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HTT-40 Trainer Aircraft to Roll Out This Year, HAL Eyes Global Market

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to roll out the first HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) later this year, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aircraft development program. According to HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil, the aircraft is on track for its first delivery to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in September 2025, with additional inductions planned in the following years.

Designed by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre, the HTT-40 is intended to meet the IAF’s long-standing need for a modern, reliable training platform for Stage I basic flight training. It is expected to replace aging aircraft such as the HPT-32 Deepak, offering a cost-effective and robust solution for pilot training.

The HTT-40’s successful flypast at Aero India 2025 has attracted considerable attention, both domestically and internationally. HAL has received a growing number of inquiries from foreign customers interested in the aircraft’s capabilities, signaling strong export potential.

Sunil expressed optimism about showcasing the HTT-40 to prospective buyers in the coming months. HAL’s strategy aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance in defense manufacturing and aims to position Indian companies as competitive players in the global aerospace market.

With production ongoing at HAL’s facilities in Bangalore and Nashik, the HTT-40 program is poised to enhance India’s military aviation training capabilities while opening new opportunities in the international defense export arena.

India Launches Nationwide Drive to Extract Rare Earth Elements from Mining Waste

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India has launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to extract rare earth elements (REEs) from mining waste, after significant quantities of critical minerals were discovered in coal mine dumps. Starting this month, all mining operations across the country—across coal, mineral, and petroleum sectors—have been mandated to conduct tests on overburden, tailings, and other forms of mining rejects for the presence of critical minerals.

This sweeping move follows successful studies conducted at the Sathupalli and Ramagundam open-cast coal mines in Telangana, where 1 kilogram of scandium and strontium was found in every 15 tonnes of clay. The studies were carried out by the government-backed Non-ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC). The supply of these high-value elements from both mines is expected to begin in August, according to N. Balram, Chairman and Managing Director of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

Scandium plays a vital role in aerospace components, fuel cells, and high-performance sports equipment, while strontium is used in alloys, ferrite magnets, vacuum systems, medicines, and even cathode-ray tubes. The government’s focus is to improve resource utilization and turn previously ignored mining waste into strategic assets.

The directive is part of the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), India’s strategic blueprint to reduce import dependence and enhance domestic supply of vital minerals essential for electronics, defense, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.

The exploration drive is being extended beyond mineral-rich zones to include all coal mines and even waste byproducts from the petroleum sector, government sources confirmed. The Centre has already mandated leaseholders of minor minerals to declare the presence of any associated critical minerals as part of its early 2025 reforms.

The initiative also responds to increasing concerns over global supply chain vulnerabilities. With China pausing REE exports, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal recently described the move as a “wake-up call” for the world. India is now actively exploring alternate sourcing avenues in countries like Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.

By unlocking value from waste and diversifying sourcing, India aims to secure its place in the global race for critical mineral independence.

Tejas Mk2 Set for Maiden Flight in Q1 2026, Confirms DRDO Chief

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In an exclusive interview with Tarmak Media House, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence Research & Development and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), confirmed that the first flight of the Tejas Mk2, also known as Tejas MkII or LCA Mk2, is expected in the first quarter of 2026. The announcement follows a statement by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Dr. D.K. Sunil, who stated that the aircraft’s rollout is planned by March 2026.

The Tejas Mk2 represents a major advancement over the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants. Equipped with the powerful General Electric F414 engine, the aircraft features significant upgrades, including enhanced avionics, an indigenous Uttam AESA radar, and advanced electronic warfare systems. These improvements are aimed at boosting operational capability and survivability in a modern combat environment.

Positioned as a medium-weight multi-role fighter, the Tejas Mk2 is designed to bridge the gap between light and heavier fighter classes. The rollout in March 2026 will mark the completion of assembly and ground testing, setting the stage for its maiden flight shortly thereafter.

