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Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria Inspires IIT Ropar with Vision for India’s Defense Innovation

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a significant address that bridged the gap between India’s academic and defense ecosystems, Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, General Officer Commanding of the Vajra Corps, spoke at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar today. His remarks focused on India’s strides in indigenous defense technology and the vital role of innovation in achieving strategic autonomy under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Addressing a packed auditorium of students, faculty members, and defense personnel, Lt Gen Chandpuria revealed that India has achieved a 30% increase in missile accuracy since 2020, citing findings published in the Journal of Defense Studies. He called on the country’s youth to lead the charge in technological advancement with unity, determination, and innovation at the core of their efforts.

The interaction included discussions on strengthening India’s multi-domain military capabilities, ranging from cyber and space defense to integrated command networks. The general’s speech highlighted the need for synergy between the armed forces and institutions like IITs to nurture what he termed “techno-commanders” for the future.

After his keynote, Lt Gen Chandpuria visited IIT Ropar’s cutting-edge laboratories, including its VLSI and 3D printing labs. He also held a meeting with the institute’s director to explore long-term collaboration in microelectronic circuit design and nanoelectronics. The Nanoelectronics Research Lab, featuring advanced tools such as the Synopsys TCAD-Full suite, was showcased as a hub for indigenous defense innovation. A 2022 India Brand Equity Foundation report had previously noted India’s progress in this area, citing over 53 international defense cooperation agreements.

The Vajra Corps, whose name is inspired by the thunderbolt weapon of Lord Indra forged from the bones of the sage Dadhichi, has a legacy dating back to its formation in 1950 to counter threats from Pakistan. This deep-rooted history subtly echoed throughout the event, reinforcing the Corps’ central role in safeguarding the nation while adapting to emerging threats.

Lt Gen Chandpuria’s visit and address marked a meaningful step in aligning India’s academic talent with its defense modernization goals, laying the foundation for a generation of innovators prepared to shape the future of national security.

Russia Launches Biggest Overnight Drone Bombardment of Ukraine in Three-Year War

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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In what Ukraine has described as the largest overnight drone attack since the war began in 2022, Russia launched 479 drones and 20 missiles across the country, targeting primarily central and western regions. The Ukrainian air force reported that 277 drones and 19 missiles were intercepted, while only a handful reached their intended targets, injuring one person.

The drone barrage marks a significant intensification in Russia’s summer offensive, coinciding with increased military operations along Ukraine’s eastern and northeastern front lines. “The situation is very difficult,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged late Sunday, though he did not provide further details.

Despite being outgunned, Ukraine has delivered strategic blows in recent weeks. A June 1 drone strike hit air bases deep inside Russian territory, including a reported attack on two fighter jets stationed at Savasleyka airfield in the Nizhny Novgorod region. While Ukrainian forces claimed damage, Russian sources have downplayed the impact.

In retaliation, Russia has intensified its aerial campaign, with one strike hitting Ukraine’s Dubno air base in the Rivne region. Russian officials said these assaults were in response to Ukrainian drone strikes targeting nuclear-capable bombers.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain stagnant. Recent peace talks in Istanbul resulted in only limited prisoner exchanges. On Monday, another round of swaps was conducted, including wounded soldiers and youth under the age of 25. President Zelenskyy described the process as “quite complicated,” with ongoing daily negotiations.

Outside a hospital in Chernihiv, the emotional toll of war was on full display. Dozens of families formed a silent corridor, holding up photographs of missing loved ones in hopes of news. Soldiers released in the swap walked through the crowd in silence, their faces reflecting both relief and fatigue.

As uncertainty looms over continued Western military aid, particularly from the United States, Ukraine has reiterated its urgent plea for more air defense systems to fend off Russia’s expanding aerial campaign.

India Marks Milestone with Keel-Laying of Fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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India took a major step forward in strengthening its maritime defense capabilities with the keel-laying ceremony of the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), Yard 1283, at Goa Shipyard Ltd on June 9. The event reflects the nation’s steady progress under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at achieving self-reliance in defense production.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, presided over the ceremony and performed the traditional keel-laying ritual. A seasoned naval leader commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1987, Vice Admiral Swaminathan has held numerous key positions, including Chief of Personnel and Controller of Personnel Services, before assuming his current role on May 1, 2024.

