The Ministry of Defence signed a landmark ₹62,370 crore deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Thursday for 97 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets, marking India's largest indigenous defense contract. The deal encompasses 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers along with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force. The upgraded Tejas Mk1A features UTTAM AESA radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite and improved flight capabilities. The project will boost defense self-reliance, create over 11,000 jobs, and involve 105 Indian companies. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the additional acquisition on August 19, 2025. This strengthens indigenization efforts as the IAF transitions from aging MiG-21 aircraft to modern indigenous fighters.

The iconic MiG-21 fighter jet bid its final farewell today at Chandigarh Air Force Station, ending six decades of distinguished service with the Indian Air Force. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the decommissioning ceremony, alongside Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, and senior Air Force officials. When the MiG-21 touched down on the tarmac at Chandigarh for the last time, it left behind 62 years of emblazoned service over the Indian subcontinent. Inducted in 1963, the aircraft was pivotal in wars from 1965 to the 2019 Balakot strikes. The farewell included a ceremonial flypast, marking an emotional end to the legendary fighter's unmatched service record as India transitions to new-generation aircraft.

India successfully test-fired the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher on Thursday. The missile can hit targets up to 2,000 km away and is equipped with advanced features. This is the first launch of its kind from a rail system, allowing mobility and quick launch with low visibility. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated scientists at DRDO, the Strategic Forces Command, and the Armed Forces for the achievement. The test places India among select nations with canisterised missiles capable of being launched from moving rail networks, boosting the country’s self-reliance in defence. (PC: NDTV)

India is set to sign a Rs 66,500 crore deal for 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets today. The contract will be between the Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The deal comes just one day before the Indian Air Force retires its last two squadrons of MiG-21 jets. This follows an earlier 2021 agreement for 83 Tejas jets worth Rs 46,898 crore, which faced delays. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the purchase in August. Separately, a deal with General Electric for 113 F-404 engines, which power Tejas jets, is also finalised. (PC: India Today)

India's armed forces have announced ambitious plans to establish three new joint military stations alongside a tri-services education corps, marking a significant step toward enhanced military integration and operational readiness. This strategic initiative aims to break down traditional service silos by creating unified command structures that bring together the Army, Navy, and Air Force under shared facilities and command. The tri-services education corps will focus on joint training programs, fostering inter-service cooperation from the ground up. These developments reflect India's commitment to modernizing its defense architecture, improving coordination between services, and creating a more cohesive military structure capable of addressing contemporary security challenges through integrated operations and shared expertise. (PC: India Senitals & The New Indian Express)

India and Russia are discussing new deliveries of S-400 missile systems, a senior Russian defence official confirmed. India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Moscow in 2018 for five S-400 systems to counter China’s military strength. The final two units from that order will arrive in 2026 and 2027. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised India for not giving in to US pressure to halt purchases from Russia. Despite rising imports from France and Israel, Russia remains India’s largest defence supplier, accounting for 36% of imports between 2020 and 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. (PC: X)

Security forces eliminated Bagu Khan, notorious "human GPS" terrorist facilitator, during Saturday's Gurez infiltration attempt. Known as Samandar Chacha, Khan operated from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir since 1995, masterminding over 100 successful infiltrations across Line of Control using intimate terrain knowledge. The Hizbul commander assisted all terror outfits in planning Gurez sector operations, earning his "human GPS" nickname for navigating secret mountain routes. His elimination alongside another terrorist near Nowshera Naar represents major blow to regional terror logistics networks. This follows Thursday's Operation Naushera Nar IV encounter where two infiltrators died, with five more reportedly hiding. Khan's decades-long evasion of security forces ended during latest cross-border attempt, significantly disrupting terror infiltration capabilities across Jammu-Kashmir's strategic Gurez sector. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Navy commissioned two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command. The ships, built under Project 17A, feature 75% indigenous content and highlight India’s progress in warship building. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, while INS Himgiri came from Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata. Both frigates are equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 air defense systems, and advanced sonar and radar. Their induction boosts India’s maritime power and strengthens security in the Indian Ocean region. (PC: X)

The Defence Ministry has started the process to buy 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUHs) for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Of these, 51 will go to the Navy and 25 to the Coast Guard. The helicopters will support missions like search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and maritime patrol. They will also be armed for low-intensity operations. The NUHs will be made under the Buy and Make (Indian) category, boosting self-reliance in defence. The move follows Operation Sindoor and is part of India’s plan to modernise its forces and replace ageing helicopters.

India will commission two advanced Nilgiri-class stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on August 26 in Visakhapatnam. Built under Project 17A, these guided-missile warships mark a generational leap in naval design, featuring reduced radar cross-sections and cutting-edge weaponry. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata. Together, they showcase India’s indigenous defense capabilities, supported by over 200 MSMEs and thousands of jobs. Designed to counter China’s maritime expansion, these frigates will bolster India’s presence from the Strait of Malacca to Africa, reinforcing sea trade security and regional power balance. (PC: NDTV & Bharatpedia)