A US Navy F-35C fighter jet crashed Wednesday evening near Naval Air Station Lemoore in central California, according to an official Navy statement. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft.
The fighter was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, known as the “Rough Raiders.” This unit functions as a Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training Navy pilots and aircrew to operate the F-35C Lightning II, the Navy’s most advanced carrier-capable stealth fighter.
The crash site is located near NAS Lemoore, approximately 40 miles southwest of Fresno. No civilian casualties or property damage have been reported so far.
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time. The US Navy has confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has officially assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Indian Navy’s Western Naval Command (WNC) on 31 July 2025, succeeding Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh. This appointment marks a significant leadership transition in one of India’s most strategically vital naval formations, often referred to as the “Sword Arm of the Indian Navy.”
The Western Naval Command, headquartered in Mumbai, is responsible for securing India’s maritime frontiers in the Arabian Sea and the western Indian Ocean region, making this appointment crucial for India’s national security and maritime dominance.
Early Life and Education
Born in Bangalore, Vice Admiral Swaminathan grew up in NR Colony, Basavanagudi, as the son of dedicated teachers D. Swaminathan and Shanta Swaminathan. Inspired by the Armed Forces since the age of ten, his father encouraged him to join Sainik School, Bijapur, a decision that shaped his naval career.
He started his education at Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bangalore, before moving on to National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, eventually being commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987.
An avid learner, Vice Admiral Swaminathan holds:
BSc from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
MSc in Telecommunications from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)
MA in Defence Studies from King’s College, London
PhD in International Studies from Mumbai University
He also completed advanced military training at:
US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island
Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham, UK
College of Naval Warfare, Karanja
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
Distinguished Naval Career
Commissioning and Specialization
Commissioned on 1 July 1987, Vice Admiral Swaminathan specialized in Communication and Electronic Warfare, a critical domain in modern naval operations. Over his 38-year career, he has become a key figure in India’s naval modernization and strategic transformation.
Command of Frontline Warships
He has commanded five frontline warships of various classes, including:
Missile Vessels – INS Vidyut (K48) and INS Vinash (K47)
Missile Corvette – INS Kulish (P63)
Guided Missile Destroyer – INS Mysore (D60)
Aircraft Carrier – INS Vikramaditya (R33)
His tenure as the second commanding officer of INS Vikramaditya, India’s largest aircraft carrier and flagship, remains a highlight. Under his leadership, the carrier participated in major maritime exercises and operations, maintaining India’s naval dominance in the Arabian Sea.
Then Captain Krishna Swaminathan assuming charge as the second commanding Officer of INS Vikramaditya.
Flag Rank Appointments
On being promoted to Flag Rank, he held several prestigious appointments:
Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS) – the second-highest ranking officer in the Indian Navy (May 2024–July 2025)
Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) – ensuring combat readiness of naval vessels
Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet – leading the Navy’s most powerful fighting formation
Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command – overseeing strategic operations
Flag Officer Defence Advisory Group (FODAG) – advisor to the Government of India on offshore security
Controller of Personnel Services and later Chief of Personnel at Naval Headquarters
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assuming charge as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff.
Key Achievements and Contributions
Operational Excellence
As FOST, Vice Admiral Swaminathan significantly enhanced operational sea training, improving crew proficiency in navigation, anti-submarine warfare, firefighting, and damage control.
Safety Initiatives
He established the Indian Naval Safety Team, standardizing safety protocols across the Navy. This initiative has bolstered operational security and minimized risk in complex maritime operations.
Indigenous Development and Make in India
An ardent supporter of self-reliance, he has championed Make in India initiatives in the Indian Navy. Under his leadership, the Navy is pursuing 143 indigenous projects worth ₹2,500 crores, aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing domestic shipbuilding and technology development.
Then Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assuming charge as Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST).
