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Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Visits OTA Chennai to Boost Cadet Welfare and Injury Prevention

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In a pivotal move to reinforce the health and resilience of future Indian Army officers, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on April 24, 2025. The visit emphasized enhancing training methods with a particular focus on physical fitness and injury prevention among cadets.

During her visit, Admiral Sarin held in-depth discussions with Lt Gen Michael AJ Fernandez, Commandant of OTA, on evolving the training ecosystem to meet modern military demands. Special attention was given to the physical and mental well-being of cadets, especially in the context of intense military and endurance training.

A key highlight of the visit was Admiral Sarin’s tour of the Sports Medicine Centre at OTA, where she reviewed state-of-the-art therapeutic interventions used for sports and training-related injuries. Officials briefed her on the centre’s role in accelerating safe recovery, a critical element in sustaining cadet performance and reducing long-term injury risks.

OTA Visit

Established in 1963, OTA Chennai has been a cornerstone in the training of officers for the Indian Army’s Short Service Commission. Its rigorous 49-week program integrates military drills, academic instruction, sports, and leadership development. With alumni decorated with some of India’s highest gallantry awards, the academy is synonymous with excellence and commitment.

Admiral Sarin’s interaction with cadets provided valuable feedback on their current experiences, challenges, and perspectives. Her engagement reaffirms the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to merging modern medical science with military training — ensuring cadets are not only combat-ready but also safeguarded against preventable injuries.

The ongoing collaboration between DGAFMS and OTA marks a strategic step towards institutionalizing health-focused practices across military training academies. With shared initiatives such as Emergency Medical Response and Search and Rescue modules, this partnership is set to further elevate the standards of cadet welfare and operational preparedness.

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The visit concluded on an optimistic note, with both institutions committed to continuous innovation in military training and cadet care — strengthening OTA Chennai’s standing as a premier center of excellence for officer training in India.

Russian Submarine ‘Krasnoyarsk’ Launches Kalibr Missile

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The Russian Navy has successfully demonstrated its long-range offensive capabilities with the launch of a Kalibr cruise missile by the nuclear-powered submarine Krasnoyarsk, during naval drills held in the Pacific Ocean. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the missile accurately struck a coastal target at the Kura test site on the Kamchatka Peninsula from a distance exceeding 1,100 kilometers.

The Krasnoyarsk, a Project 885M “Yasen-M” class submarine, maneuvered covertly into its launch area prior to firing the missile from a submerged position—emphasizing its stealth and long-range precision strike abilities. The missile’s successful impact, confirmed by telemetry and objective control systems, demonstrates Russia’s capability to carry out strategic strikes from beneath the ocean surface, significantly enhancing the reach of its naval forces.

Following the missile strike, Krasnoyarsk continued with the next phase of its exercises, simulating anti-submarine warfare operations. The submarine detected and engaged a mock enemy sub using an advanced missile-torpedo system, which successfully neutralized the simulated target. These drills not only confirmed the submarine’s offensive land-attack proficiency but also its effectiveness in underwater combat scenarios, illustrating its versatility and combat readiness.

Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, applauded the submarine’s crew for their exemplary performance during the exercises. He underscored the strategic importance of the Krasnoyarsk to the Pacific Fleet, highlighting its dual-role combat capabilities.

Commissioned in December 2023, Krasnoyarsk is the second vessel of the Yasen-M class, which represents a leap forward in submarine design and technology. Built by the Sevmash shipyard, the submarine features advanced stealth attributes, sophisticated sensor arrays, and reduced acoustic signatures, making it among the quietest submarines in the world. It is armed with eight vertical launch silos capable of deploying Kalibr cruise missiles, Oniks supersonic anti-ship missiles, and future Zircon hypersonic missiles, offering formidable offensive options across land, sea, and undersea domains.

