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Reliance and Diehl Sign ₹10,000 Crore Pact to Manufacture Vulcano Precision Ammunition in India

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In a significant boost to India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, Reliance Defence has signed a ₹10,000 crore strategic cooperation agreement with Germany’s Diehl Defence to locally produce the Vulcano 155mm precision-guided ammunition system. The advanced artillery munitions will be manufactured at a new facility in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, aligning with the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The Vulcano system is a next-generation long-range munition, using GPS and laser-guided targeting for enhanced strike accuracy. This capability is critical in modern battlefields where precision reduces collateral damage and improves mission effectiveness. The new manufacturing unit will be part of the Dhirubhai Ambani Defence City and will involve over 50% indigenous value addition.

Reliance Defence will serve as the prime integrator for the programme, while Diehl Defence will transfer the core technologies and provide technical expertise. With projected revenues touching ₹10,000 crore, the project is expected to bolster India’s defence exports and reduce dependence on foreign ammunition systems.

This collaboration is Reliance Group’s fourth major defence tie-up, following partnerships with Dassault Aviation, Thales Group, and Rheinmetall. Diehl Defence, a German company with over €2 billion in annual sales, is known globally for its advanced missile and ammunition solutions.

However, the deal comes amid reports that Diehl Defence is also promoting its IRIS-T air defence system to Pakistan. The IRIS-T system, currently deployed in Ukraine, is capable of intercepting supersonic threats like Russia’s Oniks missile and is considered technologically comparable to India’s BrahMos.

Strategic analysts in India have expressed concern over Germany’s dual-track defence diplomacy in South Asia, questioning the long-term implications of its simultaneous engagements with rivals in the region. Despite this, the stock market reacted positively to the deal, with shares of Reliance Infrastructure rising 3.5% to close at ₹404.40 on the BSE.

The agreement signifies a critical step forward in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance while also stirring a renewed debate over global arms trade ethics and regional strategic balance.

National Symposium on Flood Relief Showcases Civil-Military Synergy in Disaster Management Held at Central Command Headquarters

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The National Military-Civil Symposium on Floods and Flood-Related Disaster Management was convened today at Headquarters Central Command in Lucknow, bringing together key stakeholders from the armed forces, state governments, and technical agencies. The symposium aimed to strengthen preparedness and foster collaboration to address recurring flood challenges across India’s most vulnerable regions.

Senior representatives from the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh participated, along with officials from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). Technical experts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission (CWC), and National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) contributed valuable insights into early warning systems and data-driven flood mitigation strategies.

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Delivering the keynote address, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Surya Command, stressed the importance of a unified approach. He said, “Our goal is to reduce disaster risk through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. Civil-military coordination is essential for swift and resilient flood responses.”

An equipment display at the venue highlighted recent advancements in flood response technologies, including real-time monitoring tools, inflatable rescue boats, and communication systems. Participants also shared successful models and lessons learned from past flood relief operations, encouraging cross-state learning and preparedness.

This symposium is a step forward in institutionalizing civil-military cooperation for disaster management and sets the stage for a more robust, technology-integrated response framework. It reflects India’s evolving disaster management priorities, emphasizing inter-agency coordination, proactive planning, and community resilience.

Meet 411 Parachute Field Company Lt Col Mohammad Illiyas Khan, Who Developed STRIKE Drone to Safely Neutralize Bomb Threats

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In a landmark innovation for defence technology, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Illiyas Khan of the Indian Army has developed the STRIKE drone—a state-of-the-art wireless detonation system that promises to revolutionize bomb disposal operations. The system combines an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a remote transmitter, and a relay mechanism to safely neutralize explosives from a distance.

The STRIKE (Smart Tactical Remote-Integrated Kill Engagement) drone minimizes human exposure to hazardous conditions, allowing bomb disposal teams to carry out high-risk operations with greater safety and precision. By enabling remote detonation, it significantly lowers the chances of casualties, marking a major leap forward in counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) capabilities.

This innovation comes at a time when the Indian Army is actively modernizing its arsenal with indigenous, tech-driven solutions. The STRIKE drone aligns with the global shift toward unmanned systems for tasks traditionally carried out by personnel on the ground. Drones have already proven their worth in surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted operations; Lt Col Khan’s contribution extends this utility to life-saving defensive operations.