Awards and Honours
For his distinguished service, Vice Admiral Swaminathan has received:
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2021, for exceptional command of the Western Fleet
Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – for distinguished service to the nation
He also earned the prestigious Naval War College Foundation Award at the US Naval War College, an honour bestowed upon only 38 officers worldwide.
President Kovind presenting Ati Vishisht Seva Medal to Rear Admiral (now Vice Admiral) Swaminathan Krishna, VSM.
Strategic Vision as Chief of Western Naval Command
As FOC-in-C, Vice Admiral Swaminathan will focus on:
Joint Operations and International Cooperation – enhancing interoperability with friendly navies through exercises like VARUNA (France) and EUNAVFOR-ATALANTA missions.
Maritime Security – strengthening surveillance and deterrence against hostile forces, especially amid increasing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
Operational Readiness – ensuring high combat capability of fleets and coastal defence networks.
Indigenous Technology and Modernization – leveraging his expertise in electronic warfare to integrate advanced sensors, drones, and weapon systems.
Leadership Style and Personal Values
Vice Admiral Swaminathan is known for his calm demeanor, operational focus, and technological acumen. Coming from a family of educators, he emphasizes values of discipline, knowledge, and teamwork.
He is married to Laila Swaminathan, and the couple has two daughters. Known to be a fitness enthusiast and an avid reader, his leadership philosophy combines traditional maritime strategy with cutting-edge innovation.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan with his wife Laila Swaminathan.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As he takes charge, Vice Admiral Swaminathan faces key challenges:
Countering increasing Chinese and Pakistani naval activity in the Indian Ocean Region
Securing vital maritime trade routes critical to India’s economy
Accelerating indigenisation in shipbuilding and advanced naval systems
At the same time, his appointment presents opportunities to strengthen India’s maritime partnerships, boost self-reliant defence manufacturing, and expand India’s naval presence across the Indo-Pacific.
Vice Admiral Swaminathan alongside other Officers during the Tarang Shakti Exercise.
Conclusion
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan’s appointment as the Chief of Western Naval Command is a natural progression of a career marked by operational brilliance, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication to the Indian Navy.
With his extensive experience commanding frontline warships, spearheading technological initiatives, and shaping personnel policies, he is uniquely equipped to lead the “Sword Arm of the Indian Navy” through an era of complex maritime challenges.
As India seeks to bolster its maritime power projection and safeguard its vast maritime interests, his leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Western Naval Command remains a formidable force in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
India has successfully conducted release trials of the RudraM-III hypersonic anti-radiation missile from a modified Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, marking a significant leap in the nation’s indigenous defence capabilities. The test validates missile-aircraft integration and clears the path for future operational deployment with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The trials involved the release of two RudraM-III missiles from the Su-30MKI, a frontline multi-role fighter of the IAF. This follows earlier captive carriage and dummy drop trials and represents a crucial progression in the weapon’s development cycle.
To accommodate the RudraM-III, the Su-30MKI underwent significant modifications. These included custom weapon stations, a specially designed bomb rack, and full compatibility with the aircraft’s avionics via the MIL-STD-1553B data bus and mission computers. The electrical integration complied with interface specifications laid out by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
As per HAL's Annual Report 2024–25, release trials of the RudraM-III air-to-surface missile have been successfully conducted from a modified Su-30MKI platform.
The RudraM-III is a cutting-edge hypersonic missile weighing approximately 1.6 tons and capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5. When launched from high altitudes around 11 kilometers, it can strike targets as far as 600 kilometers away—double the range of its predecessor RudraM-II and four times that of RudraM-I.
Designed for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), the missile is equipped with a dual-stage solid rocket motor, high-precision inertial and GPS navigation systems, and a passive homing head that can detect and lock onto radar emissions even when enemy systems attempt to shut down to avoid detection. This makes it ideal for targeting high-value assets such as radar stations, communication nodes, bunkers, airstrips, and reinforced aircraft shelters deep within hostile territory.
Its speed and range allow the IAF to carry out stand-off attacks while remaining outside the reach of enemy air defence systems, enhancing survivability and mission effectiveness.
