The Indian Army’s Western Command concluded a two-day Field Formation Commanders’ conclave at its headquarters in Chandimandir, focusing on critical lessons learned from Operation Sindoor and shaping future warfare capabilities. The event, chaired by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, Army Commander of the Western Command, brought together senior military leaders to assess operational readiness and chart out strategic advancements in technology and doctrine.
A key highlight of the conclave was the emphasis on indigenous drone development and the weaponization of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), seen as a pivotal tool in modern battlefield scenarios. This follows the success and tactical insights gained from Operation Sindoor, a recent operation that underscored the value of aerial surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
Deliberations also covered counter-drone strategies, integrated battlefield awareness, and the evolving role of autonomous systems. The discussions reinforced the importance of technology-driven military evolution, with leaders stressing the need to stay ahead of adversaries in asymmetric and high-tech warfare environments.
Lieutenant General Katiyar praised the participants for their commitment and honored several officers and innovators whose contributions have strengthened operational capabilities. He emphasized that continuous innovation and adaptability are essential to maintaining tactical superiority.
The conclave reflects the Indian Army’s broader modernization roadmap, which includes initiatives in artificial intelligence, robotics, and electronic warfare. These efforts aim to ensure technological self-reliance and strengthen India’s posture amid changing regional and global security dynamics.
As militaries worldwide shift toward future-oriented combat doctrines, the Western Command’s proactive engagement in such strategic reviews positions the Indian Army as a forward-looking force committed to operational excellence and national security.
US President Donald Trump has fiercely criticized major media outlets CNN and The New York Times, accusing them of spreading “fake news” regarding the effectiveness of the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Trump’s remarks came in response to reports suggesting that the strikes under “Operation Midnight Hammer” failed to destroy Iran’s key nuclear facilities.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, “FAKE NEWS CNN, TOGETHER WITH THE FAILING NEW YORK TIMES, HAVE TEAMED UP IN AN ATTEMPT TO DEMEAN ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MILITARY STRIKES IN HISTORY. THE NUCLEAR SITES IN IRAN ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED! BOTH THE TIMES AND CNN ARE GETTING SLAMMED BY THE PUBLIC!”
Trump doubled down on his claim that the US military had entirely eliminated Iran’s nuclear capabilities, asserting that “Iran will never be able to rebuild their nuclear facilities.” The president praised the use of bunker-buster bombs and characterized the mission as a historic military success.
However, intelligence assessments cited by CNN tell a different story. According to early evaluations by the US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and reports from officials briefed on the matter, the strikes caused significant damage to above-ground infrastructure but did not destroy Iran’s underground enrichment systems. The assessments suggest only a temporary setback of a few months to Tehran’s nuclear program.
CNN’s report highlighted that despite the use of B-2 bombers and over a dozen 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), much of the critical underground infrastructure at Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites remained functional. Enriched uranium stockpiles were also believed to have been relocated prior to the assault.
Israel, which conducted coordinated operations alongside the US, reportedly found less damage than anticipated, especially at the Fordow facility. While initial expectations estimated a delay of up to two years in Iran’s nuclear development, the revised analysis casts doubt on the long-term strategic impact of the strikes.
The media coverage and conflicting narratives have intensified debate in Washington over the true outcome of the strikes. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have maintained that the operation was a decisive blow, while independent assessments and international observers urge caution.
The clash between the administration and the press highlights the growing scrutiny over the transparency and effectiveness of military operations, especially those involving nuclear non-proliferation.
Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, a decorated Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain and experienced test pilot, is making headlines as the backup astronaut for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)—a landmark commercial mission to the International Space Station (ISS) launched by Axiom Space in collaboration with SpaceX, NASA, and ISRO. Nair’s selection marks a significant step in India’s growing participation in international space missions.
Who Is Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair?
Born on August 26, 1976, in Palakkad, Kerala, Nair has had a remarkable career in the Indian Air Force. He graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the IAF fighter stream in December 1998. Nair earned the prestigious Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy, awarded to the best-performing cadet.
