An Apache helicopter of the Indian Air Force (IAF) made a “precautionary landing” in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur on Friday due to a technical issue while on a routine sortie, officials said.
Both the pilot and the co-pilot are safe, they said.
An IAF Apache helicopter made a “precautionary landing” in Saharanpur around 11 am due to a technical issue, a senior IAF official said.
All necessary checks were conducted after the landing and the helicopter was made serviceable. Both the pilot and the co-pilot then flew it to the Sarsawa airbase in Uttar Pradesh, the official said.
Pakistan writes three letters in a month for Indus Water Treaty revival
Pakistan’s rabi crops may be affected due to the suspension of the IWT as close to 80 per cent of the country’s irrigation needs are met through the three western rivers. In economic terms, these waters contribute 21 per cent to the country’s GDP
Pakistan has written three letters to New Delhi since May 10 when post-Pahalgam hostilities ended between the two countries seeking revival of the Indus Waters Treaty and exchange of data on how much water was flowing from India into the western neighbour’s territory.
India had kept the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance after the April 22 terrorist attack in which 25 tourists and a pony-owner were killed in Pahalgam.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources has sent four letters — three received after May 10 — to the Jal Shakti Ministry, which has forwarded these to the Ministry of External Affairs for “action, if any”. Sources said the 1960 IWT’s provisions allowed its modification. “Section 12 mentions that the treaty may be modified from time to time by a duly-ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two governments,” the sources said.
India has been asking for modification to the IWT, citing the changed water flow and improved engineering techniques that allow better power generation and water regulation. Days after the Pahalgam attack, the Cabinet Committee of Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had announced keeping the IWT in abeyance “until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably stopped cross-border terrorism”. The World Bank, which was part of the treaty negotiations in the 1950s, has refused to intervene despite Pakistan’s request. The IWT governs how the waters of the six Indus basin rivers —Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej — are utilised and distributed between the two neighbours. The agreement allocates the eastern rivers—Sutlej, Beas and Ravi—to India and the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum and Chenab—to Pakistan.
During his address to the nation last month, Prime Minister Modi had made it clear to Pakistan that “water and blood could not flow together”.
Pakistan’s rabi crops may be affected due to the suspension of the IWT as close to 80 per cent of the country’s irrigation needs are met through the three western rivers. In economic terms, these waters contribute 21 per cent to the country’s GDP.
An official said holding the IWT in abeyance gave India an option to have a long-term plan on using the mandated share of Pakistan’s waters. At present, India has little capacity to store waters of the Indus, Jhelum and the Chenab. “In the long term, India can build large storage dams across these rivers, especially across the Indus and the Chenab and release water at will: more during monsoons and hold it back in the summer months,” the official said.
As many as 48 cadets of the Army Cadet College (ACC) wing of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, marked the successful completion of their rigorous academic and military training, with the graduation ceremony being held on June 6.
Lt Gen Nagendra Singh, Commandant, IMA, conferred the bachelor’s degree of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, on 18 cadets of the science stream and 30 cadets of the humanities stream of the 125th Course of the ACC. They will now join the IMA for one-year pre-commissioning training.
The ACC is a feeder institute to the IMA, training and grooming armed forces personnel from the ranks to become officers over a three-year period. The curriculum is made to ensure holistic development of cadets physically, mentally and intellectually. Every cadet undergoes a graduation programme augmented with rigorous military training to imbibe traits required by them to become commissioned officers in the Army.
In his convocation address, Lt Gen Nagendra Singh congratulated the cadets for successfully crossing an important milestone in their professional career. He emphasised that character, self-discipline, courage, motivation, positive attitude and professional competence were the pillars of a successful Army officer.
The Chief of Army Staff Gold Medal for standing first in the order of merit was awarded to Wing Cadet Capt Praveen Kumar, Silver Medal to Platoon Cadet Capt Amit Kuntal and Bronze Medal to Company Cadet Capt Amandeep Singh. The Commandant’s Silver Medal for standing first in service subjects was awarded to Platoon Cadet Capt Amit Kuntal
PM stopped Army out of fear of ‘big country’: West Bengal Minister Firhad
BJP says speaking less like an Indian leader and more like a Pakistani politician trying to belittle the Indian government and its leadership
West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim on Saturday courted controversy by stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stopped the armed forces during Operation Sindoor “out of fear of a big country”.
Attaching a video of Hakim’s purported byte to reporters, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya slammed Hakim, a senior functionary of TMC, and accused him of making a “disgraceful attack” on the PM on the instruction of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
In the video, Hakim was heard telling reporters, “The PM had halted the Indian Army’s barrage of attacks against Pakistan out of fear of a big nation, like a ‘kapurush’ (coward). How can the PM claim he has done anything big? How can he take credit for Operation Sindoor?”
