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5 soldiers had laid down their lives in an IPKF op led by Lt Gen Singh in Lanka in 1989
Before stepping into his new role as Vice-Chief of the Army on Friday, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh made a personal detour. In a solemn ceremony at the National War Memorial here, he paid tribute to five soldiers who had once fought by his side — and laid down their lives in an operation he led as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka in 1989. He was seriously injured in the same mission.
What made the moment poignant was the presence of the families of the fallen. The widows and relatives of the five soldiers stood alongside Lt Gen Singh as he offered a floral tribute at the Tyag Chakra, where the names of the five bravehearts have been etched.He also paid homage at the eternal flame of the National War Memorial.
Lt Gen Singh was a young Second Lieutenant with the 4th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, Special Forces (4 PARA SF) when the incident occurred on July 22, 1989.He was leading a 13-member quick reaction team moving from Iranamadu to Kilinochchi in northern Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. The convoy was ambushed en route, triggering a fierce counter-assault in which four LTTE militants were neutralised and several others injured. Five Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, while Singh and two others sustained serious injuries.
The 4 PARA SF had been inducted into Sri Lanka in October 1987 and played a critical role in several operations, first in Jaffna and later in Kilinochchi.
Lt Gen Singh was commissioned into the Army in December 1987 after graduating from La Martiniere College, Lucknow, Lucknow University, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradu
In a significant transition within the Indian Army’s top leadership, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh officially assumed the prestigious role of Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) on Friday, succeeding Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani. The appointment marks a milestone in Lt. Gen. Singh’s illustrious career, which spans over 38 years of dedicated service to the nation.
A ceremonial event at South Block in the national capital marked the occasion, underscoring the importance of this high-ranking position in shaping India’s military strategy and operational readiness.
Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, an officer of the Indian Army’s elite Parachute Regiment, brings a wealth of operational experience and strategic acumen to his new role. Commissioned into the 4th Battalion of The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) in December 1987, Lt. Gen. Singh is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, as well as La Martiniere College and Lucknow University. His educational background has been instrumental in shaping his leadership skills and strategic thinking, which have been honed through decades of service in some of the most challenging environments.
Lt. Gen. Singh’s career is distinguished by his participation in several high-profile operations, including:
In addition to his domestic contributions, Lt. Gen. Singh has significant international exposure, having served in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Lebanon and Sri Lanka. These assignments enriched his understanding of multinational military coordination and humanitarian operations, adding a global perspective to his leadership profile.
Prior to his appointment as VCOAS, Lt. Gen. Singh held several key command and staff positions that underscored his strategic and operational expertise. Most recently, he served as the Director General of Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement at Army Headquarters, a role that involved overseeing critical logistical support and strategic planning for the Indian Army. His tenure as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Rising Star Corps (IX Corps) since April 2022 was particularly notable. Based in Yol cantonment in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Valley, the corps is responsible for securing the Jammu region along India’s international border, a strategically vital area.
Lt. Gen. Singh’s earlier roles included commanding a Special Forces unit in the Kashmir Valley and on the Line of Control, as well as leading an Infantry Brigade and a Mountain Division during Operation Snow Leopard along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). His experience at the Infantry School in Mhow and the Strategic Forces Command further reflects his versatility in training and strategic domains.
His distinguished service has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on June 4, 2025, at the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and the Sena Medal for gallantry, awarded twice for his exemplary courage and leadership.
As the Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Pushpendra Singh will serve as the second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army, acting as the deputy to the Chief of Army Staff. His responsibilities include advising the Defence Minister, assisting the Chief of Army Staff in operational and administrative matters, and playing a pivotal role in strategy formulation, coordination across commands, and national security planning. The role is particularly critical at a time when India faces evolving security challenges, including border tensions, emerging threats in cybersecurity, and the need for technological modernization in defense.
Lt. Gen. Singh’s extensive experience in special forces, counter-insurgency operations, high-altitude warfare, and international missions positions him as a highly capable leader to guide the Indian Army through these challenges. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his battle-hardened expertise and forward-thinking approach to enhance the Army’s operational readiness and modernization efforts.
