The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a high-stakes firefighting operation early Thursday morning by deploying a Mi17V5 helicopter to douse a major blaze aboard the cargo vessel MV Wan Hai 503, situated off the coast of Kochi. The Singapore-bound vessel, traveling from Colombo to Mumbai, had caught fire following an internal container explosion on Monday.
In a critical move, the IAF helicopter dropped 2600 kilograms of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) over the burning sections of the ship. The use of DCP, typically reserved for fires involving highly flammable substances or situations where water is ineffective, indicates the severity of the fire. This advanced firefighting tactic was essential in attempting to contain the flames that had resisted previous efforts.
An IAF Mi17V5 helicopter leapt into action, early morning today, to undertake firefighting ops for the blazing Singapore-bound ship MV Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kochi.
The helicopter sprayed 2600 kg of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) over the flames- a fire that could not be… pic.twitter.com/nXfovSLstq
The operation is being carried out in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, exemplifying strong inter-agency collaboration in maritime disaster response. The MV Wan Hai 503 fire follows a recent maritime emergency involving the sinking of M.S.C. ELSA 3 near the same region, heightening the importance of swift action to prevent environmental fallout and navigational hazards.
Officials stated that the decision to use DCP was driven by the need to minimize the risk of secondary explosions or chemical leaks, especially given the ship’s cargo composition. The effort also aims to avert large-scale oil spills that could severely damage marine ecosystems along Kerala’s coastline.
The Indian Air Force’s rapid mobilization and execution of aerial firefighting tactics reinforce its operational readiness and growing role in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts beyond traditional military operations. With ongoing surveillance and backup missions planned, the IAF and Indian Coast Guard continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further escalation.
In a devastating incident, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, which took off from runway 23 at approximately 1:35 PM IST, went down at 1:39 PM in the Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.
The plane was carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of experience. According to preliminary reports, a MAYDAY distress call was issued to air traffic control moments before all communication was lost.
Eyewitnesses near the crash site reported seeing the aircraft descend rapidly, followed by a loud explosion and heavy black smoke. Emergency services, including fire brigades, ambulances, and police units, reached the site quickly and began rescue operations. Several passengers have reportedly been pulled from the wreckage, though the scale of casualties remains unclear.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has dispatched a team of investigators from Delhi to determine the cause of the crash. While early speculation points to potential mechanical failure or human error, officials emphasize that it is too soon to draw conclusions. The black boxes—flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—will be critical in reconstructing the chain of events.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, introduced in 2011, is widely regarded for its safety and technological advancements. This incident marks one of the rare hull losses involving the model, which has a strong global safety record with only 13 previous major incidents reported.
Unconfirmed reports indicate over 100 fatalities, and there is speculation that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been on board. However, no official passenger list has been released, and authorities urge the public to refrain from circulating unverified information.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, pledging full central government support to Gujarat’s administration. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also extended condolences, calling the incident “profoundly tragic.”
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and hospitals in Ahmedabad have been placed on high alert. Further details, including casualty figures and investigative findings, are expected to emerge in the coming hours.
In a groundbreaking development for military and national healthcare, Command Hospital, Pune, has successfully conducted its first robotic stereotactic biopsy using the Medtronic Stealth Autoguide system. This advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure was carried out by the Department of Neurosurgery and marks a significant leap in diagnostic precision and patient safety.
The AUTOGUIDE system is a state-of-the-art robotic guidance platform that enhances the accuracy of brain biopsies. According to a 2023 study published in Neurosurgery (DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002345), this technology improves biopsy precision by nearly 30% over traditional techniques. The procedure was further supported by real-time MRI guidance, in line with findings from a 2022 Journal of Neuroimaging study (DOI: 10.1111/jon.12987), which noted a significant reduction in procedural risks.
This medical milestone adds to a string of recent innovations at Command Hospital, including the successful treatment of a rare inner ear disorder in a Bangladeshi teenager in April 2025. The integration of robotic systems into a military hospital—traditionally focused on trauma care—highlights the institution’s expanding role in specialized and high-tech treatment.
The biopsy was performed by a multidisciplinary team utilizing advanced imaging and robotic tools, reinforcing the hospital’s position at the forefront of neurological care in India. This achievement is seen as a critical step toward integrating robotic technology into routine neurosurgical diagnostics, potentially setting new standards across military and civilian healthcare systems.
Officials from Command Hospital expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, emphasizing a patient-first philosophy and the ongoing commitment to medical excellence within the Indian Armed Forces. The success of the procedure also contributes to India’s growing influence in global medical innovation and opens avenues for future international collaborations in robotic-assisted healthcare.