Countering Hakim, Malviya posted on his X handle, “Listen carefully to what Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim is saying — the same man who once infamously called parts of Kolkata ‘Mini Pakistan’ and openly harbours dreams of turning India into an Islamic state. Now, under clear instructions from his leader Mamata Banerjee, he has launched a vile and disgraceful attack on the PM. He shamelessly claimed that PM Modi had no role in giving Pakistan a befitting reply through Operation Sindoor. He went a step further and labelled him a ‘coward’ for observing a ceasefire and not extending Operation Sindoor further,” he added.
“Frankly, this rhetoric sounds less like an Indian leader and more like a Pakistani politician trying to belittle the Indian government and its leadership. Such statements expose the mindset of those who put partisan hate above national interest. The people of India will see through this,” he added.
The young Agniveers were awarded medals for their outstanding performance during the training
A total of 194 Agniveers were inducted into the Ladakh Scouts regiment at a passing out parade in Leh on Thursday.
The young Agniveers, hailing from all regions of Ladakh, undertook rigorous training and are now ready to serve the country, officials said.
“A passing out parade was held at the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre in Leh today to mark the entry of 194 well-trained Agniveer recruits into the Ladakh Scouts Regiment as Agniveer soldiers,” a defence spokesperson said.
He said the ceremony, conducted in consonance with the highest traditions of the Army, was reviewed by General Officer Commanding (GoC) Uniform Force, Major General Gurpal Singh.
Military and civil dignitaries, along with the parents of the Agniveers, attended the event.
The GoC exhorted the young soldiers to continue striving for excellence in all spheres and to take a solemn vow to defend the sovereignty of the Nation against all odds, in the true spirit signified by the ethos of the Army.
He also congratulated the proud parents who had motivated their wards to join the regiment, and complimented the Ladakh Scouts personnel for their performance in all spheres and their exceptional valour and contributions.
The young Agniveers were awarded medals for their outstanding performance during the training, the spokesperson said.
A Gaurav Padak was presented to the parents who are either serving or have served in the Army and whose wards joined the regiment as Agniveers.
India has made significant strides in indigenous defence technology, particularly following the recent India-Pakistan conflict and the effectiveness of its indigenous weaponry during Operation Sindoor.
In response to Pakistan’s deployment of Chinese-supplied SH-15 Howitzers, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled a new generation of advanced artillery munitions and systems, marking a major leap in India’s military capabilities and self-reliance.
DRDO’s New Lethal Weapon: 155mm Ramjet Artillery Projectile
According to a Janes report, the latest breakthrough is the development and display of a 155mm ramjet-powered artillery projectile, specifically designed for the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a 155mm/52 calibre gun jointly developed by DRDO and Indian industry partners such as Bharat Forge Limited, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, and TATA Advanced Systems Limited.
This new ramjet projectile leverages missile-like propulsion to dramatically extend the range of conventional artillery shells, potentially reaching targets up to 80 km away—far beyond the current 45 km range of standard ATAGS shells. The ramjet works by drawing in atmospheric oxygen during flight, sustaining combustion and boosting velocity and range, thus offering a technological edge over traditional artillery munitions.
In addition to the ramjet projectile, DRDO and private sector partners like Reliance Infrastructure have developed four types of next-generation 155mm artillery ammunition, all based on indigenous technology. These developments are part of the broader ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign imports and bolster India’s defence exports.
Strategic Impact And Future Prospects
The ATAGS system itself is a state-of-the-art artillery platform, capable of firing six rounds in 30 seconds, with a 25-litre chamber volume (surpassing many global counterparts), and is slated for large-scale induction into the Indian Army, with 307 units expected to be procured by March 2025. The new ammunition and gun systems are expected to save billions in import costs and position India as a major exporter of advanced artillery technology.
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has expressed confidence that the war-tested status of indigenous equipment, especially after Operation Sindoor, will drive a surge in defence exports. He also highlighted the recent government approval for the ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project (AMCA), with the first prototype flight targeted for 2029 and production from 2035 onward.
BrahMos Missile Upgrades
Parallel to artillery advancements, India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has gained global attention, particularly after its successful deployment against Pakistani and Chinese air defences during recent conflicts.
The BrahMos is being further enhanced, with integration planned for India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jets and the development of lighter, next-generation variants (BrahMos-NG) for broader platform compatibility and export. These upgrades reinforce India’s deterrence posture and further support its emergence as a leading defence exporter.
India’s latest indigenous weapon developments—especially the 155mm ramjet artillery projectile and advanced ATAGS system—represent a giant leap in the country’s defence capabilities. These innovations not only counter evolving threats from Pakistan and China but also advance India’s strategic autonomy and export potential, aligning with national initiatives for self-reliance and technological leadership in defence.