Lt. Gen. Singh succeeds Lt. Gen. N.S. Raja Subramani, who assumed the role of VCOAS on July 1, 2024, and superannuated on July 31, 2025, after 39 years of distinguished service. Lt. Gen. Subramani’s tenure was marked by significant contributions to the Army’s operational excellence and leadership training. On his final day, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honor the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and reviewed a Guard of Honour at South Block. The Indian Army expressed deep gratitude for his exemplary leadership and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.
The transition to Lt. Gen. Singh’s leadership ensures continuity in the Army’s strategic focus, particularly in strengthening counter-insurgency preparedness, border security, and modernization initiatives. His appointment is part of a broader reshuffle in India’s military leadership, with concurrent changes in the Indian Navy, including Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan’s transition to Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command and Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan’s appointment as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.
Lt. Gen. Pushpendra Singh’s elevation to Vice Chief of Army Staff reflects the Indian Army’s trust in his ability to lead during a transformative period. As the Army embraces integrated, technology-driven operations and joint strategies with other armed forces, officers like Lt. Gen. Singh, with both field combat experience and strategic foresight, are essential to driving this evolution. His Special Forces background, combined with his command of operationally critical formations and tenure in nuclear command structures, makes him one of the most versatile leaders in uniform today.
The Indian Army, under Lt. Gen. Singh’s leadership as VCOAS, is poised to continue its tradition of excellence, ensuring the nation’s security while adapting to the demands of modern warfare. His appointment has been widely welcomed by military analysts and personnel alike, who view it as a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation.
As Lt. Gen. Pushpendra Singh steps into this pivotal role, his journey from the rugged training grounds of 4 Para (Special Forces) to the apex of military leadership serves as an inspiration to countless young officers and soldiers across India’s defense forces. The nation looks forward to his contributions in shaping a stronger, more resilient Indian Army.
In the vast skies above India, a new chapter in aviation history has been written by Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal, the first woman fighter pilot to command the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Her groundbreaking achievement not only shatters long-standing gender barriers but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless women across the nation. Mohana’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams, proving that the sky is no limit when passion meets perseverance.
Born on January 22, 1992, in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, Mohana Singh Jitarwal hails from a family steeped in military tradition. Her father, Pratap Singh Jitarwal, served as a Master Warrant Officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), while her grandfather, a flight gunner in the Aviation Research Centre, was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for his bravery. Growing up surrounded by tales of valor and service, Mohana developed a deep sense of patriotism and an ambition to soar high in the skies.
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Her childhood was marked by a blend of academic excellence and extracurricular enthusiasm. She completed her schooling at The Air Force School in New Delhi, where she was exposed to the disciplined environment of military life. Later, she pursued a BTech in Electronics & Communication from the Global Institute of Management and Emerging Technologies in Amritsar, Punjab. Beyond academics, Mohana’s hobbies—roller skating, badminton, singing, and painting—reflected her vibrant and multifaceted personality. Yet, her heart was set on one goal: to become a fighter pilot, a dream inspired by her family’s legacy and her own unyielding determination.
In 2016, the Indian government made a historic decision to open the fighter pilot stream to women on an experimental basis, a move that challenged decades of tradition in the male-dominated armed forces. Mohana Singh Jitarwal, along with Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi, seized this opportunity to etch their names in history. The trio became the first women to be inducted as fighter pilots in the IAF, formally commissioned by then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in June 2016.
This milestone was more than a personal triumph for Mohana; it was a watershed moment for gender equality in India’s military. The induction of women into combat roles signaled a shift in societal norms, opening doors for future generations to pursue careers previously deemed unattainable. Mohana’s journey to this point was not without challenges. The rigorous training, high expectations, and societal scrutiny tested her resolve, but her passion for flying kept her focused.
Her early career saw her flying MiG-21 Bison aircraft with the No. 3 ‘Cobras’ Squadron at Nal Air Force Station near Bikaner, Rajasthan. In June 2019, she achieved another first by becoming fully operational by day on the Hawk Mk.132, logging over 380 incident-free flying hours at Kalaikunda Air Force Station. These accomplishments showcased her skill and dedication, earning her respect among her peers and superiors.
