Security forces have intensified a major counter-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district after surveillance cameras captured two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists hiding in an orchard. A joint team of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF has sealed all escape routes while clearing four of seven villages under a tight cordon. The trapped terrorists, identified as Latif and Zakir from Kulgam district, reportedly opened fire, triggering a fierce gunbattle. Zakir is believed to have joined Lashkar in 2024 and Latif in 2025. Officials said eliminating local operatives remains crucial to dismantling terror logistics and recruitment networks, especially in Shopian’s dense summer terrain that offers natural cover. (PC: X)

Security forces resumed their anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday, with two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists still trapped inside a dense orchard after an overnight pause. The joint operation by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force entered its second day in the Meemandar area, where surveillance cameras first detected the terrorists on Friday. Officials identified the suspects as Zakir and Latif, both residents of Kulgam district. Zakir allegedly joined LeT in 2024, while Latif became associated with the outfit in 2025. The encounter began after the terrorists opened fire on Army personnel, prompting retaliatory action. Security forces have sealed all escape routes while search operations continue.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved defence procurement proposals worth ₹52,000 crore to strengthen the capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The clearance includes anti-tank guided missiles, kamikaze drones, Akash Tarang anti-UAV systems, medium-range and very short-range air defence systems, and advanced protection systems for tanks. The Navy will receive new unmanned aerial systems, sea mines and propulsion testing facilities, while the Air Force will procure a high-altitude pseudo satellite for surveillance and reconnaissance. The approvals mark another major step in India's military modernisation programme. (PC: HT)

The government has, for the first time, officially disclosed the names of armed forces personnel killed during Operation Sindoor, the cross-border military operation launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Six personnel lost their lives during the operation, including one member of the Indian Air Force. The announcement marks the first formal acknowledgment of military casualties from the mission, which targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border. By releasing the names, the government paid tribute to the fallen personnel and recognised their sacrifice in the operation. The disclosure comes more than a year after Operation Sindoor was conducted following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday commissioned three indigenously built naval ships — Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray — in Kolkata. The vessels were designed and built in India and contain more than 75% indigenous content. Speaking at the event, Modi said, “No nation can become a big power without maritime prowess.” The ships will strengthen India's capabilities in maritime combat, hydrographic surveys and anti-submarine warfare. The government said the vessels reflect the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. More than 200 MSMEs contributed to their construction, highlighting India's growing shipbuilding and defence capabilities.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art 10,000-ton Aluminium Extrusion Press at Yantra India Limited’s Ordnance Factory Ambajhari facility in Nagpur, describing it as a major boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The project aims to strengthen self-reliance in critical defence technologies and reduce dependence on imports. The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony was attended by Devendra Fadnavis, senior Defence Ministry officials and YIL leadership. Highlighting the sector’s growth, Singh stated that India’s domestic defence production has risen from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, reflecting significant expansion under the government’s self-reliance initiatives.

Pakistan’s Navy plans to expand its presence in the Bay of Bengal after inducting new Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines, a move that is drawing attention in India. Reports suggest Pakistani naval officials believe the advanced submarines will allow sustained operations farther from Pakistan’s coastline, including in the eastern Indian Ocean. The development comes as ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh improve, leading to speculation about greater military cooperation. The Hangor-class submarines are equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, enabling longer underwater endurance and enhanced stealth. Analysts say the move could add a new dimension to regional maritime competition. (PC: India Today)

India has successfully carried out the first test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Chandipur, Odisha, marking a major milestone for the country's defence programme. Developed by DRDO, the missile reportedly struck its target at a range of over 1,000 kilometres with high precision. The new system is an upgraded successor to the earlier Nirbhay project and is designed for launch from multiple platforms. Capable of flying at low altitudes to avoid enemy radar, the missile can carry a 500-kg warhead. More developmental and user trials are expected before it enters military service. (PC: HT)

India has achieved a major defence milestone after the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out three flight tests of advanced missile systems. The trials validated key ballistic missile defence and anti-ship warfare technologies, strengthening India's multi-layered air defence capabilities.   Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the successful tests place India among a select group of nations with proven ballistic missile interception technology. The achievement is expected to boost the country's strategic deterrence and indigenous defence programme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The successful trials mark another significant step in enhancing India's ability to counter advanced aerial and missile threats. (PC: Economic Times)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has filed an FIR against Hyderabad-based TEC Aero Devices, alleging submission of 199 forged test reports linked to components supplied for the LCA Mk-1A fighter aircraft programme. A HAL audit in November 2023 reportedly found that none of the reports had been issued by Axis Inspection Solutions, whose name and signatures appeared on the documents. Following internal investigations, HAL removed TEC Aero Devices from its approved vendor list and barred the company from future business for three years until March 2027. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the alleged fabrication of quality certification documents. (PC: Business Standard)