Agencies
Guardians of the Sky: India Has Emerged As A Global Leader In Air Defence
2nd phase of anti-ballistic missile defence test with AD-1 missile on a Mobile Launcher System
Air defence systems have become indispensable in the 21st century, serving as silent sentinels that protect nations from an evolving array of aerial threats. From drones and cruise missiles to hypersonic weapons and advanced aircraft, the sky is now a contested and dynamic domain.
The rapid escalation of global security concerns, driven by regional conflicts and the proliferation of advanced weaponry, has prompted countries to invest heavily in multi-layered, technologically advanced air defence networks.
The world’s most sophisticated air defence systems as of 2025 are defined by their range, altitude, interceptor speed, and versatility against diverse threats. Their effectiveness is measured by combat performance, technological innovation, and global deployment.
During the four-day border conflict with Pakistan in May 2025, India’s integrated air defence grid—combining imported platforms like the S-400 Triumf and SPYDER with indigenous systems such as Akash and advanced radar networks—proved highly effective. Indian air defence units neutralised nearly 800–900 Pakistani drones and successfully intercepted missiles and other aerial threats, protecting critical military and civilian infrastructure, including high-value targets like the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Russia’s S-400 Triumf: With a range of up to 400 km, the S-400 can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, tracking up to 80 targets simultaneously. Its mobility, integration, and combat record—such as India’s use during recent skirmishes with Pakistan—make it a global benchmark. Users include Russia, China, India, and Turkey.
US Patriot PAC-3 MSE: Renowned for its hit-to-kill technology, the Patriot system has a range of up to 160 km for aircraft and 35 km for ballistic missiles. It is combat-proven in the Gulf Wars and Ukraine, and widely deployed by the USA, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
US THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence): Designed for high-altitude interception of short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles, THAAD operates at ranges up to 200 km and integrates seamlessly with Aegis and Patriot systems.
US Aegis Combat System With SM-3/SM-6 Missiles: With a reach of up to 2,500 km, Aegis can intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in mid-course and is a core part of NATO’s missile shield.
Israel’s Iron Dome: Specialised for short-range threats (4–70 km), the Iron Dome boasts a success rate of around 90% against rockets, artillery, mortars, and drones. It is operational in Israel and has been tested by India and Azerbaijan.
Why Air Defence Systems Matter
Air defence systems are not just defensive assets; they are strategic deterrents. By protecting cities, military installations, and critical infrastructure, these systems discourage enemy aggression and enable a nation’s air force to operate with greater freedom. The rise of drones, hypersonic missiles, and precision-guided munitions has made advanced, responsive air defence indispensable.
The core components of these systems include:
Detection: Radars and sensors identify and track incoming threats.
Command And Control: Decision-making hubs process data and coordinate responses.
Interceptors: Surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns neutralize threats before they reach their targets.
India’s Air Defence: A Multi-Layered Shield
India has emerged as a global leader in air defence, building a multi-layered network that integrates indigenous innovation, international collaboration, and strategic imports. Its arsenal is among the top five globally in terms of volume, diversity, and technological sophistication.
Key Systems In India’s Arsenal
S-400 Triumf: India’s acquisition of five S-400 regiments from Russia (three deployed as of 2025, two more by 2026) has significantly bolstered its strategic deterrence, especially against Pakistan and China. The system is deployed to protect critical regions like Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and the Northeast.
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program: India’s multi-layered air defence network has demonstrated combat performance that matches or surpasses some of the most advanced global systems, particularly in recent real-world engagements. The Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program is a critical initiative aimed at protecting nations from the growing threat of ballistic missile attacks, particularly those carrying nuclear warheads. Ballistic missiles, which follow a high-arching trajectory and are powered only during their initial phase, pose a significant risk due to their speed, range, and destructive potential. In response, several countries have developed sophisticated BMD systems to detect, track, and neutralize these threats before they reach their intended targets.
The primary objective of a BMD program is to safeguard a country’s population, territory, and strategic assets from incoming ballistic missiles. This is achieved through the deployment of multi-layered defence systems capable of intercepting missiles at various stages of their flight. The rationale for such programs has been driven by the proliferation of missile technology and the nuclearization of regions, as seen in South Asia, where India initiated its BMD program in 2000 following the Kargil War and in response to missile threats from neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China.
Developed by DRDO, India’s BMD features a two-layered shield:
Phase I (PAD/AAD): Exo- and endo-atmospheric interceptors for ballistic missiles.
Phase II (AD-1/AD-2): Designed to intercept intermediate- and intercontinental-range missiles (5,000+ km). Delhi is the first city to be protected by this system.