In a high-level operational review, senior Indian Army officials visited forward and hinterland bases in the Naushera sector and Bhaderwah region to assess the state of readiness along the Line of Control (LoC). The review was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, accompanied by the GOC of the Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) and the GOC of the Ace of Spades Division.
The commanders inspected forward posts in Naushera and interacted with troops stationed in Bhaderwah, focusing on the region’s current security scenario. The visit included an inspection of the Corps Battle School, where soldiers are trained in advanced counterterrorism techniques under demanding conditions. The GOC praised the professionalism, discipline, and high morale of the soldiers, emphasizing that operational preparedness remains critical to regional peace and security.
The assessment comes in the backdrop of recent successful operations in the area, which led to the recovery of arms, narcotics, and explosives. Among the items seized were pistols, drugs, and a 2-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED), underlining the continued threat posed by cross-border infiltration and smuggling activities.
The Naushera sector has historically been a sensitive area along the LoC, frequently witnessing cross-border firing and infiltration attempts. Notably, the sector was in the news in 2018 following the neutralization of a Pakistani intruder by Indian forces. Such incidents have necessitated constant vigilance and robust counter-infiltration measures.
The Indian Army’s presence in the region extends beyond combat operations, with a legacy of civic outreach programs. One such example is the artificial limb fitment camp organized by the Ace of Spades Division in 2007, which exemplifies the army’s commitment to the welfare of local communities.
The latest review reaffirms the army’s dual commitment to national security and regional development, ensuring that its forces remain alert and prepared amid evolving security dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir.
Brigade 313 has returned to global headlines after a controversial June 9, 2025, interview on UK-based Sky News with Pakistani Senator Sherry Rehman, hosted by renowned journalist Yalda Hakim. The interview reignited international attention toward Pakistan’s alleged proxy warfare, spotlighting Brigade 313, a shadowy terror group with links to al-Qaeda.
What is Brigade 313?
Brigade 313 is a highly secretive, Pakistan-based militant coalition believed to be an operational arm of al-Qaeda in South Asia. The name “313” symbolically refers to the number of warriors who fought alongside Prophet Muhammad in the Battle of Badr, a motif often used to justify jihadist narratives.
Rather than a single outfit, Brigade 313 acts as a hybrid force, merging elite operatives from:
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami (HuJI)
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
Taliban-affiliated groups
The unit reportedly functioned under the command of Ilyas Kashmiri, a former Pakistani commando turned al-Qaeda chief, until his death in a U.S. drone strike in 2011. Brigade 313 forms part of al-Qaeda’s elite “Lashkar al-Zil” or Shadow Army, known for executing high-impact terrorist operations with precision.
Sherry Rehman Interview
In the viral Sky News interview, journalist Yalda Hakim questioned Senator Sherry Rehman about Brigade 313’s alleged terrorist activities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Rehman deflected questions, dismissing Brigade 313 as part of “Pakistan’s past” and insisted that Pakistan now opposes terrorism.
She labeled the accusations as “Indian propaganda” and denied state support for such groups, while failing to acknowledge ongoing links between Pakistani intelligence and terror outfits.
Despite repeated probing, Rehman avoided any acknowledgment of Brigade 313’s existence or its current status. The Pakistani government has not issued an official clarification or denial.
Brigade 313 plays a central role in Pakistan’s covert proxy warfare strategy, particularly:
Cross-border terror attacks in Kashmir
Sabotage operations in Afghanistan
Covert missions in Balochistan
The group often carries out “white-label” attacks—incidents never formally claimed but widely attributed to it. This grants plausible deniability to the Pakistani state and al-Qaeda, while still advancing their strategic objectives.
Deep Links to ISI and Other Terrorist Organizations
Multiple intelligence sources have linked Brigade 313 with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan’s powerful spy agency. The group functions as an unofficial terror consortium, integrating cadres from:
Pakistan’s military-intelligence ecosystem
Radical Islamist factions across South and Central Asia
Al-Qaeda’s operational network
The blending of ex-army personnel, trained jihadists, and ISI influence makes Brigade 313 a highly lethal and deniable force.
India’s Stand on Brigade 313
India has consistently flagged Brigade 313 as a major security threat. Indian agencies like the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Ministry of Defence link the group to:
Cross-border infiltration
Terror training camps in PoK
Hybrid warfare and cyber sabotage
India has raised the issue at international platforms like the United Nations, FATF, and interpol conferences, calling for action against Pakistan for harboring and enabling such groups.
