More than 10 families, many of them from Punjab, today protested at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for safe return of their loved ones from Russia-Ukraine warzone. “We are not asking for the moon. We just want to know if…
More than 10 families, many of them from Punjab, today protested at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for safe return of their loved ones from Russia-Ukraine warzone.
“We are not asking for the moon. We just want to know if our kin are dead or alive,” said Jagdeep Kumar, whose younger brother, Mandeep Kumar, has been missing since March 2024.
The aggrieved families said their loved ones were lured by agents, who promised them lucrative jobs in Europe.“We request you with folded hands to give information about the missing Indians in the Russian army. If no action is taken, we will be forced to protest twice a month,” read a letter sent by the protesters to the Ministry of External Affairs.
“Indian Embassy in Moscow offered little assistance to those who went to Russia in search of their kin,” a wailing mother whispered.“I gave everything I had to bring my brother back. But I failed,” said Jagdeep, who alleged he was duped on the pretext of sending four people, including his brother from Armenia to Italy via Russia, Finland and Germany.
Three among them sensed something was wrong and came back, suspecting the so-called ‘donkey route’ — a notorious path used for illegal migration.
“My brother was still abroad. I got threatening videos from agents, who could be seen thrashing Mandeep and subsequently demanded more money,” said Jagdeep.Though an FIR was registered and a few agents were arrested, the network was still active, he said.
Jagdeep last spoke to his brother on March 3, 2024. “He was scared. He told me they’d forced him into Russian army and he has begun training near the Ukrainian border,” he recalled.
The protesters sought permission to head to Russia, with a letter signed from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, asking Indian diplomats to actively assist them.“Each passing day feels like a death sentence. We will not stop until we get answers,” said another protester.
Looking beyond Pahalgam to fight Pakistan-sponsored terror
The spring season in Kashmir this year was marred by the heinous terror attack perpetrated by heavily armed militants in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, claiming 26 innocent lives.
The Indian political leadership has set a “new normal” in terms of response to any act of terrorism traceable to Pakistan. However, there are some stark realities which have to be squarely addressed. To fully eliminate the scourge of terrorism, it is imperative to counter any form of local support to militants. To ensure a return to normalcy in Kashmir, in terms of local commerce and tourist footfall, the bellwether would be the safe conduct of the impending Amarnath pilgrimage. This can well be achieved by intensive deployment of a professional and counter-insurgency hardened force like the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), in larger numbers.
One harsh fact has to be contended with. Baisaran is fairly deep inside India. Those who carried out the massacre on April 22 were not on some lightning raid. Their actions show familiarity with the area.
That they could simply disappear and remain untraced points to the primacy of putting our own house in order. They may very well have gone back across the LoC or may be at large in the vastness of the Kashmir valley and its forests. In both cases, they would not be surviving only on fresh air and water from mountain rivulets.
There can be no denying the fact that there is local support for such militancy. The network of overground workers in concert with the cadres of Jamaat-e-Islami, is clearly active.
It may make for good optics to showcase normalcy in Kashmir but it needs to be remembered that such inimical and anti-India elements remain entrenched in the populace. Intelligence agencies, security forces and the local police need to act in a concerted, concrete and visible manner to address this problem. Normalcy cannot be endlessly held hostage by these malevolent elements.
To remain on top of the game, the induction of state-of-the-art systems, whether indigenous or imported, has to be an ongoing process. The MoD has stated that it would focus on simplifying acquisition procedures to facilitate swifter development of capability. However, without a robust fiscal outlay, any progress may fall well short of targets.
Any armed force in the world needs a gestation period to absorb new technologies and systems for warfare and such abilities cannot just manifest in the face of impending war by letting cash flow. The bottom line for capability development is both time and money.
The allocation for defence for 2025-26 is estimated at 1.91 per cent of the projected GDP, while a figure of 3 per cent has often been cited as an optimum allocation for meeting national security needs. However, it may be more prudent and pragmatic to view the required defence Bill in terms of a gross figure, which covers the annual expenditure, both revenue and capital, for all the three Services.
It is for the government to husband national resources in a manner that ensures defence of the nation. This will require not a mere balancing of the books but a resolve at the highest levels of government.
A Year of Reform is welcome. What is truly needed is not an year but an Era of Reform and Resolve, in tune with the “new normal”.
Lt Gen Pradeep Bali (retd) is a military commentator.