The successful integration with the Su-30MKI gives the IAF a powerful new capability. The aircraft’s large payload, long range, and high thrust combine with the RudraM-III’s advanced strike features to form a highly effective weapon system suited for modern electronic warfare and air dominance roles.
Defence experts have hailed the pairing of RudraM-III with the Su-30MKI as a force multiplier that significantly upgrades India’s offensive strike and SEAD capabilities. With this success, further integration on other platforms like the upcoming TEJAS MK-2 is expected.
The trials mark the culmination of intense research and collaboration by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and allied defence agencies. They represent another major step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in advanced missile technology and signal enhanced preparedness for future combat scenarios.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) with GE Aerospace for the local production of the F414-INS6 turbofan engines that will power India’s upcoming TEJAS MK-2 fighter jets. The agreement marks a major step forward in India’s defence indigenisation strategy and aerospace self-reliance.
The signing of the MLA follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concluded in June 2023. Under the new agreement, GE Aerospace will transfer up to 80 percent of the engine’s manufacturing and technical data to HAL. The deal includes critical technologies such as single-crystal turbine blades, special coatings for high-temperature engine sections, and advanced laser drilling processes.
The F414-INS6 engine is a high-performance turbofan with a maximum thrust of 98 kilonewtons and a thrust-to-weight ratio of 9:1 with afterburner. It also features Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and safety systems tailored for single-engine fighter aircraft. The engine is a proven platform with over 10 million flight hours logged in global fighter fleets, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the JAS 39 Gripen.
Negotiations for the agreement involved detailed pricing, technology transfer scope, and compliance procedures. Key certifications, including the U.S. State Department’s DSP-83 approval, were completed in September 2024, clearing the path for formal signing of the MLA. While the total value of the deal is estimated at around $1 billion based on 2023 price levels, pricing details are still being finalised.
Under the terms of the agreement, a dedicated production facility near Bangalore will be established. Manufacturing is expected to begin within two years of contract finalisation, with engine deliveries for the TEJAS MK-2 program anticipated to start within three years. The initial production target is 99 engines, with the potential for additional orders to support future platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The TEJAS MK-2, classified as a medium-weight fighter, will feature next-generation avionics and greater payload capacity than its predecessor. The integration of the F414-INS6 engine will significantly enhance its combat performance and range.
This strategic collaboration is expected to boost India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, and advance the country’s long-term vision for defence self-reliance. HAL’s partnership with GE Aerospace also opens avenues for future indigenous engine development and deeper industrial cooperation.
The agreement stands as a landmark in Indo-US defence ties and is expected to serve as a foundation for future joint aerospace projects involving high-end technology sharing and co-production.
In a significant development during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully targeted and destroyed two of Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) most advanced AI-enabled command platforms. These were part of the Next Generation Mobile Mission Control Centres (NG-MMCC) project stationed at the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi.
The destroyed systems were developed by the Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC), a specialised wing of the PAF focused on integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, sensor fusion, and big data into military operations. In collaboration with Turkish defence firms, CENTAIC had launched the NG-MMCC project to provide the PAF with mobile, AI-driven backup command-and-control units that could function independently in the event of strikes on static command centres.
These mobile platforms were equipped with AI-powered decision support tools, secure plug-and-play networking, encrypted voice communications, and cyber defence features. Their primary goal was to ensure that Pakistan’s air defence and battle management operations could continue even if its main command hubs were compromised.
However, the course of the project changed abruptly during Operation Sindoor, an IAF-led aerial offensive launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Satellite imagery and independent defence analysis confirm that two NG-MMCC trucks and a supporting operations complex were directly hit in an airstrike on the Nur Khan base. The damaged area was later cleared by Pakistani authorities, indicating that the internal systems had suffered irreversible damage.
