Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation for five expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited (YIL) in West Bengal, aimed at boosting shipbuilding and defence manufacturing under Make in India. GRSE will develop Hooghly riverside sites: a Rs 2,500-crore Raichak facility for warships and commercial vessels, a Rs 100-crore Shalimar site for medium-sized ships and repairs, and a Rs 70-crore Kidderpore facility for vessel repairs, electric ferries and small crafts. At YIL’s Ishapore factory, projects worth over Rs 750 crore will expand metallurgical production, including forging presses for gun barrels, ammunition components, ordnance hardware, railway axles and nuclear reactor components, while reducing import dependency. (PC: Uinewz)

An Indian Navy warship, INS Kolkata, and Pakistan Navy vessel PNS Hunain collided in the North Arabian Sea on Tuesday. India said the incident occurred during a routine surveillance mission, while Pakistan disputed India’s account and protested the presence of the Indian vessel in its Exclusive Economic Zone. INS Kolkata, a 7,400-tonne guided-missile destroyer, is significantly larger than the 2,600-tonne PNS Hunain, an offshore patrol vessel. The Pakistani ship suffered damage and returned to harbour, while India said INS Kolkata continued its mission without structural damage. The collision has also triggered diplomatic protests from both countries. (PC: India Today)

Two terrorists, believed to be foreigners and likely affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), were killed in a late-night gunfight with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Wednesday. Security forces launched a major cordon and search operation in the Sohan area after receiving inputs about suspicious movement. A heavy gunbattle followed between the forces and the terrorists. In the early morning hours, security forces recovered the bodies of the two terrorists and arms and ammunition from their possession. Their identities were being ascertained. The operation came after security forces received information regarding terrorist movement in the area, prompting the search operation and subsequent encounter. (PC: X)

China significantly reduced the deployment of People’s Liberation Army forces along the Line of Actual Control in 2025, helping bring greater stability along India’s northern borders, the Defence Ministry said in its 2025–26 annual report. The report said around 10 PLA Combined Arms Brigade-sized forces remained deployed in areas along the LAC and traditional training zones. It added that the Indian Army maintained a robust deployment across all sectors and remained prepared for any contingency. The report also highlighted renewed political, diplomatic and military engagement between India and China, with both sides seeking partnership over rivalry and peaceful resolution of differences. (PC: The Week)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to establish a new missile and weapons testing facility at Junput in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district, along the Bay of Bengal. The project is intended to supplement the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, and reduce pressure on the existing facility. The Junput range will support testing of weapon systems, radar equipment and short-range missiles. The project had faced delays amid administrative issues and concerns from local fishing communities. With necessary state-level clearances now granted, the facility is expected to strengthen India’s defence-testing infrastructure and indigenous defence capabilities. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan’s latest military display has highlighted its growing reliance on China and Turkey for fighters, drones and air-defence systems. The Pakistan Air Force showcased Chinese J-10 and JF-17 fighters, Wing Loong II drones and the HQ-17AE air-defence system, along with Turkish Akinci drones and counter-UAV equipment. The display comes as Pakistan expands its military capabilities despite economic constraints, with analysts questioning how the acquisitions are being funded. Pakistan is also strengthening its navy with Chinese submarines and frigates. Meanwhile, India is accelerating indigenous development of armed drones, long-range missiles and air-defence systems while awaiting US MQ-9B drone deliveries. (PC: HT)

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Monday approved defence acquisition proposals worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force. About 98% of the procurements are expected to come from Indian industry, the Defence Ministry said. The Army proposals include CBRN reconnaissance vehicles, helicopters, mine layers, trawl tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System. The Navy received approval for Arudhra radars and the development and procurement of marine gas turbines. The Air Force proposals include ground-based multi-purpose jammers and a secure access card system. The approvals are in-principle and do not constitute contracts.

India’s reported interest in joining a sixth-generation fighter programme could bring advanced technology and strategic partnerships, but an NDTV opinion article warns that pursuing too many projects could overstretch its resources. The Indian Air Force is already developing Tejas Mk2, a 114-aircraft MRFA programme, and the fifth-generation AMCA. India has approached Europe’s GCAP and FCAS partnerships, though FCAS’s core fighter collaboration has collapsed. The article identifies advanced fighter-engine technology as India’s biggest challenge, with engine development estimated at $10 billion. It argues that India needs a clear air-power roadmap rather than multiple programmes competing for limited industrial and financial resources. (PC: NDTV)

India is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Russia’s S-500 missile defence system and Su-57 stealth fighter as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with President Vladimir Putin. The discussions follow the reported performance of India’s S-400 systems during Operation Sindoor and come as the IAF faces a shortage of combat aircraft. India operates four of five S-400 squadrons ordered in 2018 and is also considering five additional units. Russia has discussed possible local co-production of the S-500 and licensed Su-57 production. Broader talks include Sukhoi-30MKI upgrades, logistics cooperation and defence industrial partnerships. (PC: Economic Times)

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has become the first non-medical woman officer in the Indian Defence Services to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent. She assumed charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters on September 1, 2026, the Indian Air Force said. Commissioned into the IAF’s Education Branch in 1994, Sharma has served for over three decades at training establishments, field stations and headquarters. She earlier became the first woman officer from the Tri-Services to command a Sainik School, serving as principal of Sainik School Kapurthala. (PC: India Today)