Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that a portion of the national highway near Dibrugarh will soon be developed into an emergency landing facility for Indian Air Force fighter jets and civilian aircraft. This will be the first such dual-use highway airstrip in the northeastern region.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the Union government has approved the development of a 4.2 km stretch between Moran and Numaligarh on the national highway passing through Dibrugarh. This stretch will be capable of accommodating emergency landings of fighter jets like the Sukhoi 30 and Rafale. The project is being executed in coordination with the Indian Air Force and is expected to be completed by October 2025.
“We are aiming for October this year to prepare the 4.2 km stretch of national highway to land Air Force fighter jets. I have been constantly in touch with the Air Force authorities to meet this deadline. The work will be completed under their supervision also. Once the highway is prepared for landing fighter jets, we will organise an air show for the general public,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the airstrip will also serve as an emergency alternative for civilian aircraft. “If at any situation, any civilian aircraft is not able to land at Dibrugarh airport, there will be a provision for an emergency landing on the national highway also,” Sarma stated.
In addition to the Dibrugarh project, the Central government has approved similar highway-based emergency landing facilities at two other locations in Assam. One will be in lower Assam and the other between Nagaon and Lumding. Work on these two projects will commence soon.
Sarma emphasized that these initiatives reflect the unprecedented development in road and defense infrastructure that Assam is witnessing under the current administration.
In one of the most bizarre moments of the May 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, a Pakistani farmer named Sufyan from Sialkot became a national sensation after he shot down a drone flying over his fields—only to later learn it belonged to Pakistan itself. The drone, identified as a Yiha-II (serial no. 24-043), was a Turkish-designed high-precision UAV jointly developed by Turkey’s Baykar and Pakistan’s defense industry.
The incident occurred during Operation Sindoor, a four-day military escalation that began on May 7, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives on April 22. In retaliation, India launched air strikes on terror infrastructure across the border, prompting Pakistan to initiate a large-scale drone offensive involving over 300 Turkish-made drones, including the Yiha-III and Asisguard Songar models.
This Pakistani farmer shot down a drone using his rifle during the 7-10th May conflict. The drone turned out to be a Pakistani Yiha-III (24-043) of Pakistan Army. Pak Army even congratulated him for this act 🤡 pic.twitter.com/gqMgDJfySY
Many of these drones, however, failed to reach Indian territory. Technical malfunctions and inadequate operational handling resulted in several crashes within Pakistani territory itself—one of which brought fame to Sufyan. Mistaking the low-flying drone as an Indian incursion, he fired at it using his personal rifle. The drone crashed in his field, triggering a crowd of locals to attack the wreckage with sticks, stones, and even slippers, celebrating what they thought was a patriotic act.
Unaware of the drone’s origin, the Pakistani Army initially praised Sufyan’s “heroism” and reportedly offered him a reward. However, the celebration turned into embarrassment after investigations revealed that the drone was a Pakistani Yiha-II—a $30,000 precision loitering munition equipped with Turkish OMTAS anti-tank missile technology and designed for extended endurance and high maneuverability.
In a further twist of irony, a local news reporter mocked Indian drones as “weak and worth scrap material” during the coverage of the incident, only to learn later that the wreckage belonged to Pakistan’s own prized UAV fleet.
The Yiha-II incident was not isolated. Reports confirmed at least four similar drone failures within Pakistani airspace during the conflict. Analysts have criticized the operational readiness of Pakistan’s UAV fleet, pointing to poor operator training, maintenance issues, or deeper systemic flaws. “These crashes suggest either the drone isn’t as reliable as advertised or Pakistan isn’t ready to handle it,” noted a Pakistani defense expert on a forum.
Meanwhile, India’s Army Air Defence (AAD) units effectively countered the drone offensive using a mix of upgraded Cold War-era guns and the indigenous Akashteer system. Indian forces neutralized hundreds of Pakistani drones, including Yiha-III and Songar models, across Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Many of these drones were recovered intact, thanks to India’s advanced jamming and counter-drone capabilities.
Air Marshal AK Bharti, commenting on the performance of Pakistan’s drone fleet, remarked, “These so-called cutting-edge drones were no match for our battle-proven systems.” The Akashteer system, likened to Israel’s Iron Dome for its low-altitude threat interception, played a decisive role in denying Pakistan’s UAVs any strategic edge.
As for Sufyan, undeterred by the revelation, he was last seen taking selfies with the wrecked drone before it was hauled away by the Pakistani Army. The incident has become symbolic of the chaos and confusion that plagued Pakistan’s drone strategy during the brief but intense conflict.