Drawing on a rich tradition of UAV deployment—tracing back to Israel’s pioneering use of drones in the late 1970s—India’s STRIKE system adds to the growing body of tactical applications for drones in modern warfare. It is expected to be integrated into Indian Army bomb disposal units and possibly adapted for use by paramilitary forces and disaster response teams.

Lt Col Khan’s creation stands as a testament to the innovation and dedication of India’s military personnel, combining operational necessity with technological ingenuity to safeguard lives in high-threat environments.

Defence Ministry to Reportedly Launch ‘Ran Samvad’—India’s Own Military Dialogue on Global Warfare

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As per The Print, In a major push to elevate India’s voice on the global military stage, the Ministry of Defence is set to launch its own strategic conference—‘Ran Samvad’—focused exclusively on warfare and defence cooperation. Modelled after renowned international events like the Raisina Dialogue and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, Ran Samvad aims to emerge as a premier forum on military affairs, conducted by each armed service in rotation.

Sources said the inaugural edition will be hosted by the Indian Army at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, from August 26 to 27, 2025. The event will feature defence attachés posted in India and serve as a foundational step towards establishing India as a leading voice on warfighting and global security dynamics.

The conference will be organised in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), a tri-services think tank that will serve as a permanent institutional fixture for the dialogue. Future editions will rotate among the Indian Navy and Air Force, with a long-term vision of attracting prominent foreign dignitaries such as the US Secretary of Defence and senior global military leaders.

While the Raisina Dialogue, run by the Ministry of External Affairs and Observer Research Foundation, includes a defence component, Ran Samvad is envisioned as a focused military dialogue that addresses operational, strategic, and doctrinal challenges in warfare. Unlike Raisina, which covers a wide range of geopolitical issues, Ran Samvad will be dedicated to the armed forces and security strategy.

The Defence Ministry’s initiative also aims to position India as a leader in the Global South, advocating for a cooperative and inclusive approach to global security. By institutionalising such a platform, India hopes to fill the strategic void in multilateral military dialogue from the perspective of developing nations.

The Shangri-La Dialogue, held annually in Singapore by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), has long been a prominent forum on Asia-Pacific security issues. Ran Samvad is intended to complement, and eventually rival, such platforms by offering a distinct and India-led perspective on emerging global military trends.

10 Para SF Brigadier Rajesh Shivrain Passes Away at Delhi’s Army Hospital

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The Indian Armed Forces and the nation are grieving the loss of Brigadier Rajesh Shivrain, a decorated officer from the elite 10 Para (Special Forces), who passed away earlier today at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in Delhi Cantonment. Fondly known as “Sherkhan” among his comrades, Brigadier Shivrain was celebrated for his bravery, mentorship, and decades of selfless service to the nation.

A legendary figure within the special forces community, Brigadier Shivrain played a key role in several high-stakes operations and was widely respected for his leadership and field expertise. He was particularly admired in the 10 Para (SF), one of India’s most daring military units, noted for missions such as the 1988 intervention in the Maldives.

His moniker “Sherkhan” resonated deeply within military circles, evoking a spirit of courage similar to Pakistani Captain Karnal Sher Khan, the only Nishan-e-Haider recipient of the Kargil conflict. The comparison, originally drawn by Indian Brigadier M.P.S. Bajwa, reflects an acknowledgment of valor that transcends borders.

Brigadier Shivrain’s passing is being mourned as a monumental loss by his colleagues and juniors, many of whom regarded him as a guiding force and elder brother. The Army Hospital (R&R), where he breathed his last, is a premier medical institution that serves India’s top military leadership and symbolizes his stature within the armed forces.

His service follows the proud tradition of the 10 Para (SF), whose valor was also exemplified by martyrs like Havaldar Gajender Singh Bisht, who laid down his life during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Brigadier Shivrain’s death leaves behind a void in a regiment that has long stood at the forefront of India’s most challenging operations.

As tributes pour in from across the nation, a formal statement from the Indian Army is awaited. The overwhelming response from serving personnel, veterans, and citizens reflects the deep impact of Brigadier Shivrain’s life and legacy. His name will endure as a symbol of sacrifice, service, and unwavering courage.

Jai Hind.

Air Force Chief Applauds NCC’s Third Successful Mount Everest Expedition

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) along with Air Force Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh has celebrated the third successful Mount Everest expedition by the National Cadet Corps (NCC), completed on May 18, 2025. The feat saw ten young cadets—five boys and five girls—reach the 8,848-meter summit with a flawless 100 per cent success rate, winning admiration from seasoned Sherpas and international mountaineers alike.

Flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 3, 2025, the expedition represents a major achievement in youth-led high-altitude exploration. The cadets, aged between 16 and 19, underwent rigorous training at the Army Mountaineering Institute, including advanced acclimatization and resilience-building programs based on the latest high-altitude physiology research.

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Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who assumed command of the IAF on September 30, 2024, personally felicitated the cadets and supporting team members. He lauded their courage and perseverance, calling them an inspiration to the nation and a symbol of India’s adventurous spirit.

This is the NCC’s third successful ascent of Everest, following earlier expeditions in 2013 and 2016. The current team was supported by four officers, two junior commissioned officers, one girl cadet instructor, and ten non-commissioned officers, forming a well-coordinated unit that ensured safety and success in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the mission as a demonstration of national resolve and youth empowerment. He emphasized that such achievements elevate India’s global image in adventure sports and inspire young citizens to embrace discipline, endurance, and leadership.

The success has sparked a nationwide sense of pride, with plans in motion to expand similar initiatives as part of national youth development and adventure training programs.

Indian Army to Join Multinational Military Exercise Khaan Quest 2025 in Mongolia from June 14 to June 28

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The Indian Army will participate in the 22nd edition of the multinational military exercise “Khaan Quest 2025,” scheduled to be held in Mongolia from June 14 to 28, 2025. The exercise brings together armed forces from multiple countries to improve interoperability and cooperation in peacekeeping operations under United Nations mandates.

Khaan Quest is recognised globally for its focus on sharing best practices in joint tactics, operational procedures, and techniques for multinational missions. The platform also serves as a United Nations peacekeeper training and certification opportunity, making it especially relevant for countries with a strong peacekeeping tradition.

India’s involvement in Khaan Quest 2025 reflects its commitment to strengthening international military partnerships and contributing to global peace and security. As of December 31, 2023, India has deployed the highest number of military personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, underlining its leadership in global peace support initiatives.

Participation in this year’s exercise further reinforces India’s active role in multilateral security cooperation. The drills are expected to build on previous collaborations in the Indo-Pacific and Central Asian regions, while also enhancing the Indian Army’s preparedness for complex multinational missions.

Pakistan Hikes Defence Budget by 20% Post Operation Sindoor, Slashes Overall Spending

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In a significant move following heightened military tensions with India in May, Pakistan on Tuesday increased its defence budget by 20 per cent for the fiscal year 2025–26. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced a defence outlay of PKR 2.55 trillion (approximately $9 billion), up from PKR 2.1 trillion the previous year.

The announcement came as part of Pakistan’s federal budget for 2025–26, which has a total outlay of PKR 17.573 trillion ($62 billion), reflecting a 6.9 per cent decrease from the previous year. The cut in overall government spending contrasts sharply with the increase in defence allocation, underscoring the country’s shifting fiscal priorities in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent anti-terror military action.

Aurangzeb referred to the current period as a “historic moment” for Pakistan, highlighting national unity in difficult times. “This budget is being presented at a historic time when the nation showed unity and determination,” he said, linking the budget’s defence focus to recent cross-border conflict.

The revised defence figures do not include military pensions, which are separately budgeted at PKR 563 billion ($1.99 billion). Last year, defence spending also included $2 billion earmarked for new equipment and strategic assets.

On the economic front, Pakistan has projected a growth rate of 4.2 per cent for 2025–26. This follows a modest expected growth of 2.7 per cent for the current fiscal year—below the previous target of 3.6 per cent and trailing behind the regional average. According to the Asian Development Bank, South Asia’s average growth stood at 5.8 per cent in 2024 and is expected to hit 6 per cent in 2025.

Aurangzeb also claimed a 100 per cent rise in the taxpayer base and announced an upcoming tariff reform package aimed at boosting exports. The budget aligns with ongoing IMF recommendations urging Pakistan to expand its tax net, including sectors like agriculture, retail, and real estate.

China Thanks Indian Navy for Rescuing Crew from Fire-Hit Cargo Ship off Kerala Coast

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In a dramatic mid-sea rescue operation, the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard successfully evacuated 18 crew members from the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire and suffered an explosion off the Kerala coast on June 9. The ship was en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva port near Mumbai when the incident occurred.

