Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest air show, will occur at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, from February 10–14, 2025. The first three days will be reserved for business, and the remaining two will be open to the public. The theme for the air show is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”.

HAL’s participation Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will showcase its indigenous products and technologies at the India Pavilion, centred on the theme ‘Innovate. Collaborate. Lead’. The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and the CATS Warrior will be the main attractions.

The major attractions at its indoor pavilion (HALL-E) will be the LUH, Hindustan Turbo Trainer (HTT)-40 Simulator, scaled models of TEJAS MK-1A fighter, TEJAS MK-1 Trainer, Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT)-36, HTT-40, LCH PRACHAND and DHRUV MK-IV. The scaled models of Hindustan 228 and its amphibian variant will also be displayed.

The outdoor display adjacent to HAL stall will feature the TEJAS MK-1A and HJT-36. HTT-40, TEJAS MK-1 Trainer, Hindustan 228, Do-228 and LUH will be on static display.

The flying display will witness a unique TEJAS MK-1A formation, HJT-36, HTT-40 and LUH.

A detailed scale model of the TEJAS MK-2 will be displayed, revealing enhancements and armament configurations. The TEJAS MK-2, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by HAL, will feature 11 hardpoints. The rollout of the TEJAS MK-2 is expected by the end of November 2025.

The aerial displays are expected to be a major attraction, with displays in the morning and afternoon. The fifth-generation Russian Su-57 stealth fighter (Felon) is expected to perform its aerial display for the first time in India. The Indian Air Force (IAF) Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) will also perform.

Other Aircraft The indigenous flying display will include the Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS MK-1A, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40). There may also be displays from the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Rafale jets.

In addition to aerial displays, Aero India 2025 will feature static displays and technology demonstrations. Lockheed Martin will showcase the Vast TM Experience System, C-130 Super Hercules Tactical aircraft, F-21 fighter aircraft, MH-60 “Romeo” Seahawk helicopter, Javelin anti-tank weapon system, and S-92 Multi-role helicopter.

Agencies

The AT4 is a man-portable, disposable, 84 mm unguided anti-tank weapon manufactured by Saab Bofors Dynamics. Saab has seen considerable sales success with the AT4, making it one of the most common light anti-tank weapons in the world. In early 2025, Saab completed delivery of its new generation AT4 anti-armor weapon systems to the Indian Armed Forces. In 2022, the Indian Army awarded Saab a contract for the lightweight, single-use rocket launcher. The weapon will also be used by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The AT4 is designed to destroy or disable armored fighting vehicles and fortifications. It is most effective against medium-to-light armored vehicles from any direction, or against heavier tanks from the sides or rear. It can also be used as an assault weapon against buildings.

The AT4 is designed for ease of use, regardless of the user’s experience level. A soldier simply aims, fires, and destroys the target before discarding the tube.

The AT4CS (Confined Space) variant is specially designed for urban warfare and allows troops to fire from enclosed areas by using a saltwater countermass to absorb the back blast.

Several types of projectiles can be used with the AT4, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high-explosive dual purpose (HEDP), high penetration (HP), anti-structure tandem-warheads (AST), extended range (ER), and high explosive (HE).

The AT4 family can engage armored vehicles, buildings, soldiers, and explosives. The AT4 HEAT, AT4CS HP, AT4CS RS, and AT4CS ER are particularly suitable for combating armored vehicles, with steel armor penetration up to 460 millimeters at operating distances of up to 600 meters.

The AT4 is lightweight, man-portable, and fully disposable. It provides the capabilities required for mission success, including night and confined space abilities.

SAAB will also showcase its Gripen E fighters, Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system, Next-Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, AUV62 system, Land Electronic Defence System (LEDS), and Integrated Defence Aids Suite (IDAS) at Aero India 2025, which will be held in Bengaluru beginning on February 10.

Agencies

An ex-serviceman was killed and his wife and another woman relative were injured in a militant attack in south Kashmir’s Kulgam, officials said on Monday. Police officials said the retired jawan, identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, was present with his…

Adil Akhzer

An ex-serviceman was killed and his wife and another woman relative were injured in a militant attack in south Kashmir’s Kulgam, officials said on Monday.