The fallout has also hit Turkey’s defense export ambitions, with the poor performance of the Yiha-II in the India-Pakistan conflict casting doubts over its credibility in high-threat environments. For Pakistan, the episode has raised serious questions about its ability to deploy advanced UAV systems effectively in real combat scenarios.
China has rolled over $3.4 billion in loans to Pakistan, providing a major financial cushion for the country as it works to meet conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), two senior Pakistani government officials confirmed to Reuters.
The rolled-over amount includes $2.1 billion held by Pakistan’s central bank for the past three years and a refinanced $1.3 billion commercial loan that was repaid earlier this year. The move comes ahead of the close of Pakistan’s fiscal year on June 30, a deadline by which the IMF required the country’s foreign exchange reserves to exceed $14 billion.
In addition to the Chinese support, Pakistan has also received $1 billion from Middle Eastern commercial banks and $500 million through multilateral financing. One of the officials stated that these inflows have brought the country’s reserves in line with IMF targets.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as an official government announcement is still pending.
The Chinese loans are considered crucial to maintaining economic stability in Pakistan, which is currently implementing reforms under a $7 billion IMF bailout package. Pakistani authorities maintain that these reforms have begun to stabilize the economy and restore confidence in financial management.
The IMF’s benchmarks, including reserve accumulation and fiscal discipline, are being closely monitored as Pakistan looks to avoid a balance of payments crisis and secure further international support in the months ahead.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the ArmyStaff , commenced a three-day official visit to Bhutan today, from June 30 to July 2, 2025. The visit aims to reinforce the longstanding defense partnership between the two nations under the framework of the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, which grants India a guiding role in Bhutan’s defense affairs.
The visit comes at a time of rising geopolitical concerns, particularly due to China’s continued territorial advances along Bhutan’s northern border. A study published in the Journal of Asian Studies noted that Bhutan has ceded nearly 269 square kilometers of land to China since 1990. India’s involvement is seen as critical in preserving Bhutan’s territorial integrity, a stance highlighted during the 2017 Doklam standoff when Indian troops intervened to prevent Chinese road construction near the sensitive tri-junction area shared by India, Bhutan, and China.
General Dwivedi’s itinerary is expected to include high-level meetings with Bhutanese defense and government officials. The discussions are likely to focus on expanding joint military exercises and incorporating advanced technologies into defense protocols. Defense analysts have reported a 30 percent increase in Indo-Bhutan military coordination since 2017, signaling growing alignment in security strategy.
This visit not only strengthens defense cooperation but also underscores the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic ties between India and Bhutan. The move is being viewed as a decisive step toward maintaining regional stability in the Eastern Himalayas amidst intensifying external pressures.
Major General RD Sharma has officially taken charge as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Bison Division, marking a key leadership transition within Southern Command. In a formal ceremony held earlier today, Maj Gen Sharma succeeded Major General Akhilesh Kumar, SM, becoming the 38th officer to lead the prestigious formation.
The Bison Division holds a unique place in India’s military history. Originally part of the Nizam’s Hyderabad Contingent, the division was integrated into the Indian Army following the annexation of Hyderabad in 1948. Over the decades, it has played crucial roles in several operations, including the 1961 liberation of Goa and earlier missions tied to the integration of princely states.
Addressing troops during the ceremony, Maj Gen Sharma called upon all ranks to uphold the highest standards of discipline, training, and combat readiness. He stressed the importance of agility and mission focus, particularly as the Indian Army continues to modernize its capabilities through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, as outlined in the Army’s 2024 technology absorption roadmap.
Southern Command, under which the Bison Division operates, has been a cornerstone of India’s strategic military operations since its establishment in 1895. Currently headed by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the command played a historic role in key post-independence military actions, including the accessions of Junagadh and Hyderabad.
Maj Gen Sharma’s appointment is seen as a continuation of the division’s proud legacy. His leadership is expected to guide the Bison Division through evolving security challenges, while maintaining its status as a critical force in the Indian Army’s southern theatre.
In a landmark moment for Indian military sports, Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) Omkar Singh of the Indian Navy has won a bronze medal at the 55th CISM World Military Shooting Championship 2025. The event, held from June 23 to 29 at the Terningmoen shooting range in Elverum, Norway, featured elite shooters from 38 countries.
Singh secured the bronze in the 25m Center Fire Pistol event, making it India’s first-ever medal at this prestigious military shooting competition. His podium finish highlights the growing excellence of Indian military athletes on the global stage.