Dr. Kamat emphasized that the aircraft is undergoing rigorous testing and validation to meet stringent performance and safety benchmarks. Once operational, the Tejas Mk2 is expected to play a critical role in the Indian Air Force’s modernization efforts, gradually replacing aging platforms such as the MiG-21.

With an anticipated order of 240 aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 program is set to become a key pillar of India’s defence sector. It not only enhances the Indian Air Force’s combat edge but also supports the country’s goal of achieving technological self-reliance and fostering industrial growth through indigenous development.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Speak With Students and ISRO Engineers via Ham Radio from ISS

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Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on a 14-day scientific expedition, will interact with Indian school students and ISRO engineers via ham radio this Friday. The event is being organised by the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS), which enables direct communication between astronauts and students around the globe.

The interaction will be conducted through a telebridge set up at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. According to ARISS, the contact is scheduled for Friday, July 4, at 10:17 UTC (3:47 PM IST), using the K6DUE telebridge relay station. The announcement was also shared by ARISS on social media platform X, highlighting the significance of the upcoming communication with Indian participants.

Ham radio, or amateur radio, is widely regarded for its reliability in emergency communication and educational outreach. Licensed operators use it to facilitate scientific and cultural exchanges, especially in settings where traditional communication systems may fail.

Shukla, who is part of the four-member Axiom-4 crew, has been actively involved in several scientific experiments aboard the ISS. On Sunday, he conducted a space microalgae experiment, deploying sample bags and capturing images of various algae strains. The experiment is aimed at exploring microalgae as a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source for future long-duration space missions.

The Axiom-4 team is also engaged in the Neuro Motion VR project, which studies the impact of microgravity on cognitive and motor functions. Astronauts perform VR-based tasks while their brain activity is monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), offering insights into human adaptation during deep-space travel.

In addition, Shukla and the crew are contributing to the Telemetric Health AI study, which combines biometric data and mission analytics to assess cardiovascular and balance systems under spaceflight conditions. The research holds promise for developing advanced, real-time health monitoring systems useful both in space and on Earth.

The upcoming radio contact is expected to inspire students across India to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with a fellow Indian astronaut currently orbiting Earth.

India Accelerates Development of Bunker-Buster Variant of Agni Missile for Deep Underground Strikes

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India is intensifying efforts to develop a powerful bunker-buster version of its Agni missile system, capable of striking deeply buried enemy facilities, command centres, and fortified military infrastructure. The project, led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is receiving renewed momentum amid global attention on the effectiveness of deep-penetration strikes like the recent U.S. operations in Iran.

Unlike the U.S. GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which is air-dropped by B-2 stealth bombers, India’s approach will involve a missile-based delivery system, offering enhanced operational flexibility and lower deployment costs. The new system is expected to use a modified version of the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), reconfigured for conventional payloads instead of nuclear warheads.

The upcoming missile variant will be capable of delivering a massive 7,500 kg warhead designed to penetrate 80 to 100 metres of reinforced concrete and soil before detonation. This capability is targeted at disabling heavily fortified assets such as enemy missile silos, underground bunkers, and hardened command posts.

According to sources cited by IANS, two versions of the missile are under development. The first will be designed for airburst detonations to strike above-ground military installations like runways and airbases. The second version will feature a deep-penetration warhead to emulate the role of advanced bunker-buster bombs.

Despite the larger payload, the missile is expected to maintain an effective range of around 2,500 kilometres, sufficient for addressing regional threats. It will also reach hypersonic speeds between Mach 8 and Mach 20, significantly increasing its survivability and reducing the chances of interception.

This strategic initiative reflects India’s focus on upgrading its conventional strike capabilities to respond to emerging regional security challenges. With DRDO prioritising technologies that can provide credible deterrence against hardened military targets, the Agni bunker-buster missile is being seen as a vital addition to India’s evolving missile arsenal.

Air Marshal S Sivakumar Assumes Charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration at Air HQ

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Air Marshal S Sivakumar, VSM, has taken over as the Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) at Air Headquarters in New Delhi, effective July 1, 2025. His appointment marks a significant addition to the Indian Air Force’s senior leadership, given his rich experience and distinguished service record.