In 2024, Mohana Singh Jitarwal achieved her most celebrated feat yet: becoming the first woman fighter pilot to fly the LCA Tejas, India’s indigenously developed fighter jet. She joined the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ Squadron, based at Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat, near the border with Pakistan. The Tejas, a symbol of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, is a state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with modern technology, and Mohana’s role in piloting it underscores her exceptional capabilities.
Her participation in the ‘Tarang Shakti’ multilateral air exercise in Jodhpur further highlighted her prowess. During this event, she not only flew the Tejas but also instructed the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army and Navy during a historic flight, demonstrating the IAF’s trust in her expertise. This exercise, which included participation from global air forces like those of the US, Greece, and Australia, showcased India’s growing military capabilities and Mohana’s pivotal role in representing the nation.
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Mohana Singh’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of perseverance and passion. Despite the weight of societal expectations and the challenges of being a pioneer, she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. In her own words, “कई बार अनकहे एक्सपेक्टेशंस G-सूट से भी भारी लगते थे… लेकिन हार मानना? वो मेरी चेकलिस्ट में कभी था ही नहीं” (Many times unspoken expectations felt heavier than the G-suit… but giving up? It was never on my checklist). This quote encapsulates her resilience and determination, qualities that have defined her career.
Her contributions have been widely recognized. In 2020, she was honored with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, awarded by President Ram Nath Kovind, for her role in empowering women. This accolade, along with her historic achievements, has made her a role model for young women aspiring to break barriers in any field, particularly in the armed forces.
Mohana’s story also highlights the IAF’s commitment to gender equality. Since 2016, around 20 women have joined the fighter pilot stream, with Mohana’s contemporaries, Bhawana Kanth and Avani Chaturvedi, now flying Su-30 MKI jets in the western desert. Together, they represent a new era of inclusivity and opportunity in the military.
At 32, Mohana Singh Jitarwal balances her demanding career with a personal life grounded in family values. She is married to Mohit, a businessman, and continues to draw strength from her parents—her father, Pratap Singh, and her mother, Manju Singh, a teacher. Her family’s support has been instrumental in her success, reinforcing the importance of a strong foundation in achieving one’s dreams.
Mohana’s legacy extends beyond her individual achievements. She has become a symbol of progress, inspiring not only women but also communities like her native Jhunjhunu, where her accomplishments are celebrated with pride. Her story encourages parents to support their daughters’ ambitions, as evidenced by local sentiments urging families to provide higher education and opportunities for girls.
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Squadron Leader Mohana Singh Jitarwal’s journey is a narrative of courage, skill, and unwavering determination. From her childhood dreams in Rajasthan to her historic flights in the LCA Tejas, she has redefined what is possible for women in India’s armed forces. Her achievements are a proud moment for the nation, reflecting India’s strides toward gender equality and self-reliance in defense.
As Mohana continues to soar high, she leaves behind a trail of inspiration for countless others to follow. Her story is a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the courage to challenge stereotypes, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
The 40 mm single barrel L-70 uses electro-optical systems, thermal imagers and data from air defence networks to target hostile platforms
The Army’s legacy L-70 anti-aircraft guns — that played a key role in shooting down Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor in May this year — are in for a significant upgrade with a move to retrofit them with fire control radars that specialise in detecting small drones.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is procuring Air Defence Fire Control Radar-Drone Detector that is specifically designed to detect very small flying objects. The 40 mm single barrel L-70, though upgraded over the years, uses electro-optical systems, thermal imagers and data from air defence networks to target hostile platforms.
The Army Air Defence (AAD), a separate combat arm, is mandated to provide terminal all weather air defence protection to the nominated high value assets in the Tactical Battle Area and rear areas.
The threat to these assets from hostile aerial platforms has been constantly evolving and the threat manifestation has transitioned from fighter aircrafts and helicopters to low flying, electrically operated drones having very low radar cross section (RCS) and infrared (lR) signatures, as has been observed from recent conflicts in Russia-Ukraine, lsrael-Hamas and lndia-Pakistan, a request for information (RFI) issued by the MoD on August 1 states.
