The Indian Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is set to receive a fully indigenous electronic warfare (EW) suite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), replacing the currently used Saab Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS). This upgrade represents a key stride in India’s ongoing efforts to indigenize its defense capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign military technology.

Earlier versions of the LCH have been operating with Saab’s South African-origin IDAS, which offers threat detection against radar, missiles, and lasers, along with automatic countermeasure deployment. While effective, the reliance on imported systems has posed strategic limitations, particularly in sensitive and high-threat deployments. The new DRDO-developed EW suite is designed to address these issues with advanced, homegrown solutions tailored to Indian military requirements.

The indigenous suite will include radar warning receivers, laser warning systems, missile approach warning components, and countermeasure dispensing units—all integrated into the LCH’s avionics. These systems aim to offer robust protection against threats such as radar-guided missiles and infrared-guided weapons, including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).

In addition to the EW upgrade, the LCH will also be fitted with a Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) system, currently under development in India. DIRCM uses laser-based technology to deflect incoming heat-seeking missiles, further enhancing the aircraft’s survivability. The production of approximately 180 DIRCM units is planned for 2026–2027, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) leading the domestic solution.

This technological shift is not only about enhancing survivability but also ensuring that the LCH remains operationally effective in high-altitude conflict zones, such as India’s northern borders, where it has already been deployed. With India’s armed forces set to operate a fleet of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, the inclusion of a native EW suite provides long-term strategic and logistical benefits.

The decision aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, encouraging indigenous defense production and reducing import dependency. The DRDO’s customized approach ensures that the system will meet specific operational needs, particularly in the context of mountain warfare and network-centric operations.

As the DRDO advances integration and testing, the LCH’s capabilities are poised to reach a new level, combining indigenous electronic protection with advanced combat agility. This marks an important evolution in India’s journey toward technological autonomy in modern warfare.

The Assam Rifles hosted a special felicitation ceremony on June 25 at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal to honour nine newly commissioned officers hailing from Manipur. These officers have recently joined the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and the Assam Rifles, marking a moment of pride for the northeastern state known for its significant contribution to the armed forces.

Six of the officers commissioned on June 14 are alumni of Sainik School Imphal, and one among them began his journey as a recruit in the Assam Rifles nearly two decades ago. The event was organised under the leadership of Major General Ravroop Singh, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), who praised the dedication of the young officers and acknowledged the sacrifices of their families.

Of the nine officers, four have been commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles, two into the Regiment of Artillery, and one each into the Grenadiers, Assam Rifles, and the Indian Air Force. Among them is Flying Officer Mayanglambam Lucky Singh, commissioned from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Telangana. His background—born to an autorickshaw driver and a homemaker—was especially highlighted as a story of perseverance and achievement.

Assistant Commandant Hingba Graceson R. also received special recognition for his extraordinary journey. Having joined the Assam Rifles as a recruit in 2005, he has now been commissioned as an officer in the same force, exemplifying long-term dedication and service.

Lt. A. Naoten Meitei, Lt. Naoba Meitei, Lt. Ronendro Angam, and Lt. G. Ambrose Panmei have been inducted into the Gorkha Rifles. Lt. M. Denish Singh and Lt. Thokchom Siddharth Singh have joined the Grenadiers and the Regiment of Artillery, respectively, while Lt. Meghnath Soibam has also been placed in the Regiment of Artillery.

The ceremony reflected the growing representation of Manipur in the defence services, with Major General Singh noting that the state’s youth continue to lead from the front among northeastern states in joining the officer ranks. He stated that the success of these young officers would serve as inspiration for future generations and reinforce Manipur’s legacy as a key contributor to India’s defence forces.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has confirmed that sabotage is among the possibilities being investigated in the Air India flight AI 171 crash, which claimed 274 lives earlier this month. Speaking at the Pune chapter of the Emerging Business Conclave, the minister stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a full-scale probe into the incident, considering every potential cause.