MR-SAM/Barak-8: Jointly developed with Israel, this system covers ranges of 70–100+ km, features active radar homing, and is deployed by the Army and Navy.
Akash & Akash-NG: Indigenous medium-range systems effective against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, with the latest variant offering improved range and electronic countermeasure resistance.
QRSAM: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, mobile and truck-mounted, with a 30 km range, designed to protect moving army columns. It is set to replace older Soviet-era systems.
VSHORADS: Very Short Range Air Defence, man-portable missiles for frontline troops, with new DRDO-developed versions entering service in 2024–25.
SPYDER: Israeli point-defence system (15–20 km range) used to protect airfields and critical assets.
Upcoming Systems
XRSAM: Under development, with a planned 250 km range to bridge the gap between MR-SAM and S-400, expected late 2020s.
Project Kusha: An indigenous long-range SAM system to counter threats up to Mach 7, featuring interceptors with ranges of 150, 250, and 350 km. Deployment is anticipated by 2028–2029.
Integrated Air Command And Control System (IACCS): A nationwide network linking military and civilian radars for real-time tracking and interception, ensuring coordinated defence across India’s vast airspace.
The Road Ahead
India’s air defence architecture is a blend of imported platforms, indigenous innovation, and joint development. The focus is on building a layered, responsive, and technologically advanced shield capable of countering everything from drones to hypersonic missiles. With ongoing projects like XRSAM and Project Kusha, and continued upgrades to existing systems, India is set to further strengthen its position as a global air defence power.
India’s strategic focus on indigenous technology has significantly improved its overall air defence resilience by ensuring greater self-reliance, operational autonomy, and adaptability in the face of evolving threats. By prioritising indigenous development of critical systems—ranging from missile platforms like Akash and BrahMos to advanced electronic warfare and radar technologies—India has reduced its dependency on foreign suppliers, thereby insulating its defence preparedness from international sanctions, supply chain disruptions, or shifting geopolitical alliances.
This indigenisation drive, underpinned by initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, enables India to swiftly upgrade and modernise its air defence systems in response to new challenges, such as stealth aircraft, drones, and hypersonic missiles. Indigenous innovation also allows for seamless integration of multi-layered defences, including satellites for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, where Indian satellites provided critical battlefield awareness and targeting data.
Conclusion
The reinvention of air defence systems worldwide reflects the changing face of warfare. As aerial threats become more sophisticated and unpredictable, nations like India are not only keeping pace but setting benchmarks in multi-layered, integrated air defence. The “guardians of the sky” are now more critical than ever, ensuring security, deterrence, and operational freedom in an increasingly contested airspace.
IDN (With Agency Inputs)
Despite The Dismal Failure of Chinese Air Defence System During Ops Sindoor, Pak Plans To Buy Chinese HQ-19 ADS
Pakistan is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire China’s HQ-19 ballistic missile defence system alongside 40 J-35A stealth fighters, marking a strategic shift to counter India’s growing missile capabilities following recent hostilities.
This move comes after a four-day conflict in May 2025, where India conducted precision airstrikes using cruise missiles like BrahMos against Pakistani targets, exposing gaps in Islamabad’s air defences.
The HQ-19, unveiled in November 2024, is a road-mobile system developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It features:
A 3,000 km interception range for ballistic and cruise missiles, including India’s Agni series and BrahMos.
Hit-to-kill technology for kinetic impact without explosives, similar to the U.S. THAAD system.
A Type 610A radar with 4,000 km detection range, enabling exo-atmospheric interception at 70–150 km altitudes.
An 8×8 wheeled launcher carrying six missiles, integrated with command-and-control infrastructure.
Pakistan’s existing air defences, including HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems, struggled to counter Indian strikes during the May conflict, with think tanks like the Stimson Center noting “serious vulnerabilities”. The HQ-19 would complement planned J-35A stealth fighters (slated for 2026 delivery) to create a multi-layered defense. Analysts describe the HQ-19 as a “Chinese THAAD,” offering protection against India’s Agni-V MIRV-capable missiles and supersonic threats.
Derived from China’s HQ-9 (a copy of Russia’s S-300), the HQ-19 began development in the 1990s and underwent its first trial in 2021. Its procurement signals deepening China-Pakistan defence ties, with Islamabad already operating HQ-9B and LY-80 systems. The move could escalate regional arms dynamics, as India fields S-400 systems and advanced missile technologies.
While the HQ-19 enhances Pakistan’s strategic deterrence, experts caution that integration and training may pose challenges. The system is expected to begin deployment alongside J-35A fighters in early 2026, pending final negotiations.
Agencies
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