Police officials said the retired jawan, identified as Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, was present with his wife and niece when they were fired upon at Behibagh village of Kulgam district by unidentified gunmen.

A police official told The Tribune that while Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, who retired in 2021, was hit in the abdomen, his wife and another woman suffered injuries in the legs in the attack. They were immediately shifted to the hospital, where sources said Wagay succumbed to injuries. The two others are said to be stable.

Soon after the incident, joint forces launched a search operation in the area to nab the attackers.

Another police officer said that they were attacked in the village at some distance from the couple’s home and the area was cordoned off after the incident. “We are looking at the CCTV footage and working to nab the attackers,” said the south Kashmir-based officer. Wagay’s son demanded justice. “My only request to the Government of India is to give us justice,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who controls the Home Department, condemned what he described as a “heinous terrorist attack” on ex-serviceman and his family in Kulgam. “I strongly condemn the heinous terrorist attack on Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and his family in Kulgam. The entire nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I have instructed the officials to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Praying for their speedy recovery,” he said in a release. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on his official account, “My heartfelt condolences to the family and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. Such heinous violence has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest terms. May peace and justice prevail.”

Srinagar-based Chinar Corps termed it “a cold-blooded incident.” The Army said three “innocent citizens” Manzoor Ahmad Wagay (ex-serviceman, 39), his wife Aaina Akhtar (32) and niece Saina Hameed (13) “were shot at by terrorists.” While Manzoor succumbed to his injuries, the others have been evacuated to District Hospital Anantnag, the Army said.

The Navy operates seven of these submarines, which are capable of vertically launching Russian-made Klub missiles

The Indian Navy’s Russian-origin Sindhughosh-class submarines will be equipped with a new set of long-range anti-ship missiles.

The Navy operates seven of these submarines, which are capable of vertically launching Russian-made Klub missiles. These missiles have a strike range of 300 km, enabling long-range operations. Each submarine can carry up to eight such missiles.

The Sindhughosh class is the Indian variant of Russia’s ‘Kilo-class’ submarines. It is the Navy’s largest submarine fleet, which also includes six Kalvari-class and four Shishumar-class submarines. All 17 of these vessels are conventional, powered by diesel-electric engines.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence announced that it had signed a contract with Russia for the procurement of anti-ship cruise missiles for the Navy’s submarine fleet.Sources indicate that the missiles are likely to be ‘Klub-S’, the export version of Russia’s Kalibr missile. However, details regarding the number of missiles and the delivery timeline have not been disclosed. The acquisition is part of longstanding Indo-Russian defence cooperation, which has facilitated the supply of various military technologies over several decades.

The Sindhughosh-class submarines are equipped with advanced combat systems. Over the years, the fleet has undergone multiple modernisation programmes, including upgrades to sonar and communication systems, as well as life-extension initiatives.

Among those facing deportation are many people from Punjab, who entered the US through “donkey routes” or other illegal means by spending lakhs of rupees

A US deportation flight carrying Indian immigrants who had sought the American dream is scheduled to arrive in India on Wednesday afternoon.

The US military aircraft, carrying around 205 illegal immigrants, mostly from Punjab, who entered the US illegally, departed from San Antonio, Texas, on a C-17 plane and is expected to land in Punjab’s Amritsar.

This is the first round of deportations of illegal immigrants that coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington next week. Among those facing deportation are individuals who entered the US through “donkey routes” or other illegal means, spending lakhs of rupees.

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed disappointment over the US government’s decision to deport Indians, stating that these individuals, who contributed to the country’s economy, should have been granted permanent residency instead of being deported. Dhaliwal clarified that these are Indians who had entered the US on work permits that later expired, making them illegal immigrants. Over 200 illegal Indian immigrants are expected to land at the Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar on Wednesday afternoon.

According to PTI, the US military plane C-17 is carrying 205 illegal immigrants hailing from Punjab and neighboring states. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated on Tuesday that the state government would receive the immigrants and set up counters at the airport. Dhaliwal said he plans to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar next week to discuss the concerns and interests of Punjabis living in the US and appealed to Punjabis not to travel abroad through illegal means.

