The bustling city of Mumbai witnessed a high-level inter-services security exercise today titled “Mumbai Kavach 2025,” conducted in the strategically significant Colaba area. Spearheaded by the Indian Army’s Southern Command, the exercise brought together personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Force One, and Mumbai Police in a unified demonstration of India’s commitment to defence preparedness.
The drill was staged near the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, one of the primary targets during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The choice of location added symbolic resonance to the event, reinforcing the message of national resilience and the importance of protecting iconic landmarks.
“Mumbai Kavach 2025” focused on refining real-time response strategies through simulations of complex scenarios involving threat neutralisation, casualty evacuation, and joint operations. Forces executed coordinated movements in urban terrain, including room-clearance drills and close-quarter combat tactics. Personnel were equipped with advanced tactical gear and accompanied by trained canine units, underscoring the modernised approach to counter-terrorism and internal security.
The exercise is part of a broader national effort to improve jointmanship and inter-agency coordination, aligning with India’s evolving security doctrine that addresses threats from terrorism, cyber warfare, and asymmetric actors. Similar drills earlier this year, such as Exercise Khanjar-XII with Kyrgyzstan, reflect this shift toward enhanced interoperability among Indian forces and international partners.
By successfully conducting “Mumbai Kavach 2025,” India has reinforced its readiness to confront modern threats through cohesive and agile force deployment, ensuring critical urban centers remain secure against a wide range of possible contingencies.
In a move aimed at empowering the families of Indian Army personnel, the Blazing Sword Division of the Gajraj Corps has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Medhavi Foundation to provide free skill development courses at the Chandraprabha Kaushal Vikas Kendra in Missamari. The initiative falls under the government’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 scheme and will deliver NSDC-certified training programs to the spouses, children, and Veer Naris of both serving and retired soldiers.
The partnership is a significant step towards ensuring economic self-reliance for military families who often face employment challenges due to the mobile lifestyle of army service. Courses under this program will span multiple sectors, including agriculture, automotive, beauty and wellness, among others, aligning with India’s broader Skill India mission to prepare its youth for domestic and international employment markets.
The MoU was exchanged in a formal ceremony attended by senior officials from both the Gajraj Corps and the Medhavi Foundation. The event, held against the backdrop of the Indian national flag and the Gajraj Corps emblem, underscored the unity of purpose behind the collaboration. The skill development effort not only supports military families but also reflects the Indian Army’s broader vision of community engagement, especially in India’s northeastern regions where the Blazing Sword Division plays a crucial defensive and civic role.
This initiative builds on the Gajraj Corps’ history of socio-cultural contributions, such as the establishment of the Kameng Museum in Arunachal Pradesh. It also complements national goals by contributing to the PMKVY program, which has trained more than 1.3 crore individuals across India as of 2023, according to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The collaboration has been widely praised for addressing the unique needs of soldiers’ families, offering them tangible opportunities for skill enhancement and employment. It is seen as a powerful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and a meaningful step toward ensuring their families can build secure and independent futures.
In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has appointed Air Marshal George Thomas as the new Director General of Air Operations (DG Air Ops) taking over from Air Marshal A.K. Bharti . This pivotal appointment comes at a crucial juncture when India is rapidly modernizing its air warfare capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics. As DG Air Operations, Air Marshal Thomas will be responsible for overseeing the IAF’s entire operational framework, including strategic planning, mission execution, and combat readiness—making him one of the most influential figures in India’s defence architecture.
Air Marshal George Thomas Visit To National War Memorial After His Appointment.
Distinguished Career and Operational Milestones
Air Marshal Thomas was commissioned into the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 14 June 1989 as a fighter pilot. From the beginning, his career has been marked by operational excellence and instructional leadership. He is an alumni of National Defence Academy.
He has logged over 9,000 hours of accident-free flying, including 3,600+ hours as an instructor. His experience spans both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, operating under diverse climatic and geographic conditions in India and abroad.
Key Commands and Achievements
Commanded frontline fighter squadrons and major air bases.
As Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of Air Force Station Chabua, he led the station to win the ‘Pride of EAC Trophy’, awarded by the Chief of the Air Staff for operational excellence.
The Air Commodore George Thomas, receiving the Pride of EAC Trophy from the Then Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa.
Instructional and Staff Appointments
Served as President of the Air Force Selection Board.
Trained more than 250 cadets as a Qualified Flying Instructor.