The destruction of these platforms eliminated a crucial layer of operational redundancy in the PAF’s command infrastructure. With the mobile command centres neutralised, the air force was left dependent solely on its main fixed facilities, significantly increasing its vulnerability in a future conflict scenario.
Indian defence analysts view the strike as a deliberate and calculated message. It not only demonstrated India’s capability to detect and target even concealed and mobile military assets but also exposed weaknesses in Pakistan’s AI-integrated defence plans. The strike is being interpreted as a sign that further operations could potentially cripple Pakistan’s remaining command structures and paralyse its air defence response.
For CENTAIC, the loss of the NG-MMCCs was a severe blow. Years of technological development, strategic planning, and international collaboration were wiped out in a matter of minutes. What was once hailed as a futuristic AI-enabled solution for battlefield command is now considered a failed and vulnerable asset in the face of precision warfare.
The IAF’s successful targeting of the Nur Khan Airbase has not only shifted the tactical landscape of the conflict but also highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare where mobility and technology alone cannot guarantee survivability against superior intelligence and precision-strike capabilities.
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation during the 13th meeting of the India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC), held for the first time at the Secretary level in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UAE’s Under Secretary of Defense Lt General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi, who is leading a high-level defence delegation on a two-day visit to India.
Both sides agreed to scale up military training cooperation, with India offering to provide customised training programmes tailored to UAE requirements. Emphasis was also placed on enhanced maritime security cooperation, including information sharing and coordinated efforts in the Indian Ocean Region.
Discussions explored broader areas of collaboration such as joint manufacturing of defence equipment, including a model similar to the existing ICOMM–CARACAL small arms partnership. Cooperation in co-developing emerging defence technologies—particularly in Artificial Intelligence—and joint efforts in shipbuilding, refits, upgrades, and maintenance of common platforms were also on the agenda.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard to strengthen cooperation in search and rescue operations, anti-piracy measures, pollution response, and other maritime security domains.
In the days leading up to the JDCC, the two nations held the 4th Army-to-Army, 9th Navy-to-Navy, and inaugural Air-to-Air Staff Talks, focusing on expanding military exercises, training collaborations, and Subject Matter Expert exchanges.
The UAE delegation will meet Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth on July 31 and participate in the 2nd India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum, which will be co-inaugurated by UAE’s Under Secretary and India’s Secretary (Defence Production), Sanjeev Kumar.
India and UAE’s growing defence engagement is anchored in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in 2015. India’s upcoming participation in the Dubai Air Show in November 2025 is expected to further boost defence ties and industrial partnerships.
In a dramatic escalation of internal dissent, over 90 personnel from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC), mostly of Pashtun ethnicity, have been dismissed for refusing to participate in military operations targeting fellow Pashtuns in the restive Bajaur region. The order for dismissal was reportedly issued by a senior Wing Commander, signalling growing unrest within Pakistan’s paramilitary ranks.
Breaking News; Pakistan is falling soon, now from PoP, Pakistan Occupied Pashtunistan surrender process started
30 July, 2025
Confirmed reports emerging from Bajaur says that 90 Pashtun personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) have been dismissed after they refused to… pic.twitter.com/oY8dOvGE1l
The Frontier Corps, which operates under the command of the Pakistan Army, comprises four major forces deployed across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tasked with border security and internal law enforcement, the FC has come under increasing scrutiny for its controversial role in counter-insurgency operations in tribal regions. The latest incident underscores mounting frustration among Pashtun soldiers, many of whom are walking away from service, protesting operations they see as targeting their own people.
These tensions coincide with renewed activism by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a grassroots rights movement that continues to draw support despite being banned by the Pakistani government in October 2024. Several PTM leaders have since gained political clout, winning parliamentary seats and amplifying calls for justice and accountability for state actions in Pashtun-dominated areas.
The FC’s conduct, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has long been mired in controversy. Accusations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and collective punishment have damaged its public standing. With a budget exceeding Rs. 105 billion and a force of around 70,000 personnel, the FC remains a powerful yet deeply polarizing institution within Pakistan’s internal security framework.