Today, the first batch of 17 women cadets (19 had joined, two dropped out) will pass out from the National Defence Academy (NDA), marking a historic milestone for the armed forces and the nation. They came from a generation accustomed to speed and instant connection — but they adapted to bugles, boots and discipline.
These cadets stepped into the precincts of the NDA to undergo one of the toughest regimens imaginable. Their journey was not just about breaking barriers; it was about setting benchmarks. A transformation not only of individuals — but of an institution.
It all began on a rain-washed afternoon in July 2022. As the girls stepped on the platform at the Pune railway station — bags on their backs, hearts in their throats — a tall, broad-shouldered ‘drill Ustad’ greeted them. His voice cut through the railway din, firm yet proud: “From this moment, you are not civilians. You wear the honour of the Indian armed forces.” That single sentence set the tone. No fanfare. No exceptions. Only expectations and the start of something historic.
The drive to Khadakwasla was quiet, each cadet lost in thought. As the Tri-Shakti Gate loomed and they entered the NDA, the imposing architecture greeted them — aircraft on display, cadets sprinting past on cross-country routes, others executing crisp drills on the parade ground. Cadets in mid-air during volleyball spikes, squads barking out drill commands — it was a world already in motion.
Everything looked rehearsed, efficient, overwhelming. 19 newly inducted girls, surrounded by over 2,200 male cadets — what were they thinking? Some wore pride, others caution. They were excited, but unsure. Brave, but still seeking belonging.
The Academy had prepared with precision. Romeo Squadron was refurbished —rooms restructured, lights upgraded, duty officers reassigned. New security protocols were drawn. A revised code of conduct was institutionalised.
Yet, the essence of training remained untouched. The NDA wasn’t creating exceptions — it was raising the bar. Traditions were respected, but inclusivity was now part of that tradition.
Training began like a thunderclap. The first term was a whirlwind of early wake-ups, punishing PT, relentless drills, academic lectures and quiet nights of aching limbs. The ‘drill Ustads’— towering, sharp-eyed and fierce —became icons of fear and respect. They roared on the parade ground, yet shielded their cadets like elder brothers. PT instructors focused not just on physical toughness but on inner resilience, adapting routines to match cadets’ progress with silent encouragement.
Academics brought a different kind of challenge. Held in the stately Sudan and Manoj Pandey Blocks, the classes offered everything from geopolitics and military history to physics and service fundamentals.
Cadets rushed in breathless from morning PT, faces still wet from drills, uniforms slightly out of place. They tried to sit upright — but heads nodded off mid-lecture, not out of disinterest but sheer fatigue. The instructors understood. They’d been cadets too. Questions flew, notes scribbled furiously and quiet moments of clarity landed like victory.
The Divisional Officers — often the first and most enduring influence on a cadet understood that these girls were not just joining a course; they were creating a legacy.
When a woman cadet faltered in a PT test or struggled with drill, it was the Divisional Officer who stood beside her — sometimes with quiet advice, sometimes with a stern word that stung, but strengthened.
They guided them into the military way of life — adjusting to routines, accepting command structures and building mental toughness. Over time, these cadets didn’t just adapt — they flourished. They led drills, topped academics and inspired juniors. By the sixth term, they weren’t seen as women cadets — they were seen as leaders.
The rhythm of the NDA gradually became their own — etched in parade commands, squadron assemblies and the quiet rustle of fatigues at dawn. For the girls, it meant trading ponytails for close-cropped crew cuts. They picked up the drill vocabulary, learned to march with poise, and synced their energy to the beat of the Academy. In this routine, they found rhythm and resilience.
The NDA has its own scent — the sharpness of polish, the earthy smell of monsoon drills, the metallic scent of rifle oil at the range and the steamy comfort of early morning chai. For the cadets, this rhythm is not imposed —it seeps in, until it becomes their own heartbeat. The NDA stopped feeling like an institution. It became home.
When the girls were integrated into squadrons, the dynamics changed. The male cadets adjusted, watched, then welcomed. Together, they competed in games, parades and obstacle courses. They failed, they won, and they cheered each other. The squadron spirit didn’t shrink — it grew. Within squadrons, bonds evolved.
As the terms rolled on, their bond extended beyond gender. Male course-mates, earlier unsure, now stood shoulder to shoulder with them in training and triumph.
By the third term, jokes flew in the ante-rooms. By the fourth term, they were picking each other up after falls — literally and figuratively. By the sixth term, they weren’t just the first women batch — they were a united course, bound not just by shared memories but a shared spirit of excellence.
