DRDO’s 30 kW Directed-Energy Weapon To Counter Swarm Drones Within A Year

The Defence Research and Development Organisation is preparing its first-of-production model for a 30 kW-class directed-energy weapon that will be ready within a year, as reported by Trading View.

This system is a major component of the Sudarshan Chakra comprehensive air defence program announced earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, designed to counter swarm drones and UAVs.

The truck-mounted weapon employs electromagnetic energy to destroy targets through either soft kill or hard kill mechanisms. Having already demonstrated the technology, DRDO will issue an expression of interest within six months to select a production partner for the new 30 kW high-energy laser beam system. The technology trial was successfully conducted last year.

BK Das, Director General of Bangalore-based DRDO Electronics and Communication Systems, explained that the first-of-production model will undergo further series of tests and trials to ascertain range and other parameters required by users. He emphasised the cycle from drawing board to shop floor, highlighting the rapid pace of development.

The system will form part of the OODA loop framework, which stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. Directed-energy weapons are emerging as a strong arm of multi-layered neutralisation strategies, where the choice of kinetic or non-kinetic weapons depends on the nature of incoming projectiles.

Das described the Sudarshan Chakra air defence system as a visionary initiative by the Prime Minister, noting that India already possesses most of the required ingredients within its ecosystem. He stressed the need to integrate these elements into an effective layered defence system, with private industry, MSMEs, and Start-Ups playing a crucial role in the push.

This marks the third in the series of directed-energy weapons developed indigenously by DRDO, placing India among a select group of countries including the US, China, Russia, Israel, UK, and Germany that possess such non-kinetic capabilities. These systems are gaining increasing relevance in modern battlefields defined by the economics of warfare.

India had earlier deployed a 2 kW directed-energy weapon along the Line of Control during Operation Sindoor as part of a multi-layered inner-tier air defence network.

This system countered asymmetric aerial threats from Pakistan over a range of up to 1 km. Production partners included Bharat Electronics Ltd and Adani Defence & Aerospace.

A more potent 10 kW version has been developed to engage drones, UAVs, and sensors within a range of 1.5 km to 2 km. The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has issued Acceptance of Necessity for 10 to 12 units of the 10 kW system, which will be integrated into the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mark-2.

Larsen & Toubro has been selected as the development-cum-production partner for the 10 kW class weapon. The company is tasked with producing the first-of-production model, which will then undergo further trials before induction.

The 30 kW-class system represents a significant leap in capability, offering enhanced range and destructive power against swarm drones. It is expected to provide India with a decisive edge in countering asymmetric aerial threats, strengthening the layered defence architecture envisioned under Sudarshan Chakra.

Agencies

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IAF Chief Backs TEJAS And AMCA Amid HAL Delays

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Sunday expressed strong confidence in India’s domestic military aviation industry, emphasising that it was poised to achieve greater heights with the upcoming TEJAS MK-2 fighter jet and the future fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), The Tribune reported.

Both aircraft form a crucial part of the Indian Air Force’s expansion plans beyond 2030.

His remarks came at a time when Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the public-sector plane maker, is facing criticism for delays in delivering the TEJAS MK-1A jets. A total of 180 of these upgraded jets are on order, but deliveries have not yet begun. According to the contract, deliveries should have started in March 2024, but none have been handed over to the IAF due to pending integration of radars with onboard missiles.

On Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at an event in Bangalore, made a blunt reference to these delays.

He stressed that delays in completing critical military projects must be taken seriously, as they create technology gaps and lead to cost escalation. His comments underscored the urgency of addressing bottlenecks in defence production.

On Sunday, during the ongoing ‘Veer Guardian’ exercise in Jodhpur, the IAF Chief and his Japanese counterpart, General Takehiro Morita, flew in separate TEJAS jets. Air Chief Marshal Singh, who was a TEJAS test pilot earlier in his career, piloted the aircraft himself. General Morita flew in the backseat of another TEJAS, with Group Captain I Samrat of the IAF in control.

Minutes after the sortie, the IAF Chief acknowledged that some deliveries of the TEJAS MK-1A had been affected by global supply chain bottlenecks. He nevertheless asserted that India’s defence aviation industry was set to reach greater heights with the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA.

He assured that both research and development and production in India’s defence aviation sector were progressing rapidly. He highlighted that the TEJAS aircraft had already been operationalised, marking a significant achievement for indigenous aviation.

General Morita’s flight in the TEJAS was described by the IAF Chief as a strong testament to the trust placed in India’s indigenous platforms. Singh asked his counterpart if he had enjoyed the sortie, to which Morita responded with gratitude, saying he was deeply thankful for the invaluable opportunity to fly in the TEJAS.

