Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will observe twin carrier operations of the Indian Navy during the Naval Commanders Conference in March aboard INS Vikrant. The recently refurbished INS Vikrant will join INS Vikramaditya in showcasing fighter operations with MiG-29 K aircraft. Singh will inaugurate the first MH 60R squadron in Cochin before embarking on the sea journey. INS Vikrant, currently undergoing sea trials, will participate in the multinational Milan exercise off Visakhapatnam. This display of naval power comes amid increasing threats to maritime security, including from Houthi militia and Somali pirates, highlighting India's role in regional stability.

The Indian Navy achieves a milestone with the second successful test of the extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Capable of precise land strikes deep inside Pakistan, the missile enhances deterrence against formidable adversaries like China. The recent test, emphasizing 'Aatma Nirbharta' (self-reliance), showcases the Navy's extended range precision strike capability. Featuring an active radar seeker for increased accuracy, this development amplifies the Navy's capacity to influence land operations farther from the sea. The BrahMos missile, integrated into indigenously built INS Chennai, significantly augments India's naval standoff capability. The undisclosed extended range is estimated between 450 to 500 kilometers.  

French President Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest for India's 75th Republic Day, arrives in Jaipur for in-depth discussions with PM Modi. The agenda includes strengthening defence cooperation, addressing Indo-Pacific challenges, and finalizing key initiatives in areas like business ties and cross-investments. Macron's visit aligns with the ambitious renewal of the France-India strategic partnership, focusing on security, the environment, and social collaboration. The talks are crucial amid India's plans to purchase Rafale M fighters and build Scorpene-class submarines from France. Macron's sixth participation in Republic Day celebrations emphasizes deep Indo-French ties.

A SpiceJet flight from Mumbai to Bengaluru turned bizarre as a male passenger found himself trapped inside the lavatory for almost the entire journey. The ordeal, lasting about an hour, unfolded due to a malfunctioning lavatory door mid-air on flight SG-268. Cabin crew provided assistance throughout, and upon landing in Bengaluru, an engineer addressed the door issue. The passenger, immediately attended to by medical professionals, was assured of well-being. SpiceJet released a statement acknowledging the incident and emphasizing their prompt response to the unexpected situation.

In a major step to thwart Pakistan's attempts to increase terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army is launching Operation Sarvashakti, targeting terrorists on both sides of Pir Panjal. Pakistani proxy groups have tried to revive terrorism South of Pir Panjal, where around 20 troops have been killed recently. "Operation Sarvashakti would be to carry out combined counter-terrorist operations from both sides of Pir Panjal where formations of Chinar and White Knight Corps would carry out simultaneous operations," ANI reported quoting sources. The security forces aim to target terrorists operating on both sides of the mountain range in the Union Territory. [Photo: Representative Image]

Visiting Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and UK counterpart Grant Shapps hailed deepening military cooperation between their nations as "natural partners" during talks in London on Wednesday. Shapps stated the two are traversing in a "brand new direction" that will encompass greater exchange of military hardware, software and more. He cited shared interests whether in Europe or worldwide. The defense chiefs agreed to unprecedented India-UK defense collaboration spanning joint exercises, knowledge sharing and instructor exchanges. This builds on the 2021 strategic roadmap. The UK also announced plans to deploy naval forces to train with India this year and in 2025, underscoring strengthened defense ties in the first Indian defense minister's visit in over 20 years.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar flagged off Adani Defence's indigenously manufactured Drishti 10 'Starliner' Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), marking a milestone in India's quest for self-reliance in ISR technology. The advanced UAV boasts 36-hour endurance, 450 kg payload capacity, STANAG 4671 certification, and all-weather capabilities. Admiral Kumar praised the Adani Group's commitment to unmanned systems, emphasizing the significance of Drishti 10's integration for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance. The ceremony at Adani Aerospace Park in Hyderabad underscores the group's efforts in achieving self-reliance in defence and security.

The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) introduced the 'Ugram' rifle, developed within 100 days by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with Dvipa Armour India Private Limited. The 7.62mm calibre rifle, named 'Ugram' meaning ferocious, surpasses its counterparts in firepower. Weighing four kg, it boasts an effective range of 500 meters, catering to military, paramilitary, and police forces. The General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) standards guided its development, aiming to replace the INSAS rifle. Trials will assess its operational capabilities under various conditions, marking a significant achievement in rapid weapon development.

In a strategic move, the Indian Army is set to deploy six Apache attack helicopters near the Pakistan border in Jodhpur, enhancing combat capabilities in the western desert. The choppers, arriving from the US in February-March, follow the training of over 50 pilots and technicians. With 22 Apaches already in service with the Indian Air Force, this deployment raises the joint inventory to 28. Boeing, in collaboration with Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, commenced production last August. The AH-64E helicopters, known for advanced technology and battle-tested performance, aim to elevate the Indian Army's operational effectiveness and defensive capabilities in the region.

The inaugural 'Desert Cyclone 2024' military exercise, involving India and the UAE, is set for January 2-15 in Rajasthan. Focused on enhancing interoperability, the joint manoeuvres aim to exchange knowledge and best practices, particularly in urban operations. The collaboration signifies the enduring friendship between India and the UAE, encompassing cultural, religious, and economic ties. Defence cooperation areas include equipment production, joint exercises, and strategic information sharing. Recent years have seen significant advancements in defence collaboration, emphasizing training, inventory supply, and regular exchange programs, reflecting the robust partnership between the two nations.