When parents came during mid-terms, they found someone different. The girl who left with a small suitcase returned taller, tanned, and sharper in tone and thought. The transformation was unmistakable — and deeply moving. Even hesitant parents now carried pride in their eyes.
The Adjutant — immaculate in dress, commanding from his white charger — represented everything the NDA stood for: precision, honour and presence. Cadets lived under his gaze with a mix of fear and pride. The institution never just taught drills or strategy. It instilled values. Cadets learned that character isn’t optional — it’s non-negotiable.
The future they step into is starkly different. Operation Sindoor made it clear that warfare has moved beyond trenches and tanks. The battlefields of tomorrow will involve AI, drones, satellites and cyber strikes. These girls must lead in tactical formations as well as tech-driven command centres.
Today, as they march across the Khetarpal Parade Ground, the chief guest will salute — not 17 girls, but 17 officers-in-the-making. There will be no special reference. No gender called out.
As they walk past the Tri-Shakti Gate one last time, the NDA will not bid them farewell. It will whisper: Go lead. You are ready.
They came as nineteen girls.
They leave as trailblazers.
And in doing so, they didn’t just enter the NDA’s history.
People of PoK our own, will return voluntarily: Rajnath
People of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are part of India’s “own family” and the day is not far when they will return to the Indian mainstream by listening to their inner voice, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said today. Laying out India’s…
People of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are part of India’s “own family” and the day is not far when they will return to the Indian mainstream by listening to their inner voice, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said today.
Laying out India’s policy approach towards Pakistan, he said New Delhi had “redesigned and redefined” its strategy and response to terrorism and that possible dialogue with Islamabad would be only on terrorism and PoK.
In an address at the CII Business Summit, the minister appeared to be attempting to reach out to people of PoK, saying “I believe that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are our own, part of our family”.
India is committed to the resolution of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Best India), and we have full faith that those of our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today, will also return to the mainstream of India someday or the other with self-respect, listening to their voice of soul, the minister added.
On PoK, Singh said the “people there feel a deep connection with India, there are only a few who have been misled”. He stressed the unification of the PoK with India depended on “the cultural, social and economic prosperity of this country”.
He cited history to say situation of our brothers and sisters living in PoK was similar to that of Shakti Singh, the younger brother of brave warrior Maharana Pratap. “Even after separation, the confidence and faith of the elder brother towards his younger brother remains intact,” Singh said.
“India always talks about connecting hearts, and we believe that by walking on the path of love, unity and truth, the day is not far when our own part, PoK, will return and say, I am India, I have returned,” he said.
In first public disclosure, Sharif says BrahMos missiles were used
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has for the first time publicly admitted that the Indian armed forces pre-empted Islamabad’s planned offensive on the intervening night of May 9-10 when his nation’s key military bases, including Rawalpindi, were targeted using BrahMos missiles.
The Tribune was the first to report in its edition dated May 11 that the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30 MKI jets had attacked Pakistan’s airbases with BrahMos, making it the first operational firing of the long-range missile.
Speaking at the Pakistan-Turkey-Azerbaijan trilateral summit in Lachin (Azerbaijan), Sharif said the Pakistani military, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, had planned to attack India on May 10 at 4.30 am after the morning prayers.
“On the night of May 9-10, we decided to respond in a measured way to Indian aggression. Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4.30 in the morning after Fajr prayers to teach (India) a lesson. But before that hour could arrive, India again launched a missile attack using BrahMos, targeting various provinces of Pakistan and the airbase in Rawalpindi,” said Sharif.
Sharif said India destroyed Noor Khan (Rawalpindi) and Murid (Chakwal) bases before Pakistan’s planned attack. India had unleashed its BrahMos supersonic missile as part of Operation Sindoor in retaliatory strikes on Pakistani bases.
Peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of sacrifice. It is not typed, or posted, or hashtagged. It is built by those who shoulder rifles so others may carry coffee cups
Yesterday, I stepped out to pick up a loaf of bread from a nearby bakery. The moment I entered, the world outside seemed to come to a pause. The place wrapped itself around me like a quiet embrace — soft, amber lighting, the comforting scent of warm loaves mingling with the sweet whisper of vanilla, and fairy lights curled lovingly around old wooden beams like forgotten wishes. The girl at the counter, all smiles and warmth, asked me to wait a moment while she packed my order. I took a seat near the window, letting the hush of the space settle over me.