“During Operation Sindoor, our adversary on the Western Front relied mostly on drones and swarm drones not only for surveillance but also to cause damage to civil as well as defence installations,” the RFI points out.
Air Defence guns to include L-70, ZU-2B and Schilka weapon systems, having high rate of fire and using smart ammunition performed exceptionally well to ensure cost effective neutralization of these threats, thereby ensuring minimal damage to the protected assets, according to the document.
“In order to further enhance the potential of L-70 guns, there is a need for fire control radar (FCR) capable of detecting, identifying, classifying and controlling the fire of weapon systems to neutralise the smallest of the surveillance and attack drones,” the RFI adds.
The FCR is visualised to comprise of a search radar, track radar, fire control system, an electro optical fire control system (EOFCS), laser range finder, identification of friend or foe system and a power supply unit.
The search radar should provide track-while-scan capability of up to 25 targets. The radar is required to be light weight, mounted on a single light 4×4 vehicle and be capable of controlling the fire of a minimum of two air defence guns.
The FCS will receive target information from the search radar, track radar and EOFCS and will simultaneously carry out ballistic computation and provide appropriate firing solutions to the gun systems. The target information will also be transmitted to the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) and shoulder launched Air Defence Missile System.
Over the last few years, Bharat Electronics Limited upgraded the L-70 guns with electric drives to replace the mechanical systems, electro-optical sensors and fire control computers that also enabled them to be integrated into the air defence and anti-drone networks. Real-time data fusion enabled these systems to receive inputs from surveillance radars allowing rapid orientation and engagement. The Army has a large number of L-70 guns.
The ambitious Zojila Tunnel project in Jammu & Kashmir has been hit by a series of delays and rising costs, with the completion deadline now extended to February 2028, over a year beyond the original schedule. The project, which was initially slated to be completed by September 2026, has made only 64 per cent physical progress so far.
In a written reply to Parliament, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, attributed the delays to a combination of factors, including disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, a terrorist attack at the nearby Sonamarg Tunnel Project, and prolonged spells of harsh weather in the region.
The Zojila Tunnel, expected to significantly improve connectivity between Srinagar and Leh by ensuring year-round road access through the strategic Zojila Pass, is now expected to be completed nearly 17 months later than planned.
The project’s financial outlay has also seen a sharp increase. The total estimated cost currently stands at Rs 6,809 crore, out of which Rs 3,934.42 crore has already been spent. Officials say the remaining work will continue under strict monitoring to avoid further cost overruns.
As per data shared by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the project currently employs 1,141 persons. Of these, a significant 77% belong to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and 28% of the overall workforce hails specifically from the Ganderbal district, the region in which part of the project is located.
An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday, officials said.
The Kashmir police said that the gunfight began in the Akhal area of Kulgam district. “J&K Police’s Special Operations Group, Army and Central Reserve Police Force are on the job,” the police said in a post on X. A senior police official said the operation is underway in a mountainous area and additional reinforcements have been rushed to the spot.
Earlier on Friday, J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, accompanied by Kashmir IGP VK Birdi, visited Kulgam to assess the security situation. Police sources said DGP Prabhat held an “operational review” with the Army’s General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Victor Force and senior officers of the J&K Police and Army in Kulgam.
After more than a century of 282 soldiers being buried alive in Ajnala, historian pushes for exhibit of discovered relics
About 168 years ago, on August 1, 1857, 282 Indian soldiers of the 26th Bengal Native Infantry Regiment were buried in a large well in Ajnala Tehsil on the orders of Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Frederick Henry Cooper. The well was then covered with soil.
After 157 years, historian and researcher Surinder Kochhar, who played a critical role in discovering the well and retrieving the skeletons of the 282 soldiers buried there, today submitted a demand letter to SDM Ajnala, Ravinder Singh Arora, requesting that the relics excavated from the well be recovered by the local administration and displayed in a museum.