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The NGOPV program, part of a ₹6,200 crore contract signed on March 30, 2023, entails the indigenous design and construction of seven advanced patrol vessels. Each ship will measure 114 meters in length, with a beam of 14.6 meters and a displacement of 2,700 tonnes. These vessels are specifically designed to meet the evolving operational needs of the Indian Navy, while showcasing India’s growing capabilities in warship design and shipbuilding.

The ceremony was attended by key figures including Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of Goa Shipyard Ltd, alongside senior naval officers and shipyard personnel. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between the Indian Navy and defense PSUs in executing such critical national programs.

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This development comes on the heels of a reported 23.62% increase in India’s defense exports, which reached ₹21,083 crore in FY 2024–25. Experts view this growth as a direct result of strategic initiatives like the NGOPV project, which contribute both to national security and the domestic economy. However, some analysts suggest that increased participation from private industry could further drive innovation and efficiency in future shipbuilding efforts.

Beyond strategic utility, the NGOPV project is expected to boost local economies by supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generating thousands of skilled jobs. The keel-laying of Yard 1283 marks not just a construction milestone, but also a broader symbol of India’s aspirations for a self-reliant and technologically advanced maritime force.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to Review Combined Graduation Parade of 215th Course at Air Force Academy

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Indian Air Force Academy at Dundigal is all set to host the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) for the 215th course, marking the successful completion of pre-commissioning training for flight cadets from the Indian Air Force (IAF) as well as officers from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from a friendly foreign country.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), will review the ceremonial parade, a symbol of inter-service camaraderie and excellence in military 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.

Cadets from the flying branch who have excelled in training will be awarded ‘Wings,’ signifying their readiness for active flying duties. The flight cadet standing first in the order of merit in the flying branch will receive the ‘President’s Plaque’ and the ‘Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour’ and will have the distinction of commanding the parade. Similarly, the top cadet from the ground duty branches will also be honoured with 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.

This graduation parade not only celebrates the achievements of the newly commissioned officers but also underscores the IAF’s commitment to operational excellence, discipline, and inter-service cooperation.

Indian Army Begins 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations to Honour Operation Vijay Heroes

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Indian Army is set to launch a nationwide commemoration to mark the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring the courage, sacrifice, and valour of soldiers who fought during the 1999 Kargil War under Operation Vijay. The celebrations will continue until July 26, with a wide array of activities planned across the country.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to commemorate India’s military victory over Pakistani intruders in the treacherous terrain of the Kargil-Siachen sector. The 1999 conflict was marked by strategic and tactical surprises, effective tri-services coordination, and a restrained yet decisive national strategy to reclaim Indian territory.

This year, the Indian Army’s commemorative plans include a unique special outreach initiative to honour the next of kin of Kargil War martyrs. Starting this week, army personnel will visit 545 families across 25 Indian states, 2 Union Territories, and Nepal. Each family will be presented with a letter of gratitude, a commemorative memento, and updated information about benefits provided by central and state governments.

During these visits, the Indian Army will also document any challenges faced by the families to ensure timely redressal. Additionally, they will collect memorabilia that reflect the legacy of these brave soldiers for future preservation at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.

The celebrations are designed to reflect the patriotic and adventurous spirit of the Indian Army and engage local communities through cultural and educational events. The two-month-long programme will conclude with a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, paying tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in service of the nation.

This nationwide effort not only commemorates the past but also reinforces the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to the families of its fallen heroes while inspiring a new generation to embody the ideals of service, sacrifice, and national pride.

Indian Army Set to Receive Rs 30,000 Crore Boost with Indigenous QRSAM Air Defence System

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Indian Army is poised for a significant enhancement of its air defence capabilities with the impending acquisition of the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system, valued at approximately Rs 30,000 crore. The Defence Ministry is expected to greenlight the procurement of three regiments of this indigenous missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), during a Defence Acquisition Council meeting scheduled for late June.