The Air India Dreamliner Boeing 787-8, bound for London, crashed on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the staff housing complex of BJ Medical College, triggering a massive fire. Only one person from the 242 passengers and crew survived. Nine individuals on the ground also lost their lives.

“The AAIB is examining all angles, including possible sabotage. The CCTV footage is being scrutinized, and multiple agencies are involved in the process,” said Mr Mohol during his conversation with NDTV. He emphasized the need for a thorough and independent investigation, calling the crash an extremely rare occurrence.

Mr Mohol addressed concerns over the handling of the aircraft’s black box, confirming it remains securely in AAIB custody and will not be sent abroad for analysis. The black box, which includes both the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), is critical to understanding what went wrong during the final moments of the flight.

According to officials, the pilot had issued a Mayday distress signal moments after takeoff, indicating a full-scale emergency. There is growing speculation that a dual engine failure may have caused the crash, a scenario aviation experts consider exceptionally rare.

“The investigation will reveal whether it was due to an engine issue, a fuel problem, or something else. It is premature to make conclusions, but the CVR will offer clarity,” the minister said, adding that the final investigation report is expected within three months.

Responding to safety concerns among passengers following the crash, Mr Mohol assured that all 33 Dreamliner aircraft in Air India’s fleet have undergone thorough inspections on orders from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with no issues detected.

In addition to addressing the crash, Mr Mohol also discussed broader aviation issues, including over 400 technical vacancies in the DGCA, concerns around pilot working hours, and the need to make air travel more affordable. He noted that the ministry is expanding low-cost food options at airports through Udaan Yatri Cafes, offering essentials like tea and snacks at affordable prices.

The tragic crash has intensified calls for stronger aviation oversight and greater transparency in accident investigations, as authorities work to determine the true cause behind one of India’s deadliest air disasters.

The Indonesian Air Force recently organized two in-depth seminars at its Air Force University, focusing on the May 2025 India-Pakistan aerial conflict and its strategic implications. Titled “International Seminar: Analysis of the Pakistan–India Air Battle and Indonesia’s Anticipatory Strategies from the Perspective of Air Power,” the sessions offered detailed insights into the short yet impactful air war that erupted between the two nations earlier this year.

Also Read: Pakistani Defence Attaché Walks Out of Indonesian Air Force Seminar Over Presentation on Airbase Damage

The seminars examined operational details and strategic lessons from the conflict. Presenters outlined the extent of damage sustained by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), supported by slides and analysis. According to the data presented, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully targeted and destroyed six Pakistani fighter jets, two Saab-2000 Erieye airborne warning aircraft, and one C-130 transport aircraft. Additional damage to key airbases was also highlighted, reinforcing the view that India gained the upper hand in the aerial domain.

Official Indian representation at the seminar was provided by Captain Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta. He participated in discussions on air power and defense strategy, offering India’s perspective on the conflict. The Pakistani Defence Attaché, however, declined to participate, objecting to the inclusion of satellite imagery showing damage to Pakistani military installations in the event’s official brochure and presentation materials.

The decision to study the India-Pakistan air battle in an academic and defense setting reflects Indonesia’s growing interest in air power trends and its own need for anticipatory strategies. The focus extended beyond South Asia, touching on the importance of early warning systems and the evolving role of drones, surveillance platforms, and regional partnerships.

The outcome of the seminar indicated a shift in the perceived balance of air power in South Asia, particularly with the reported loss of Pakistan’s airborne early warning assets. These losses were seen as weakening the country’s real-time situational awareness and broader air defense capabilities. Analysts at the event discussed the implications of such setbacks for Pakistan and the need for enhanced resilience in future aerial engagements.

The Indonesian initiative also prompted wider discussion on the difficulty of maintaining neutrality in international defense forums, especially when operational data from ongoing or recent conflicts is involved. Still, the sessions were noted for their analytical depth and relevance to air force modernization efforts across Southeast Asia.

As air power continues to play a central role in regional security, the Indonesian Air Force’s engagement with this topic signals an intention to remain informed and prepared amid a changing geopolitical environment.