Peace is a soldier’s most sacred prayer, but if duty calls, he will walk through fire to protect it. (HT File)
Outside, life passed by gently — ordinary, unbothered. For a brief moment, everything felt still, almost sacred. As if the world hadn’t been shaken. As if nothing was burning at the borders. As if peace were a birthright, not a fragile gift kept alive by blood and sacrifice.Then a voice broke through.
At the next table, a group of young adults, probably in their early thirties, lounged in the comfort of the café. They laughed over pizza and mocktails, voices light but pointed. They spoke fervently about the state of the nation, condemning decisions, mocking the government, declaring themselves champions of peace. One of them proudly spoke of a reel they had posted — a blackout screen with a quote about peace. The others nodded, their fingers scrolling over glowing screens, satisfied.
And as I watched them — safe, carefree, basking in the soft glow of comfort — I felt something twist inside me. How effortless it is to preach peace in a climate-controlled café, where the biggest war is between two brands of coffee. How easy it is to raise slogans from behind screens, when your feet have never touched the dust of duty, when your nights have never been filled with the ache of waiting.
They weren’t just voicing opinions — I longed to tell them. They were treading on the quiet devotion of a soldier who stands guard under a sky swollen with silence. They were brushing off the endless nights of a mother who sleeps with her phone on her chest, fearing a call that might never come. And they were forgetting the wife — strong, unseen — who carries the home on her shoulders, while her husband carries the nation on his.
Peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of sacrifice. It is not typed, or posted, or hashtagged. It is built by those who shoulder rifles so others may carry coffee cups. It is prayed for by those who stand in the crosshairs, not behind filters.
Every fibre in me burned to ask, “Have you ever waited for a knock at the door, dreading the uniform on the other side? Have you seen a Tricolour draped over the dreams of a family? Have you loved someone who gave their life for people who will never know their name?”
But I didn’t. I left quietly, bread in hand, a storm in my heart.
If you cannot serve, at least don’t sermon. True patriotism isn’t posted. It’s lived. And peace? Peace is a soldier’s most sacred prayer, but if duty calls, he will walk through fire to protect it.
bagga.aastha23@gmail.com
The writer is a Hoshiarpur-based freelance contributor
BSF’s New Video Reveals How India Targeted Pak Army Posts, Rangers Seen Fleeing
Operation Sindoor was launched by India as a decisive and strategic military response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. The operation commenced on May 7, 2025, and was aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and deterring cross-border hostilities originating from Pakistani territory.
The primary objective of Operation Sindoor was to neutralize terror launchpads and infrastructure affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The operation was characterized by its precision and intensity, with Indian armed forces, particularly the Border Security Force (BSF), carrying out targeted strikes up to 2.2 kilometers inside Pakistani territory. These strikes were meticulously planned and executed, focusing on terror bases and Pakistani army posts that were believed to be supporting infiltration and cross-border attacks.
Pre-emptive Strikes: On the night of May 8, BSF surveillance detected a group of 40–50 terrorists near Sialkot, prompting a pre-emptive strike in the Samba region to thwart infiltration attempts.
Destruction of Terror Infrastructure: The BSF confirmed the destruction of multiple terror launchpads, including a major Lashkar-e-Taiba facility in the Looni area near the Line of Control, as well as launchpads in Mastpur and Chabbra.
Targeting Pakistani Military Posts: Indian forces struck 76 Pakistani border posts and 42 forward defense locations (FDLs), causing significant damage to both terror infrastructure and Pakistani military positions. The operation also eliminated a major ISI-operated launch pad near the Sunderbani sector.
Visual Evidence And Transparency: The BSF released dramatic video footage showing Pakistani Rangers and soldiers fleeing their posts under heavy Indian fire. The visuals captured the destruction of Pakistani army outposts and the chaos among Pakistani forces, underscoring the precision and scale of India’s response.
Following India’s offensive, Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling along the Line of Control and in various sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. There were also attempts at drone attacks in border regions. In response, India escalated its operations, targeting and damaging radar systems, communication hubs, and airfields at 11 Pakistani airbases.
The intense military exchanges culminated in an understanding between India and Pakistan to cease hostilities, which was formally announced on May 10, 2025. Despite the cessation, Indian officials have emphasized continued vigilance and operational preparedness, highlighting that the security situation remains dynamic and that any future provocations will be met with strong retaliation.
Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s capability and resolve to respond decisively to cross-border terrorism. The operation not only inflicted heavy losses on terrorist groups and Pakistani military infrastructure but also sent a clear message regarding India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its commitment to safeguarding national security.
Operation Sindoor stands as a significant chapter in India’s counter-terrorism efforts, marked by precision, transparency, and strategic impact, with the BSF and Indian armed forces playing a pivotal role in restoring deterrence along the border.
Agencies
Why India Planning Its Own Fifth-Generation Fighter Jet Is A Big Deal; Development Represents A Strategic Milestone
India’s approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Program Execution Model by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 27, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s aerospace and defence capabilities. This decision positions India among an elite group of nations capable of developing indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft, joining the ranks of the United States, China, and Russia in this technologically demanding field.
The AMCA program represents more than just an aircraft development initiative; it embodies India’s strategic commitment to self-reliance in defence technology while addressing mounting regional security challenges from both Pakistan and China. The timing of this approval is particularly significant, coming amid heightened tensions and as regional adversaries rapidly advance their own stealth fighter capabilities, making indigenous fifth-generation fighter development not just advantageous but strategically imperative for India’s national security.
Understanding Fifth-Generation Fighter Technology
Fifth-generation fighter jets represent the pinnacle of modern aerial combat technology, distinguished by their advanced stealth capabilities, superior situational awareness, and ability to achieve supersonic cruise speeds without engaging afterburners. These aircraft are specifically designed to obtain tactical advantage through their ability to evade enemy detection while maintaining superior awareness of the battlefield environment. The stealth characteristics are achieved through sophisticated design elements including low radar cross-sections, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapons bays that prevent external ordnance from compromising the aircraft’s stealth profile.
Beyond stealth capabilities, fifth-generation fighters incorporate advanced sensor fusion technology that integrates multiple data streams to provide pilots with unprecedented situational awareness. This technological integration enables these aircraft to engage threats at longer ranges while remaining undetected, fundamentally changing the dynamics of aerial combat. The super-cruise capability, which allows sustained supersonic flight without afterburners, provides significant advantages in fuel efficiency and tactical engagement scenarios. Currently, only a select few nations possess the technological expertise and industrial capacity to develop such sophisticated aircraft systems, making fifth-generation fighter development a marker of advanced aerospace capabilities.
The AMCA Program: Technical Specifications And Capabilities
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft represents India’s ambitious entry into fifth-generation fighter technology, designed as a 25-tonne twin-engine, all-weather, multi-role stealth fighter with comprehensive combat capabilities. The aircraft features impressive physical specifications, including a length of 18 meters, wingspan of 11.13 meters, and maximum take-off weight of 25 tons, making it larger than existing Indian Air Force fighters like the Su-30MKI. With an internal fuel tank capacity of 6.5 tonnes and the ability to reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 while operating at a ceiling of 55,000 feet, the AMCA is designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern aerial warfare.
The AMCA’s advanced technological features position it as a formidable platform for multiple combat roles including air superiority, ground strikes, suppression of enemy air defences, and electronic warfare. The aircraft incorporates an Electronic Pilot powered by Artificial Intelligence for advanced decision-making, Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination, and Integrated Vehicle Health Management for predictive maintenance. Its internal weapons bay can carry up to four long-range air-to-air missiles and several precision-guided munitions, with a total payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms. The fighter also features Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, sophisticated sensor fusion capabilities, and a smart cockpit with integrated decision aids that enhance pilot situational awareness and operational autonomy.
Indigenous Engine Development And Technical Challenges
A critical component of the AMCA program involves the development of an indigenous 120kN engine, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of complete self-reliance in fighter aircraft technology. This engine development project has overcome long-standing challenges through unified collaboration between key domestic partners including the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Indian Air Force, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), and academic institutions. The project has reached the pre-sanction stage, with senior government stakeholders actively monitoring progress and strong political and administrative support evident.
The 120kN engine represents a substantial advancement from previous indigenous engine development efforts, building upon lessons learned from the earlier Kaveri engine project. Major global Original Equipment Manufacturers have been consulted to provide critical insights and help align India’s technological capabilities with international standards. The engine is specifically designed to deliver high thrust while maintaining the low radar signature essential for fifth-generation stealth operations. This indigenous engine development is crucial for ensuring complete self-reliance in the AMCA program and avoiding dependency on foreign suppliers for critical propulsion technology.