The Kalibr cruise missile, in its submarine-launched configuration, is designed for precision attacks against a variety of targets and can be equipped with conventional or nuclear warheads. Its range can exceed 1,500 kilometers, providing Russian submarines the ability to strike targets far beyond immediate combat zones. When launched from a stealth platform like Krasnoyarsk, the missile complicates detection and countermeasures, offering significant strategic leverage.

In a notable move in September 2024, Krasnoyarsk completed a historic transition from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet via the Northern Sea Route. This redeployment was aimed at reinforcing Russia’s presence in the increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region, placing one of its most advanced submarines closer to areas of growing geopolitical tension.

The implications of this successful missile test are far-reaching. For NATO and the United States, the demonstration of long-range precision strikes from a stealth submarine introduces a new layer of complexity in maritime and homeland defence planning. With capabilities to remain undetected while threatening key infrastructure or military assets, the Yasen-M class poses a credible challenge to conventional naval strategies and reinforces Russia’s undersea deterrent.

Additionally, this development enhances Moscow’s military posture in the Asia-Pacific and adds pressure on U.S. and allied forces operating in the region. It underscores the urgent need for investments in anti-submarine warfare systems, early-warning technologies, and forward surveillance as the balance of power in the world’s oceans continues to evolve.

INS Kochi Visits Maldives To Deepen India-Maldives Defence Ties

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Strengthening an already close defence relationship, the Commanding Officer of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kochi made a courtesy call on senior officials of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in Malé on Monday. The visit is part of a broader initiative to boost bilateral security cooperation between the two Indian Ocean neighbours.

During the visit, the Indian naval official met with top MNDF leadership, including Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force; Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas, Vice Chief of Defence Force; and Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant of the Coast Guard. The Indian High Commission in Maldives shared the event on social media, emphasizing its importance in enhancing the enduring defence relationship between the two nations.

Earlier that day, INS Kochi arrived in Malé, accompanying the Maldives Coast Guard Ship (CGS) Huravee back home after a successful refit in India. This act demonstrates the strong operational cooperation and mutual support that define India-Maldives defence ties, particularly in the areas of maritime security, capability enhancement, and regional coordination.

The visit builds upon a series of recent defence engagements, including the official visit of Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon to India in January. During his trip, he met with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where discussions focused on enhancing military cooperation. India also handed over essential defence equipment to the Maldives during this visit, responding to specific requests from the Maldivian government.

Both nations reviewed their comprehensive defence and security ties, reaffirming their commitment to a shared vision under the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. Minister Maumoon thanked India for its longstanding role as the Maldives’ “First Responder” in times of need and expressed gratitude for continued support in infrastructure and defence personnel training.

These engagements reflect the deepening strategic relationship between India and the Maldives, aimed at fostering security, stability, and mutual growth in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian Army and Armed Police Forces Successfully Conclude Joint Exercise “Sanyukt Abhyas” in North Bengal

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The Indian Army’s XXXIII Corps, popularly known as the Trishakti Corps, in collaboration with Armed Police Forces, has successfully concluded “Exercise Sanyukt Abhyas” in the dense forested terrains near Sukna, North Bengal. The exercise, designed to enhance coordination and operational readiness, underscores the Indian military’s commitment to seamless joint operations in diverse and challenging environments.

The rigorous training program featured a series of tactical drills, with soldiers maneuvering through dense foliage, utilizing natural cover, and executing synchronized movements in simulated combat scenarios. Live tactical exercises emphasized stealth, precision, and real-time strategic coordination, while equipment inspections and detailed operational briefings further enriched the learning experience.

Officer Addressing
Officer Addressing the Armed Police Forces Personnel

Physical fitness, a cornerstone of combat preparedness, was prominently highlighted through synchronized drills, including push-up sessions conducted in open fields. Classroom sessions under camouflaged tents focused on strategic planning and operational instructions, strengthening the theoretical foundation for field operations.