Born on August 8, 1984, in Madhya Pradesh, Singh has consistently delivered strong performances in national shooting competitions. His achievement reflects the Indian Navy’s emphasis on athletic development and disciplined training, which has helped nurture talents capable of excelling in international arenas.
The Indian contingent at the championship included six shooters from the Armed Forces. While all delivered commendable efforts, Singh’s performance stood out and was celebrated with the Indian national flag being ceremonially raised during the medal ceremony—a proud moment for the country.
The championship, organized by the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), is one of the most competitive platforms for military athletes worldwide. Experts attribute India’s growing success in such events to the rigorous physical and mental conditioning provided by military training programs. A study in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that structured training significantly boosts precision and resilience, critical factors in competitive shooting.
Despite facing infrastructural challenges such as limited civilian shooting ranges and restricted access to training for aspiring shooters, India’s Armed Forces have continued to invest in talent development. Singh’s win is expected to further encourage institutional support for sports in the military and beyond.
The Ministry of Defence has hailed the bronze medal as a historic achievement, emphasizing the role of military athletes in enhancing India’s global sporting image. As celebrations continue, the spotlight now turns to how India can build on this momentum to strengthen its presence in international shooting competitions.
The Indian Embassy in Indonesia issued a clarification today regarding media reports that misrepresented the remarks of India’s Defense Attaché, Captain Shiv Kumar, during a recent seminar. The embassy stated that the comments were taken out of context and reaffirmed the presentation’s focus on the Indian Armed Forces’ adherence to civilian political leadership and the objectives of Operation Sindoor.
The seminar, held at the Indonesian Air Force University, aimed to highlight the structural distinction between India’s military governance and that of certain neighboring countries. The embassy emphasized that the Indian Armed Forces operate under civilian authority—a core tenet of India’s democratic framework. The references to other countries were intended to illustrate this contrast and were not meant as direct criticism.
The embassy’s statement comes amid growing attention on India’s defense posture, as the country advances its modernization efforts. The embassy’s clarification reflects India’s commitment to transparent communication regarding its defense policies. Additional details about the seminar and Operation Sindoor may be released as developments unfold.
In a rare and candid admission, India’s Defence Attaché to Indonesia, Captain (IN) Shiv Kumar, has acknowledged that the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost fighter jets to Pakistan during the May 2025 air conflict due to political constraints imposed by the Indian leadership. Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Analysis of the Pakistan–India Air Battle and Indonesia’s Anticipatory Strategies from the Perspective of Air Power’ at Universitas Dirgantara Marsekal Suryadarma on June 10, Kumar stated that Indian fighter jets were operating under clear instructions not to strike Pakistani military assets or air defence systems.
“Even though I may not agree that we lost so many aircraft, I do agree we did lose some,” Kumar said during his 35-minute presentation, responding to remarks made by an Indonesian panelist. The seminar followed heightened regional interest in the May 2025 air conflict, known as Operation Sindoor, where India launched strikes on Pakistan-based terror infrastructure after a deadly attack in Kashmir.
Kumar explained that the losses occurred because Indian fighter aircraft were restricted from targeting Pakistani military facilities or air defence systems, a constraint intended to avoid escalation in a nuclearized environment. “The constraint given by the political leadership was not to attack the military establishment or their air defenses,” he said, referring to the initial phase of the conflict.
Pakistani officials had claimed they shot down six Indian jets, including Rafale aircraft, although Indian authorities confirmed only some losses without specifying the number. The political directive assumed that Pakistan would not retaliate militarily if India avoided hitting its military infrastructure—an assumption that proved costly.
According to Kumar, Pakistan imposed no such limitations and altered its operational stance after Indian munitions struck terrorist camps. “After the loss, we changed our tactics and went for the military installations,” he added, referencing the IAF’s May 10 offensive using BrahMos missiles and long-range munitions to strike Pakistani air bases and infrastructure from standoff distances.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, speaking later in Singapore, echoed the sentiment, stating that the concern was not the loss of aircraft itself but the reasons behind those losses. “What is important is not the jet being down, but why they were being down,” he told Bloomberg.
Captain Kumar’s comments highlight the complexities of conducting military operations under political constraints, especially in a nuclear shadow. They also underline the Indian military’s swift recalibration, which helped the IAF achieve air dominance in subsequent phases of Operation Sindoor by neutralizing key enemy positions while minimizing risks.