Strategic Context And Regional Security Implications
India’s development of fifth-generation fighter capabilities comes at a time of heightened regional security challenges, particularly from China’s rapidly advancing aerospace capabilities and Pakistan’s efforts to acquire advanced fighter technology. China has already operationalized fifth-generation stealth fighters like the J-20 and is reportedly developing sixth-generation aircraft with even more advanced capabilities. More concerning for India’s security calculus is China’s reported plans to supply 40 fifth-generation J-35 fighters to Pakistan, which could significantly alter the regional balance of air power.
The strategic implications of these developments cannot be understated, as they represent a fundamental shift in the regional military balance that could potentially compromise India’s air superiority advantages. The Indian Air Force is currently operating with only 30-32 fighter squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, with at least eight more squadrons scheduled for retirement over the next decade. This capability gap, combined with the introduction of advanced stealth fighters by regional adversaries, creates an urgent imperative for India to develop its own fifth-generation capabilities to maintain strategic parity.
The AMCA program also aligns with broader geopolitical developments, including potential cooperation with the United States on advanced fighter technology. Recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump during a joint news conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at America’s willingness to facilitate the eventual sale of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters to India. However, indigenous development through the AMCA program ensures that India maintains complete control over its critical defence technologies while reducing dependency on foreign suppliers for essential military capabilities.
Indigenous Development And Self-Reliance Goals
The AMCA program represents a cornerstone of India’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative in the aerospace sector, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to developing indigenous expertise and industrial capacity in advanced defence technologies. The program’s execution model provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on a competitive basis, allowing companies to bid independently, as joint ventures, or as consortia, provided they are Indian companies compliant with national laws and regulations. This approach is designed to harness the full spectrum of indigenous expertise, capability, and capacity available within India’s aerospace industrial ecosystem.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will lead the AMCA project in collaboration with private industry partners, creating a model for public-private cooperation in advanced defence technology development. This collaboration framework enables the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as sensor fusion, internal weapons bays, advanced avionics, and super-cruise capability while building domestic technological competence. The program also emphasizes the development of Netcentric Warfare Systems for real-time combat coordination and integration with unmanned aerial vehicles for manned-unmanned teaming operations.
The indigenous development approach extends beyond just the aircraft platform to include critical subsystems and technologies that ensure complete self-reliance in fifth-generation fighter capabilities. The development of the 120kN indigenous engine represents perhaps the most challenging aspect of this self-reliance goal, as engine technology has historically been one of the most closely guarded aerospace technologies globally. Success in indigenous engine development would position India among the very few nations capable of complete indigenous fifth-generation fighter production, significantly enhancing the country’s strategic autonomy and defence industrial capabilities.
Implementation Timeline And Development Challenges
The AMCA program follows an ambitious but realistic timeline that acknowledges the technological complexities inherent in fifth-generation fighter development. The Aeronautical Development Agency has committed to delivering the first prototype by 2031, with series production scheduled to commence by 2035. This ten-year development timeline parallels the experience of other nations developing fifth-generation fighters, reflecting the substantial technological hurdles that must be overcome in areas including stealth airframe design, advanced propulsion systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and integrated battle networks.
The initial phase of the program involves an investment of Rs 15,000 crore for the development of five prototypes, representing a significant commitment to advancing India’s aerospace capabilities. The development challenges are multifaceted, requiring innovations not only in aerodynamic design and stealth technology but also in advanced materials, sophisticated avionics, and integration of artificial intelligence systems. The Electronic Pilot powered by AI for advanced decision-making represents one of the more ambitious technological goals of the program, requiring substantial research and development in autonomous systems and human-machine interface technologies.
Manufacturing and production planning present additional challenges that must be addressed as the program progresses from prototype development to series production. The execution model’s emphasis on competitive bidding between private and public sector entities is designed to leverage the best capabilities available within India’s aerospace industry while ensuring cost-effectiveness and technological advancement. The integration of unmanned aerial vehicles for manned-unmanned teaming operations adds another layer of complexity, requiring the development of sophisticated communication and coordination systems that represent the future of aerial combat operations.
Conclusion
India’s development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft represents a transformative initiative that extends far beyond the creation of a single weapons platform to encompass broader goals of technological self-reliance, strategic autonomy, and regional security enhancement.