Donald Trump launched a crackdown against illegal immigrants after assuming office as the US President in January.

The check post was set up at Sangrama Chowk on Wednesday following inputs about the movement of terrorists in the area

A truck driver was killed in Army firing when he allegedly refused to stop his vehicle at a check post in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir despite repeated warnings, officials said on Thursday.

The check post was set up at Sangrama Chowk on Wednesday following inputs about the movement of terrorists in the area, they said.

“On 05 Feb 2025, based on a specific intelligence input about move of terrorists, a Mobile Vehicle Check Post (MVCP) was established by Security Forces. One speeding suspicious civil truck was spotted. When challenged, the truck didn’t stop despite repeated warnings instead accelerated further while crossing the check post,” the Army’s Chinar Corps said in a post on X.

“Alert troops pursued the vehicle for over 23 km. Shots were fired aiming on tyres to deflate which forced vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk,” it said.

“Consequent to detailed search, the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by Security Forces where he was declared dead,” it added.

The Army said the loaded truck was sent to the nearest police station.

“Detailed search of the truck in police custody is underway and investigation on antecedents of the suspect is in progress,” it said.

Soon after their arrival, they are transported to their native places in police vehicles

A plane carrying 33 people from Gujarat, who were among the 104 Indians deported from the US for illegal immigration, landed at Ahmedabad airport from Amritsar on Thursday morning, officials said.

Soon after their arrival, the 33 immigrants, including some children and women, were transported to their native places in Gujarat in police vehicles, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ‘G’ division, RD Oza said.

“A plane carrying 33 Gujarati immigrants landed at the airport in the morning. They were among those who were deported from the US. We deployed police vehicles at the airport to transport them to their respective places,” Oza told reporters at the airport.

While mediapersons tried to talk to the deported immigrants, they refused to say anything and left for their native places in the police vehicles.

Majority of them are from Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Patan, Vadodara and Kheda districts, sources said.

A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants landed at Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday.

Family members of these illegal immigrants from Gujarat have claimed they do not know how their kin reached the foreign soil.

Former deputy chief minister Nitin Patel had expressed sympathy for the deported Gujaratis, underlining the fact that they had gone to the foreign country looking for a job or career, and they should not be portrayed as criminals.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, CID-Crime, Parikshita Rathod, said the police would not question the deportees at this stage.

A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed in Amritsar on Wednesday

PTI

Jaspal Singh, who was among 104 deportees brought in a US aircraft on Wednesday, claimed that their hands and legs were cuffed throughout the journey and they were unshackled only after landing at the Amritsar airport.

Singh, 36, who hails from Hardorwal village in Gurdaspur district, said he was captured by the US Border Patrol on January 24.

A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Donald Trump government as part of a crackdown against illegal immigrants.

Of them, 33 each were from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh, sources said.

Nineteen women and 13 minors, including a four-year-old boy and two girls, aged five and seven, were among the deportees, they said.

Deportees from Punjab were taken to their native places in police vehicles from the Amritsar airport.

After reaching his home town on Wednesday night, Jaspal said he was defrauded by a travel agent as he was promised that he would be sent to the US in a legal way.

“I had asked the agent to send me through a proper visa. But he deceived me,” said Jaspal. He said that the deal was done at Rs 30 lakh.

Jaspal claimed that he reached Brazil by air in July last year. He said he was promised that the next leg of journey, to the US, would be by air too. However, he was “cheated” by his agent, who forced him to cross the border illegally.

After staying for six months in Brazil, he crossed the border to the US, but was arrested by the US Border Patrol.

He was kept there in custody for 11 days and then sent back home.

Jaspal said he didn’t know he was being deported to India.

“We thought we were being taken to another camp. Then a police officer told us that we were being taken to India.

“We were handcuffed and our legs were chained. These were opened at the Amritsar airport,” he claimed.

Jaspal said he was shattered with deportation. “A huge sum was spent. The money was borrowed.”

Earlier, Jaspal’s cousin Jasbir Singh said, “We came to know about his deportation through the media on Wednesday morning.”