In response, India has taken countermeasures including:
Surgical strikes on terror launchpads
Enhanced border surveillance
Expanded counter-terror doctrine
Blowback Inside Pakistan
Brigade 313 doesn’t only pose a threat to India and Afghanistan—it is increasingly seen as a double-edged sword for Pakistan. The state’s use of such deniable assets has contributed to:
The rise of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
Sectarian strife between Sunni and Shia groups
Uncontrollable rogue factions within its own territory
Experts argue that Pakistan may have lost control over some of these Frankensteinian creations, which now act independently or against state interests.
Global Response and International Consequences
Organizations like the FATF, UN Sanctions Committees, and the U.S. State Department have long flagged Brigade 313 as part of Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. With new attention from the Sky News interview, international scrutiny may intensify, especially regarding:
Pakistan’s compliance with anti-terror financing norms
U.S.-Pakistan military aid and diplomatic ties
South Asia’s collective security frameworks
Why Brigade 313 Matters Now More Than Ever
Brigade 313 symbolizes the enduring challenge of state-sponsored terrorism cloaked in deniability. Its resurgence in the media, triggered by Senator Rehman’s evasive responses, reopens a critical debate:
Is Pakistan still using jihadist proxies?
What’s the cost of international silence?
Can peace in South Asia exist without dismantling these networks?
As Pakistan claims to be a changed nation, its continued opacity around groups like Brigade 313 raises deep concerns for India, Afghanistan, and global counterterror efforts. The need for transparency, accountability, and international cooperation has never been more urgent.
For the first time, Shipki-La Pass located at a height of 3,930 metres in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district and close to the India-China border has been opened to tourists. The border tourism initiative was officially launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday, aiming to boost the local economy and showcase the cultural vibrancy of the region.
Tourists can now visit Shipki-La by simply carrying an Aadhaar card and a travel token. Previously, access to this strategically sensitive area required special permissions from the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, revised guidelines now allow for regulated tourist movement under the supervision of security forces.
The initiative is a result of coordinated efforts between the Himachal Pradesh government and the Union Defence Ministry. Alongside Shipki-La, tourism will be promoted in other sensitive yet picturesque locations such as Lepcha-La, Gue Monastery, Rani Kanda, Dumti, Chitkul, and selected areas in Lahaul-Spiti.
Speaking at the launch event, CM Sukhu emphasized the twin goals of the initiative—economic development and national integration. “At the border, we have eased restrictions for travellers to enjoy the beauty of Shipki-La. The tourism activities here will strengthen the economy of the local people while boosting tourism in the region,” he said.
Looking ahead, the chief minister announced plans to request the central government to open the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route through Shipki-La. He called it the “easiest and most feasible” route for the pilgrimage and said he would take up the matter personally with the Prime Minister.
The chief minister also mentioned the historical significance of Shipki-La, which served as a vital trade route between India and Tibet before it was shut down in 2020. “There are immense possibilities for trade and cultural exchange through this pass,” he said, adding that the state would pursue reopening it for cross-border trade.
In a broader effort to improve infrastructure in the region, CM Sukhu said the state will also propose the setting up of an airport near the border area. He called for the removal of the Inner Line Check Post, which currently acts as a bureaucratic hurdle for tourists.
Additionally, the state is in discussions with the ITBP to utilize their existing helipads for tourism purposes and to expand medical services in remote areas using ITBP health facilities.
The opening of Shipki-La marks a significant milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s push to unlock its border regions for tourism while maintaining national security.
The Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Hyderabad, is set to celebrate the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of its 215 Officers’ Course on June 14, 2025. This significant event marks the culmination of rigorous pre-commissioning training for the flight cadets of both the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The parade will be graced by the presence of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), who will serve as the Reviewing Officer. During the ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi will confer the President’s Commission on the graduating cadets. The ceremony will also feature the presentation of ‘Wings’ to the flight cadets, including those from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and officers from friendly foreign nations who have successfully completed their flying training. As the Reviewing Officer, General Dwivedi will confer the prestigious ‘President’s Commission’ on the graduating cadets, officially inducting them as officers in their respective services.
Highlighting the significance of this day, the Flight Cadet from the Flying Branch who tops the order of merit will be honored with the Chief of the Air Staff ‘Sword of Honour’ and the President’s Plaque for outstanding performance throughout the training. This cadet will also have the prestigious role of commanding the parade. Additionally, the top-ranking trainee among the Ground Duty branches will be awarded the President’s Plaque.