The approval of the AMCA Program Execution Model marks India’s formal entry into the exclusive group of nations capable of developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft, demonstrating the country’s growing technological sophistication and industrial capabilities. With its advanced stealth features, artificial intelligence integration, and comprehensive combat capabilities, the AMCA is positioned to serve as a cornerstone of India’s future air power projection and defence strategy.
The strategic timing of this program, amid rising regional threats and rapid advancement in adversary capabilities, underscores its critical importance to India’s national security architecture. The indigenous development approach, while challenging, ensures that India maintains complete control over critical defence technologies while building domestic expertise that will benefit the broader aerospace sector.
The successful implementation of the AMCA program, with its ambitious timeline targeting prototype delivery by 2031 and series production by 2035, will not only enhance India’s military capabilities but also establish the foundation for future advancement in aerospace technology and potentially sixth-generation fighter development. As global competition in advanced military aviation intensifies, India’s commitment to indigenous fifth-generation fighter development represents a crucial investment in both immediate security needs and long-term technological sovereignty.
Based On FP Report
Islamabad Called Delhi Twice For Ceasefire; Op Sindoor Deaths In Pak Rise To 160
In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a series of precise cross-border strikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation began on May 7, 2025, with Indian armed forces demolishing nine major terror hubs, including those linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Bahawalpur, resulting in significant casualties among terrorists, their aides, and Pakistani military personnel.
Facing heavy losses, Pakistan’s Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) reached out to his Indian counterpart twice, first on the evening of May 7, seeking a cessation of hostilities. Despite these overtures, Indian officials remained sceptical about Islamabad’s intentions, noting that requests for a ceasefire were accompanied by renewed attacks on Indian military targets.
The sincerity of Pakistan’s appeals was thus in question, especially as cross-border firing and drone incursions from Pakistan continued even as ceasefire discussions were underway.
After three days of intense military exchanges, a DGMO-level conversation occurred on May 10 at 3:35 PM, leading to a ceasefire understanding. This truce was negotiated directly through established military communication channels between the two countries, without US mediation, and aimed to de-escalate the rapidly rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The ceasefire officially took effect later that day, with both sides agreeing to halt all hostilities on land, air, and sea.
Operation Sindoor inflicted severe losses on Pakistan. More than 160 individuals—primarily terrorists, their aides, and Pakistani military personnel—were killed in the Indian strikes, with over 20 deaths reported in Bahawalpur alone, including relatives of JeM chief Masood Azhar.
Pakistani armed forces suffered an estimated 35 to 40 fatalities, though Islamabad officially acknowledged only 11 military deaths and 78 wounded. Indian strikes also caused casualties at several Pakistani air bases: Lahore Airport (2 killed), Sargodha (2 killed, 7 injured), Rahimyar Khan (5 injured), Bahawalpur (2 killed, 8 injured), Sialkot (11 killed), and Rawalpindi (4 killed).
The Indian response was characterised by precision, targeting only terror infrastructure and avoiding civilian areas, as confirmed by Indian officials. The operation also saw significant engagement from Indian security forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), which targeted launch pads and responded to Pakistani drone incursions.
Despite the current ceasefire, Indian defence officials remain cautious, emphasising that Pakistan’s intentions will continue to be judged by its concrete, verifiable, and irreversible actions against terrorism. Operational readiness remains high along the border, with Indian forces prepared for any potential misadventure from the Pakistani side under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Operation Sindoor marked a significant escalation in India-Pakistan hostilities, resulting in heavy casualties for Pakistan and prompting Islamabad to seek a ceasefire twice through military channels. While the ceasefire holds for now, the situation remains tense, with India maintaining a vigilant posture and demanding sustained action from Pakistan against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Agencies
State Stalwarts
CHIEF PATRON ALL INDIA SANJHA MORCHA
LT GEN JASBIR SINGH DHALIWAL, DOGRA
PATRON ALL INDIA SANJHA MORCHA
MAJOR GEN HARVIJAY SINGH, SENA MEDAL ,corps of signals
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PRESIDENT DISTT LUDHIANA : ALL INDIA EXSERVICEMEN SANJHA MORCHA
BRIG SS GILL ARTY
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15 Th PRESIDENT OF INDIA SUPREME COMMANDER ARMED FORCES
Droupadi Murmu
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Minister Rajnath Singh
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General Anil Chauhan PVSM UYSM AVSM SM VSM
INDIAN FORCES CHIEFS
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF(29th)
General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM (30 Jun 2024 to Till Date)