Contributed to the development of future IAF leaders through key appointments in training and selection roles.
Key Awards and Decorations
Air Marshal George Thomas has been the recipient of several prestigious honours throughout his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force, reflecting both his professional excellence and unwavering dedication to national service.
Among the most notable is the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal(VM) , awarded to him by the President of India.
In addition to these distinguished honours, Air Marshal Thomas has received multiple commendations and service medals acknowledging his operational excellence, dedication in demanding roles, and mentorship of younger officers. His accolades collectively reflect a career built on bravery, discipline, and a deep commitment to the values of the Indian Air Force.
Then Air Commodore George Thomas Receiving Ati Vishisht Seva Medal from Former President Ram Nath Kovind.
The Strategic Importance of the DG Air Operations Role
The DG Air Operations serves as the nerve center for operational planning and execution across the IAF. The role involves:
Managing real-time air missions.
Enhancing combat readiness.
Coordinating closely with theatre commands as India moves toward integrated theatre operations.
Supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative by aligning operational needs with indigenous technology.
With increasing aerial threats from adversaries and the rise of drone warfare, this position is critical for maintaining India’s air superiority in the region.
Air Marshal George Thomas at Air Force Life Cycle Management Centre.
Why His Appointment Matters Now?
Air Marshal Thomas’s appointment comes as India faces a two-front security challenge with:
China building advanced airbases in Tibet.
Pakistan deploying new aerial tactics and UAVs.
Rapidly evolving aerial warfare including AI-driven drones, hypersonic missiles, and cyber-integrated threats.
Meanwhile, the IAF is inducting homegrown platforms like:
LCA Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft)
AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)
CATS Warrior (AI-powered unmanned combat drones)
His background in both traditional and modern combat operations positions him to shape India’s air doctrine for future warfare.
Conclusion
The elevation of Air Marshal George Thomas as DG Air Operations is a strategic step in reinforcing India’s aerial defence posture. With his wide-ranging expertise, inspirational leadership, and futuristic vision, the Indian Air Force is poised to expand its capabilities in both conventional and asymmetric warfare domains.
“In the age of hybrid threats, air power is not just about dominance in the sky but about integration, intelligence, and indigenization. Leaders like Air Marshal George Thomas will shape the IAF’s trajectory into this future.”
In a landmark escalation of the ongoing war, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has carried out a complex and highly coordinated drone strike operation deep inside Russian territory, crippling key elements of Russia’s strategic aviation. Codenamed “Web,” the mission reportedly took over 18 months to plan and was executed with surgical precision on June 1, 2025, targeting four major Russian air bases and destroying 41 aircraft, including nuclear-capable strategic bombers and an A-50 airborne early warning aircraft.
The attack relied on first-person-view (FPV) drones, ingeniously concealed in mobile wooden containers disguised as commercial truck loads. These containers were fitted with remote-controlled roofs that opened at pre-scheduled times, releasing swarms of drones directly from Russian soil. Photos released by the SBU show rows of drones packed inside these containers, ready for launch, with additional units stacked nearby for rapid deployment.
⚡ The Ukraine's SBU has published photographs of the containers from which the drones were allegedly launched.
SBU spent over 18 months planning the massive “Web” operation that struck 41 Russian strategic aircraft today.
Struck airfields include Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk Oblast, Olenya in Murmansk Oblast, Diaghilev in Ryazan Oblast, and Ivanovo in Ivanovo Oblast. Among the high-value targets hit were Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 bombers—both known for their long-range missile strike capabilities—as well as a rare A-50 AWACS aircraft, valued at an estimated $350 million. The A-50 is one of fewer than ten such aircraft in the Russian arsenal and plays a vital role in battlefield surveillance and coordination.
Sources familiar with the operation confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelensky and SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk personally oversaw its planning and execution. The strategic reach and complexity of the operation mark a new chapter in Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities, demonstrating the ability not only to penetrate deep into enemy territory but to do so with pinpoint accuracy and devastating results.
Belaya Air Base, which has hosted nuclear-capable bombers since the late 1960s, was one of the most heavily damaged targets. It serves as a central node for Russia’s Long-Range Aviation forces. Online footage, yet to be officially verified, shows massive fires and explosions on its runways, purportedly involving several burning Russian bombers.
