About six weeks ago, India's Defense Chief General Anil Chauhan commissioned a study to examine the impact of any war over Taiwan involving the US and allies, and India's potential response. This followed the US raising the issue in forums, according to senior officers who requested the names not to be disclosed. The study will assess various war scenarios and provide options for India in case a conflict breaks out. Some commanders believe strong statements may suffice initially, but more involvement may be warranted if the war drags on like Ukraine. The options will be available for Indian leaders to decide any action if needed. (Image: Taiwan Army Command HQ)

Indian Navy's Mahendragiri warship, named after an Eastern Ghats peak in Odisha, was launched in Mumbai by Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. This seventh ship in the Project 17A frigates series features advanced stealth capabilities, weapons, sensors, and platform management systems. Developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, it underscores India's commitment to indigenous defense capabilities and strengthening its maritime presence, countering regional challenges, including China. Vice President Dhankhar expressed confidence that Mahendragiri will proudly represent India's maritime strength globally and contribute to safeguarding its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Boosting naval capabilities, India's latest stealth frigate 'Mahendragiri' will be launched on September 1 in Mumbai by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's wife Sudesh. It is the seventh frigate under Project 17A with advanced features compared to the previous Shivalik class. Four frigates are being built at Mazagon Dock and three at GRSE Kolkata under the project. The launch, comes amid the government's focus on defence self-reliance with changing Indian Ocean dynamics. President Murmu earlier launched the sixth 17A frigate 'Vindhyagiri' on August 17. All seven frigates are at different build stages and will join the navy during 2024-26 to strengthen its combat readiness.

An Indian Army contingent, comprising 137 personnel, has embarked on "Exercise BRIGHT STAR- 23," a multinational joint military exercise taking place at Egypt's Mohammed Naguib Military Base from August 31 to September 14, 2023. Led by US CENTCOM and the Egyptian Army, this exercise was originally conceived during the Camp David Accord of 1977 and has evolved to include 34 countries this year. It marks the first-ever participation of the Indian Armed Forces with 549 personnel, representing the Indian Army's 23 JAT Battalion. Notably, it's the largest-ever joint military drill in the Middle East & North Africa, highlighting India's pivotal role in fostering global peace through collaborative defense efforts.

The prestigious Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army celebrated 175 years since its raising on Saturday at the Sikh Regimental Centre in Jharkhand's Ramgarh Cantt. The ceremony commenced with homage at the War Memorial followed by an address by Colonel of the Regiment Lt Gen Menon. A commemorative medal, magazine, and trophy marked the milestone for the highly decorated regiment formed in 1846. With a glorious battle history exemplifying raw courage, the Sikhs proved their mettle in World Wars and post-Independence conflicts. Famed as the 'Saviours of Valley' for their 1947 Srinagar airlift, the regiment has an illustrious legacy.

Kenya's Defence Secretary Aden Bare Duale has arrived in New Delhi for a three-day visit aimed at elevating bilateral defence collaboration. Duale, who will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will also tour shipyards and defence companies in Goa and Bengaluru. This maiden visit by Kenya's top defence official since the new government took charge in 2022 highlights India's commitment to its partnerships with African nations, especially Kenya. The trip is expected to open new avenues for boosting defence cooperation between the two countries and cementing their strategic ties. It underscores India's growing security engagement with African partners.

An indigenously developed ASTRA beyond visual range air-to-air missile was successfully test-fired on Wednesday from a Light Combat Aircraft Tejas off Goa's coast. The test was part of an IAF review of the LCA program ahead of upgraded version deliveries next year. The missile, with a 100 km range, was launched from 20,000 feet altitude. Defence officials stated all test objectives were achieved in a textbook launch. The ASTRA missile has been developed locally as part of India's push for self-reliance in defence. The successful trial signals India's advances in developing homegrown missile

India's indigenous aerospace sector is set to receive a major boost as the Indian Air Force plans to order around 100 more LCA Mark1A fighter jets. The decision to procure these Made in India aircraft to replace aging MiG-21s was submitted to the Defence Ministry. It came after IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari reviewed the fighter jet program with HAL and others. Officials say the project is expected to get clearance soon. The LCA Mark1A order demonstrates the IAF's commitment to strengthen India's self-reliance in defence by replacing legacy fleets with indigenous aircraft.