General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, delivered a comprehensive lecture on “Future Wars and Warfare” at Savitribai Phule Pune University, offering deep insights into the evolving landscape of military conflict and India’s strategic direction to face it.

Speaking before an audience of armed forces personnel, scholars, and students, General Chauhan outlined the critical role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing in redefining how wars will be fought. He noted that these tools are transforming the battlefield into an intelligent, data-driven space where speed and precision are decisive factors. “AI, ML, and quantum tech are enabling the intelligentisation of the battlefield,” he stated, highlighting their potential to accelerate decision-making and enhance operational readiness.

A major theme of the address was India’s recent Operation Sindoor, a precision military response targeting terrorist camps. General Chauhan described it as a model of integrated multi-domain warfare, involving coordination across land, air, maritime, cyber, space, electromagnetic, and cognitive domains. He cited the operation as an example of India’s ability to combine kinetic and non-kinetic tools to deliver a strategic message. Addressing scrutiny over the temporary loss of combat aircraft in the operation’s early phase, he asserted that mission outcomes ultimately matter more than short-term setbacks.

General Chauhan explained that future conflicts will be “demassified but capability-integrated,” meaning traditional large military platforms may become liabilities. Instead, he argued that modern defense must focus on layered air defense, networked communications, and rapid data sharing across military branches. He linked this to India’s work on new anti-ballistic missile systems—AD-1 and AD-2—capable of intercepting medium and long-range threats, underscoring the country’s drive to build a robust defense architecture.

He called for a doctrinal shift from attritional warfare to cognitive dominance, stressing that mental agility, tactical innovation, and integrated force development are vital in today’s rapidly changing threat environment. The CDS advocated for “tactics-led modernization” rooted in indigenous capabilities, ensuring India’s strategic autonomy. He pointed to quantum technology’s potential in logistics, simulations, and battlefield decision-making as an example of future-ready innovation already underway.

Touching on regional security, General Chauhan directly addressed Pakistan’s longstanding use of proxy warfare, referencing its “bleeding India by a thousand cuts” doctrine. He positioned Operation Sindoor as a definitive line drawn by India, asserting that the country will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism under the guise of nuclear deterrence.

The lecture concluded with a token of appreciation presented to General Chauhan by university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Apoorva Palkar. Attendees left with a clear understanding of India’s defense outlook: a future anchored in integration, innovation, and strategic resilience.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that 24 indigenous companies have responded to its call to join a consortium for the production of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s first 5.5-generation stealth fighter. The development comes as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) prepares to issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) to identify a lead production partner for the ambitious program.

Also Read: HAL Denies Reports of Stalled GE-F414 Engine Talks

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which has been leading the design of the AMCA since its inception in 2010, will release the EoI in the coming weeks. This marks a critical milestone in India’s push for defence self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and follows the formal approval of the AMCA project by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 26, 2025.

The AMCA program is expected to serve as the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s future air combat strategy. The first prototype is anticipated between 2026 and 2027, with full-scale production and induction planned for the early 2030s. The stealth fighter will boast features such as a low radar cross-section, supercruise capability, internal weapons bays for stealth missions, and provision for directed energy weapons.

HAL, which has traditionally spearheaded aircraft production for the Indian military, including the LCA Tejas and HTT-40 trainer, is now shifting towards a collaborative model. Under the proposed structure, HAL will lead the consortium while private firms will be allocated equity shares based on their financial and technical contributions. Prominent aerospace and defence firms like Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Bharat Forge—already active in global aerospace supply chains—are among the top contenders.

This surge in private interest follows HAL’s March 2025 proposal to create a joint venture with a 50% stake for HAL and 12.5% each for four private entities. The increased number of interested firms signals rising confidence in India’s maturing aerospace ecosystem and growing capabilities of domestic suppliers.

The shift comes at a time when India is seeking to reduce dependence on foreign imports, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions and increased military cooperation between China and Pakistan. The AMCA’s indigenous development is seen as a strategic necessity for maintaining air superiority and achieving technological parity with global peers.

As part of the plan, the ADA will supervise the production of five AMCA prototypes to validate design and performance before full-scale manufacturing. The Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the IAF, led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, has emphasized the need for accelerated production to meet long-pending fighter squadron shortages.

HAL’s evolving model of public-private collaboration is already yielding positive outcomes in other programs. In the LCA Tejas Mk-1A project, private firms like Vem Technologies and Alpha Tocol are contributing to fuselage production, setting a precedent for larger roles in complex defence projects.