The Trishakti Corps, headquartered in Sukna, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s northeastern frontiers, covering critical regions like North Bengal, Sikkim, and Bhutan. With an estimated strength of 45,000 to 60,000 personnel, the Corps holds historical significance, having been re-raised in 1960 and participating in the Indo-China War of 1962. Its strategic location near the Siliguri Corridor — the narrow “Chicken’s Neck” — enhances its criticality in India’s defense strategy, especially against the backdrop of tensions like the 2017 Doklam standoff.

Exercise SANYUKT ABHYAS
Soldiers Performing the Drills

“Exercise Sanyukt Abhyas” aligns with the Indian Armed Forces’ ongoing push towards “jointmanship,” a doctrine promoting integrated operations among different security agencies. This concept gained momentum following lessons learned from the 1999 Kargil War and is a crucial part of India’s modern defense reforms, including initiatives like the proposed Indian National Defence University.

A senior officer involved in the exercise remarked, “This joint training ensures we are prepared for any operational scenario, from high-altitude warfare to counter-insurgency operations. Our collaboration with the Armed Police Forces strengthens our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.”

The successful completion of “Exercise Sanyukt Abhyas” marks another significant step in fortifying India’s defense capabilities, particularly in the strategically sensitive northeast, amid evolving regional and global challenges.

India Outguns Pakistan in 2024 Defense Spending by a 9x Margin: SIPRI Report

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India emerged as the fifth-largest military spender in the world in 2024, allocating $86.1 billion to defense, nearly nine times more than Pakistan’s $10.2 billion, according to a report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The findings underscore a sharp regional imbalance and come amid renewed hostilities following a major terrorist attack in Kashmir.

Also check : Global Military Spending Soars to Record $2.7 Trillion in 2024

India’s military budget grew by 1.6% year-on-year, with a 42% increase since 2015, reflecting the country’s focus on modernizing its armed forces and bolstering defense capabilities amid mounting cross-border threats.

Pakistan’s spending, in comparison, remained modest, even as regional tensions intensified. The stark disparity in defense budgets comes at a time of growing military preparedness and strategic posturing in South Asia.

Globally, military expenditure soared to $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% increase from the previous year and the fastest annual rise since the Cold War’s end. The top five spenders — the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India — accounted for 60% of the total global defense outlay, collectively investing $1.635 trillion.

“Spending has increased every year for a full decade, rising by 37% since 2015,” the SIPRI report highlighted.

Amid escalating regional conflicts, military budgets swelled across continents:

  • China maintained its position as Asia’s top spender, increasing defense outlays by 7% to $314 billion.
  • Russia allocated $149 billion, up 38% from 2023, now representing 7.1% of its GDP.
  • Germany’s military expenditure surged by 28% to $88.5 billion, making it the largest spender in Western Europe.
  • Ukraine, still at war, allocated $64.7 billion — 34% of its GDP, the highest military burden globally.

Back home, India’s defense boost follows the deadliest terror attack since 2008, with 26 civilians killed near Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir. India has blamed Pakistan-based terrorists and retaliated with diplomatic sanctions, including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and closure of the Attari checkpost.

The SIPRI report illustrates a world arming itself at an unprecedented pace, with South Asia once again emerging as a flashpoint in global security dynamics.

North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment in Ukraine War

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North Korea has officially confirmed for the first time that it sent troops to fight alongside Russia against Ukraine. According to a report by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean forces assisted Russian troops in the “complete liberation” of the western Russian border region of Kursk, under direct orders from leader Kim Jong Un.

KCNA stated the deployment was in line with a mutual defense treaty signed between Pyongyang and Moscow. Kim hailed the soldiers as, “heroes and representatives of the motherland’s honor who fought for justice.”

This admission follows recent praise from Russia’s Chief of Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who publicly acknowledged the involvement of North Korean troops and applauded their “heroism”—the first such recognition from Moscow.

Reality on the Ground

Western intelligence had previously reported that over 11,000 North Korean soldiers, mostly from the elite “Storm Corps” unit, were deployed to Russia in late 2024. U.S. officials claim at least 1,000 of them have died within a span of three months.