General Morita further remarked that the TEJAS, born from indigenous defence capabilities, symbolised India’s technological innovation and embodied the Make in India initiative. His comments reinforced international recognition of India’s growing aviation prowess.

The ongoing Veer Guardian exercise, scheduled from 9 to 22 September, marks the first time that fighter aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) are operating from Indian soil as part of a bilateral exercise.

This milestone reflects deepening defence cooperation between India and Japan, with the TEJAS playing a central role in showcasing India’s indigenous capabilities.

Agencies

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India’s KAL Drone Completes Pokhran Trials With 1,000 Km Strike Range

India’s indigenous defence sector has achieved a significant milestone with the successful trial of the KAL long-range one-way attack drone at the Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan.

Developed by Noida-based IG Defence, the system marks a major step forward in India’s pursuit of sovereign unmanned strike capabilities.

The trial validated the integrated airframe, propulsion, avionics, navigation and mission architecture, underscoring the maturity of the platform.

The KAL drone has been designed to operate in the emerging class of long-range one-way attack systems, with a specified strike range of up to 1,000 kilometres.

It offers endurance of seven to eight hours, a payload capacity of up to 50 kilograms, and an operating altitude of up to 5,000 metres above mean sea level.

The platform incorporates a navigation suite combining multi-band Global Navigation Satellite System and inertial navigation systems, enabling autonomous flight throughout its mission profile.

The system is configured for precision engagement of designated targets including infrastructure, radar installations, air-defence systems and other strategic assets. Its mission flexibility is subject to operational authorisations and configuration requirements.

The Pokhran trial demonstrated the ability of the drone to meet these objectives, validating its role as a credible indigenous alternative to foreign-origin systems.

The operational use of Iranian Shahed-136 and Russian Geran-2 drones in the Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted how relatively low-cost unmanned platforms can impose sustained pressure on air-defence networks and enable high-volume strike campaigns.

These systems have also been deployed in the Middle East and against maritime targets in the Red Sea, underscoring their growing geopolitical significance. The evolution of such platforms has transformed military thinking, with scalable production of long-range unmanned strike systems now seen as a critical element of national capability.

IG Defence has positioned KAL as India’s response to this global trend. The company emphasised that recent analysis of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has documented the rapid expansion of Shahed-type drone production and their increasing role in long-range strike campaigns.

For countries seeking greater strategic autonomy, this has created a requirement for indigenous systems that combine range, payload, autonomous operation and scalable manufacturing. KAL has been developed indigenously across its major systems to meet this requirement.

The drone forms part of IG Defence’s Grid Strike portfolio, which focuses on long-range precision-strike capabilities. It can be integrated with the company’s GRID Battle Management System, an AI-powered C5ISRT architecture designed to coordinate unmanned platforms and battlefield information. 

This integration highlights the company’s ambition to create a networked ecosystem of autonomous systems capable of operating in contested environments.

The successful Pokhran trial represents more than a technical achievement. It signals India’s growing ability to field indigenous unmanned strike platforms at a time when global demand for such systems is rising.

The focus of KAL’s development remains the creation of a sovereign long-range unmanned strike capability, reducing reliance on imports and positioning India as a potential supplier of advanced defence technologies to friendly nations.

Agencies

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ISRO’s Advanced Radar Centre And Adani’s ₹48,000 Crore Power Project To Transform Assam

ISRO has announced the establishment of an Advanced Radar Research Centre at Chandrapur near Guwahati under Project NETRA, marking Assam’s entry into India’s strategic space surveillance network.

Alongside this, Adani Power Limited’s ₹48,000 crore ultra-supercritical thermal power project in Dhubri signals a transformative phase for Assam’s industrial and energy sectors.

The Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the radar centre as a landmark milestone. He emphasised that the facility, part of ISRO’s Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA), will strengthen India’s ability to track satellites, rocket bodies, and orbital debris, thereby protecting vital national space assets.

The centre will be spread across approximately 67 acres, with the Assam government allocating 200 bighas of land for the project.

Project NETRA is ISRO’s flagship program for Space Situational Awareness. It integrates radar and optical telescope facilities to monitor orbital traffic, assess collision risks, and ensure safer space operations. With thousands of satellites and debris crowding Earth’s orbit, the Chandrapur radar will provide India with independent tracking capabilities, reducing reliance on external data and enhancing national security.

Radar systems are particularly valuable because they can function in conditions where optical telescopes are limited, such as during darkness or cloud cover.

This facility will complement ISRO’s existing infrastructure, including the Multi-Object Tracking Radar at Sriharikota and optical telescopes at Hanle in Ladakh and Nainital. Together, these assets form a distributed surveillance network across India.