Commissioned into the Administration branch of the IAF in June 1990, Air Marshal Sivakumar holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Pondicherry University and an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Osmania University.

Over the course of his 35-year career, he has held several key command and staff positions. These include roles such as Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at a forward air base, Chief Administrative Officer at a premier flying station, and Air Officer Commanding of an Equipment Depot. He has also represented the Indian Air Force in the United Nations Mission in Congo and served as an Air Force Examiner.

At the strategic level, he has held appointments such as Command Works Officer and Command Personnel Staff Officer at two operational commands. He has also served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Air Force Works) and, more recently, as Director General (Administration) at Air Headquarters.

Air Marshal Sivakumar is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal, awarded for distinguished service of a high order. His appointment as Air Officer-in-Charge Administration is expected to further strengthen the administrative and operational frameworks of the Indian Air Force.

White House Confirms US-India Trade Deal ‘Very Close’, Calls India a ‘Very Strategic Ally’

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The White House on Monday reaffirmed that a long-anticipated trade agreement between the United States and India is nearing finalisation, with officials suggesting that an announcement could be made soon. The statement comes as both nations deepen strategic and economic ties amid shifting dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described India as a “very strategic ally” and confirmed that US President Donald Trump and his trade team are in the final stages of completing the deal. Responding to a reporter’s question, she said, “Yes, the President said that last week, and it remains true. I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you’ll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India.”

Leavitt also addressed a query from Indian news agency ANI regarding China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific and its implications on US-India relations. “India remains a very strategic ally in the Asia Pacific and the President has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and he will continue to have that,” she stated.

The potential trade pact comes amid growing American efforts to strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific to counterbalance China’s economic and military influence. Analysts suggest that a comprehensive agreement with India would not only deepen bilateral trade but also align with Washington’s broader geopolitical strategy.

While no specific timeline was provided, Leavitt’s remarks strongly indicate that behind-the-scenes preparations are in advanced stages and a formal announcement could be imminent.

Iran Set to Acquire Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets After Devastating Israeli Strikes

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Following its military’s inaction during a wave of Israeli and American airstrikes last month, Iran is now preparing to bolster its ageing air force by acquiring advanced J-10C fighter jets from China. The decision follows years of stalled negotiations with Russia and aims to address the vulnerabilities in Iran’s air defence system exposed during the aerial bombardment.

According to reports by The Moscow Times and RBC Ukraine, Tehran has intensified talks with Beijing to purchase the Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters after its long-delayed deal with Russia for Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft failed to deliver results. Despite an agreement in 2023 for 50 Su-35s, only four jets reached Iran.

The move to opt for the single-engine J-10C, instead of the more expensive twin-engine Russian fighter, is reportedly driven by both affordability and urgency. The J-10C is equipped with an advanced AESA radar and is capable of firing PL-15 long-range missiles, the same missiles used by the Pakistan Air Force during recent confrontations with India.

The J-10C, nicknamed the “Vigorous Dragon,” is a 4.5-generation fighter jet developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. It features a delta wing-canard design and is powered by the WS-10 engine. Though the engine has faced reliability concerns, the aircraft is considered a major leap in capability for air forces transitioning from legacy platforms.

Iran’s renewed interest in the J-10C comes decades after its first attempt to buy the jet. A 2015 negotiation for 150 J-10s collapsed due to China’s insistence on foreign currency payments, which Tehran couldn’t manage under heavy sanctions. Instead, Iran had offered oil and gas in barter, a deal Beijing rejected. The United Nations arms embargo at the time further complicated the purchase.

As of 2025, Iran’s air force consists mainly of Cold War-era aircraft, including F-4 Phantoms, F-5E/F Tigers, F-14A Tomcats, and MiG-29s. Much of this fleet, acquired before the 1979 revolution, is either unserviceable or technologically outdated, according to The Military Balance 2025 report by IISS.

