India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a major defence technology milestone by conducting a long-duration ground test of a full-scale scramjet engine at its Defence Research & Development Laboratory in Hyderabad. The actively cooled scramjet combustor ran for over 12 minutes at the advanced Scramjet Connect Pipe Test facility, validating design and test infrastructure as part of India’s hypersonic cruise missile programme. Hypersonic missiles can exceed five times the speed of sound, and this breakthrough positions India among nations advancing sophisticated air-breathing propulsion technology. Defence officials called it a “solid foundation” for future missile development. (PC: NDTV)

The Border Security Force installed newly designed 12-feet-high fencing across 75% of the strategically vital Chicken's Neck (Siliguri corridor) region amid Bangladesh civil unrest. The upgraded border security system, difficult to cut or climb, is backed by pan-tilt-zoom cameras providing live feeds for rapid response, creating a "smart border." Enhanced area domination plans now target cattle collection points several kilometers inside Indian territory. BSF launched community-centered initiatives discouraging villagers from border crimes through confidence-building measures with families of suspected smugglers. Since January 2025, BSF seized contraband worth Rs 8.5 crore, apprehending 440 Bangladeshis and 152 Indians. After thorough background checks, 187 Bangladeshis were returned to Border Guard Bangladesh with fingerprint verification. (PC: PTI)

India on Tuesday tested the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. Officials said the trial took place off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The missile is designed to strike targets up to 3,500 kilometres away. The K-4 was inducted into the Navy in August 2024. It is adapted from the Agni-III land missile for underwater launch. The weapon can rise from a submarine silo, reach the surface, and then ignite its rocket motor. The missile can carry a nuclear payload and can be launched from Arihant-class submarines. The test adds to India’s sea-based nuclear strike capability.

India's Defence Acquisition Council, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will convene December 26 to discuss Emergency Procurement for the armed forces. The Navy seeks over 700 MR-SAM medium-range surface-to-air missiles, jointly developed by DRDO and an Israeli firm, with 70km range capabilities against aircraft, missiles, and drones. The Air Force plans acquiring over 600 Astra Mark-2 Beyond Visual Range missiles with approximately 200km range, enabling strikes from within Indian territory. Following Operation Sindoor, over 300 Israeli SPICE precision-guided munitions may be ordered. The Army requires additional low-level lightweight radars. Emergency Procurement enables quick weapon delivery in limited quantities, with individual system budgets around Rs 300 crore. (PC: Times Now)

Sai Jadhav, 23, has created history by becoming the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun after 93 years, ending a wait since the institution's 1932 establishment. Commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army, she underwent six months of rigorous training alongside male cadets through special permission. Sai represents the fourth generation of military service in her family, following her great-grandfather (British Army), grandfather, and father Sandeep Jadhav (current Indian Army officer). Over 67,000 male officers graduated before her. Currently, eight women cadets from NDA's 2022 intake are training, marking expanding opportunities for women in armed forces. (PC: X)

The Indian Army received three more AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, completing a Rs 5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020. The helicopters arrived at Hindon Air Force Station via Antonov-124 aircraft, bringing Army's total Apache strength to six. They'll join the 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, optimized for desert warfare near the Pakistan border. Two Apaches will debut at Republic Day Parade in January 2026. These advanced helicopters feature 30mm M230 chain guns, Hellfire missiles, and Longbow radar tracking 128 targets simultaneously. The induction complements indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopters for high-altitude terrain, while Indian Air Force operates 22 Apaches, creating comprehensive aerial strike capability along India's western front.

India will procure additional satellite-linked Heron MK II drones under emergency provisions following their successful deployment in Operation Sindoor. The Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs, currently operated by the Indian Army and Air Force, will now join the Indian Navy. Israel Aerospace Industries confirmed all three armed forces branches selected the Heron MK II for emergency procurement, though exact numbers remain undisclosed. The drones reach 35,000 feet altitude and remain airborne for 45 consecutive hours. IAI plans manufacturing in India through partners HAL and Elcom, targeting 60% indigenous content under the "Make in India" initiative. The Defence Ministry's September RFP seeks 87 MALE drones with foreign collaboration permitted.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a fighter jet escape system at its Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh. The system was tested at a controlled speed of 800 km/h. A dummy pilot was safely ejected, showing that the mechanism works under extreme conditions. The trial validated three key components: canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and full aircrew recovery. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Indian Air Force, ADA, HAL, and partners for the achievement. The test marks a major step in strengthening India’s indigenous fighter safety technology and boosting defence self-reliance.

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a deal with GE Aerospace to buy 113 F404 engines for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. The engines will be delivered between 2027 and 2032. They will power 97 Tejas Mk1A jets ordered by the Indian Air Force. The agreement comes amid easing trade tensions between India and the US. The Tejas Mk1A made its first flight last month in Nashik. The deal will boost India’s fighter jet strength as older MiG-21s are retired. HAL said the new engines will support faster rollout of aircraft in the coming years. (PC: India Today)

India's Armed Forces will launch Exercise Trishul, a massive tri-service joint exercise on the western front, from November 3-13. The first major drill post-Operation Sindoor will feature INS Vikrant and its Carrier Battle Group, 20-25 Navy warships including INS Jalashwa, 40 Air Force jets (Rafales, Su-30 MKIs), and over 25,000 Army personnel from two corps. The Navy-led multi-domain exercise spans from the Arabian Sea to airspace, including cyber and space domains. Joint command centers are established in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Mumbai. Coast Guard and BSF will participate. The exercise coincides with Pakistan's firing drills in the Arabian Sea, with Pakistan issuing NAVAREA warnings and NOTAMs for air routes.