This strategic move aims to reinforce India’s defensive strength along its western and northern frontiers, a decision shaped by heightened security concerns. Designed for rapid deployment and mobile engagement, the QRSAM system boasts a strike range of up to 30 kilometres and is intended to fill the gap in short-to-medium range air defence. It will complement existing missile systems like the Akash and Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM).

Recent field trials of the QRSAM under both day and night conditions have confirmed its operational readiness. Key technological features include active array battery surveillance radar, laser proximity fuzes, and the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously. The missile system can also operate while on the move or during short halts, a crucial advantage in forward areas. Initial issues flagged in 2022, particularly those related to mobility and radar detection, have been addressed through successive DRDO upgrades.

The approval and deployment of the QRSAM underscore India’s long-term vision for defence indigenisation under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Decades after the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) limited India’s access to advanced radar technologies in the 1980s, the country is now achieving self-sufficiency in key defence technologies. Once inducted, the QRSAM will significantly bolster India’s layered air defence shield, providing rapid and reliable protection against aerial threats in high-risk zones.

Axiom-4 Mission Delayed to June 11, 2025 Due to Weather Conditions

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The highly anticipated launch of the Axiom-4 mission, which includes India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed by one day due to adverse weather conditions. Originally scheduled for June 10, the mission will now lift off on June 11 at 5:30 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The delay was prompted by high winds in the ascent corridor, which could affect the stability of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, as confirmed by NASA’s 45th Weather Squadron.

The mission is a collaborative effort involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NASA, and Axiom Space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force pilot, will become the second Indian to travel to space and the first to visit the ISS, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s historic 1984 journey aboard a Soviet Soyuz capsule. Shukla’s participation marks a key milestone for ISRO as it gears up for the Gaganyaan program, which aims to place Indian astronauts in orbit by 2027.

Commanded by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, the Axiom-4 crew includes Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, the latter becoming Hungary’s first spacefarer in over four decades. The mission will utilize a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, with docking at the ISS expected approximately 28 hours after launch. The crew will stay aboard the station for two to three weeks, conducting over 60 experiments contributed by 31 countries, with research focused on microgravity effects on human health, Earth imaging, and new materials.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan emphasized the mission’s broader importance, noting that the operational experience gained will be invaluable for India’s future human spaceflight ambitions. While the launch delay may be a minor setback, officials stressed that strict adherence to safety protocols is paramount in ensuring mission success. The rescheduled launch will be broadcast live, offering audiences across the globe an opportunity to witness a defining moment in India’s space journey.

Indian Army Successfully Tests AI-Driven Autonomous Lethal Weapons System at High Altitude

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities, the Indian Army, in collaboration with Dehradun-based BSS Material, has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of an AI-driven Autonomous Lethal Weapons System (ALWS) at 14,000 feet. The system, integrated with the Negev Light Machine Gun (LMG), marks a pivotal advancement in autonomous military technology.

The trials are part of India’s broader initiative to modernize its armed forces through indigenous innovations under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programs. They demonstrated the system’s ability to autonomously detect, track, and engage targets in mountainous and harsh environments, offering a technological edge in safeguarding India’s rugged frontiers.

The AI-integrated ALWS developed by BSS Material incorporates sensor fusion with both thermal and optical feeds, enabling precision targeting even in low visibility conditions. It features automated ballistic adjustments to counter high-altitude atmospheric variables and includes encrypted remote-control functionality, allowing soldiers to operate the system from a safe distance without compromising its lethality or accuracy.

Experts say this successful deployment reflects India’s growing competency in integrating artificial intelligence into military platforms. The development aligns with evolving global defense trends where AI is increasingly being utilized for battlefield autonomy and tactical superiority.

The system’s success also invites broader conversations on the ethical use of AI in combat, situational accountability, and the future trajectory of unmanned warfare. Nonetheless, it represents a key step forward in India’s quest for technological self-reliance and enhanced high-altitude defense preparedness.

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai Appointed New Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy)

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a major military appointment, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai has taken charge as the new Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), effective immediately. The senior officer, will continue to hold charge of Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).

