a strategic boost to India’s defence capabilities and regional deterrence posture. (PC: BrahMos Aerospace & Defence News)

Operation Akhal entered its third day in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, with security forces killing three terrorists and injuring one soldier. The joint operation by the Indian Army, J&K Police, CRPF, and Special Operations Group began on August 1 after intelligence inputs revealed terrorist presence in the dense Akhal forest. The slain militants were linked to the Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Blasts and gunfire continued overnight as elite units tightened the perimeter. This follows recent operations called Mahadev and Shiv Shakti that eliminated six high-profile terrorists. Authorities aim to dismantle the broader terror ecosystem, including drug and hawala networks. (PC: Pragativadi & The Logical Indian)

India is building a powerful new warship under Project 18. This next-gen destroyer will be the biggest in the Navy, with a size of 13,000 tonnes. It can carry 144 missiles, including BrahMos, and track enemies up to 500 km away. The ship will have four advanced radars and support anti-air, anti-ship, and land attacks. It can also launch underwater drones and helicopters. Most parts will be made in India. The Navy plans to sign a contract in 5 years and finish delivery in 10. Project 18 is part of India’s goal to build a 175-warship fleet by 2035.

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.