The timing of the strike coincides with an increasing reliance by both sides on drone technology. While Russia has employed FPV drones like the plywood-based Molniya to attack Ukrainian positions, Ukraine has reverse-engineered similar systems and adapted them for large-scale strategic operations. Operation “Web” is the most significant example yet of Kyiv turning asymmetric technology into a strategic weapon.
This mission not only underscores Ukraine’s growing technological edge but also presents a serious challenge to Russia’s military doctrine, which has so far depended on relocating strategic bombers to air bases presumed out of Ukrainian range. That assumption has now been shattered.
As the war enters a new phase, the use of drones to deliver deep-strike capabilities is reshaping the modern battlefield. Operation “Web” sends a clear signal: Ukraine can now reach the heart of Russian military infrastructure—and it intends to do so.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has launched its most audacious military campaign yet, targeting five major Russian air bases in a covert operation codenamed “Web.” The long-range drone strikes, which reached as far as 4,000 kilometers into Russian territory, struck Olenya Air Base in the Murmansk Region, Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk, Ivanovo Air Base, Dyagilevo Air Base in Ryazan, and Severomorsk—the administrative center of the Russian Northern Fleet.
🇺🇦🇷🇺 Final Map of the Locations of the "Web" Operation by Ukraine's SBU in Russia:
– Olenya Air Base in the Murmansk Region – Belaya Air Base in the Irkutsk Region – Ivanovo Air Base in the Ivanovo Region – Dyagilevo Air Base in the Ryazan Region – Severomorsk (Main… pic.twitter.com/fK6MVdAndh
The operation reportedly destroyed at least 41 aircraft, including Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 strategic bombers—assets Russia has used extensively to carry out missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Particularly devastating was the strike on Belaya Air Base, where local reports described extensive damage and smoke visible from miles away. Severomorsk, a vital naval and aerial logistics hub in the Arctic region, was also hit, endangering its missile depot that supports both strategic bombers and the Northern Fleet.
Sources suggest the drones were remotely operated, but the logistics of such long-range operations raise speculation about possible internal coordination within Russian territory. While some observers have raised questions about the use of artificial intelligence in guiding the UAVs, current intelligence indicates that human operators were involved in the precision strikes.
This large-scale operation builds on Ukraine’s increasingly assertive drone strategy. Just days earlier, on May 28, Ukrainian drones targeted the Raduga Design Bureau near Moscow, a key facility for cruise missile production. That strike had been regarded as Kyiv’s most significant drone operation until the launch of “Web.”
The scale and precision of the new strikes suggest a breakthrough in Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s pledge to produce one million FPV drones in 2024 is showing results, as these weapons enable deep-strike capability that can reach Russia’s strategic assets well beyond the frontlines.
Official Russian responses have remained limited. The governor of Irkutsk Region acknowledged a Ukrainian drone attack on a military unit in the village of Sridni, marking the first recorded strike in Siberia. However, Moscow has yet to fully address the apparent scale of damage, particularly the loss of strategic bombers and munitions stockpiles.
The targeting of Severomorsk has drawn particular attention due to its critical role as headquarters of the Northern Fleet, which includes advanced fighter regiments such as the MiG-29K and Su-33. Analysts say the successful targeting of this base could hinder Russia’s Arctic and naval operations, while forcing the Kremlin to reconsider the safety of assets once believed to be out of Ukraine’s reach.
As the war evolves, Ukraine’s growing technological edge and daring tactics are reshaping the battlefield. By striking deep into Russian territory, Kyiv aims not just to degrade enemy capabilities but also to demonstrate that distance is no longer a barrier. The international community continues to monitor these developments, as the balance of military momentum shifts under the weight of drone warfare and strategic precision.
In a major step towards enhancing battlefield medical preparedness, the AMC Centre & College, in collaboration with Military Hospital Mhow, conducted a one-day hands-on training capsule on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) on May 31, 2025. The program was held at the Army War College, Mhow, under the guidance of Headquarters Army Training Command (HQ ARTRAC), and focused on improving life-saving trauma care techniques among Indian Army officers.
#AMC Centre & College, Lucknow conducted a one-day hands-on capsule on Tactical Combat Casualty Care on 31 May 2025 in conjunction with #MilitaryHospital Mhow at #ArmyWarCollege, Mhow under the aegis of #HQARTRAC. The capsule was attended by officers undergoing Junior Command… pic.twitter.com/eRgCBhLFvi
The training was primarily designed for officers undergoing the Junior Command course but also included instructors from the Army War College, ensuring wide-scale knowledge transfer. Based on protocols originally developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, TCCC emphasizes evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing preventable deaths in combat scenarios. Participants engaged in practical demonstrations using advanced medical mannequins to practice procedures such as airway management and hemorrhage control, along with interactive sessions on the use of modern combat medical equipment.