Sarma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Assam for this strategic project. He noted that Assam, once considered distant from India’s major technology hubs, is now emerging as a centre for national strategic infrastructure. This development is expected to bring advanced radar technology, scientific expertise, and opportunities for collaboration to the Northeast.

On Sunday, Sarma also laid the foundation stone for Adani Power Limited’s 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power project at Chapar in Dhubri district.

Estimated at ₹48,000 crore, this is among the largest single investments in Assam’s industrial sector. The project will generate employment for around 25,000 people during construction and create approximately 5,000 permanent jobs once operational.

The Chief Minister described the occasion as historic, stating that the project would be written in golden letters in Assam’s journey towards energy self-reliance. It is expected to significantly augment the state’s power generation capacity, ensuring reliable electricity supply for industries and investments.

Together, these two projects — ISRO’s radar centre and Adani’s power plant — highlight Assam’s growing role in India’s strategic and industrial landscape. They represent a shift from being primarily a consumer of technology to becoming a host of cutting-edge national infrastructure.

ANI

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India-Japan Veer Guardian Exercise Marks Strategic Convergence In Indo-Pacific

IAF Chief AP Singh, Japan’s Air Chief, and IAF crew ahead of their solo TEJAS flights

The successful conclusion of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 has placed renewed emphasis on the depth of the India-Japan defence partnership.

What began as routine military exchanges has now evolved into a comprehensive strategic relationship encompassing operational cooperation, defence technology, maritime security and emerging military capabilities.

This edition of the exercise carried particular significance because Japanese fighter aircraft operated from Indian soil for the very first time. It marked a genuine milestone in the growing military engagement between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.

Beyond the air combat drills, the exercise visibly demonstrated the trust, interoperability and strategic convergence steadily building between two of the Indo-Pacific’s most important powers.

Japan’s Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew a sortie in a twin-seat variant of India’s indigenous TEJAS Light Combat Aircraft. He described the Tejas as a symbol of India’s technological innovation, signalling Japan’s appreciation for India’s growing aerospace capabilities.

Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh led a Tejas formation flight, underscoring his confidence in the indigenous platform and highlighting its operational maturity.

For both New Delhi and Tokyo, Veer Guardian represents far more than an air force engagement. It is one visible piece of a defence relationship that has expanded considerably over the past decade. Air Chief Marshal Singh’s description of Japan as an ‘Apatsu Mitram’, a friend in times of crisis, captured the level of strategic trust now underpinning bilateral ties.

Both nations are Quad members, sharing a commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, which has translated into deeper cooperation across all three services. Alongside Veer Guardian, the armies conduct Exercise Dharma Guardian, while the navies engage through JAIMEX and the multilateral MILAN exercise.

This growing military relationship rests on a series of agreements covering defence cooperation and exchanges, equipment and technology transfers, protection of classified military information, and a Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services agreement. These frameworks have collectively enabled smoother logistics support and enhanced interoperability.

Defence technology cooperation has gained momentum. In 2024, the two countries signed their first joint defence equipment project to co-develop the UNICORN mast system for Indian Navy warships.

This mast integrates radar and communication antennas into a single structure, reducing a warship’s radar signature while improving efficiency, thereby making the vessel a more effective combatant.

Japan’s transport aircraft and maritime patrol platforms are emerging as another area of common interest for India.

This opens opportunities for co-development and co-production under the Make in India framework, potentially allowing Japanese firms to tap into India’s manufacturing ecosystem for both domestic and export markets.

The recent visit of Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi added further weight to this trajectory. In talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on maritime security cooperation, focusing on maritime domain awareness, information sharing, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Discussions also touched upon mine countermeasures, shipbuilding, reciprocal ship repair facilities and joint defence research.

Dialogue has even extended into next-generation technologies. India is examining pathways for future combat aviation capabilities, with reports suggesting discussions around potential Indian participation in Japan’s Global Combat Air Program, its sixth-generation fighter initiative.

This program remains at the exploratory stage, while India is also in talks with France over the Future Combat Air System platform.

Exercise Veer Guardian thus stands as a clear marker of a partnership that is increasingly operational, technology-driven and strategically significant.

As both India and Japan deepen military cooperation amid a shifting Indo-Pacific security landscape, their alignment signals a robust and enduring commitment to regional stability.

ANI

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Defence Ministry Signs ₹586 Crore Deal For Indigenous Auxiliary Power Units To Boost T-72 And T-90 Tank Readiness

The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹586 crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited to procure indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 tanks, marking a major step in strengthening mechanised formations and advancing India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The agreement was concluded in New Delhi on 21 September 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The APUs will serve as an alternate source of electric power for critical systems such as the fire control system, firing circuit, gun stabilisation system and other ancillaries of the tanks. This capability is expected to significantly enhance the operational readiness, reliability and sustainability of the Army’s armoured units.

