DEFENCE MINISTER
Pete Hegseth's big praise for Japan in face of Chinese aggression and amid Trump tariff threat
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Japan's role as an essential ally in countering Chinese military aggression. He announced upgrading the US military command in Japan to a war-fighting headquarters to enhance joint operational capabilities. Both nations agreed to accelerate military collaborations amid regional tensions, particularly regarding potential conflicts involving Taiwan.
PM Modi inaugurates airstrip for unarmed aerial vehicles in Nagpur
PM Modi inaugurated an airstrip for UAVs and a loitering munition testing facility at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur.
Pentagon chief Hegseth says 'warrior' Japan indispensable to deter China
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Japan's critical role in countering Chinese aggression and supporting U.S. deterrence efforts in the region. During a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani, Hegseth highlighted the longstanding alliance and strategic military presence in Japan as keystones for Indo-Pacific stability.
India-Sri Lanka defence pact on the cards as PM Modi visits
India and Sri Lanka will formalize a defence cooperation pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit from April 4 to 6. The visit aims to promote investments and deepen connectivity in various domains, despite Sri Lanka's recovering economy. Numerous MoUs, including those related to energy and digital sectors, are anticipated to be signed.
Army inducts indigenous surveillance systems, boosts defence capabilities with precision software
The Indian Army has signed key agreements to bolster its defence capabilities through indigenous innovation. These include a MoU with ADRIN for precision targeting software 'LAKSHYA-PT' and a contract with Zen Technologies for an Integrated Air Defence Combat Simulator.
India, Sri Lanka set to ink major defence pact during Modi's trip to Colombo next week
India and Sri Lanka will sign a major defence cooperation pact during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Colombo, aimed at countering China's growing military influence. The trip will also include discussions on restructuring Sri Lanka's debt and enhancing bilateral connectivity and cooperation across various domains.
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Lockheed’s F-35 faces a bigger threat than China—It’s Donald Trump’s foreign policy
The F-35 fighter jet, once the undisputed champion of Western air power, is facing an unexpected challenge—not from rival aircraft, but from politics. As Donald Trump sows doubt over NATO and hints at restricting US military exports, America’s allies are reconsidering their dependence on US-made weaponry. Concerns over a potential "kill switch" and Washington’s reliability as a security partner have left some nations rethinking their defence strategies. Could Trump’s policies make Lockheed Martin’s flagship fighter a casualty of his presidency?
Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh 'Fazza' Hamdan welcomes new baby girl Hind
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has welcomed his fourth child, a baby girl named Hind. The announcement was made on his official Instagram account, where he shared a heartfelt prayer for his newborn daughter. This new arrival adds to his growing family, which includes three other children.
India successfully test fires surface-to-air missile from Odisha coast
India successfully conducted a flight-test of its indigenously-developed Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. The missile destroyed a high-speed aerial target at low altitude. Defence officials praised this as a sign of India's strong design capabilities in defence research. Residents nearby were evacuated for safety during the test.
UK to become 'defence industrial superpower', finance minister says
Britain's finance minister Rachel Reeves announced an extra £2.2 billion for the defence sector in her budget update, aiming to make the UK a 'defence industrial superpower.' This investment will focus on new technologies such as drones and AI, while improving small companies' access to contracts.
MoD seals ₹6,900 crore deal with Bharat Forge & Tata for India’s next-gen ATAGS artillery
India has inked defence contracts worth Rs 6,900 crore to boost its artillery capabilities. The Ministry of Defence has signed deals with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles. This move, part of India’s broader push for self-reliance, will enhance firepower, modernise the Army’s artillery regiments, and support domestic defence manufacturing.
Sweden eyes defence spending at 3.5% of GDP in 2030
Sweden plans to raise its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, marking its largest rearmament since the Cold War. This increase surpasses prior projections and aligns with anticipated NATO targets, driven by concerns over Europe's security amid shifting U.S. priorities.
Spain's Sanchez vows to launch plan for defence boost by summer
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain will outline and begin implementing a plan to boost its defence sector before summer. Aiming to meet NATO's 2% GDP target by 2029, Sanchez seeks to enhance European security and proposed a joint EU defence fund. He assured no cuts to social or environmental spending, despite opposition.
Strengthening ties, expanding defence exports, and countering China: Why AIKEYME 2025 is more than just a naval drill
India is set to conduct its first major naval exercise with African nations, AIKEYME (Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement), in April 2025. Co-hosted with Tanzania, the six-day exercise will involve 10 African nations and focus on maritime security, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations. Additionally, India will launch the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar initiative, deploying INS Sunayna for joint surveillance missions. These efforts mark a significant step in deepening India's defence and maritime cooperation with Africa.
PM-CARE fund more transparent than UPA's PM relief fund, says Home Minister Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Congress for poor transparency and accountability in managing the Prime Minister's Relief Fund during the UPA era, alleging mismanagement and lack of oversight. He highlighted differences with the NDA's PM-CARE Fund, emphasizing its structured management by top ministers and its role in COVID-19 relief. Shah challenged Congress to justify its past fund management.
