Group Captain Animesh Patni, an Indian Air Force officer and S-400 squadron commander, received the Vir Chakra for his leadership during Operation Sindoor and his role in protecting key military assets.
India and Indonesia are deepening defence ties through the BrahMos missile deal. The agreement strengthens maritime security, boosts India’s defence exports, and supports both nations’ strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific region.
President Droupadi Murmu presented 51 gallantry awards, including seven Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, and 29 Shaurya Chakras. Gaganyaan astronaut-designate Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair received a Kirti Chakra.
India accounted for 8.2% of global arms imports during 2021–25, ranking second only to Ukraine.
The Indian Army has opened an upgraded Community Hall and Gompa at Senge in Arunachal Pradesh under Operation Sadbhavna, helping local residents with community activities while preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.
Rudram-II is India’s indigenous hypersonic anti-radiation missile with a range of about 300 km. Built to destroy enemy radars and air-defence systems, it strengthens India’s long-range precision-strike capabilities.
Zen Technologies has introduced Zen HyperStrike, a new long-range strike system with a claimed range above 400 km. The weapon was unveiled at North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj.
India’s indigenous Divyastra Mk-1 drone successfully completed Indian Army operational trials in Jodhpur. Built by Hoverit, the AI-powered loitering munition offers 500 km range, swarm capability, and low-cost deployment.
The first battery was delivered in April 2024, while the second batch reached the country in 2025.
The Defence Ministry recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to shortlisted private-sector players for the development and production phase of the AMCA programme.
