In a strong display of operational readiness and technological progress, the Indian Army’s Bison Division hosted Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh, AVSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, at the Secunderabad Military Station. The high-level visit focused on assessing training initiatives and capability enhancements as part of the Army’s modernization drive.

A key highlight of the visit was the demonstration of advanced military technologies, including drones and indigenous counter-drone systems, reflecting the Army’s growing focus on self-reliance and preparedness. These upgrades are part of the 138 emergency procurement schemes worth Rs 16,000 crore launched after the 2016 Uri terror attack, aimed at boosting combat capabilities along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Lt Gen Singh lauded the troops for their professionalism and commitment, commending the unit’s efforts in embracing innovation and new technologies. He emphasized maintaining high standards of training and readiness in an evolving security environment.

The Sudarshan Chakra Corps, historically formed in 1917 during World War I for operations in the Middle East, has now become a premier strike corps under the Southern Command. Its evolution mirrors the Indian Army’s strategic shift toward modern warfare and multi-domain operational preparedness.

A notable part of the visit included a presentation on the Vehicle Mounted Counter Swarm Drone System (VMCSDS), developed under the Army’s Make-II initiative by Apollo Micro Systems. Contracted in July 2024, the system is expected to be operational by March 2026 and is designed to neutralize drone swarm threats with precision.

The event featured tactical drills, equipment displays, and ceremonial honours, all of which highlighted the Army’s integrated approach to enhancing combat capability and fostering tri-service synergy. The visit reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to indigenization and readiness in the face of complex regional challenges.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a formal apology after a significant diplomatic controversy erupted over a social media post that incorrectly depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. The map, shared by the IDF in connection with regional operations, was swiftly condemned by Indian citizens and political leaders for misrepresenting India’s sovereign territory.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF admitted the map “fails to precisely depict borders” and clarified that it was meant only as an “illustration of the region.” “We apologize for any offence caused by this image,” the post stated, following widespread backlash and calls for a retraction.

The error triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with many Indian users urging the Israeli military and its leadership to issue a correction. Some users even tagged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking a formal response.

The controversy soon took a political turn, with the Indian National Congress criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera mocked Modi, calling the incident “another feather in Vishwaguru’s cap” and labeling the episode a diplomatic embarrassment, especially in light of Modi’s close ties with Netanyahu.

Modi and Netanyahu have publicly showcased their alliance through high-profile state visits and symbolic gestures. Modi was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017, marking a historic shift in bilateral ties.

The incident comes at a tense time in the Middle East. Following Israeli airstrikes that killed top Iranian military leaders under “Operation Rising Lion,” Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting northern Israel. Air-raid sirens sounded across the region as Israel scrambled to respond to the escalating conflict.

The mapping error by the IDF, though eventually acknowledged, has stirred discussions on diplomatic sensitivity and the importance of accurate geopolitical representations amid deepening international tensions.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in the advanced stages of developing a multi-layered indigenous air defence system named Kusha, which will come in three variants—Kusha M1, M2, and M3—with a targeted full induction into the Indian Armed Forces by 2030.

Also Read: India Accelerates Development of Indigenous S-400-Like Missile System Under Project Kusha

Kusha M1 will be equipped with short-range missile systems designed to neutralize threats such as enemy aircraft and missiles at close range. Kusha M2 will operate in the medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) category, while the most advanced version, Kusha M3, will be capable of intercepting targets well beyond 400 kilometers.

The Kusha system is being developed to provide layered space protection by launching multiple interceptor missiles to secure zones ranging from 100 to 200 kilometers, effectively creating a robust shield against a variety of aerial threats. Despite their different range capabilities, all three variants will use a common kill vehicle, with differences in booster configurations to achieve the desired reach.

DRDO sources confirmed that development trials for Kusha M1 are scheduled for September 2025, with expected induction into service by 2028. The Kusha M2 and M3 variants will follow in quick succession, with the M3 likely undergoing trials by 2027. The full system is expected to be operational by 2030.

Kusha is being viewed as India’s indigenous answer to Russia’s S-500 missile defence system. DRDO is aiming for the Kusha system to surpass the performance of the S-400 Triumf, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) effectively deployed during Operation Sindoor to counter cruise missile and kamikaze drone attacks from Pakistan.

Once inducted, the Kusha air defence system will significantly enhance India’s ability to defend against kinetic projectiles, reinforcing the country’s push towards self-reliance in high-end defence technology. India currently awaits the final two squadrons of the S-400 Triumf system from Russia under a $5.4 billion deal signed in 2018, with full delivery expected by 2026.