Industry analysts see the AMCA consortium as a transformative step for India’s aerospace industry. If successful, it could reshape HAL’s role from being a sole manufacturer to becoming a systems integrator and supplier for a wider defence manufacturing base.

While the momentum is encouraging, key challenges remain. A major hurdle is the development of a high-thrust indigenous engine capable of powering the stealth fighter. Additionally, strict adherence to production timelines will be essential to ensure timely deployment of the aircraft and fulfil strategic requirements of the IAF and Indian Navy.

The AMCA initiative is expected to not only reinforce India’s airpower but also open global market avenues for Indian defence firms. With a strong foundation now taking shape, the program represents a bold step toward positioning India as a major player in next-generation fighter aircraft production.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a formal advisory requesting the media and public to respect the privacy of senior Armed Forces personnel and their families, especially in the wake of the recently concluded Operation Sindoor. The advisory highlights increasing concerns over intrusive journalism targeting the private lives of military leaders during periods of active operations.

Signed by Vijay Kumar, Additional Director General (Media & Communications), the advisory acknowledges the vital role of the media in national security discourse while underlining the need to draw ethical boundaries around private lives. The MoD expressed concern over recent instances where journalists attempted to approach the residences of senior officers or reach out to their families for personal stories unrelated to official military duties.

Key Guidelines Issued by the Ministry:

• No Intrusive Reporting: Media professionals are directed not to visit or contact the private homes of serving or retired Armed Forces personnel without official clearance.
• Protect Personal Information: Outlets are urged not to publish addresses, images of family members, or other personal details that are irrelevant to operational coverage and could pose security risks.
• Prioritise Operational Coverage: Journalists are encouraged to focus on professional accomplishments, leadership during missions, and the strategic aspects of Armed Forces operations rather than delving into personal lives.
• Maintain Confidentiality During Operations: The advisory reiterates the importance of respecting operational secrecy and refraining from any coverage that could endanger personnel or compromise mission integrity.

The ministry issued this statement against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike conducted by the Indian Armed Forces in May 2025. While the operation drew wide media interest for its tactical success, the MoD noted that some of the coverage veered into the private lives of military officials.

The advisory serves not only as a regulatory measure but also as a broader call for responsible journalism. It invokes global parallels such as past concerns over media overreach and the ethical implications of such practices. The MoD warned that releasing personal information could expose military families to security threats and psychological distress.

“The Ministry of Defence reiterates its commitment to transparency and constructive engagement with the media. At the same time, it appeals to all media stakeholders to maintain responsible journalistic standards, respecting the personal space and dignity of those who serve the nation,” the statement read.

The advisory is seen as a timely and necessary step to maintain a balance between public interest reporting and safeguarding national security. As India continues to engage with complex internal and external security challenges, the MoD’s stance signals a strong institutional resolve to protect the dignity and safety of its Armed Forces and their families.

In a landmark decision, the Maharashtra government has announced that basic military training will be introduced for students starting from Class 1. The initiative, unveiled by State School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, is designed to instill a sense of patriotism, discipline, and physical fitness in children from an early age.

Minister Bhuse stated that the program will be carried out with the help of retired army personnel, school sports teachers, NCC (National Cadet Corps) officials, and members of the Scouts and Guides. “This decision has been taken to instil love for the country and encourage daily habits like physical exercise and disciplined living, which will greatly benefit students in the long run,” Bhuse explained.

The initiative has received support from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and the state plans to deploy over 2.5 lakh ex-servicemen across schools to ensure its effective implementation.

The decision comes at a time of heightened national security awareness, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and India’s strong military response under Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Adding to the national security backdrop, India has recently conducted extensive civil defence exercises such as ‘Operation Abhyas’ on May 7 and ‘Operation Shield’ on May 31. These nationwide drills aimed to prepare citizens and local authorities for potential emergency situations, reflecting the country’s broader focus on strategic preparedness.

Maharashtra’s military training initiative for students is seen as a key part of this wider national effort to cultivate a culture of readiness and resilience, beginning at the grassroots level with the youngest citizens.

Moments before the highly anticipated IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), the Indian Premier League paid a heartfelt tribute to the Indian Armed Forces for their valour during Operation Sindoor. The closing ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad opened with a powerful video montage showcasing the bravery and sacrifices made by Indian soldiers in the recent India-Pakistan conflict.

