In a significant development for India’s air combat capabilities, the government is actively considering Russia’s proposal to supply and co-produce the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. Sources told CNBC-TV18 that there are no current plans to acquire the American F-35, despite earlier speculation, as India focuses on self-reliance and rapid force replenishment.

The move comes amid mounting pressure to upgrade the Indian Air Force’s fighter strength, which currently stands at just 31 operational squadrons against the sanctioned 42. In contrast, China has added over 435 fighter and ground attack aircraft in the past decade while India has lost 151, creating a pressing need to regain regional air dominance.

The Russian proposal includes complete technology transfer, opening the door for India to integrate indigenous systems like AESA radars, advanced avionics, and native weaponry under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) existing Su-30 production line in Nashik offers a ready infrastructure base to support co-production, further tipping the scales in Russia’s favor.

At the India Today Conclave 2025, Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov called the Su-57 “the best combat aircraft currently flying,” highlighting its performance at Aero India 2025 and reiterating Moscow’s willingness to share technology and set up joint manufacturing in India.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence is expected to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program next week. This will be followed by a pre-bid meeting within 15 days and formal bid invitations within 45 days. The government aims to create a level playing field for private and public sector firms under the new AMCA execution model, opening the door for broader industrial participation.

As the AMCA is still in its early development phase, India is also considering medium-term options to bridge the immediate fighter gap. Among these is the co-development of fifth-generation jet engines with global giants Safran (France) and Rolls Royce (UK), both of whom have proposed full technology transfers to India.

Defence Secretary and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh have both publicly acknowledged the urgent requirement of acquiring 35–40 fighter jets per year to meet the IAF’s operational needs. A three-pronged approach has therefore been adopted, covering short-term imports or co-productions, mid-term capability enhancements, and long-term indigenous development through AMCA and associated engine programs.

The Su-57’s potential induction marks a critical intersection of geopolitical alignment, defense modernization, and industrial strategy—offering India both immediate relief and long-term leverage in the fifth-generation fighter space.

India is preparing to test its most advanced indigenously developed hypersonic weapon, the Extended Trajectory-Long Duration Hypersonic Cruise Missile (ET-LDHCM), developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s classified initiative, Project Vishnu.

The ET-LDHCM is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 8 (approximately 11,000 km/h) and delivering precision strikes up to 1,500 kilometres away. Designed for both conventional and nuclear missions, the missile can carry warheads weighing between 1,000 and 2,000 kg. Its velocity, low-altitude flight path, and advanced manoeuvrability make it highly resistant to current radar detection and air defence systems.

At the heart of the missile is an advanced scramjet engine, allowing it to sustain hypersonic speeds using atmospheric oxygen. DRDO has already completed a successful 1,000-second ground test of this propulsion system. Built with heat- and oxidation-resistant materials, the missile can withstand temperatures up to 2,000°C during flight.

Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, the ET-LDHCM is capable of mid-course corrections, flies at low altitudes, and can be launched from land-based systems, aircraft, or naval platforms. These features significantly enhance India’s tactical and strategic flexibility, allowing it to target enemy command centres, radar installations, and heavily fortified positions.

This marks India’s second major hypersonic development in under a year, following its long-range hypersonic test in November 2024. Defence experts believe the ET-LDHCM could shift the regional power balance, bolstering India’s deterrence posture against China and Pakistan.

Beyond its military implications, the technology behind the ET-LDHCM has potential civilian applications in aerospace and disaster response. The project has also catalysed innovation in India’s private sector, involving multiple MSMEs and defence firms, thereby contributing to economic growth and indigenous capability building.

Once testing is complete, the ET-LDHCM is expected to be deployed across all three military services, solidifying India’s readiness for future high-speed, high-intensity conflicts.

A massive search operation has been launched in the Nud area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district after two unidentified individuals dressed in combat uniforms were reportedly seen by local villagers.

According to officials, the sighting was reported near a school during the intervening night, prompting an immediate response from security forces. A joint team comprising the Indian Army, the Special Operations Group (SOG), and local police cordoned off the area early Wednesday and began extensive combing operations.

Despite several hours of search, there has been no trace of the suspected individuals so far. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of an infiltration attempt or movement by militants disguised in military attire.

The incident comes amid heightened security alerts across the Union Territory, particularly following recent militant activities and increased cross-border threats. Security officials are maintaining strict vigilance and have urged residents to remain alert and report any further suspicious movement.

The operation remains ongoing as forces continue to sweep through the region to locate the suspects and ensure the safety of the local population.

The Government of Taiwan has extended heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard for their rapid and professional rescue efforts after the container ship MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9. The Singapore-flagged vessel suffered an explosion onboard while en route from Colombo to Nhava Sheva, prompting an emergency evacuation.

In a message posted on X, the Taiwan representative office in India stated, “The Taiwan Government is grateful for the swift rescue operation provided by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to Wan Hai 503. We wish the missing crew members return safe and the injured recover soon.”

Of the 22 crew members aboard the ship, 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy, while four remain missing. The Indian Coast Guard has continued firefighting efforts and damage control operations. As of Tuesday evening, visible flames had reduced, though thick smoke was still emanating from the vessel.

The ship’s crew consisted of eight Chinese, six Taiwanese, five Myanmarese, and three Indonesian nationals. Following the explosion, the crew abandoned the ship. Several members sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment.

The Chinese Embassy in India also acknowledged the efforts of Indian forces. Spokesperson Yu Jing noted that the vessel had 14 Chinese nationals onboard, including six from Taiwan. She expressed appreciation for the “prompt and professional rescue” and conveyed best wishes for the recovery of the injured and successful ongoing search efforts.

Indian Coast Guard ships remain deployed in the area as operations continue. The incident underscores India’s critical role in regional maritime safety and humanitarian response across international waters.

The Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy held the 10th edition of their Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks on June 10 in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and planning future engagements. Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha, NM, led the Indian delegation, while the Royal Malaysian Navy was represented by First Admiral Harisundar Rajoo, Senior Director of Operations and Training.

The discussions focused on ongoing naval collaboration and laid the groundwork for expanded joint initiatives, reflecting both nations’ shared commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue is a part of India’s broader efforts to deepen maritime and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations.

Parallel to the naval talks, India’s Secretary (East) P. Kumaran engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS SOM) in Penang, Malaysia. He met with Hajah Johariah Binti Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary of Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to explore ways to further strengthen India-Brunei relations and regional cooperation under ASEAN frameworks.

Kumaran also held discussions with Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary of the South and Southeast Asia Group and Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, Australia, to address bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. Additionally, he met Ambassador Kung Phoak, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Cambodia, reaffirming India’s commitment to bolstering ties within the ASEAN structure.

The East Asia Summit includes 18 nations comprising the 10 ASEAN countries along with India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. The Senior Officials’ Meeting plays a vital role in setting the agenda for ministerial and leadership-level summits and fostering multilateral engagement across the Indo-Pacific.