With over 3,000 hours of flight experience on aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk, Nair has also served as the commanding officer of the IAF’s Su-30 squadron and is a top graduate of the US Air Force Air Command and Staff College. His solid educational background includes a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bangalore.
Selection as an Astronaut
In 2019, Nair was selected by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Along with three other Indian Air Force officers, he underwent rigorous astronaut training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. By February 2024, he was officially introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of India’s first astronaut-designates for Gaganyaan.
Role in Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
The Axiom-4 mission, launched in June 2025 using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, is a significant milestone for India as it includes Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to travel to the ISS in 40 years, as the prime pilot. Prasanth Nair serves as the backup pilot for this mission. His role required him to train alongside the primary crew at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, participating in all critical mission preparations.
Although Nair did not fly in the primary launch, his involvement was essential to the mission’s safety and success. If any member of the main crew had faced medical or technical issues, Nair would have been ready to step in. His presence on the backup team reflects India’s increasing involvement in international space missions and showcases the strength of Indo-US space cooperation.
Contribution to India’s Space Ambitions
Nair’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission builds on his long-term commitment to India’s space program. He is also expected to play a key role in future Gaganyaan missions, with indications that he may command Gaganyaan-4, one of India’s planned crewed spaceflights.
His training and preparation for both Ax-4 and Gaganyaan reinforce India’s growing reputation in human spaceflight and support ISRO’s goal to become a global leader in space exploration.
Personal Life and Public Impact
In January 2024, Nair married Malayalam film actress Lenaa Kumar, a story that gained significant attention in Indian media. His personal journey—from a young boy in Kerala to a backup astronaut for an international space mission—has inspired many, especially in his home state where he is celebrated as a role model.
Why Prasanth Nair’s Story Matters
Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair’s path is a testament to India’s expanding footprint in space exploration. As a backup crew member for Ax-4 and a leading figure in the Gaganyaan program, Nair embodies the next generation of Indian astronauts ready to participate in both domestic and international missions.
His story highlights:
The rising opportunities for Indian scientists, pilots, and engineers in global space exploration.
The growing synergy between India’s defense and space sectors.
The strengthening of Indo-US collaboration in space missions.
Conclusion
Even as a backup astronaut, Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has already made history by representing India on a global platform. His journey from the cockpit of fighter jets to the frontlines of human spaceflight continues to inspire a new generation of Indians to dream beyond the skies.
A UK F-35B fighter jet that diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to adverse weather conditions is currently undergoing repairs after developing an engineering issue on the ground.
According to an official spokesperson from the British High Commission, the aircraft could not return to its carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, because of weather constraints and was diverted to ensure the pilot’s safety. The F-35B landed safely at the airport but has since experienced a technical fault that requires intervention from a UK-based engineering team.
OFFICIAL- UPDATE ON UK-F35B
A British High Commission spokesperson said:
“We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support.”
Engineers aboard HMS Prince of Wales assessed the jet, but further diagnostics concluded that specialist equipment and technical expertise from the UK would be necessary to repair the aircraft. There is no current estimate for when the repair will be completed.
To avoid any disruption to airport operations, the fighter jet will be moved to a space within the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility once the required equipment and team arrive in India.
British officials have acknowledged the assistance provided by Indian authorities throughout the incident. “We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support,” said a spokesperson from the British High Commission.
Sources confirmed that the UK has coordinated closely with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The British High Commission underscored that the safe landing, logistical arrangements, and ongoing security support are a testament to the strong military cooperation between the UK and India.
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history as the first Indian in 40 years to travel to space, piloting the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of the international Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The spacecraft lifted off at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday after multiple delays, marking a landmark moment for India’s space journey since Rakesh Sharma’s mission aboard Salyut-7 in 1984. Shukla’s flight symbolizes not only a return of Indian presence to space but also reflects the growing global collaboration in crewed space exploration.
Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is one of four astronauts selected for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. A decorated combat leader and test pilot in the Indian Air Force, he has logged over 2,000 flying hours across a range of aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.
Joining Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission are mission commander and veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. The mission is notable for marking the return of Poland and Hungary to human spaceflight alongside India.
Ahead of the mission, Shukla expressed hope that his journey would ignite scientific curiosity among Indian youth. “These are moments that tell you you’re part of something much bigger than yourself,” he said in a pre-launch video. “If this story, my story, can inspire even one life, it would be a huge success for me.”
Shukla’s selection for the mission came just a week before the team arrived at Axiom’s training facility. “I was extremely happy. This was my opportunity to actually fly to space,” he added.
As India awaits its first indigenous human spaceflight under ISRO’s Gaganyaan project, Shukla’s journey with Axiom Space stands as a powerful milestone, reinforcing India’s rising status in the domain of human spaceflight.
Reliance Defence Limited has clinched a major ₹600 crore export order from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, a leading German defense manufacturer, marking a significant milestone in India’s private defense manufacturing sector.
The order follows the recently announced strategic partnership between Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Limited, and Rheinmetall. The deal is among the largest in the high-tech ammunition segment and is expected to significantly enhance India’s defense export footprint.
Calling the agreement a defining moment, Anil Ambani, Founder Chairman of Reliance Group, said, “The strategic partnership with Rheinmetall brings cutting-edge capabilities to India and positions Reliance Defence as a global supplier in the high-precision munitions domain. This collaboration reinforces our mission to support India’s defense needs and establish the country as a reliable participant in the global defense supply chain.”
Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to India’s defense sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “This partnership demonstrates Rheinmetall’s strong belief in India’s potential and its role as a strategic defense partner,” he said.
The collaboration aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing and accelerate the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” by building export-ready capabilities in munitions and other critical military technologies.
Reliance Defence is now aiming to position itself among the top three defense exporters in India, further contributing to the country’s growing presence in the global defense landscape.
The 107 Regular Course of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) celebrated 25 years of commissioned service to the nation on Tuesday, marking a milestone of steadfast dedication, leadership, and sacrifice.
The silver jubilee celebration began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Delhi, where officers paid heartfelt homage to 11 brave coursemates who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The tribute underscored their courage and selflessness, remembered with reverence by fellow officers and their families.
An officer present at the ceremony said, “Their courage, dedication, and selflessness were remembered with reverence and pride by their coursemates and families.”
The commemorative events continued with a banquet that brought together both serving and retired officers from the 107 Regular Course. The gathering offered a moment of reflection on shared experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to the Indian Army’s values of duty, honour, and service to the motherland.
Commissioned on June 24, 2000, the 107 Regular Course has played a crucial role in shaping the operational and leadership framework of the Indian Army. Its officers have served with distinction across various arms and services in diverse and challenging operational environments.
The event served as a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and the unwavering devotion of the officers to the nation over the past quarter century.
Kamalpreet Singh, a native of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Nagar in Kapurthala, Punjab, has been commissioned as a Flying Officer (Aeronautical Engineer) in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). His achievement marks a proud continuation of his family’s legacy of military service and has been widely celebrated in his hometown.
A former student of Central and Army Schools in Kapurthala, Kamalpreet completed his engineering from DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology (DAVIET), Jalandhar. He began his professional journey at the Goindwal Power Plant in Punjab before migrating to Australia on a work permit in 2017. After seven years working as an engineer, he attained Australian permanent residency and citizenship.
He recently completed the Initial Officer Course at the Officer Training School in Sale, Victoria, qualifying for an officer’s commission in the Royal Australian Air Force. Speaking to the media, Kamalpreet said his commission was a matter of immense pride, stating, “This commission continues the proud tradition of military service in our family. I am honoured to serve and contribute to the safety and security of my adopted country.”
His father, Sewa Singh, and other family members expressed immense pride, recalling Kamalpreet’s childhood fascination with military life. The family has a long tradition of service, with Kamalpreet’s father and great-grandfather having served in the Indian Army. His elder brother, Sarabjit Singh, is currently serving in the New South Wales Police Force in Australia.
