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.

The Indian Navy will commission the stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. It is the fourth naval ship to join the fleet in less than a month. India aims to build a 200-warship navy by 2035 using Indian shipyards. However, many future warship projects are still waiting for approval. Experts say these delays could create gaps as older ships retire. They also point to slow shipbuilding and dependence on foreign technology as major concerns. The Navy is working to increase local production and improve its defence industry to meet future security needs.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been ranked 3rd in the 2026 Global Airpower Rankings released by the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), behind only the United States and Russia. The ranking marks the fifth consecutive year since 2022 that the IAF has been placed ahead of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which is ranked 4th. Despite the achievement, the report highlights key capability gaps, including a shortage of fighter squadrons and the need for faster modernisation. The findings underline both the IAF's growing strength and the challenges it must address.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, on July 8. The rocket accurately struck its target after completing all planned in-flight manoeuvres during a user-defined minimum range test of 60 km. Launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, the trial demonstrated compatibility with multiple Pinaka variants using the same platform. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a major milestone in India's indigenous defence capabilities, while DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated the teams involved. 

The Indian Navy will commission INS Mahendragiri, its sixth indigenous stealth frigate under Project 17A, on July 11 in Visakhapatnam. Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, the warship has more than 75 per cent indigenous content. It is equipped with advanced missile systems, electronic warfare technology and anti-submarine capabilities. The multi-role frigate can carry out anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine operations, along with search and rescue and humanitarian missions. Officials said INS Mahendragiri will strengthen India's naval power and support the country's goal of building advanced warships at home.