The induction of these APUs represents a notable milestone in the indigenisation of critical sub-systems for armoured platforms. The procurement falls under the Make-II framework, which emphasises industry-led research and development.

Officials highlighted that the contract demonstrates the effectiveness of mechanisms designed to translate indigenous innovation into production and induction.

The initiative is closely aligned with the government’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047. By focusing on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the project contributes to building a resilient, globally competitive Indian defence industry.

It also underscores the broader objective of achieving Atmanirbharta in defence, reducing dependence on imported technologies and strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.

This contract comes at a time when the Defence Ministry has recently cleared acquisition proposals worth ₹1.10 lakh crore, including high-mobility vehicles, advanced light helicopters and upgrades to fighter jets.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council has accorded Acceptance of Necessity to several projects across the three armed forces, signalling a sustained push towards modernisation and indigenisation.

The APUs will play a crucial role in ensuring that tanks can operate effectively even when their main engines are not running, thereby conserving fuel and reducing wear. This is particularly important for prolonged deployments and combat scenarios where reliability and endurance are paramount.

The procurement also reflects the growing participation of private industry in India’s defence sector. Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited’s involvement highlights the expanding role of domestic companies in delivering advanced technologies for the armed forces.

The move is expected to encourage further collaboration between defence PSUs, private firms and MSMEs, thereby strengthening the overall ecosystem.

By equipping the T-72 and T-90 tanks with indigenously developed APUs, the Indian Army will gain enhanced battlefield resilience, while the defence industry will benefit from increased opportunities for innovation and production.

This dual advantage reinforces the strategic importance of the contract and its contribution to India’s defence preparedness.

Agencies

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Australia Formally Launches Global Campaign For UNSC Seat In 2029–30

Australia has formally launched its diplomatic campaign for a non‑permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2029‑30 term, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasising priorities such as climate action, AI regulation, and middle‑power diplomacy. The election will take place in June 2028, requiring a two‑thirds majority of the UN General Assembly.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the bid in New York during the high‑level week of the UN General Assembly.

He declared that Australia has never stood on the sidelines and has consistently contributed to building a safer and more peaceful world. He stressed that the campaign would be guided by listening with respect, partnering as equals, and protecting what matters most.

Albanese highlighted that Australia’s last term on the UNSC ended in 2014, and the new campaign represents a return to the Council at a time of global uncertainty.

He underlined that Australia punches above its weight internationally and can influence responses to pressing challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence. He also noted strong support expected from Pacific island nations and Southeast Asia, citing Australia’s close diplomatic ties in the region.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong reinforced the candidature by describing Australia as an active, ambitious middle power with a practical contribution to make to international peace and security. She emphasised that Australia would defend the UN Charter, protect civilians, and amplify the voices of small and mid‑sized states. Wong added that Australia’s vision is a safer world governed by rules rather than power and force alone.

Australia’s campaign platform is built on three pillars. First, advancing global regulation of artificial intelligence and digital safety, drawing on domestic legislative achievements such as social media age limits and ethical guardrails for AI deployment.

Second, prioritising climate resilience, particularly for Pacific island states, by advocating adaptation funding and stronger international commitments. Third, reinforcing multilateralism and rules‑based international law to safeguard trade corridors and regional security amid intensifying major‑power competition.

The UNSC comprises ten non‑permanent members, with five elected annually. Australia and Finland are the nominees from the Western European and Others Group for the 2029‑30 term. Other regional groups including Asia‑Pacific, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean will also nominate candidates. The election will be conducted by secret ballot in June 2028, requiring at least 129 votes out of 193 member states.

Australia’s announcement follows India’s launch of its candidature in July for the 2028‑29 term. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined India’s priorities, peacekeeping record, and commitment to multilateralism, noting that member states would assess both India’s vision and its track record in contributing to international peace and security.

Australia’s campaign is also framed by its historical role as a founding member of the United Nations and the first President of the Security Council.

Albanese reminded delegates that Australia has been a consistent voice for peace and security for more than 80 years. He pledged that, if elected, Australia would support bold reforms to ensure the UN remains effective in addressing future challenges.

Diplomatic analysts view Australia’s bid as a strategic effort to amplify Indo‑Pacific priorities, strengthen climate diplomacy, and shape global standards on emerging technologies. The campaign slogan ‘We Listen. We Partner. We Protect.’ encapsulates Canberra’s approach to multilateral engagement.

ANI

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L&T Semiconductor And TATA Electronics Join Forces To Boost Indigenous Chip Manufacturing For Global Markets

L&T Semiconductor Technologies Limited and TATA Electronics have announced a strategic partnership to expand indigenous manufacturing of chip products in India for global customers, as per an L&T press release.

