In a significant step towards bolstering naval aviation capabilities, India and France formally launched the Rafale Marine programme during a bilateral meeting held at the Paris Air Show on June 19.

Also Read: India, France Finalize Agreement for 26 Rafale-M Fighters for Indian Navy

The Indian delegation was led by Dinesh Kumar, Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager (Maritime Systems) in the Ministry of Defence, while the French side was headed by Lieutenant General Gael Diaz De Tuesta, Director General of Armament.

The meeting marked a milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its naval strike capabilities through the acquisition of the Rafale Marine fighter jet, which is set to complement the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of Rafale aircraft. The naval variant is expected to operate from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, providing a powerful edge in maritime operations.

French defence officials confirmed that the discussions at the Paris Air Show served as the formal launch of the programme. The Rafale Marine jets will be equipped with advanced avionics, carrier landing gear, and weapons systems, tailored to Indian Navy specifications.

The engagement underscores the growing strategic defence partnership between India and France, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding collaboration across multiple domains, including maritime security, joint development, and technology transfer.

As India continues its military modernization drive, the Rafale Marine programme is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the Indian Navy’s blue-water operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Royal Navy has reportedly declined Air India’s offer to use hangar space for its F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which has been parked in the open at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14 following an emergency landing.

The fifth-generation fighter, part of the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group, landed after the pilot cited low fuel. Since then, British aviation engineers have been working to resolve a persistent hydraulic system malfunction that has grounded the aircraft.

According to sources, the Royal Navy’s decision to keep the aircraft outside a hangar stems from heightened concerns over the F-35B’s sensitive and classified technologies. The American-origin fighter jet is equipped with advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare systems, making it one of the most protected military assets in the world.

Security experts believe that parking the aircraft in an Indian civilian hangar may risk exposure of proprietary technologies. The UK’s apprehension reflects standard military protocol regarding the safeguarding of high-value defence assets.

Despite the Royal Navy’s current stance, sources say a final inspection or repair phase might prompt reconsideration of the hangar offer. For now, the jet remains under a tight security cordon, drawing the attention of both local onlookers and global defence watchers.

The aircraft’s presence in Kerala follows recent joint Indo-UK maritime exercises in the Indo-Pacific. While the emergency landing was confirmed by the Indian Air Force, which extended full support, the grounded jet continues to await clearance for rejoining its carrier group once the technical issue is resolved.

The ongoing standoff also highlights broader implications for defence cooperation and logistics between India and its strategic partners, as it navigates the fine balance between assistance and operational confidentiality.

In a remarkable act of courage and swift response, the Indian Army’s Sabre Gunners successfully rescued a man trapped in a 50-foot-deep well near Dhoon village in Jammu. The incident, which unfolded earlier this week, highlighted the Army’s preparedness to serve not just in combat but also in life-saving humanitarian missions.

The rescue operation was carried out with the support of local villagers, reflecting seamless coordination between the military and civilians. Soldiers from the Sabre Gunners unit quickly mobilized resources and devised a strategy to bring the man out safely from the deep, narrow well. The individual was pulled out unharmed, much to the relief of the gathered crowd.

The Sabre Gunners, a unit named in recognition of their distinguished performance during the 1965 Indo-Pak war—where they engaged and countered Pakistan’s F-86 Sabre jets—have continued their legacy of service in various capacities. While they are primarily known for their operational capabilities, this recent rescue underscores their versatility and compassion in responding to emergencies beyond the battlefield.

This rescue is another example of the Indian Army’s ongoing involvement in disaster relief and civilian assistance. Similar to “Operation Surya Hope” in 2013, where the Army deployed over 10,000 troops to rescue people stranded during the Uttarakhand floods, this event adds to a growing list of military-led humanitarian efforts across the country.

Local residents praised the soldiers for their timely and courageous action, with many hailing them as heroes. The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to standing with civilians in times of need, reaffirming its role not only as a defender of the nation but also as a pillar of support during crises.

The man is reported to be in stable condition and recovering well. The rescue has since become a point of local pride and a powerful reminder of the Army’s enduring dedication to public service.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a premier defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has secured additional orders worth ₹585 crore since its previous announcement on June 5, 2025. These fresh contracts reaffirm BEL’s expanding footprint in the Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem and further solidify its position as a leading provider of cutting-edge electronic systems for the armed forces.

According to BEL’s official communication, the major orders include highly advanced fire control and sighting systems for missile platforms, which are critical for precision targeting and real-time battlefield decision-making. In addition, the company has received orders for sophisticated communication equipment designed to enhance secure information transfer and interoperability across defence platforms.

The order package also comprises state-of-the-art electronic jammers aimed at disrupting enemy communications and radar systems, thereby providing a tactical edge to Indian forces in electronically contested environments. Alongside hardware components, the contracts cover a wide range of essential spares, maintenance support, and system integration services, ensuring sustained operational capability for deployed systems.

These orders come at a time when India is intensifying efforts to modernize its defence infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign imports. BEL’s growing order book reflects the success of government initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, which have created a conducive environment for indigenous defence production.

In recent years, BEL has emerged as a trusted partner not just for India’s defence forces, but also for civilian applications in sectors such as aerospace, homeland security, and smart cities. With robust R&D capabilities and a portfolio that spans radar systems, naval electronics, night vision devices, avionics, and cyber security solutions, BEL continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s defence and strategic landscape.

The company is expected to execute the newly received orders over the next few years, with many systems entering production immediately. This surge in order acquisition also bodes well for BEL’s financial outlook and shareholder confidence, indicating steady growth and sustained demand in defence electronics.

A serving Army jawan was arrested late Tuesday night in Meerut for carrying 70 AK-47 cartridges, raising serious concerns about ammunition handling and possible illegal transfer. Identified as Rahul Kumar, a resident of Nagli Azad village, the soldier is currently posted with the counter-terrorism battalion at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.

The arrest was made by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in collaboration with the Meerut police following a tip-off about illicit ammunition transport. Rahul was intercepted near the Rapid Rail station at Modiouram outpost while travelling in a car. A search revealed 70 live AK-47 rounds in his possession.

According to the FIR lodged at Pallavpuram police station, Rahul was wearing his Army ID at the time. He was booked under Sections 7 and 25(1-AA) of the Arms Act, 1959.

Initial questioning revealed that the cartridges were allegedly retained from Rahul’s prior deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, where he participated in anti-terror operations. He admitted to failing to return the unused ammunition to Army stores and instead brought them home while on leave.

Rahul claimed he was contacted by a friend in Meerut’s Shastri Nagar, who introduced himself as a member of the Special Task Force (STF) and requested ammunition, stating he had lost his own. Rahul agreed to hand over the rounds during his leave.

However, the handover reportedly went awry. When Rahul arrived at a pre-decided meeting point near a college, his friend failed to show up. Instead, another unidentified youth approached him. Rahul allegedly threw the ammunition toward the youth and tried to flee, but was immediately apprehended by law enforcement.

Senior Army officers arrived shortly after the arrest and initiated a parallel military inquiry. Authorities are now investigating how the ammunition was smuggled out and whether others are involved in a broader illegal arms transfer network.

The case has triggered heightened scrutiny within defence and security circles, highlighting the risks of ammunition diversion and underscoring the need for stricter inventory control protocols in sensitive postings.