In a major boost to India’s aerospace innovation, Kalam Labs has successfully flown a fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to an altitude of 9,790 meters above mean sea level (AMSL) in the Himalayas, potentially setting a world record for the highest flight by a sub-2-meter wingspan drone weighing under 4 kilograms.

The feat, announced on June 29, saw the drone launched from an altitude of 2,700 meters and ascend over 7,000 meters in some of the world’s harshest flying conditions. The flight endured freezing temperatures plunging to -60°C, wind speeds exceeding 50 km/h, and a 73% drop in atmospheric pressure—all without real-time human intervention. The drone operated entirely autonomously, guided by onboard artificial intelligence and advanced navigation systems.

According to Kalam Labs, the UAV was built completely in-house and designed with ultra-light composite materials, an energy-efficient propulsion system, and robust thermal management solutions. These innovations enabled the aircraft to function in near-stratospheric conditions, a domain typically reserved for much larger and costlier platforms.

Dr. Priya Sharma, lead engineer at Kalam Labs, called the mission a milestone in India’s self-reliance journey. “This is a testament to what Indian innovation can achieve. Our UAV’s ability to operate autonomously in such harsh conditions opens new possibilities for high-altitude surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster response in regions like the Himalayas.”

The flight underscores the growing role of Indian startups under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, especially in dual-use technologies. With India’s drone industry projected to reach $23 billion by 2030, Kalam Labs’ breakthrough is expected to have significant implications for both civilian and military domains.

The UAV’s sub-4 kg classification also simplifies regulatory compliance, making it suitable for a variety of civilian applications including agricultural mapping, environmental studies, and emergency response. However, its high-altitude capabilities could prove particularly valuable for defense forces, offering low-cost alternatives for border surveillance in high-altitude conflict zones like Ladakh.

This achievement follows the increased use of drones by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where UAVs played a crucial role in detecting and neutralizing hostile drone incursions. The success of Kalam Labs’ high-altitude drone could complement existing platforms such as the Heron and MQ-9 Reaper, strengthening India’s surveillance capabilities across rugged and remote terrains.

Kalam Labs’ innovation is not just a technological triumph but a strategic asset, reinforcing India’s emergence as a serious player in the next generation of aerial warfare and civilian UAV applications.

Security measures at Agra airport have been intensified following the receipt of a threat email, officials confirmed on Monday. The email prompted immediate action from the airport authorities, who filed a formal complaint with the police on Sunday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Sonam Kumar stated that a case has been registered at Shahganj police station, and an investigation is currently underway. While the nature of the threat has not been disclosed, authorities are taking the matter seriously and have increased vigilance in and around the airport premises.

Police have not shared specific details from the email but assured that security protocols are being strictly enforced to ensure passenger and staff safety. The origin and credibility of the email are being examined as part of the probe.

This incident comes amid heightened security awareness at key transportation hubs across the country, and authorities have urged the public to remain alert while cooperating with security personnel.

In a landmark move to boost maritime cooperation and regional security, the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia have launched the first-ever ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ under the Wilmington Declaration. The initiative marks a new chapter in QUAD collaboration, with two officers, including women officers, from each nation currently embarked on the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton en route to Guam.

This cross-embarkation mission is the first of its kind and aims to enhance joint readiness, interoperability, and maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific. It supports the shared commitment of the QUAD nations to uphold a Free, Open, Inclusive, and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific as emphasized during the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in September 2024.

India’s involvement aligns with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and complements its efforts under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), focusing on capacity-building, humanitarian assistance, and ensuring the maritime rule of law. The initiative is expected to pave the way for future collaborative frameworks, potentially leading to a formalized ‘QUAD Coast Guard Handshake.’

The observer mission not only strengthens multilateral ties among the four nations but also reinforces their shared vision of regional stability and cooperative maritime governance in response to evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a significant development for India’s defence export ambitions, Brazil has expressed interest in acquiring the Akash air defense system and Garuda artillery guns, both developed under the Make in India initiative. The announcement comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brazil for the BRICS Summit from July 5 to 8.

Speaking at a press briefing, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed ongoing talks with Brazil on expanding bilateral defense cooperation. “There is going to be discussions on defense cooperation and enhancing it with Brazil. We’re looking at avenues for joint research, technology sharing, and training exchanges,” he said, adding that while talks are at a preliminary stage, several Indian platforms have generated interest.

Among the platforms Brazil is considering are secure communication systems, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), coastal surveillance systems, Garuda artillery guns, and notably, the Akash surface-to-air missile system. Brazil has also expressed interest in collaborating with India on the maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines and potentially launching joint manufacturing ventures in the defense sector.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash system is a medium-range, mobile SAM designed to counter aerial threats such as fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. With a range of 25–45 km and engagement altitude of up to 20 km, the Akash travels at speeds of Mach 1.8 to 2.5 using a ramjet-rocket propulsion system. It played a critical role during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, successfully repelling multiple drone and missile attacks from Pakistan and protecting key Indian assets.

The Garuda artillery gun, another indigenous defense innovation, has been recognized for its precision and mobility, particularly in coastal and rapid deployment scenarios. Its design and operational flexibility have attracted attention from multiple countries exploring modern artillery solutions.