The collaboration is designed to industrialise India-designed chips, enhancing time-to-market, reliability and supply chain resilience.

The alliance combines L&T Semiconductor’s fabless design innovation with TATA Electronics’ semiconductor packaging and foundry capabilities.

This partnership will jointly explore chip fabrication and packaging opportunities for L&T Semiconductor’s current and future products across TATA Electronics’ range of fab process technologies and packaging solutions.

The collaboration will also include chip design to fabrication optimisations, with a strong focus on ensuring efficient manufacturing at scale. This is expected to support next-generation products across automotive, industrial, communications, security and intelligent-edge sectors.

Dr Sandeep Kumar, Chief Executive of L&T Semiconductor Technologies Limited, emphasised that semiconductor leadership will increasingly be defined not only by design breakthroughs but also by the ability to industrialise those designs through advanced packaging and manufacturing.

He described the engagement with TATA Electronics as a decisive step in building capabilities that ensure the next generation of semiconductor products can be designed in India and delivered to global markets with speed, reliability and scale.

Dr Randhir Thakur, CEO & MD of TATA Electronics, stated that TATA Electronics is establishing world-class semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in India to provide trusted, high-quality solutions across the semiconductor value chain.

He noted that the partnership with L&T Semiconductor is a significant step that will accelerate India’s vision of becoming a full-stack semiconductor nation by combining L&T Semiconductor’s deep fabless design and engineering expertise with TATA Electronics’ manufacturing, packaging and testing capabilities.

The partnership aligns with the Government of India’s vision to ‘Manufacture in India – for India and for the World’. It reflects a long-term commitment to SEMICON 2.0’s focus on domestic ecosystem development and value addition, positioning India as a leader in the global semiconductor industry.

Together, L&T Semiconductor and TATA Electronics aim to advance packaging technologies, manufacturing excellence and quality systems that reinforce India’s semiconductor mission.

This collaboration is expected to strengthen India’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain, reduce dependence on imports, and contribute to the country’s ambition of becoming a hub for advanced technology manufacturing.

L&T Press Release

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India Advances Indigenous Nuclear Expansion As Fuel Loading Begins At RAPP-8 In Rawatbhata

India has begun initial fuel loading at RAPP-8, the fourth indigenous 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan, marking a critical step in its nuclear expansion program. The reactor is expected to achieve commercial operation within this financial year after regulatory clearances and commissioning stages.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) confirmed that fuel loading at RAPP-8 commenced at 3:18 pm on 19 September 2026 following clearance from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.

This clearance was granted after rigorous safety evaluations, system integrity audits and site readiness reviews. The milestone represents the transition of the reactor from construction and system testing to the commissioning phase.

RAPP-8 is part of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Units 7 and 8, both designed as indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs. The next major milestone for Unit-8 will be the First Approach to Criticality, when a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction begins. This will be followed by phased power generation tests before the reactor enters commercial service.

The 700 MWe PHWR design is central to India’s fleet-mode deployment strategy. By standardising reactor technology, NPCIL aims to replicate construction, equipment and operational practices across multiple sites, thereby reducing costs and timelines. The design represents a significant scale-up from India’s earlier 220 MWe and 540 MWe PHWRs, reflecting decades of domestic nuclear engineering development.

RAPP-8 is the fourth reactor in the series of 16 indigenous 700 MWe PHWRs planned nationwide. The first two, Kakrapar Units 3 and 4 in Gujarat, entered commercial operation in 2023-24, while RAPP-7 followed in April 2025. The commissioning of successive units strengthens India’s nuclear program and supports its long-term energy security goals.

NPCIL currently operates 24 nuclear reactors with a combined installed capacity of 8.8 GWe. Another 17 reactors, totalling around 13 GWe, are under construction or implementation. The government has set a target of achieving 100 GWe of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with NPCIL expected to contribute more than half of this capacity.

Nuclear energy is increasingly being identified as a key component of India’s energy strategy. It provides continuous baseload electricity without producing carbon dioxide emissions during generation, complementing renewable sources such as solar and wind. As India faces rising electricity demand and seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, projects like RAPP-8 are expected to play a vital role.

The start of fuel loading does not mean immediate electricity generation. The reactor must undergo commissioning, testing and regulatory approvals before commercial operation.

Typically, the process from fuel loading to commercial service takes six to eight months. NPCIL expects RAPP-8 to begin supplying electricity within the current financial year.

Meanwhile, geotechnical investigations for RAPP Units 9 and 10 have also commenced at Rawatbhata, marking the next phase of expansion at the site. These investigations assess soil and rock conditions to establish engineering baselines for future construction.