About the deportations, he said, “These are issues of governments. When we go abroad for work, we have big dreams for a better future for our families. Those have now been shattered.”

Two more deportees, who reached their home towns in Hoshiarpur on Wednesday night, also shared the ordeal they went through to reach the US.

Harwinder Singh, who hails from Tahli village in Hoshiarpur, said he left for the US in August last year.

He was taken to Qatar, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua and then Mexico.

From Mexico, he, along with others, was taken to the US, he said.

“We crossed hills. A boat, which was taking me along with other persons, was about to capsize in the sea but we survived,” he told reporters.

He said he saw one person die in the Panama jungle and one drown in the sea.

Singh said his travel agent had promised him that he would first be taken to Europe and then to Mexico. He said that he spent Rs 42 lakh for his trip to the US.

“Sometimes we got rice. Sometimes, we did not get anything to eat. We used to get biscuits,” he said.

Another deportee from Punjab spoke about the ‘donkey route’ used to take them to the US.

“Our clothes worth Rs 30,000-35,000 were stolen on the way,” he said.

The deportee said they were first taken to Italy and then to Latin America.

He said they took a 15-hour-long boat ride and were made to walk 40-45 km.

“We crossed 17-18 hills. If one slipped, then there would be no chance that he would survive… We have seen a lot. If anybody got injured, he was left to die. We saw dead bodies,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force landed at the Amritsar airport.

The US action came just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington for wide-ranging talks with President Donald Trump.

The deportees were questioned inside the airport terminal building by different government agencies, including the Punjab Police, and various state and central intelligence agencies to check if they have any criminal record.

A plane carrying 33 people from Gujarat, who were among 104 Indians deported from the US for illegal immigration, landed at Ahmedabad airport on Thursday morning

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till noon on Thursday following uproar over the issue of deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the United States.

As soon as both the Houses assembled, the opposition members, mostly Congress MPs, were on their feet trying to raise the issue.

Rajya Sabha

MPs from the Congress, CPI, TMC, AAP and CPM gave notices under Rule 267, that sought to set aside listed business of the day to take up discussion on the issue being raised through them, but the chair rejected all of them.

MPs then stood in their places and raised the issue. The MPs said the US had deported the Indian immigrants in a military plane in the most inhuman manner and they are not being allowed to raise the issue in the House.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh, who was in the chair, first ordered that the utterances of the opposition MPs will not go on record and then adjourned the proceedings till  noon when they persisted with their demand.

Those who gave notices under Rule 267 included CPI’s Santosh Kumar P, TMC’s Sanket Gokhale, CPM’s V Sivadasan and Congress leaders Anil Kumar Yadav, Shaktisingh Gohil, Pramod Tiwari, Renuka Chaudhary and Ashok Singh.

Lok Sabha

Speaker Om Birla tried to pacify the agitating members by saying the government has taken note of their concerns seriously.

“It is a matter of foreign policy. The foreign country also has its own rules and regulations. You can raise your issues at noon and allow the Question Hour to run smoothly,” he said.

However, the protesting members ignored the Speaker’s pleas and continued the protests following which Birla adjourned the House till noon.

A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Donald Trump government as part of a crackdown against illegal immigrants.

Of them, 33 each are from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh.

by Col Dr P K Vasudeva

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget on 1st February 2025 has set aside over ₹6.81 lakh crore for the defence sector for FY2025-26, an increase of 9.53 per cent from the ₹6.2 lakh crore allocated last year. This includes upgrading of fighter jets, naval vessels, improving missile defence systems; strengthening cyber capabilities; focus on “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) and welfare of both active and retired armed forces personnel.

Previously, the capital budget clearly outlined allocations for each of the three services, with separate sub-heads for the army, navy, and air force. However, since the last Budget, these allocations have been consolidated into a single grouping, making it difficult to distinguish the funding designated for each service. The capital outlay for 2025–26 has been set at ₹1.8 lakh crore, compared to ₹1.72 lakh crore in the previous fiscal year. This funding is crucial for the modernisation of the armed forces and the procurement of advanced systems, equipment, and weaponry.