The vessel, measuring 270 meters in length, had departed Colombo, Sri Lanka, on June 7. Of the 22 crew members on board, 14 are Chinese nationals, including six from Taiwan. Four crew members remain unaccounted for.

Following the rescue, the Chinese embassy in India expressed gratitude to Indian authorities. “Our gratitude goes to the Indian Navy and the Mumbai Coast Guard for their prompt and professional rescue,” said Yu Jing, spokesperson for the embassy, in a post on social media platform X. The embassy also conveyed wishes for the success of ongoing search operations and a speedy recovery for the injured.

The fire broke out on Monday morning while the ship was 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal. The Indian Coast Guard responded swiftly, diverting three ships—ICGS Rajdoot from New Mangalore, ICGS Arnvesh from Kochi, and ICGS Sachet from Agatti—to the scene. Two Dornier aircraft were deployed for aerial surveillance, and five ICG vessels, including those equipped for firefighting and pollution control, were mobilised.

INS Surat carried out the evacuation of the injured crew, who were brought to the New Mangalore Port Authority berth at Panambur and later transferred to AJ Hospital in Kuntikana.

According to Coast Guard officials, although the forward bay blaze was brought under control, the vessel was listing 10 to 15 degrees to port, and several containers had fallen overboard. Fires and explosions continued to erupt on parts of the ship, and emergency operations are still ongoing.

Meet Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey: Second Woman Naval Helicopter Pilot

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In a major milestone for gender equality in the Indian Armed Forces, Sub Lieutenant Siddhi Hemant Dubey has become the second woman to qualify as a helicopter pilot in the Indian Navy. Her graduation from the 104th Helicopter Conversion Course at INS Rajali, Tamil Nadu, highlights the Navy’s growing emphasis on inclusivity, modernization, and operational readiness.

Dubey received the prestigious ‘Golden Wings’ from Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, after successfully completing a demanding 22-week helicopter training course.

Also Read: Indian Navy Graduates Second Female Helicopter Pilot Alongside 17 Officers

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Sub Lt Siddhi Hemant Dubey got recommended from 12 SSB, Banglore

A Proud Legacy of Military Service

Hailing from Lūnasar village in Churu district, Rajasthan, Siddhi Dubey is the third generation in her family to join the armed forces. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and her father retired from the Indian Air Force as a missile fitter.

An alumnus of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Nagpur, she pursued electronics and telecommunication engineering at Ramdeobaba College before briefly working in the IT sector in Pune. She cleared the Indian Navy selection process by ranking first among 399 candidates, and was commissioned as a naval officer on May 25, 2025.

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Source: The Times of India

Elite Training at INS Rajali

Dubey trained at the Helicopter Training School of Indian Naval Air Squadron 561 at INS Rajali, one of Asia’s premier naval air bases. The course tested her physical endurance, mental resilience, and aviation skills. Now qualified, she will operate multi-role helicopters in missions such as:

  • Maritime surveillance
  • Search and rescue (SAR)
  • Anti-submarine warfare
  • Anti-piracy patrols
  • Humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR)

Breaking Barriers in Indian Naval Aviation

Sub Lt Siddhi Dubey follows the trail blazed by Sub Lieutenant Anamika B. Rajeev, who became India’s first woman naval helicopter pilot in 2024. Their achievements reflect the Navy’s policy reforms since 2020, which have opened up combat and operational roles to women.

Women were first commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1992, but their roles were limited to non-combat positions. Today, they are being deployed on warships, in aviation, and in frontline operational units, a remarkable transformation in the force’s structure and ethos.

Sub Lt Rajeev
Sub Lt Anamika B Rajeev became India’s first woman naval helicopter pilot in 2024.

Official Praise and Future Assignments

Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar congratulated the graduating officers and highlighted the significance of their achievement. He stated that the Indian Navy is proud of officers like Sub Lt Dubey who embody professionalism, precision, and perseverance.

Dubey will now be deployed to frontline naval squadrons where she will serve on active missions and contribute to strengthening India’s maritime security.

Conclusion

Siddhi’s success sends a powerful message to young women across India: that careers in the armed forces are open, achievable, and rewarding. Her accomplishment is not just a personal victory, but a symbol of India’s progressive defense reforms and commitment to women’s empowerment in uniformed services.

She joins a growing list of women pioneers in Indian defense, redefining what it means to serve the nation in the 21st century.