The Army War College in Mhow is a premier defense training institution that annually trains between 2,500 to 3,000 Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary officers, in addition to around 100 international officers. This TCCC training marks a critical move in the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to improve combat casualty care, particularly amidst increased deployments in high-risk border zones.
The AMC Centre & College continues to be at the forefront of military medical training and research. With the recent establishment of the Institute of Military Medicine, the institution is further expanding its capacity to address the evolving health needs of soldiers operating in extreme and diverse environments. This training capsule reflects the Army’s proactive approach to enhancing operational readiness through cutting-edge medical education.
Explosions and large plumes of smoke have been reported in Severomorsk, a critical Russian military port and the main administrative center of the Northern Fleet. Located on the coast of the Barents Sea in the Murmansk Oblast, Severomorsk plays a central role in Russia’s naval defense, particularly its nuclear submarine operations. The incident has triggered alarm both within Russia and internationally due to the sensitive nature of the facilities based in the region.
⚡ BREAKING: Now explosions and smoke reported in Severomorsk, Russia — main base of the Russian Northern Fleet and key port for nuclear-armed submarines.
Hosts two-thirds of Russia’s nuclear subs, including Yasen, Oscar II, Sierra II, and special-purpose vessels. pic.twitter.com/ctdtGSdisW
The Northern Fleet is home to a significant portion of Russia’s strategic military assets, including approximately two-thirds of the country’s nuclear submarines. These include advanced vessels such as the Yasen-class, Oscar II-class, and Sierra II-class submarines, along with special-purpose submarines used for deep-sea missions and intelligence gathering. The presence of such high-value military infrastructure makes Severomorsk a potential flashpoint in any major conflict involving Russia.
The cause of the explosions remains unclear, and Russian authorities have yet to issue an official statement. However, the situation evokes memories of the 1984 disaster in Severomorsk, when a massive explosion at a munitions depot killed hundreds and destroyed large quantities of naval weaponry. The historical precedent and current strategic importance of the city raise serious questions about the safety of Russia’s northern military operations and the security of its nuclear arsenal.
Given the Northern Fleet’s role in Arctic operations, ballistic missile deployments, and overall naval deterrence, any disturbance in Severomorsk has potential consequences far beyond Russia’s borders. The latest incident may prompt heightened alert levels among NATO forces operating in the Arctic and Baltic regions, as well as renewed scrutiny over the safety protocols at one of the most militarized zones in the Russian Federation.
In a stunning turn in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, new footage has surfaced showing Ukrainian drones being launched from within Russian territory, specifically in the Irkutsk region—more than 4,000 kilometers away from Ukraine’s borders. The videos, now widely circulated on social media and among open-source intelligence communities, appear to capture multiple drones being deployed from a parked truck, sparking widespread speculation and concern over the depth of Ukrainian reach and the vulnerability of Russian interior regions.
According to reports, the drones were launched from four separate locations within Russia, suggesting a high degree of planning, coordination, and possibly internal support. One of the most striking elements of the footage is a launch from a truck marked with the logo of “Wildberries,” a major Russian e-commerce platform. This detail has fueled theories about insider involvement, the repurposing of civilian infrastructure, or even the infiltration of Russian commercial networks.
The development follows one of the most intense Russian offensives in recent months, in which Moscow launched 367 drones and missiles in a massive aerial bombardment of Ukrainian targets. Ukraine’s apparent response—deep-penetration drone strikes—reflects an increasing reliance on asymmetric warfare. By leveraging low-cost, long-range UAVs, Kyiv seems to be sending a message that nowhere inside Russia is beyond its operational reach.
These drone operations not only represent a significant escalation in tactics but also raise serious questions about the effectiveness of Russian air defense systems far from the frontlines. The psychological and strategic impact of such strikes is profound, signaling that Ukraine is prepared to take the conflict far beyond the traditional battlefield.
As the war continues to evolve, the international community remains on edge. With both nations showing no signs of de-escalation, concerns are growing over the broader implications for regional stability and global security. This latest incident may mark a new chapter in modern warfare, where traditional frontlines are blurred by drones, deception, and deep-strike capabilities.