The appointment comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a four-day military standoff with Pakistan that concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, 2025. Lt Gen Ghai played a central role during the operation, including in the negotiation process that followed. With over 33 years of experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and multiple command roles, his promotion is seen as a move to inject operational insight into the Army’s strategic leadership.

The post of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), or DCOAS (Strategy), is a relatively new but significant position within the Indian Army’s senior leadership. Created in 2021 as part of comprehensive headquarters reforms, the role was designed to enhance domain-specific leadership and streamline operational decision-making. The DCOAS (Strategy) is primarily responsible for overseeing strategic planning, military operations, international military cooperation, and long-term defense preparedness. This position exists alongside two other deputy chiefs: one for Capability Development and Sustenance, and the other for Information Systems and Coordination. Several senior officers have previously held the DCOAS (Strategy) role, including Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra and Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich, with each bringing a distinct focus to India’s evolving military strategy.

Lt Gen Ghai’s handling of the ceasefire discussions—brokered with assistance from the United States and regional intermediaries—was widely noted. While Indian strikes during the conflict hit targets such as Chaklala and Sargodha airbases, subsequent evaluations suggested mixed tactical outcomes, prompting debates on strategic planning.

His new role is expected to bring sharper focus to India’s evolving military doctrine, particularly in light of lessons learned from Operation Sindoor. The government has reiterated that recent national security decisions, including the April 22 suspension of provisions under the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack in Pahalgam, will continue to stand firm.

As Lt Gen Ghai assumes his new post, defence observers will closely track how his experience translates into reforms in operational tactics and military readiness. His leadership is expected to influence India’s approach to both conventional and hybrid threats in the region.

Meet Lt Himani Tomar: A Daughter and Sister of a Soldier, Who Became a Symbol of Courage

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Hailing from the small village of Chand Ka Pura in Madhya Pradesh’s Morena district, Himani Tomar’s journey has become a beacon of patriotic pride. In May 2025 she was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army – a role that fulfilled her family’s proud military legacy. The eldest daughter of Retired Subedar Madhau Singh Tomar and younger sister of Lance Naik Vikas Tomar, Himani’s achievement was deeply emotional. As one report noted, her father watched her “don the uniform” as a mirrored image of his own legacy. In front of family and villagers alike, Himani took on the officer’s stars – an honor her family, already “steeped in the values of service and patriotism,” cheered with tears of joy.

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Family Legacy

Growing up in a military household infused Himani’s childhood with discipline and patriotism. Her father served as a Subedar in the Army, and her elder brother Vikas was already a Lance Naik. Stories of valour and duty were part of everyday life. This environment inspired her early: as IndiaHerald reported, Himani’s roots in a “family already steeped in service and patriotism” provided the framework for her dreams. School lessons and village gatherings often featured the tricolor and Army anecdotes, instilling in her the belief that she, too, could serve the nation. Her parents and relatives encouraged her resolve, nurturing the same courage and commitment they had lived by.

Education and the Road to AFMC Pune

Himani’s formal education laid the foundation for her future military career. She did her primary schooling at Shanti Niketan School in Ambah and completed high school at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Jaura. Even before applying to the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, she was preparing rigorously – reportedly studying in Kota and Gwalior for the competitive entrance exams. Her hard work paid off when she secured admission to AFMC’s prestigious nursing program. There she balanced demanding academics and military training. Her willpower “took her to the prestigious AFMC in Pune, where she finished her nursing graduation,” as one account noted. A bullet-point recap of her milestones underscores her path:

  • Schooling: Completed primary and secondary studies at Shanti Niketan (Ambah) and JNV Jaura.
  • AFMC Pune: Gained admission to the Armed Forces Medical College (Pune) nursing program.
  • Commissioning: Graduated and was commissioned as a Lieutenant (Military Nursing Service) on May 24, 2025.