The event will include a spectacular lineup of performances that highlight the operational capabilities of the IAF. The CGP will begin with awe-inspiring displays by the Akash Ganga skydiving team and the Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT). Fly-pasts and aerial displays by the Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak helicopters will enthrall the audience. Showstoppers will include breathtaking aerobatics by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and high-speed manoeuvres by the SU-30 MKI.
The Air Force Academy, known as the premier training establishment for the IAF, was founded on October 11, 1967, by then President Dr. Zakir Hussain. It has since been pivotal in training pilots, ground duty, and technical officers, promoting a spirit of camaraderie and healthy interaction among officers from all branches of the military.
This year’s CGP promises to be a memorable display of military discipline, skill, and the air prowess of the Indian Air Force, celebrating the transition of these cadets into future defenders of the skies.
Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SADL) has successfully conducted a trial of its Hybrid VTOL UAV, Rudrastra, at the Pokharan Firing Range on June 11. The unmanned aerial vehicle met key performance benchmarks set by the Indian Army, demonstrating advanced capabilities in vertical takeoff and landing, high endurance, and precision strike.
During the trial, Rudrastra covered a mission radius of over 50 km with a stable real-time video link and returned safely to its launch point. The total range, including loitering time over the target area, exceeded 170 km. The UAV maintained an endurance of approximately 1.5 hours, a critical factor for tactical missions requiring sustained aerial surveillance and engagement.
SADL Successfully Conducts Hybrid VTOL UAV (Rudrastra) Trial at Pokharan Range
Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SADL) has successfully completed the trial of its Hybrid VTOL UAV Rudrastra at the Pokharan Firing Range on 11th June 2025. The trial was conducted in line with… pic.twitter.com/xrQYv6p81U
A standout moment of the demonstration was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead. Dropped from a medium altitude, the munition executed a controlled airburst at low height, delivering lethal effects across a wide area and validating its battlefield effectiveness.
This successful trial highlights India’s growing capability in developing indigenous unmanned systems and advanced munitions. It also aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The demonstration follows the recent inauguration of SADL’s UAV airstrip and dedicated munition testing facility in Nagpur, reinforcing India’s strategic push toward technological autonomy and innovation in defense.
Indonesia is set to acquire 48 units of Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets in a major defense procurement deal estimated at over $10 billion. The agreement, reported by Turkish journalist Hakan Çelik, is expected to be signed today in Jakarta, marking Turkey’s largest combat aircraft export order to date.
The deal is part of a 10-year defense program and comes as the two nations explore deeper strategic collaboration. In April 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced intentions to join the joint development of Turkey’s KAAN fighter and submarine programs. He also revealed plans to establish a joint defense enterprise with Ankara, though further details remain undisclosed.
This new partnership raises questions about Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to the South Korean KF-21 Boramae fighter jet program, in which it holds a 20% development stake. Despite earlier commitments, Indonesia has frequently delayed funding obligations for the KF-21. The new KAAN deal could signal a strategic pivot away from Seoul’s program.
The KAAN, Turkey’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet, made its maiden flight in February 2024 and is undergoing phased development. Designed to be stealthy, highly maneuverable, and equipped with advanced onboard radar and electro-optical targeting systems, KAAN is being positioned as a future replacement for Turkey’s aging F-16 fleet.
With this latest agreement, Indonesia is aiming to significantly boost its air combat capabilities while cementing a growing defense partnership with Turkey in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Indian Army has announced the 8th edition of Exercise Shakti, a bilateral joint military drill with France, scheduled to take place from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at La Cavalerie, France. The exercise aims to bolster the joint operational capabilities of both nations’ armed forces in sub-conventional and multi-domain scenarios.
Initiated in 2011, Exercise Shakti is a biennial event conducted alternately in India and France. The previous edition took place in May 2024 in Meghalaya, India, furthering the momentum of military cooperation between the two strategic partners.
The 2025 edition will emphasize developing interoperability, tactical coordination, and mutual understanding between the participating contingents. Focus areas include counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and urban warfare operations, supported by realistic combat simulations and joint mission planning.
Exercise Shakti is a significant component of the broader India-France defense partnership, which has seen a steady expansion in recent years. The collaboration is also part of a larger Indo-Pacific engagement strategy, illustrated by events like the Tarang Shakti multinational exercise in August 2024, where France participated actively.
By fostering greater synergy and camaraderie, the upcoming edition of Exercise Shakti is expected to deepen strategic alignment and enhance the ability of both nations to address contemporary regional and global security challenges.