The mass dismissal of FC personnel could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s internal cohesion and counter-insurgency approach. As ethnic identity increasingly clashes with state directives, the incident highlights the fragile relationship between national security policies and minority communities, particularly in volatile border regions.
In a ceremonial event held at the Southern Naval Command headquarters in Kochi, Commodore Varghese Mathew officially assumed charge as the new Naval Officer-in-Charge (Kerala), taking over from Commodore Jose Vikas. The formal handover, marked by the exchange of command insignia, symbolizes the Indian Navy’s emphasis on seamless leadership transitions to ensure continuity in its training and operational objectives.
Commodore Mathew, an alumnus of Sainik School and the National Defence Academy, brings with him nearly 30 years of service in the Indian Navy. Commissioned on July 1, 1996, he is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Warfare. His academic credentials include courses at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Indian Naval War College. Prior to his new role in Kochi, he served at the Tri-Services Headquarters in New Delhi, adding joint-service exposure to his already rich naval experience.
The Southern Naval Command, headquartered at INS Venduruthy in Kochi, is the Indian Navy’s premier training command. It plays a pivotal role in shaping naval personnel through foundational and advanced training programs. The command’s stature has grown steadily since its formation, with the senior-most position elevated to a three-star rank in 1977 to reflect its expanding responsibilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
Commodore Mathew’s appointment is seen as a step forward in enhancing the command’s training ecosystem and maritime preparedness, particularly in the strategically important coastal state of Kerala. His leadership is expected to further strengthen the navy’s vision of developing a modern and mission-ready force capable of addressing regional and global maritime challenges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has issued a sharp response to the United States after Washington suggested it may raise tariffs significantly if Beijing continues to import oil from Russia.
In a statement posted on social media, the Chinese foreign ministry said, “China will always ensure its energy supply in ways that serve our national interests. Tariff wars have no winners. Coercion and pressuring will not achieve anything.”
The statement signals Beijing’s firm stance on maintaining energy ties with Moscow despite growing international pressure. The U.S. had recently hinted at trade repercussions for countries that continue large-scale purchases of Russian oil, citing concerns about funding Russia’s military operations.
China, however, made it clear that it will not bow to external pressure, adding, “China will firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.”
The remarks reflect ongoing tensions between the two economic superpowers, especially on trade and geopolitical issues linked to the Ukraine conflict. The statement also underscores China’s broader position that unilateral sanctions and tariff threats are counterproductive in resolving global crises.
United States President Donald Trump has announced a 25 percent tariff on all Indian exports to America starting August 1, along with an unspecified penalty. The decision was shared in a short post by Trump on his platform Truth Social, where he criticised India’s trade practices and defence ties with Russia.
Calling India a “friend,” Trump said that the country maintains “far too high tariffs” and “the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers” of any nation. He also pointed out that India continues to buy a large share of its military equipment and oil from Russia.
“India will, therefore, be paying a tariff of 25 percent, plus a penalty… starting August 1,” Trump stated, justifying the move by linking Indian purchases of Russian energy and arms to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Trump also accused both India and China of indirectly supporting Russia’s military operations through trade, and reiterated that he could end the conflict “within 24 hours” if elected again in January.
This tariff decision follows earlier warnings in April, when the US listed India among several countries facing reciprocal trade measures. At that time, the tariff hike was delayed to allow for further discussions.
The announcement comes even as New Delhi and Washington are working to conclude a long-delayed trade agreement. Earlier this week, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that more time was needed to assess India’s openness to market access for American exports.
India and the United States have been engaged in ongoing negotiations to finalize a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement, according to an official statement. The Indian government emphasized its commitment to protecting the interests of farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, and reaffirmed that all necessary steps will be taken to safeguard national interests. This approach, it noted, is consistent with India’s stance in other recent trade deals, including the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed with the United Kingdom.