At the CNN-News18 Defence Townhall and as reported by IDRW held, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), firmly dismissed the idea that the era of fighter jets is ending. When asked if manned combat aircraft are becoming obsolete, he replied, “I don’t think so,” adding that fighter jets will remain relevant for at least the next century.
While asserting the enduring value of manned aircraft, Dixit said the future of aerial warfare lies in Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT). This model envisions piloted aircraft working alongside autonomous drones, enabling better battlefield awareness, survivability, and precision in combat operations. His remarks come at a time of renewed focus on India’s air defence strategy following Operation Sindoor, during which the Indian Air Force conducted coordinated strikes on Pakistani military targets.
Globally, the future of fighter aviation has been under debate, with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, drone warfare, and sixth-generation combat programs. Efforts like the U.S. Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) and Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) emphasize teaming manned aircraft with loyal wingman drones. Many believe unmanned platforms could eventually replace manned jets due to their lower cost and ability to operate in high-threat zones. China and Russia have already begun fielding advanced stealth drones and experimenting with unmanned variants of existing platforms.
Dixit, however, stressed that manned fighter jets provide unmatched operational flexibility, proven reliability, and human decision-making in complex scenarios. He pointed out that manned platforms continue to play a vital role in deterrence, close air support, and deep-strike missions, as seen during recent IAF operations. He said unmanned systems are not yet capable of handling the real-time decision-making, cybersecurity risks, and communication challenges faced in high-stakes air combat.
He underlined that while fully autonomous fighters remain a distant goal, MUMT will be the dominant shift in the near term. Integrating drones with manned platforms enables seamless sensor fusion, shared mission tasks, and force multiplication—improving combat effectiveness and lowering risk to human life. India’s efforts in this space include projects like HAL’s CATS Warrior, developed in partnership with NewSpace Research and Technologies, which will complement future Indian fighter aircraft like the AMCA.
Air Marshal Dixit’s comments reflect a balanced view of evolving air power—one that embraces innovation while reaffirming the lasting utility of human-operated jets. As the IAF modernizes its fleet and doctrines, MUMT is likely to define India’s path forward in securing air dominance for the next generation.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), firmly refuted claims of an Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on Pakistan’s sensitive Kirana Hills region. Speaking at the CNN-News18 Defence Townhall and as reported IDRW, he responded to the speculation with a clear statement: “I don’t think so,” when asked directly about the alleged operation.
Kirana Hills, located near Sargodha in Pakistan’s Punjab province, has long been rumored to house nuclear weapon test facilities and warhead storage. The area has drawn strategic attention since the 1980s, when Pakistan reportedly conducted cold tests—non-nuclear explosive trials—within its underground tunnel network. Declassified intelligence documents have often suggested that Kirana Hills may serve as a storage site for Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, estimated at around 170 warheads.
The rumors of an Indian strike on this nuclear-linked site emerged after Operation Sindoor in May 2025, during which the IAF carried out precision attacks on Pakistani military targets in retaliation for a deadly terror assault in Kashmir. Soon after, social media platforms and Pakistani sources, including the ISI-aligned Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS), floated claims that India had targeted Kirana Hills to degrade Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.
These unverified reports triggered alarm, particularly after Pakistan’s National Command Authority (NCA) held an emergency session post-Operation Sindoor, hinting at an elevated state of nuclear preparedness. This, in turn, fueled further speculation that Kirana Hills might have been in India’s crosshairs.
However, as Air Marshal Dixit clarified, such a move would have represented a serious escalation. Given India’s declared no-first-use (NFU) nuclear policy and its emphasis on strategic restraint, an attack on a potential nuclear site appears inconsistent with New Delhi’s approach. In contrast, Pakistan has no NFU commitment and maintains tactical nuclear weapons as a counter to India’s conventional military edge, making any offensive action against its nuclear infrastructure highly volatile.
Operation Sindoor primarily focused on disabling key Pakistani Air Force (PAF) assets, including airbases and radar networks—not strategic nuclear infrastructure. The proximity of Kirana Hills to the Sargodha Air Base, which was among the reported targets, likely contributed to the confusion.
Moreover, there has been no credible evidence to support the Kirana Hills strike theory. No satellite imagery, official confirmation, or third-party validation has emerged, raising the possibility that the narrative may have been shaped by disinformation efforts or exaggerated to paint India as the aggressor.
In conclusion, while regional tensions remain high in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Air Marshal Dixit’s denial offers a firm rebuttal to speculative reports. The Indian military’s actions appear consistent with its doctrine of measured response and conventional deterrence—far from the nuclear brinkmanship suggested in some quarters.