Punjab 2025 Budget Highlights: First ever drug census and universal health coverage on agenda
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presents a Rs 2.36 lakh crore budget for FY26, focusing on drug abuse, defence, agriculture, and universal healthcare. Key measures include the first-ever drug census, extending state health insurance to all 65 lakh families, and deploying 5,000 home guards for border security.
US still committed to European defence, Norway defence minister says
Norway's Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik confirms U.S. commitment to NATO's European defence but urges Europe to increase its own defence spending. Despite controversial statements by U.S. officials, Norway remains confident in collaborative security efforts. Norway plans to boost its defence spending significantly, exceeding the 2% GDP target by 2036 in response to rising security concerns.
‘We can’t rely on America forever’: EU unveils €800 billion defence plan to deter Russian threat, strengthen military preparedness by 2030
The European Union has unveiled plans for a €150bn defence fund, aiming to strengthen its military capabilities and reduce reliance on external suppliers like the US. The strategy includes boosting Europe's defence industry, particularly through partnerships with EU neighbours. However, tensions over military spending and supply chains remain as countries debate the details of this ambitious programme.
India to carry out mega naval exercise with African nations next month under Modi's MAHASAGAR vision
The Indian Navy will conduct a significant wargame with African nations next month to enhance defence cooperation, involving countries like Tanzania and South Africa. The 'AIKEYME' exercise aims to improve maritime security and interoperability. Another initiative, IOS Sagar, will see combined naval deployments to boost regional maritime collaborations.
Lebanese defence minister to visit Syria: official
Lebanese Defence Minister Michel Menassa will visit Syria to address border tensions and prevent cross-border aggression. The visit follows recent clashes resulting in ten deaths and accusations by Damascus against Hezbollah. A ceasefire was reached after Syrian air strikes killed seven Lebanese. Syria aims to curb smuggling in Homs province, with Hezbollah's influence notable in the border region.
Ukraine Defence Minister Rustem Umerov calls meeting with US "productive" ahead of peace talks
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov shared details of a productive meeting with the US ahead of the peace talks with Russia. Discussions included energy and protection of infrastructure. This precedes crucial US-Russia talks and follows a temporary halt in attacks on Ukrainian energy agreed by Putin.
Australia to speed up $1 billion in defence spending in budget, says defence minister
Australia will accelerate A$1 billion in defence spending to enhance military capabilities, including guided weapons manufacture and AUKUS submarine base development. The budget also introduces High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, and a Precision Strike Missile acquisition, highlighting a bolstered long-range strike capability and regional mobility.
India to host US Vice President JD Vance, NSA Michael Waltz in April
High-ranking US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, are scheduled to visit India to strengthen the strategic partnership. This is set to build on recent high-level engagements, focusing on a new 10-year defense framework and bilateral trade agreement discussions.
India, Italy hold deliberations to expand military ties
India and Italy held a two-day meeting in Rome to discuss enhancing their military cooperation, focusing on capability development and strengthening armed forces collaboration. This comes after the Prime Ministers of both countries unveiled a five-year strategic action plan in November.
Italy PM Giorgia Meloni govt’s deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink has stalled, says defence minister
Negotiations between Elon Musk's Starlink and the Italian government for an encrypted communication system have stalled. Italy aims to secure communications for officials in risky areas, but talks have been hindered by geopolitical tensions and opposition concerns about national security. Starlink, with 6,700 satellites, was considered for a 1.5 billion euros deal.
Gabbard's India visit: New Delhi called for action against anti-India elements in US
India has communicated to the US its concerns regarding secessionist elements conducting anti-India activities from American soil. During meetings with US Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, officials discussed bilateral cooperation on intelligence-sharing, defense, counter-terrorism, and transnational threats, emphasizing the strong US-India relationship.
Israel defence minister threatens to annex parts of Gaza
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to annex parts of Gaza unless Hamas militants release Israeli hostages. Israel's renewed offensive, including air and ground operations, has led to significant casualties and further aims to force compliance by combining military and civilian measures.
Rs 54,000 crore defence boost: DAC fast-tracks tanks, torpedoes & AEW&C, slashes red tape
India is set to enhance its defence capabilities with capital acquisitions worth over Rs 54,000 crore, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The procurement includes advanced engines for T-90 tanks, Varunastra torpedoes, and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems. The Ministry of Defence is also cutting acquisition timelines from 96 weeks to just 24 weeks, aiming for faster and more efficient decision-making to prevent procurement delays and strengthen national security.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh takes up arms sales to Pakistan with Netherlands
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concerns over arms sales to Pakistan during a meeting with Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans. Singh emphasised that such transfers could destabilise regional power dynamics, urging the Netherlands to halt military technology transfers to Pakistan due to its history of sponsoring terrorism.
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