Surya Drona Tech 2025, India’s premier event spotlighting advancements in drone and unmanned systems technology, was officially inaugurated today in Dehradun by Honorable Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd). Organized by the Central Command of the Indian Army in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), the two-day event aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, promoting self-reliance in defense innovation and manufacturing.

The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of senior military officials, government dignitaries, and industry leaders. Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Surya Command, highlighted the expo’s critical role as a convergence point for the armed forces and domestic defense industry. He underlined the importance of fostering collaboration to develop indigenous drone and counter-drone technologies capable of meeting the evolving demands of future warfare.

Surya Drona Tech 2025 features high-tech exhibitions, live UAV and drone demonstrations—including night flying displays—and a seminar on emerging defense technology trends. Indian companies showcased a range of cutting-edge innovations, such as night imaging systems, autonomous platforms, and self-heating materials for extreme operational environments. These systems are designed to bolster the Indian Army’s capabilities across varied and challenging terrains.

A unique highlight of the event is its role as a knowledge-sharing platform, offering insights into the Army’s long-term strategy for technological integration and reform. It also encourages dialogue between defense stakeholders and industry players, fostering partnerships that may lead to real-world applications and commercial growth within the sector.

Open to the public on April 30, Surya Drona Tech 2025 offers citizens, including students and cadets, an up-close look at the future of India’s defense capabilities. The event marks a milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in defense innovation through indigenous solutions, collaborative development, and strategic foresight.

In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Telangana police have issued a warning to the public about fake donation messages circulating on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook. These fraudulent campaigns falsely claim to raise money for the Indian Army’s welfare or battle casualty funds.

According to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), cybercriminals are exploiting the wave of public sympathy following the attack by circulating emotionally charged messages encouraging users to donate toward fabricated causes. The messages often include links to fake websites or direct bank account numbers and present themselves as official appeals from the Ministry of Defence.

One such message, flagged by authorities, falsely states, “Every Indian can contribute any amount… This money will be used to purchase weapons for the army and paramilitary forces… Your money will be deposited directly in the Army and War Casualty Fund of the Ministry of Defence.”

Police officials clarified that no official donation campaign of this kind exists and confirmed that no cases have yet been reported in Telangana, though similar messages have been spotted widely online.

“These scams are designed to manipulate patriotic feelings and misuse the public’s goodwill,” a TGCSB official stated. “We urge citizens not to share such messages and to verify any donation appeals through official government channels only.”

The police have also encouraged the public to report any suspicious links or messages to the cybercrime helpline or portal. Authorities are working closely with social media companies to flag and remove such fraudulent content swiftly.

This warning comes amid rising support for the armed forces following the Pahalgam attack, making the public particularly vulnerable to misinformation and fraud.

Pakistan-based cyber actors have once again failed to breach India’s cyber defences, with recent attempts to compromise publicly accessible military welfare and educational platforms being swiftly neutralized by Indian cybersecurity teams. The thwarted operations highlight the resilience of India’s digital infrastructure and the limitations of its adversary’s capabilities.

According to intelligence sources, four related cyber incidents were detected and contained. These included attempts to breach the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database and the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation portal. Additionally, the websites of Army Public School (APS) Srinagar and APS Ranikhet were targeted with inflammatory propaganda, with APS Srinagar also facing a distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.

The intrusions, traced back to a Pakistan-based group operating under the alias “IOK Hacker” (Internet of Khilafah), aimed to deface websites, disrupt services, and harvest personal data. However, India’s layered cybersecurity architecture detected and mitigated the attacks in real time, ensuring that no operational or classified military networks were affected. All targeted sites were immediately isolated, and restorative measures were implemented.

These digital provocations occurred alongside a spate of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), with Indian troops responding effectively to unprovoked small arms fire in sectors opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, and Akhnoor between April 25 and 29. These incidents follow the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, escalating tensions in the region.

Security forces have since intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley, reinforcing their readiness on both physical and cyber fronts. Officials emphasized that the Indian Army remains vigilant, continually upgrading its cyber defences to safeguard not only national security infrastructure but also platforms that support the welfare of soldiers and their families.