Brazil is also exploring the potential for joint ventures in defense manufacturing, leveraging its own capabilities in aerospace through Embraer. “There is a lot of potential for us to work with Brazil given their strength in Embraer and in the aircraft industry in general,” Kumaran added.

Following his Brazil visit, Prime Minister Modi will also travel to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia during his eight-day international tour. The discussions with Brazil are expected to form a key part of India’s strategy to boost defense exports and expand strategic cooperation with Latin America.

The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) has announced that its annual Investiture Ceremony will take place on July 3, 2025, in Shimla. The ceremony will be presided over by Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ARTRAC, who will honour outstanding training establishments, units, and individual personnel for their exceptional contributions over the past year.

The event is set to recognize excellence in diverse areas, including the Army Commander’s Unit Citation, Financial Excellence Awards, and commendations for promoting digital transformation through e-office initiatives. These awards highlight ARTRAC’s commitment to holistic development—combining military training excellence with innovation, efficient administration, and technological integration.

Senior officers, commandants, and representatives of award-winning units will attend the event, reflecting its significance within the Indian Army’s training ecosystem. The ceremony reaffirms ARTRAC’s key role in driving modernization and continuous improvement, and in preparing the force for future operational and strategic challenges.

Following the operational lessons from the May 2025 Operation Sindoor, India is accelerating the launch of 52 dedicated defence surveillance satellites to strengthen persistent and deep monitoring of adversary territories. The ambitious Phase 3 of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) programme, approved by the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security in October last year with a budget of Rs 26,968 crore, aims to deploy these satellites by the end of 2029.

The Defence Space Agency (DSA), under the Integrated Defence Staff of the Ministry of Defence, is spearheading the project. It involves the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launching 21 satellites, while three private companies are contracted to build and launch the remaining 31 satellites. Efforts are underway to compress timelines and expedite satellite deployment into low earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit.

The SBS-3 constellation will significantly expand surveillance coverage over China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region, offering shorter revisit times and higher resolution imagery. This capability will enable the armed forces to detect, track, and identify threats well before they approach Indian borders, enhancing real-time situational awareness and decision-making speed.

Parallelly, the Indian Air Force is pursuing acquisition of three high-altitude platform system (HAPS) aircraft—unmanned pseudo-satellites operating in the stratosphere for extended intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Operation Sindoor underscored the critical role of domestic satellites like Cartosat and foreign commercial satellites in tracking military movements during the intense India-Pakistan hostilities in May. Defence officials stress the need to shorten the OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop to maintain operational advantage.

India is also working on a comprehensive military space doctrine and satellite shield to counter emerging threats from China’s rapidly expanding military space program, which now operates over 1,000 satellites, including sophisticated ISR and anti-satellite capabilities.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, recently emphasized the strategic importance of extending India’s surveillance envelope deep into adversary territory, highlighting space as the ultimate high ground in modern warfare.

This fast-tracked satellite initiative marks a significant leap in India’s defence space capabilities, ensuring enhanced vigilance and preparedness in an increasingly contested and technologically advanced security environment.

During an official visit to Greece from June 23 to 25, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), held high-level talks with Lieutenant General Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff. Among the key topics of discussion was Greece’s formal offer to sell 15 Mirage-2000-5 fighter jets to India, as Athens seeks to phase out the aircraft in favor of its newer Rafale fleet.

The proposal was made as part of Greece’s ongoing air force modernization plan, which centers on transitioning to advanced multi-role platforms like the Rafale. The 15 Mirage-2000-5 jets were inducted between the late 1990s and early 2000s and are being retired to reduce maintenance costs and generate funds for additional Rafale acquisitions. These aircraft are supported under a maintenance contract with Dassault Aviation set to expire in 2027.

Despite the offer, the IAF has expressed reservations about acquiring the jets. The concerns include the advanced age of the aircraft, limited remaining airframe life, and significant differences in configuration compared to the IAF’s existing Mirage-2000H/TH fleet. The IAF currently operates around 50 Mirage-2000s, upgraded in the 2010s under a $2.3 billion deal with Dassault and Thales, equipping them with modern avionics, RDY-2 radar, and MICA missiles. These aircraft have been central to operations such as the 2019 Balakot airstrike and the recent Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

While the IAF has been exploring ways to maintain and extend the service life of its Mirage fleet—previously considering the acquisition of retired French Mirage-2000s for cannibalization—Greece’s offer represents a potential alternative. However, the Greek jets’ estimated remaining operational life of 10–15 years, coupled with costs associated with retrofitting and sustaining them, raises concerns about long-term value.

The IAF is currently managing a squadron shortfall, operating 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, and is seeking stop-gap solutions while it awaits new aircraft under programs like the Tejas Mk-1A, Tejas Mk-2, and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement. Still, the financial implications of acquiring the Greek jets are considerable. Experts suggest that the total cost of procurement, upgrades, and lifecycle maintenance could rival that of new indigenous platforms.

With a commitment to 180 Tejas Mk-1A jets already underway at a cost of ₹1.15 lakh crore, and plans progressing for the MRFA and AMCA projects, the IAF may ultimately decide that the Greek Mirage-2000-5s do not align with its long-term strategic and fiscal goals. The decision is expected to hinge on whether the short-term benefits of fleet reinforcement outweigh the costs and logistical challenges of integrating aging foreign platforms.