Israel’s recent air raids, involving advanced aircraft like the F-35I Adir, F-16I Sufa, and F-15I Ra’am, destroyed Iranian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities and missile bases, with no effective interception. The failure to launch a credible aerial defence has prompted Iran to seek rapid modernisation.

The prospective J-10C deal also signals a potential shift in Iran’s defence alignment, moving closer to China after being let down by Russian delays. If finalised, this deal could also reinforce China’s growing footprint in the Middle East and strengthen Beijing’s defence trade presence in the region, where Pakistan and Bangladesh are also pursuing the J-10C.

Captain Anuj Nayyar’s Belongings Donated to Army After 26 Years, Now Displayed at Kargil War Museum

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In a deeply emotional tribute, Meena Nayyar, the mother of Kargil War hero Captain Anuj Nayyar, has donated her son’s personal belongings to the Indian Army, 26 years after his supreme sacrifice during the 1999 conflict. These items are now part of the permanent display at the Kargil War Museum in Dras, honouring his valour and inspiring future generations.

The belongings, which include Captain Nayyar’s war gear and personal items from his time in service with the 17 Jat Regiment, were carefully preserved by his family for over two decades. Photographs of the handover ceremony at her residence, showing uniformed Army personnel receiving the memorabilia, were shared widely on social media, evoking national pride and remembrance.

These artefacts now serve as a powerful reminder of the young officer’s courage during the recapture of Pimple II, a critical post on the western slope of Point 4875 in the Mushkoh Valley. After his company commander was wounded, Captain Anuj Nayyar took charge of the assault, destroying multiple enemy bunkers and eliminating nine Pakistani soldiers before being fatally struck by a rocket-propelled grenade on July 7, 1999.

Posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest wartime gallantry award, Captain Nayyar remains one of the most revered names from the Kargil War. His legacy lives on through public memorials, including a road and school named in his honour in Delhi and, most recently, a Southern Railway locomotive christened “Captain Anuj Nayyar” on Republic Day 2025.

The Kargil War Museum’s initiative to include his personal effects is aimed at educating visitors about the sacrifices made by India’s soldiers during the 1999 war and preserving their stories for generations to come.

Asim Munir Provokes Tensions Again, Calls Terror in Kashmir a ‘Legitimate Struggle’

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In a provocative address at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reignited tensions with India by describing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir as a “legitimate and lawful struggle” and warned of a “befitting response” to any future Indian action. His remarks come just weeks after a brief but intense military standoff between the two nations during Operation Sindoor.

“What India labels as terrorism is, in fact, a legitimate and lawful struggle for freedom, recognised by international law,” Munir said while reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri separatist movement. He claimed that attempts to suppress the movement have only strengthened its relevance.

The statement marks yet another instance of Munir using diplomatic platforms to dog-whistle support for anti-India elements operating in Kashmir. India has long maintained that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country, and that Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism remains the primary hurdle to peace.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has consistently condemned Pakistan’s rhetoric and actions as open encouragement of terrorism under the guise of self-determination. The two countries’ already strained relations have further deteriorated since India revoked Article 370 on August 5, 2019, restructuring the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories.

Munir also claimed that Pakistan had proven itself as a “net regional stabiliser,” alluding to its response following India’s Balakot airstrike in 2019 and the recent Indian precision strikes during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack. He asserted that Pakistan had acted with “restraint and maturity” while vowing a “swift and befitting response” to any miscalculated aggression.

Despite condemning India’s policies in Kashmir, Munir simultaneously reiterated Pakistan’s official stance of opposing terrorism in all forms, stating that the armed forces would continue to fight against it “to its logical conclusion.”

His speech, however, appears to reflect a contradiction—expressing support for what India calls terrorism while claiming to stand against it globally. Munir’s remarks are expected to draw strong diplomatic backlash from New Delhi, which has frequently warned Islamabad against using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.