Ukraine’s top commander General Oleksandr Syrskyi warned that these troops present a real threat on the front lines:
“They are numerous—highly motivated and offensive-minded, operating on old Soviet tactics and relying on sheer numbers,” he said in an interview.

Military analysts, however, argue that the North Korean troops are ill-prepared for modern warfare, with reports suggesting they are barely trained and unable to effectively communicate with Russian officers.

Global Reactions

The U.S. condemned Pyongyang’s actions, saying North Korea must now bear responsibility for fueling the conflict. Ukraine, meanwhile, has dismissed Russia’s claim that it has regained full control of Kursk.

KCNA did not clarify what will happen to the deployed North Korean troops now that the Kursk mission is reportedly over—whether they will return home or be redeployed elsewhere.

A Deepening Alliance

The deployment stems from a growing strategic alliance between Russia and North Korea. Last year, Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin signed a formal agreement promising to support one another in the event of external aggression. The current military cooperation, KCNA said, is a sign of their “brotherhood and alliance forged in blood.”

North Korea also pledged continued support for Russia’s military campaigns in the future.

$67M F-18 Fighter Jet Falls into Red Sea from US Aircraft Carrier

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A $67 million US Navy F-18E Super Hornet fighter jet accidentally plunged into the Red Sea after slipping off the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier on Monday, the Navy confirmed. The mishap also saw the tow tractor moving the aircraft fall into the sea, and one sailor sustained a minor injury during the incident.

According to a Navy statement, the accident occurred while the jet was being moved inside the carrier’s hangar bay. The towing crew lost control of the aircraft, leading to both the fighter and the tow vehicle going overboard.

“Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard,” the statement said. “All personnel are accounted for.”

This marks the second F-18 loss involving the Harry S. Truman in less than six months. In a separate incident late last year, another Super Hornet was mistakenly shot down by the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg. Both pilots involved in that case survived.

The USS Harry S. Truman remains fully operational in the Red Sea as part of ongoing US military operations in the region. The carrier is one of two deployed to the Middle East amid heightened tensions and continued strikes against Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who have posed threats to commercial and military vessels.

The Navy has launched an investigation into the latest incident. No recovery details for the aircraft or tractor have yet been disclosed.

Ex-Pakistani Commando Turned Terrorist: Hashim Musa Exposed as Mastermind Behind Pahalgam Attack?

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In a major breakthrough, Indian intelligence agencies have identified Hashim Musa, a former Pakistani para-commando, as the mastermind behind the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed multiple lives. Musa, now a top operative for the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was deployed to Jammu and Kashmir with the singular mission to target non-locals and Indian security personnel.

According to a report, the investigation has provided undeniable proof of the direct involvement of Pakistan’s Army and its spy agency, ISI, in orchestrating the brutal attack, further substantiating India’s long-standing claims about Islamabad’s role in cross-border terrorism.

A senior security official revealed chilling details, stating, “It is possible that Pakistan’s Special Service Group (SSG) lent Musa to LeT, showcasing how terror groups and state agencies in Pakistan operate hand in glove.”

The Special Service Group (SSG), Pakistan’s elite special forces unit, is renowned for its expertise in unconventional warfare, covert operations, and guerrilla tactics. Musa’s formidable background — comprising advanced weapon handling, survival training, hand-to-hand combat, and psychological endurance — has made him a highly lethal asset for terror operations in Kashmir.

Musa’s role came to light following the interrogation of 15 Kashmiri overground workers (OGWs) who had provided logistical support and conducted reconnaissance for the Pakistani terrorists. The probe not only unearthed Musa’s direct involvement in the Pahalgam massacre but also linked him to previous attacks:

  • Gagangir, Ganderbal (October 2024): The brutal murder of six non-local workers and a doctor.
  • Buta Pathri, Baramulla: An ambush that killed two Indian Army soldiers and two army porters.