The Selection Process

Entry into AFMC’s Officer-training program was fiercely competitive. Himani cleared the required exams and interviews to join the 55th batch of nursing cadets. Her selection followed years of preparation – balancing studies with military drills. By this stage, Himani had developed strong academic skills and physical endurance. Her induction into AFMC meant a four-year commitment: she would earn a B.Sc. (Nursing) while also learning leadership and military discipline. Throughout, she remained focused on her goal of serving in the Army medical corps. Local reports remark that this selection was the “final step” toward her dream, coming after her rigorous preparation.

AFMC Training

Once at AFMC Pune, Himani faced intense academic and military training. Each day began with physical drills before classes in anatomy, biology and nursing. She learned battlefield first-aid, ward management, and leadership in equal measure. According to reports, her “rigorous training, both academic and physical, came to fruition as she marched proudly at (her) Passing Out Parade”. The bonds of camaraderie grew strong among the cadets during this phase. The photo above captures this esprit de corps: peers in uniform sharing laughter and pride as they train together. In training and in exercises, Himani often took on leadership roles – organizing study groups and leading morning PT sessions. By the end of her course, she had earned top marks in nursing studies and received accolades for her leadership and dedication from her instructors.

Commissioning Day

The culmination of Himani’s journey came on a bright May morning at AFMC’s parade ground. On May 24, 2025, the 55th batch of nursing cadets stood assembled at the Capt. Devashish Sharma Kirti Chakra Parade Ground in Pune. The Reviewing Officer was Lieutenant General Pankaj P. Rao, Director and Commandant of AFMC. Brigadier Vandana Agnihotri and other senior officers took salutes as Himani marched with her classmates. Her family – father, mother and brother among them – watched with “eyes glistening with delight”. In the ceremony’s highlight, Himani’s Lieutenant’s bars and eagle insignia were ceremonially affixed to her uniform by college commanders. The very rank her father once wore was now on her shoulders. In a moving tribute, Madhau Singh Tomar stood by as his daughter’s new rank was pinned. According to witnesses, tears of pride rolled down their faces as Lt. Tomar took her oath of service – officially becoming a commissioned officer of the Indian Army.

Local Pride and National Applause

The Tomar family’s pride spread beyond their village. Local news celebrated Himani’s achievement as a landmark success story. Coverage noted that her accomplishment “made not only her family proud but also the entire state of Madhya Pradesh and the Chambal region” (which includes Morena). Neighbours and villagers rejoiced: banners appeared in Ambah honouring “Himani’s heroics,” and schoolchildren waved the national flag in salute. Villagers told reporters that seeing Himani stand at attention in uniform moved many to tears; one said it showed younger girls that rural children could reach any goal. As a local headline proclaimed, her new title as lieutenant “raised Madhya Pradesh’s honour” and inspired the community. In private, Himani’s parents spoke of indescribable pride – her mother said she felt Himani’s success was a gift to every girl in their village.

Vision for the Future

Now a Lieutenant in the Army’s Medical Corps, Himani Tomar is already looking ahead. She has expressed desire to serve in Army hospitals and field units, providing care to soldiers and civilians alike. More than a personal achievement, she views her commission as a message to young women. “No dream is too big and no goal too distant when you have the courage to chase it,” has become a slogan of her journey. Himani actively mentors other girls from her district – sharing study tips and speaking at schools about her experience. She often says that her success should encourage every daughter in rural India. As one report noted, her journey “sends a message to each girl from rural India that no dream is too large”. By breaking barriers, she hopes to inspire a new generation: “We have stepped into history so that daughters will believe they too can wear the uniform,” the report observed. Himani’s own mantra is now to push herself further – she plans to pursue specialization courses in military medicine and hopes to lead medical missions under the Tricolour.

Conclusion

Lt. Himani Tomar’s story is one of legacy and inspiration – a soldier born of soldiers. In her uniform she carries on the dreams and hard work of her father and brother, and she now wears the very Stars of the Officer’s rank her family saluted for years. From watching the stars being worn to wearing them herself, Himani Tomar has shown that courage and dedication can make any aspiration a reality. Her journey leaves a stirring legacy for her village and for all of India’s young daughters: with heart and effort, one can not only follow in family footsteps, but also blaze a new trail of service and pride.

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