Kamalpreet’s commissioning has received widespread recognition in Kapurthala, with local residents, friends, and well-wishers lauding his dedication and perseverance. His story reflects the growing contribution and recognition of Indian-origin professionals in global defence services, particularly in roles demanding exceptional technical and leadership skills.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, conducted a detailed review of the security situation in North Kashmir on June 24, focusing on forward areas under the jurisdiction of the Chinar Corps. The visit comes in the wake of heightened tensions along the Line of Control (LoC), following intensified ceasefire violations reported earlier this year.
During the inspection, Lt Gen Sharma was briefed on the operational posture of troops and witnessed a live demonstration of advanced military technologies, including systems aimed at enhancing cyber warfare and surveillance capabilities. These developments are aligned with his previous role as Director General of Information Warfare, where he played a key role in modernizing the Indian Army’s approach to psychological and electronic warfare.
Lt Gen Sharma interacted with soldiers deployed in high-altitude areas and stressed the importance of sustained combat readiness, rapid response protocols, and continuous training to meet emerging threats. The visit also featured an award ceremony recognizing outstanding performance by troops stationed along the LoC, underscoring the army’s commitment to discipline, morale, and operational excellence.
Lt Gen Sharma’s visit also reflects the Indian Army’s broader transformation strategy, as articulated in the 2024 modernization roadmap. The plan includes the creation of 16 specialized technology clusters, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, drone warfare, and predictive analytics for battlefield decision-making.
As the region navigates an increasingly complex security environment, the Northern Command’s focus remains on safeguarding India’s territorial integrity and adapting to the demands of modern warfare in the strategically sensitive Kashmir Valley.
India and the United States are set to finalize a pivotal defense agreement by March 2025 for the joint production of the advanced F-414 jet engines in India. The development, confirmed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Sunil Bharti in an exclusive PTI interview, marks a major leap in bilateral defense ties and technology collaboration.
The initiative, first announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington in 2023, had encountered delays over negotiations on technology transfer. However, Bharti noted that discussions over the transfer of nearly 80 percent of critical technologies have been largely resolved, and the final commercial terms are now being ironed out. The agreement is expected to be signed within the current financial year.
The F-414 engine, renowned for powering fighter jets in the United States, Sweden, and Australia, is a next-generation propulsion system that will be produced in India under the deal. This represents a significant breakthrough, particularly given the traditionally restrictive U.S. policies on exporting sensitive defense technologies.
The engines are slated to power India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 2 and the prototype of the upcoming fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Tejas Mk2 will feature a higher thrust engine, increased payload, modern avionics, and electronic warfare systems, making it a powerful upgrade over its predecessors. India is procuring around 180 Tejas Mk1A jets to replace its aging MiG-21 fleet at a cost of ₹1.15 lakh crore.
The AMCA, designed as a stealth, deep penetration fighter, will become a key component of India’s future air combat fleet alongside the Tejas variants. The collaboration with the U.S. on jet engines is expected to catalyze India’s aerospace ambitions, strengthening its strategic autonomy and manufacturing ecosystem.
In parallel, HAL is advancing other major defense initiatives, including a ₹62,700 crore contract to supply 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) ‘Prachand’ to the Indian armed forces. The Prachand, India’s first indigenously developed attack helicopter capable of operating at altitudes above 4,500 meters, is expected to enter full-scale production by 2028. Fifteen limited series helicopters have already been delivered to the military.
The helicopter will be equipped with anti-tank guided missiles, rockets, and air-to-air weapons, further boosting India’s indigenous combat capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Together, the F-414 engine deal, Tejas Mk2, AMCA, and Prachand helicopter programs reflect India’s comprehensive strategy to modernize its air force and reduce reliance on foreign platforms. The upcoming joint engine production deal with the U.S. stands as a cornerstone of this effort, signaling a new era in Indo-US defense cooperation.