The site was originally part of the main cantonment. Later, in 1972, a dargah was established there, followed by the construction of a gurdwara over the site. Kochhar said he first learned about the incident and the burial of the soldiers in the well in 2006 through historical books and documents. “However, it was on February 28, 2014, with the cooperation of the local people of Ajnala and the Gurdwara Committee, that the skeletons of the Indian soldiers and other relics were recovered. The excavation took place in the presence of administrative officials and thousands of locals. Later, these remains were placed under state government custody and handed over to Banaras Hindu University for DNA analysis,” he said.
A decade later, Kochhar claims they have identified four families who are descendants of one of the soldiers buried in 1857. “The DNA analysis of teeth found at the time helped identify their families. We hope to identify at least 50 families,” said Kochhar, who served as tourism advisor during former Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal’s tenure and led the rediscovery.
According to historians who have written on the subject, these soldiers were buried, some alive, between July 31 and August 1, 1857. As many as 282 sepoys, who had rebelled against the colonial rule, were captured by British forces while on their way to Lahore and massacred. The incident is mentioned in the works of Giani Hira Singh Dard, an eminent Punjabi writer, historian and editor of the Amritsar-based Punjabi magazine Phulwari.
The relics found in the well included two lion-faced bracelets, three Victoria medals, a silver buckle, seven stone tablets, coins (including a one-rupee coin dated 1835), copper coins and other items. Kochhar said these relics are currently in the possession of the former president of the Gurdwara Committee. He added that these should be immediately recovered and preserved for exhibition in a museum.
“The biggest lacunae is that while the mortal remains of the soldiers attracted attention at the time, the other recovered items were neglected. Many of these relics have either been sold or entered the black market due to a lack of action by the local and state authorities,” he added.
The largest potential deal on the table is the Indian Air Force’s tender to procure and manufacture 114 multi-role fighter jets
The largest potential deal on the table is the Indian Air Force’s tender to procure and manufacture 114 multi-role fighter jets
File photo for representational purpose only.
US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs and penalties on India is expected to rebound on American defence firms bidding for multi-billion-dollar projects in India, sources said.
For now, New Delhi is holding off on approving any major defence deals with the US until tempers cool, they added.Barring a few exceptions, most military procurement projects — including fighter jets, transport aircraft, specialised vehicles and anti-tank systems — fall under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This means any US company securing a contract must partner with an Indian firm and establish manufacturing facilities locally, marking a strategic shift in India’s defence acquisition policy.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have a strong defence partnership with the US, which has been strengthening over the last several years.” He added that the relationship has potential to grow further under the India-US ‘COMPACT’ arrangement for the 21st century.
COMPACT — Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology — was announced in February following a meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Among the major deals in the pipeline is India’s procurement of six additional Boeing P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft. These aircraft, capable of anti-submarine warfare, were officially confirmed during the Modi-Trump meeting. A joint statement noted that terms for the P-8I deal were agreed upon and the contract is nearing finalisation.
India had earlier procured 12 P-8I aircraft, and the US State Department cleared the additional sale in May 2021. The P-8I platform was used to monitor the LAC during the military standoff with China.
Another significant American offering is the Stryker armoured fighting vehicle. India is exploring variants with amphibious capabilities and integration of the Javelin anti-tank missile. A demonstration for the Indian Army is expected this year. The Army has projected a need for a large number of wheeled armoured fighting vehicles. The US has proposed setting up a global manufacturing base for the Stryker in India.
Talks are also underway to co-produce the Javelin missile in India. A long-term agreement is being negotiated, with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) having signed a memorandum with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin to explore joint manufacturing opportunities.
The largest potential deal on the table is the Indian Air Force’s tender to procure and manufacture 114 multi-role fighter jets. US giants Boeing and Lockheed Martin have expressed interest — a deal that would require shifting production lines to India and involve billions of dollars in investment and revenue.
In another joint venture, Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) are bidding to manufacture 80 C-130J special operations aircraft in India. The IAF currently operates a fleet of 12 such aircraft. A dedicated ‘Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited’ facility in Hyderabad already manufactures parts for the global C-130J supply chain.
As for rotary-wing platforms, the Indian Army has the option to procure 11 more Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, while the IAF is seeking additional Chinook heavy-lift helicopters — both manufactured by Boeing.
