The Indian Army is set to seek approval for the procurement of more than 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery guns in a deal estimated at around Rs 23,000 crore. The proposal is expected to come up before the Defence Procurement Board this week. If cleared, the order is likely to go to Larsen & Toubro, which manufactures the guns in India with technology support from South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace. The move aims to strengthen the Army's long-range firepower along the borders with China and Pakistan as part of its ongoing artillery modernisation drive. (PC: India Today)

The latest report from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicates that India had 12 operationally deployed nuclear warheads in 2025, marking the first time SIPRI has identified a portion of India’s arsenal as deployed rather than solely stockpiled. The report estimates India’s total nuclear inventory at about 190 warheads and notes continued development of new delivery systems. SIPRI also reported that China increased its deployed warheads from 24 to 34. The assessment highlights growing reliance on nuclear deterrence globally, while noting that the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict tested regional stability, although both sides avoided further escalation. (PC: X)

  India deployed a small number of nuclear warheads for the first time in 2025, according to the latest SIPRI Yearbook 2026. The Swedish arms control institute said India had 12 operationally deployed warheads, while China increased its deployed stock to 34. The report estimates that around 4,012 nuclear warheads are currently deployed worldwide. SIPRI noted that India slightly expanded its overall nuclear arsenal and continued developing new delivery systems. It also highlighted that the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict tested regional nuclear deterrence, though both sides acted to avoid further escalation. (PC: India Today)

India has operationally deployed 12 nuclear warheads for the first time, according to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report says India is moving from keeping warheads and delivery systems separately stored to placing some weapons in a ready-to-use posture.   SIPRI estimates that India's nuclear stockpile has increased to around 190 warheads as of January 2026. The report also points to the country's growing sea-based deterrence capability, including ballistic missile submarines and deterrence patrols. India, however, continues to maintain its official "No First Use" nuclear policy, under which nuclear weapons are intended only for retaliation. (PC: NDTV)

According to the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India has expanded its nuclear arsenal to approximately 190 warheads, increasing its lead over Pakistan. The report highlights continued modernization of India's nuclear forces, including improvements in delivery systems and strategic capabilities. While Pakistan also continues to develop its nuclear programme, India now maintains a larger estimated stockpile. SIPRI noted that nuclear-armed states worldwide are modernising arsenals amid rising geopolitical tensions. The assessment underscores South Asia's evolving strategic balance and reflects ongoing investments by both India and Pakistan in deterrence capabilities, missile systems and long-term nuclear force development. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the capabilities of India’s indigenous Zorawar light tank, a high-altitude combat platform developed to strengthen military preparedness along the Himalayan frontier. Designed jointly by DRDO and L&T, the 25-tonne tank was developed in just 19 months and is tailored for operations in mountainous terrain, particularly along the Line of Actual Control. Zorawar combines mobility, firepower and advanced technology, including AI-enabled systems, modern surveillance capabilities and enhanced protection. It is intended to counter China’s Type-15 light tank and can be rapidly deployed by air, rail or road. The project marks a major milestone in India’s defence self-reliance efforts.

India has strengthened its defence export strategy with the signing of a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, while discussions with Indonesia are in the final stages, according to the Defence Secretary in Singapore. The agreements highlight India’s push to position the supersonic cruise missile system as a key export under its strategic defence partnership framework. Officials stated that India is increasingly willing to share advanced defence technology with trusted partner nations. The move is seen as a major step in boosting India’s global defence footprint, enhancing regional security cooperation, and deepening ties with Southeast Asian countries amid growing geopolitical competition. (PC: X)

The Defence Ministry has issued requests for proposals to three shortlisted private sector bidders for developing five prototypes of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the country’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project worth ₹15,000 crore.   The shortlisted bidders include Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen and Toubro with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge with Bharat Earth Movers Limited. Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency, the AMCA will initially use GE-414 engines, with future variants expected to feature made-in-India Safran engines.   The first prototype is expected by 2027, while the fighter’s maiden flight is likely between 2028 and 2029 before serial production begins in the mid-2030s. (PC: HT)  

The Indian Air Force’s frontline Su-30MKI fighter jets are set to receive a major technology upgrade under the ambitious ‘Super Sukhoi’ programme. The Ministry of Defence has issued a request for proposal to equip the aircraft with advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing GPS systems.   The upgrade aims to strengthen the jets against electronic warfare threats, including GPS disruption and signal spoofing during combat operations. The Su-30MKI, considered the backbone of the IAF fleet and a key asset during Operation Sindoor, will also receive enhanced electronic warfare capabilities under the modernisation programme.   The project is part of India’s larger push to improve indigenous defence technology and extend the operational life of the fighter aircraft for future missions. (PC: Economic Times)

The Indian government has finalised a Letter of Request (LoR) to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and is expected to send it to France within weeks. About 90 aircraft will be manufactured in India through a Dassault Aviation partnership with an Indian company, while the remaining jets will be delivered in fly-away condition. The procurement follows Defence Acquisition Council approval and will proceed through an inter-governmental route. India aims to secure Interface Control Documents to integrate indigenous weapons like Astra and BrahMos-NG. The deal is expected to help address the IAF’s fighter squadron shortfall until indigenous programmes, including LCA Mk2 and AMCA, mature. (PC: The Indian Express)