The commissioning of RAPP-8 reinforces India’s commitment to building a larger domestic nuclear fleet. By deploying standardised indigenous reactor designs in fleet mode, India aims to accelerate nuclear capacity addition, strengthen energy security and expand its share of low-carbon electricity.

Agencies

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Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri And INS Kulish Dock In Philippines For ASEAN Maritime Cooperation

Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines on Sunday to take part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity.

This deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s operational outreach and reflects India’s growing maritime engagement in the region.

The ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries. Its purpose is to foster professional and operational engagements that enhance interoperability, build mutual understanding, and strengthen cooperation in the maritime domain.

India’s participation in this activity is aligned with the Government’s Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR. It underscores New Delhi’s commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation and constructive engagement with regional partners.

The deployment is designed to provide opportunities for the Indian Navy to interact with other maritime forces, contributing to a deeper understanding of shared maritime challenges.

The port call at Subic Bay also highlights the strengthening maritime relationship between India and the Philippines. This builds upon recent bilateral engagements and the establishment of the India-Philippines Strategic Partnership in August 2025. The deployment offers a platform to further consolidate professional linkages and maritime cooperation between the two nations.

Earlier, on September 15, Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F Ignacio spoke at the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Council of World Affairs. He noted that India and the Philippines have witnessed a significant intensification of ties over the past decade, culminating in the elevation of the relationship to a strategic partnership last year. He emphasised that the relationship, formally 77 years old, has gained visible momentum in the past decade.

Ambassador Ignacio described India as a partner of great mutual and strategic trust, particularly in the maritime space.

He pointed out that the Philippines sees India as a responsible player, a preferred security partner, and a first responder in times of crisis. He recalled India’s assistance to Filipino seafarers in the Indian Ocean during recent uncertainties, which reinforced this trust.

He also highlighted India’s role as a source of knowledge and a model for ASEAN countries. For the Philippines, India is seen as a valued partner whose experience and responsible conduct in the maritime domain provide lessons for the wider region.

The arrival of Sahyadri and Kulish at Subic Bay thus represents more than a routine naval deployment. It is a visible demonstration of India’s strategic commitment to ASEAN-led frameworks, its deepening partnership with the Philippines, and its broader role as a stabilising maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.

ANI

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India, US Chart Nuclear Roadmap To Power AI And Data Centres

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal met US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Houston

India and the United States have advanced discussions on cooperation in nuclear energy and power infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on supporting artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and data centres.

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal met US Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Houston, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment under the US-India Energy Security Partnership.

The dialogue highlighted the importance of clean energy, resilient power infrastructure and emerging technologies as India’s digital economy continues to expand.

The talks underscored the growing policy focus on aligning clean and reliable baseload power with the electricity requirements of AI systems and large-scale data-centre infrastructure. Reliable electricity supply is becoming increasingly critical as India builds capacity in computing and digital services.

The discussions also reflected the broader strategic intent of both countries to integrate nuclear energy into India’s roadmap for sustainable and secure power generation.

Separately, Lal held a bilateral meeting with Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, during the G20 Energy Abundance Working Group meetings.

The two sides explored cooperation in offshore exploration under India’s Samudra Manthan scheme, alongside collaboration in energy efficiency and low-emission technologies. This engagement reflects India’s effort to diversify energy partnerships and strengthen resilience in its energy sector.

India is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to reinforce energy security by diversifying sources, expanding clean and reliable baseload capacity and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies. 

The emphasis on nuclear energy, offshore exploration and advanced digital infrastructure demonstrates India’s intent to balance sustainability with the demands of a rapidly growing digital economy.

These initiatives also highlight India’s commitment to international cooperation in energy, ensuring secure, affordable and future-ready power systems.

Agencies

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Vishwatronix Unveils Pinaka Remote Weapon Station For Robot Dogs

Vishwatronix has developed a lightweight Remote Weapon Station named Pinaka, specifically designed for quadruped unmanned ground vehicles, often referred to as robot dogs.

The system weighs only 5 kg, making it compact and modular enough to be mounted as a payload on robotic platforms without compromising mobility.

The Pinaka-RWS offers a 360-degree turret traverse, enabling complete coverage in operational environments. It is equipped with a day and night optical and thermal surveillance suite, ensuring effective monitoring and engagement across varying conditions.

The system integrates artificial intelligence support for autonomous target detection and tracking, enhancing situational awareness and reducing operator workload.

Despite its autonomous features, the firing trigger and final authorization remain strictly under human control. This human-in-the-loop safety mechanism ensures that ethical and operational responsibility is retained by soldiers, preventing unintended engagements and maintaining compliance with battlefield protocols.

The system has been designed to fit quadruped unmanned ground vehicles that are capable of scouting hazardous, rocky, or unstructured terrain. Such platforms are increasingly being deployed in reconnaissance and support roles, where human presence would be risky. By integrating Pinaka, these robotic scouts gain defensive and offensive capability while maintaining agility in complex environments.