This discovery paints a stark picture of the growing military-grade sophistication among terrorist operatives infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir, thanks to the Pakistani establishment’s active support.

As the investigation progresses, Indian security forces are intensifying operations to neutralize Musa and dismantle the terror networks propped up by Pakistan’s military-intelligence apparatus.

Pakistan’s ISI Calling Fauji Kids to Extract Indian Army Movement Details: A Serious Alert

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In a concerning development, reports have emerged that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is attempting to contact children of Indian Armed Forces personnel—commonly referred to as Fauji kids—to gather sensitive information related to Army movements and deployments, particularly in border areas.

The Modus Operandi

The ISI operatives are reportedly posing as friendly Indian individuals or officials while making calls to military cantonments, stations, and even family quarters. By adopting a friendly or familiar tone, they attempt to gain the trust of young, unsuspecting children. Their aim is to subtly extract critical information regarding troop movements, logistics, equipment shifts, or operational activities near sensitive border regions.

These calls often seem casual, starting with general conversations, and slowly steering towards questions like:

  • “Has your father/mother gone for a mission?”
  • “Are there any tanks or convoys moving from your station?”
  • “Have you seen any changes near the base?”

Why Target Children?

Children are naturally trusting and less likely to recognize the dangers of sharing seemingly harmless information. ISI’s strategy focuses on exploiting this innocence to bypass strict military security protocols that trained personnel usually adhere to.

Serious Threat to National Security

Even a small piece of leaked information can have a cascading effect, compromising operational secrecy, endangering soldiers’ lives, and providing tactical advantages to adversaries. Therefore, such espionage tactics targeting military families represent a grave threat to India’s national security.

Advisory for Fauji Families

In light of this situation, military authorities and family welfare organizations are urging all families living in and around military stations to:

  • Educate children about the importance of operational secrecy.
  • Instruct them never to disclose any information related to their parents’ duties, movements, or locations to outsiders, even if the caller seems familiar.
  • Report any suspicious calls immediately to military authorities or nearest police stations.
  • Avoid posting sensitive information or photographs related to Army activities on social media platforms.

Final Words

National security is a collective responsibility. Every piece of information—no matter how trivial it may seem—can be critical. As adversaries continue to innovate their espionage methods, heightened awareness and preventive education within Fauji families become the first line of defence.

Armed Forces Set for Major Leadership Transition on May 1

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In a sweeping leadership transition across India’s military services, key appointments have been announced to bolster the nation’s defense preparedness. The Indian Air Force, Army, and the tri-services integrated Defence Staff will all witness major changes effective May 1.

Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari will take over as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Marshal SP Dharkar, who retires on April 30 after more than four decades of distinguished service. Currently heading the South Western Air Command in Gandhinagar, Air Marshal Tiwari is known for his operational acumen and leadership prowess. His position will be filled by the current head of the Training Command.

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Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari

In another critical move, the Tri-Services Integrated Defence Staff will have a new Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, an accomplished Mirage 2000 fighter pilot and presently the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Air Command, has been approved for the role. He will assume office on May 1, stepping in for Lt Gen JP Matthew, who is set to retire.

The CISC plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and is integral to tri-services operations under the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) framework.

Dixit
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit

Meanwhile, the strategically vital Northern Command of the Indian Army, which oversees critical operations along the borders with China and Pakistan, will welcome a new commander. Lt Gen Prateek Sharma, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) and a former Director General Military Operations, will succeed Lt Gen MV Suchendra Kumar. Lt Gen Sharma has been closely involved in high-level operational oversight, recently accompanying Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi to Srinagar following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Also Read: Interesting Facts About Lt Gen Pratik Sharma

Lt Gen Prateek Sharma
Lt General Prateek Sharma

These high-profile appointments signal a dynamic new chapter in India’s defense leadership, focusing on synergy, modernization, and heightened operational readiness amid evolving regional security challenges.