These failed cyberattacks serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of threats and the importance of staying ahead in the digital domain. India’s proactive stance, both online and on the LoC, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining territorial integrity and cyber sovereignty.

Marking the conclusion of a pivotal chapter in the evolution of India’s joint military framework, Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), delivered a heartfelt and forward-looking address at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), Mehram Nagar, Delhi Cantonment, as he formally relinquished his charge.

Addressing a gathering of senior military leaders and personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, Lt Gen Mathew expressed deep appreciation for the collective efforts that have significantly advanced jointness, interoperability, and strategic integration across the armed forces. He underscored the progress made in emerging domains such as cyber and space, which are increasingly critical in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.

Under his leadership, the IDS made tangible strides in enhancing synergy between the services, reinforcing operational readiness, and ensuring seamless coordination in multi-domain operations. He particularly lauded the work of the Defence Cyber Agency, which has played a frontline role in strengthening cybersecurity defenses since becoming fully operational in 2021.

Lt Gen Mathew’s address also echoed the broader goals of the Ministry of Defence’s “Decade of Transformation” (2023–2032), with 2025 declared as the “Year of Reforms.” He called upon the personnel to maintain the spirit of innovation and integration, ensuring the Indian Armed Forces continue to evolve as a “Future-Ready” force capable of addressing dynamic and complex security challenges.

The gathering witnessed an assembly of senior officers representing all three services, a fitting testament to the integrated spirit fostered at HQ IDS. The outgoing CISC, a three-star post held on a rotational basis among the services, has during his tenure prioritized a unified military strategy amidst a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment.

Reflecting on the origins of the IDS post-Kargil Review Committee (1999) recommendations, Lt Gen Mathew reiterated the foundational vision of tri-service collaboration and its growing importance in the digital age. As he steps down, his legacy is marked by a renewed momentum in joint operations, doctrinal integration, and readiness in both conventional and non-traditional security domains.

His farewell remarks concluded with a powerful message: unity, innovation, and preparedness are the cornerstones of a resilient and future-proof Indian military.

Lieutenant General Vineet Sharma, Director General Dental Services (DGDS) and Colonel Commandant of the Army Dental Corps, conducted a key review of dental healthcare facilities during his visit to the 3 Corps Dental Unit and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic in Dimapur. The visit focused on the ongoing modernization efforts, infrastructure enhancements, and outreach programs intended to bolster the delivery of high-quality oral healthcare to serving personnel, veterans, and their families in the region.

As part of the inspection, Lt Gen Sharma assessed the operational capabilities and readiness of the dental unit, ensuring that the facilities align with the healthcare needs of troops stationed under 3 Corps’ Area of Responsibility. The ECHS Polyclinic, which plays a crucial role in delivering medical services to ex-servicemen, was also a focal point of the visit. The review gains added significance in light of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative from November 2024, which seeks to expand veteran healthcare services by establishing 21 new ECHS polyclinics and upgrading 50 existing ones across the nation.

In high-level discussions with Lt Gen AS Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Corps, and Maj Gen Vijay Jotwani, Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Sharma emphasized the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to veteran welfare and health infrastructure development in remote and strategic locations like Nagaland. Their interactions reinforced the role of collaborative leadership in sustaining the Army’s high standards of medical care.

The visit was also marked by symbolic moments, including ceremonial exchanges and a group photograph with the dental unit team, capturing the shared dedication of the Army Dental Corps and regional command leadership. Lt Gen Sharma’s interactions with staff members and healthcare professionals underscored the importance of morale, medical readiness, and a patient-centric approach in military healthcare systems.

This engagement reflects the broader vision of the Indian Army to maintain a robust and inclusive healthcare network, especially in frontier regions. The Army Dental Corps, through its consistent efforts in oral health awareness, clinical excellence, and preventive care, remains a vital pillar of this mission, ensuring that the force remains fit, ready, and supported both during and after service.