Vishwatronix has already demonstrated similar remote weapon mounts on Mahindra Armado protected tactical vehicles.

This broader testing reflects the company’s approach to modularity, ensuring that its weapon stations can be adapted across multiple platforms, from lightweight robotic dogs to armoured vehicles.

It is important to note that this Pinaka RWS is distinct from the heavy Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher artillery system developed by DRDO and TATA.

While the artillery system is a large-scale battlefield weapon designed for saturation fire, Vishwatronix’s Pinaka represents a micro-scale innovation tailored for unmanned systems and tactical mobility.

The emergence of such lightweight RWS solutions highlights India’s growing focus on indigenous defence technology. Bangalore-based Vishwatronix is part of a new wave of defence Start-Ups that are blending robotics, autonomy, and advanced electronics to create battlefield systems suited for modern asymmetric warfare.

The company’s work reflects India’s broader push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program.

Globally, robot dogs equipped with weapon stations have been tested in countries such as the United States and China, where they are seen as force multipliers in urban combat and reconnaissance missions. India’s entry into this domain with an indigenous solution demonstrates its intent to remain competitive in next-generation battlefield technologies.

The Pinaka RWS for quadruped UGVs is not just a technological milestone but also a strategic signal. It shows India’s ability to field compact, modular, and indigenous systems that combine autonomy with human oversight.

As trials expand, the system could pave the way for deployment across India’s mechanised and reconnaissance forces, enhancing both survivability and lethality in complex terrains.

Agencies

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Houthis Claim 28 Saudi Air Raids As US Issues Security Alert Amid Expanding West Asia Conflict

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree alleged that Saudi forces carried out 28 airstrikes across Yemen in the past 24 hours. He stated that the raids targeted the governorates of Taiz, Al-Jawf, and Marib.

According to Saree, the strikes were launched by F-15 and Typhoon aircraft operating from Khamis Mushait and Taif airbases.

Saree further claimed that the latest attacks brought the total number of Saudi airstrikes since the beginning of the escalation against the Houthis to 760. He accused Saudi Arabia of intensifying its campaign against Yemeni civilians and vowed that the group would continue its retaliatory operations.

The Houthis announced that their forces had carried out two military operations in response. They said ballistic and cruise missiles, along with drones, were used to target sensitive sites in Riyadh and Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The group claimed that both operations were successful, resulting in massive fires at the targeted locations.

This marked the first time the Houthis directly targeted the Saudi capital, Riyadh, in the ongoing conflict. The group described the Saudi strikes on Sana'a as “ISIS-style tactics” involving indiscriminate bombings against civilians.

Amidst the escalation, the United States issued a security alert for its mission in Saudi Arabia. American government employees were instructed to obtain special authorisation for all official and personal travel to Taif and Yanbu. The US Mission urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow recommended security measures.

President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington maintains ongoing contact with the Houthis. He stated that the group had agreed not to attack American personnel. However, reports indicated that the US administration was reviewing potential military options against the Houthis following their missile attack on Riyadh, which Saudi forces intercepted.

Trump cut short an overnight stay at Camp David and returned to the White House early on Saturday evening. CNN National Security Analyst Alex Plitsas reported that discussions at the presidential retreat focused on strike options concerning Yemen.

Following these deliberations, US embassies across the Middle East issued security warnings to American citizens about possible retaliatory attacks.

The regional security climate has grown increasingly complex, with tensions involving Iran, Yemen, and Western interests. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasised the seriousness of the Houthi threat, noting that military intervention could have ended the conflict swiftly if not for concerns over civilian casualties.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkiye would have “no difficulty” meeting Saudi Arabia’s military needs under the Mecca Alliance.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia should avoid being drawn into the wider confrontation between Iran and the United States. Ankara continues to monitor the situation closely as the conflict in West Asia widens.

ANI

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Afghanistan Vows Retaliation Against Pakistan Over Civilian Strikes In Kunar And Paktika

Afghanistan has vowed an appropriate response to Pakistani airstrikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces, with government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accusing Pakistan’s military of deliberately targeting civilian areas.

He described the attacks as a repetition of crimes against Afghanistan and warned that Kabul would not remain passive in the face of such aggression.

In a statement posted on X, Mujahid confirmed that three civilians were killed and four others wounded in Kunar. The victims included one woman and two men, while two women and two men sustained injuries. In Paktika, a house and a local shop were bombed, though no casualties were reported. 

Mujahid condemned the strikes as aggression and oppression, asserting that Pakistan’s military establishment was attempting to divert attention from its own internal security failures. He declared that Afghans would deliver an appropriate response to this aggression.