The capital expenditure, ₹48,614 crore has been set aside for aircraft and aero engines, while ₹24,391 crore has been allocated for the naval fleet and an amount of ₹63,099 crore has been set aside for other equipment.

A substantial chunk of the budget—₹3.11 lakh crore—has been allocated for revenue expenditure, up from ₹2.83 lakh crore in 2024–25. The increase highlights the government’s focus on maintaining operational readiness and sustaining ongoing activities. The rise in allocation reinforces India’s commitment to keeping its armed forces battle-worthy and capable of responding to emerging security threats.

Another key aspect of the budget is the larger contribution to defence pensions, which have risen from ₹1.41 lakh crore in 2024–25 to ₹1.6 lakh crore in 2025–26, marking a 13.5 per cent increase. The allocation would ensure financial security for retired defence personnel and their families, reinforcing the government’s commitment to their welfare. The increase in pension funding would account for the growing number of retirees.

In order to further improve the border Infrastructure and facilitate the movement of Armed Forces personnel through tough terrains, ₹7,146.50 crore has been allocated to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under capital head which is 9.74 per cent higher than the BE of 2024-25.

The Ministry of Defence (Civil) has been allocated ₹28,682 crore for 2025–26, up from ₹25,963 crore in the previous year to shore up administrative and auxiliary functions essential for effective defence management. The funds are expected to be used for policy planning, research, and support systems that enhance the overall efficiency of the defence forces.

The government’s focus on capital expenditure aligns with its broader strategy to build indigenous defence capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The allocation is expected to support the acquisition of next-generation platforms such as fighter jets, submarines, and drones, as well as infrastructure development for the armed forces. It also shows that India is keeping an eagle’s eye on evolving geopolitical challenges and aims to maintain a strong strategic posture along its borders, including the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The MoD has designated 2025 as the “Year of Reforms”, announcing in December that the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 is “expected to undergo a complete revamp” this year.

Coming in the backdrop of a volatile regional and global security environment, defence allocations and its distribution among various heads, evokes several pertinent questions, including its adequacy to meet the needs of the defence forces and its impact on ‘Atmanirbharta’. Neighbouring countries, particularly China, continue to advance their military capabilities, including enhancements in air power and naval fleets. The budget is a testament to the government’s strategic intent to strengthen military preparedness as India navigates an ongoing standoff with China while also addressing security concerns along its western border with Pakistan.

The government has set an ambitious target to more than treble the defence production to ₹3 lakh crore by FY29 and raise exports to ₹50,000 crore. India has been ramping up exports as well. Indian arms have found markets in east and southeast Asia over the last five years. Myanmar and Vietnam were the two major recipients of arms transfers from India. India is close to signing a ₹3,800 crore deal with Indonesia for indigenously developed supersonic BrahMos missiles. The country’s defence exports have grown over 10 fold in the last decade from ₹1,900 crore in 2014-15 to ₹21,000 crore in 2023-24.

The IAF needs much more funds in capital allocation as its present combat effectiveness is poor because it has a shortage of more than 114 combat aircrafts for its battle worthiness. Parliamentary standing committee on Defence informed that the IAF has only 31 fighter squadrons, against the sanctioned strength of 42 which is serious. The IAF is unhappy with the current pace of the Tejas light combat aircraft (TEJAS MK-1A) program because of the possible risks a delay in the induction of new fighter planes could pose to the air force’s combat effectiveness, and has flagged the hot-button issue to plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), calling for timely execution of the ₹48,000-crore contract for 83 jets.

The infantry also needs enhanced allocation of funds because there is a shortage of night vision and nights firing weapons resulting in heavy casualties in Jammu and Kashmir when the troops go on patrolling in the hazardous and rugged terrain to carry out anti-terror operations.

The defence spending as a share of GDP pertaining to United States is 3.2 per cent; India 1.9-2 per cent (following the increase) and China 1.5 per cent (real figures are much higher higher). There is a need for India to enhance its defence allocation to 2.5 – 3 per cent of the GDP for modernisation keeping in view the threat perception from China and Pakistan.

Col Dr P K Vasudeva is a Defence Analyst