As the montage played on the giant stadium screen, a packed crowd rose in unison, waving Indian flags and applauding the tribute. The atmosphere turned emotional as the crowd responded with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

Following the video, renowned Indian singer Shankar Mahadevan took the stage and delivered a soul-stirring musical performance. Singing patriotic numbers like “Main rahu ya na rahu, Bharat yeh rehna chahiye” and “Maa tujhe salaam,” Mahadevan struck a chord with both fans and players alike. Other artists also joined in, turning the ceremony into a celebration of national pride and unity.

This unique tribute not only honoured the spirit of the Indian Armed Forces but also reminded everyone of the sacrifices that protect the nation—blending the power of sport with patriotism on cricket’s grandest stage.

In a strategic show of force and inter-service coordination, the Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps and the Indian Air Force carried out a Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) exercise at Umroi Military Station in Assam. The exercise demonstrated the ability of both forces to execute swift and coordinated troop deployments, reinforcing combat preparedness in the eastern sector.

The drill involved elite troops from the Tezpur-based Gajraj Corps being airlifted using IAF helicopters for rapid insertion into simulated operational zones. Equipped with advanced combat gear, the soldiers conducted multiple high-precision phases, including airborne insertion, tactical ground coordination, and mock engagement with enemy positions. The exercise emphasized operational synergy between air and ground units in complex terrain and high-intensity scenarios.

This SHBO exercise comes in the wake of several integrated training activities in the region. Notably, Exercise Yudh Kaushal 2.0 was held in March 2025 at the same location with participation from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, which provided technological support and innovation for battlefield scenarios. It also follows Exercise Winged Raider, focused on airborne special operations and attended by senior military leadership, including General Upendra Dwivedi and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.

The Gajraj Corps, with a storied history dating back to its role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the liberation of Bangladesh, continues to play a critical role in India’s defense posture. The corps has remained operationally active in the region through counter-insurgency efforts like Operation Rhino in the 1990s, and now plays a pivotal role in preparing for both conventional and hybrid threats.

Military commanders underscored the strategic importance of these exercises in ensuring readiness across the northeastern states and Sikkim. The eastern frontier, which has seen historical tensions, particularly during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, remains a sensitive area where rapid force deployment is essential. The re-raising of the Gajraj Corps after that conflict has become a foundation for India’s modern defense strategy in the east.

The SHBO exercise at Umroi is a clear reflection of India’s evolving military doctrine—one that emphasizes jointness, speed, and technological integration. As regional and global security challenges grow more complex, such training ensures that Indian armed forces remain flexible, coordinated, and capable of responding decisively to emerging threats.

In a significant move aimed at dismantling internal support networks for terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has dismissed three government employees for their alleged links with Pakistan-based terror outfits. The three individuals — Malik Ishfaq Naseer, Ajaz Ahmed, and Waseem Ahmad Khan — have also been jailed following a probe that connected them to banned terrorist groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM).

This crackdown comes in the aftermath of a deadly terror attack in April that claimed the lives of 26 civilians in the Union Territory. According to security officials, the sacked employees were not just sympathizers but active collaborators in terror operations.

Malik Ishfaq Naseer, a police constable since 2007, allegedly coordinated arms, explosives, and narcotics consignments for LeT operatives. His involvement came to light during an arms smuggling investigation. Officials said he also arranged safe hideouts for militants and supplied them with weapons. His brother, Asif Naseer, was killed in a 2019 encounter with security forces.

Ajaz Ahmed, a teacher in the School Education Department since 2011, was reportedly an active Hizbul Mujahideen associate operating in the Poonch region. Security forces arrested him in 2023 while he was transporting a consignment of arms under orders from a handler based in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Hizbul propaganda materials were also seized from his possession.

The third accused, Waseem Ahmad Khan, worked as a junior assistant at the Government Medical College, Srinagar, since 2007. Officials revealed his alleged role in a 2018 terror plot that led to the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his two security guards. His links to terrorist operatives had surfaced during a broader investigation into that attack.

A senior security official stated that such infiltration into critical government departments, including the police and education sectors, poses a grave threat to national security. “A mole inside the system can compromise missions and cost lives. This action is part of a broader effort to weed out internal terror sympathizers,” the official said.

All three individuals are currently in judicial custody as investigations continue.