TOLOnews, citing local sources, reported that Pakistani fighter jets carried out airstrikes in several parts of Afghanistan early Monday morning. The Rakha and Torkandi areas of Barmal district in Paktika province were specifically targeted in two separate strikes. A separate strike in Kunar province killed three people and injured several others, corroborating Mujahid’s account.

The latest escalation comes amid continuing cross-border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with a documented civilian toll from earlier clashes. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported in its April to June 2026 update that its Human Rights Service documented 399 civilian casualties — 57 killed and 342 injured — as a result of cross-border armed violence during the period.

These casualties included 40 women and 112 children. UNAMA identified airstrikes and ground engagements as the leading causes of civilian harm.

UNAMA further stated that all cross-border civilian casualties documented in Afghanistan during the April-June period were attributed to Pakistani security forces. Provinces such as Paktya, Paktika and Kunar recorded the largest number of civilian casualties from airstrikes.

The mission had earlier confirmed that at least 28 civilians were killed and 49 injured in Pakistani airstrikes carried out in Paktya, Paktika and Kunar on 28 June. Women and children were among the victims, while Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting acknowledged that its security forces had conducted strikes in the three provinces.

UNAMA’s data for January to March 2026 also recorded 372 civilians killed and 397 injured due to cross-border armed violence between Afghanistan’s de facto security forces and the Pakistani military. These figures highlight the persistent cycle of violence and the heavy toll on Afghan civilians.

Mujahid’s latest warning follows his earlier remarks on Saturday, when he asserted that Afghanistan had the right to defend its territory against Pakistani military action. He cautioned Islamabad of a crushing response if it continued to carry out strikes inside Afghanistan.

In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Mujahid rejected Pakistan’s allegations that Afghan territory was being used by militant groups to recruit, train and launch attacks against Pakistan. He argued that if Pakistan invoked Article 51 to justify violations of Afghan sovereignty, Afghanistan would exercise its right to defend itself.

Mujahid emphasised that any Pakistani military operation inside Afghanistan would constitute a violation of sovereignty and could trigger a strong retaliatory response from Kabul. His remarks underline the growing tensions between the two neighbours and the potential for further escalation if Pakistan continues its cross-border strikes.

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White House Escalates Media Feud By Removing CNN From UN Trip Pool

The White House has removed CNN from its scheduled role as the television pool representative for Monday, intensifying the confrontation between President Donald Trump and several major media organisations.

The decision follows Trump’s announcement of a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of spreading what he described as “fake news.”

CNN had been due to serve as the TV pool network on Monday, accompanying Trump to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

However, the White House’s “Daily Guidance and Press Schedule” issued on Sunday night omitted any mention of a primary television network for the pool, signalling CNN’s removal from the assignment.

The move comes after Trump declared on Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico were banned from the White House. In a post on Truth Social, he accused MS NOW of rebranding from MSNBC due to “lack of viewership and credibility” and alleged that Politico had received an “illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription” under Joe Biden’s administration. He claimed this amounted to corruption and vowed that other outlets could face similar restrictions.

The impact of the ban was immediately visible on Saturday when journalists from the three organisations were denied entry to the White House complex. Several had their press credentials confiscated.

CNN reporter Betsy Klein described how her hard pass failed at a security checkpoint, with a Secret Service agent informing her that her badge had been deactivated. She recounted completing the usual security process, including scanning her badge and entering her PIN, only to be rejected. The agent retained her badge and directed her to the White House Press Office for further explanation.

MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner reported a similar experience, stating that her badge had been disabled and confiscated.

Her photographer was also denied entry, though an MS NOW producer managed to gain access with a functioning badge. These incidents highlight the sweeping nature of the restrictions imposed by the administration.

The White House Correspondents’ Association condemned the move, with its president Jacqui Heinrich declaring that revoking access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico violated the First Amendment. She warned that excluding outlets based on coverage set a dangerous precedent that could be applied to any organisation in the future.

CNN issued a statement affirming that it would continue reporting on the US government despite the restrictions, describing the ban as an illegal assault on constitutional rights. The network emphasised its mission to report without hindrance or interference from the government.

The dispute now centres on the White House television pool, a rotating arrangement among five major networks that provides shared footage of the President’s activities.

CNN’s scheduled role on Monday was particularly significant given Trump’s travel to the UN General Assembly. Its removal from the pool assignment underscores the administration’s escalating battle with the press.

Legal action is now being considered by CNN, MS NOW and Politico, who are preparing to challenge the restrictions in court. The confrontation marks a new phase in Trump’s feud with the media, with the White House not only banning outlets from physical access but also stripping CNN of its pool responsibilities, thereby limiting its ability to cover the President’s international engagements.

ANI

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