A ceremonial attestation and passing out parade was held today at the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong, celebrating the graduation of 879 Agniveers from the 5th batch of the Agnipath Scheme. The event, reviewed by Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, GOC of the Spear Corps and Colonel of the Assam Regiment and Arunachal Scouts, marked a significant milestone for the young recruits and the Indian Army.
Despite intermittent rain, the ceremony radiated enthusiasm and pride, with the freshly trained Agniveers demonstrating military discipline and precision during the march-past. The Agnipath Scheme, launched in June 2022, allows selected youth aged 17.5 to 23 to serve in the Armed Forces for four years, with the aim of infusing the military with young, agile talent while optimizing long-term pension liabilities.
A standout moment in the event was the presentation of the Dah of Honour to Agniveer Roniel Hengba, who was declared the Overall Best Agniveer of the batch. The Dah, a traditional blade symbolic of the Assam Regiment’s northeastern legacy, is a highly respected award presented to the top-performing recruit in each batch.
Lt Gen Pendharkar, who took command of the Spear Corps in August 2024, praised the Agniveers for their dedication and resilience. He also highlighted the Assam Regiment’s historic contributions to national security and its cultural vibrance, reflected in their unique Rhino Hat and composition of 25 units, including regular, Rashtriya Rifles, Territorial Army, and Arunachal Scouts battalions.
With over three decades of military service, including combat and command experience in high-altitude, counter-insurgency, and border regions, Lt Gen Pendharkar’s leadership is seen as vital, particularly in the backdrop of ongoing tensions in Northeast India. The ethnic violence in Manipur, which has taken over 200 lives in the past year, continues to demand strategic coordination and stability, areas where the Spear Corps plays a critical role.
Family members, military officials, and local dignitaries gathered at the Regimental Centre to witness the event, which ended on a high note of patriotism and resolve. The Assam Regimental Centre, nestled in Shillong’s scenic hills, remains a key training hub, producing soldiers who continue to uphold the Army’s highest traditions.
The 879 Agniveers now step into their new roles across the Armed Forces, symbolizing a new generation of warriors committed to serving the nation with pride and honor.
Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Ph.D, officially assumed command today as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), India’s only integrated tri-service command. Prior to the appointment, he was the Director General Defence Intelligence Agency & Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Intelligence. The ceremonial event, held at the command headquarters in Port Blair, marks a key moment in India’s defense posture in the Indo-Pacific.
Lt Gen Rana, who previously led India’s Defence Intelligence Agency since March 2023, commenced his tenure with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Bayonet Square, honoring the sacrifices of the armed forces. He then reviewed a Joint Services Guard of Honour, symbolizing the unique coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a unified command.
Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, Ph.D assumed charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command (#CINCAN) on 01 Jun 25. He laid a wreath at Bayonet Square and reviewed the Joint Services Guard of Honour at #ANC, the only Joint Services Command. pic.twitter.com/05YxjfJdw5
— Andaman & Nicobar Command (@AN_Command) June 1, 2025
Established in 2001, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) plays a vital role in safeguarding Indian interests in the eastern maritime domain, including oversight of the critical Strait of Malacca. With nearly 2,000 kilometers of coastline under its command, ANC manages key strategic assets such as Car Nicobar Air Force Station, INS Baaz, and naval vessels like INS Saryu and INS Sumedha, stationed in Port Blair since 2013.
The command also contributes significantly to international defense cooperation, especially under frameworks like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD). It has hosted joint training and facilitated logistical support agreements with partner countries such as Australia, Singapore, and the United States, boosting India’s strategic influence in the region.
Lt Gen Rana’s appointment comes at a time of growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, including the increasing assertiveness of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). With his background in military intelligence, he is expected to enhance the command’s operational preparedness and maritime surveillance capabilities.
Beyond its defense mandate, the Andaman and Nicobar Command also plays a role in environmental stewardship. It oversees the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, a biodiversity hotspot established in 1983, reflecting the dual mandate of national security and ecological protection.
The change of command ceremony was attended by senior officers from all three services, underscoring the collaborative ethos that defines ANC’s operational culture. As Lt Gen Rana takes command, the ANC is set to further consolidate its role as a linchpin in India’s maritime strategy and defense architecture in the Indo-Pacific.
