India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested its indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missile off the Odisha coast on November 5, 2026. Conducted from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, the trial was part of user evaluation tests, with all objectives reportedly achieved. The solid-propellant, surface-to-surface missile has a strike range of 150–500 kilometres and can carry different conventional warheads. Its advanced guidance systems and mid-flight manoeuvring capabilities make interception more challenging. Developed by DRDO laboratories and manufactured with Bharat Dynamics Limited, Pralay is now moving closer to induction into India's armed forces. 

The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel Azini after a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 kilometres from Mumbai. Completed on November 2, the mission involved a Navy warship, a reconnaissance aircraft and Marine Commandos, with Indian Air Force support. The vessel had reportedly been hijacked by armed pirates off northeastern Somalia. The Navy feared it could be used as a mother ship for attacks on merchant vessels. Surveillance and non-kinetic measures restricted its movement before commandos were deployed by an IAF C-17 precision airdrop. All crew were released, with no casualties or injuries reported. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the operation.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a project worth over Rs 40,000 crore to build eight next-generation corvettes for the Indian Navy. The compact, fast, multirole stealth warships are expected to strengthen India's surface combatant fleet and operate across the Indian Ocean Region. The government is expected to sign a construction contract soon with Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). The corvettes will enhance the Navy's capabilities in anti-surface, anti-submarine and coastal warfare, complementing its existing four Kamorta-class vessels. CCS approval marks a key step before finalising major defence acquisition contracts. (PC: Wikimedia)

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Saturday that the United States had made no official offer to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India. Speaking during the Tarang Shakti air exercise in Jodhpur, he remarked that US personnel did not even allow Indian officials near the aircraft despite discussions about a possible sale.   The F-35 participated in the multilateral exercise for the first time, alongside forces from 7 foreign countries. Singh also highlighted the IAF’s operational capabilities, citing its experience during Operation Sindoor in 2025. (PC: HT)

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed the next Chief of the Air Staff and will become the 29th Chief of the Indian Air Force. He will take charge as Air Chief Marshal on October 31, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires the same day. Dixit is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. An experienced fighter and experimental test pilot, he has logged more than 3,500 flying hours. He has commanded a Mirage 2000 squadron and held key positions, including Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command. (PC: NDTV)

A CISF personnel allegedly opened fire on colleagues at a camp near the Sewa Power Project in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, killing four, including an officer, following an argument, according to sources. The incident occurred around 6:40 pm in Mashka village, Basohli. The victims were identified as Assistant Commandant Ankit Kumar Pandey, Sub-Inspector Lakshman Singh, Constable Rafiq Ahmed and Constable Sandeep Kumar. The suspected shooter, Head Constable Avdesh Kumar Singh, allegedly used his AK-47 rifle and was carrying 150 rounds, the CISF said. The injured personnel were taken to an NHPC hospital in Himachal Pradesh and later died from injuries. Singh was arrested and handed over to police. Authorities are investigating.

India has not yet decided whether to acquire Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, Defence Secretary RK Singh said at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026. He said India’s main fifth-generation fighter programme remains the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with its first prototype expected in September 2028. Russia has offered licensed production of the Su-57 in India with technology transfer. Singh also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to improve the performance of existing Tejas fighters by strengthening India’s radar, sensor and air defence networks. India is exploring these technologies as it works to address its stealth fighter capability gap. (PC: NDTV)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India would no longer tolerate “nuclear blackmail” and warned that hostile action originating from Pakistani soil would be treated as an act of war. Speaking at News18 DEFCON 2026, Singh said Operation Sindoor had demonstrated India’s resolve following the Pahalgam attack, which he said killed 26 people. He stated that terrorism, talks and trade could not proceed together and said there would be no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors. Singh also cited India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, saying “blood and water” could not flow together. He highlighted India’s expanding strategic partnerships through the Quad, I2U2, BIMSTEC, BRICS and SCO, while emphasizing security preparedness.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is marking 40 years of women in combat service, commemorating the first women combatant battalion raised in 1986. The force will hold a special event on September 25 to honour serving and veteran women personnel. The CRPF now has six dedicated Mahila Battalions deployed across India, while women personnel also serve in Rapid Action Force units and specialised frontline roles, including the Bastariya Battalion operating in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas. Women officers and personnel have received several gallantry and distinguished-service awards. The milestone highlights the expanding operational role of women in India’s security forces. (PC: X)

US-based drone company Powerus signed an agreement with India’s Paras Defence in June to manufacture and commercialise its Guardian-1 counter-drone system, months before its deal with the Pakistan Army. Under the agreement, Paras Defence received exclusive rights to manufacture and sell the Guardian-1 system in India. The battery-powered interceptor is designed to detect, track and neutralise aerial threats, including attack drones and drone swarms. In September, Powerus signed an MoU with the Pakistan Army involving unmanned aerial systems, with the order details kept confidential. Powerus is linked financially to Donald Trump’s sons through an investment fund, though they have been described as passive investors. (PC: India Today)