US Marines Help Philippines Develop BrahMos Strike Plans Against Chinese Warships

The United States Marine Corps has been actively helping the Philippine Armed Forces develop strike plans for BrahMos missile operations against Chinese warships through joint exercises and simulated targeting drills.

These rehearsals are part of a broader US-Philippines defence cooperation program aimed at strengthening Manila’s coastal defence and deterrence posture in the South China Sea.

The United States and the Philippines have recently conducted joint maritime strike rehearsals under the Archipelagic Coastal Defence Continuum 26.4 exercise.

These drills took place at Camp Bojeador in Luzon in late August 2026. American and Filipino planners worked together to simulate the use of BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missiles against Chinese naval vessels.

The simulated targets included two Type-052D-class guided-missile destroyers, a Type-054A-class frigate, and a Type-901 fast combat support ship, all of which are currently in service with China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.

The exercises involved plotting Hermes drones of the Philippine Air Force to track a surface action group, thereby forming a kill chain that would enable BrahMos missile strikes. This integration of drones and coastal missile batteries was designed to replicate real-world targeting and fire planning against adversary warships.

The US Marine Corps emphasised that training alongside the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defence Regiment provided valuable insights into how Manila approaches maritime defence within its unique geography and operating environment.

The bilateral drills are part of Washington’s broader effort to enhance the Philippines’ long-range strike capabilities. In recent years, US-Philippines military exercises have increasingly focused on coastal defence and deterrence against Chinese naval expansion.

Earlier in 2026, the BrahMos system also featured in Exercise Balikatan, where simulated firings were conducted to test interoperability and joint targeting procedures with US and allied forces.

These exercises highlight the growing role of BrahMos as Manila’s most potent weapon system, acquired from India in a landmark $375 million deal in 2022, equivalent to approximately ₹3,125 crores.

The BrahMos is renowned for its supersonic speed of Mach 2.8–3.0, sea-skimming flight profile, and devastating kinetic impact. Its inclusion in Philippine coastal defence architecture directly addresses vulnerabilities in sea control and anti-access/area-denial strategies.

The Coastal Defence Regiment has already deployed BrahMos units in Northern Luzon, extending coverage along strategically important coastlines facing the South China Sea.

Reports from Navbharat Times and USNI News confirm that the US Marines have prepared strike plans specifically tailored for BrahMos operations against Chinese aggression. These plans are intended to be used by the Philippine Navy and Marine Corps in the event of conflict with China.

The exercises underscore the seriousness of the alliance’s preparations, as they simulate attacks on Chinese warships that could be deployed in contested waters. Analysts note that the BrahMos missile’s speed and precision make it extremely difficult for enemy defences to intercept, thereby raising the costs of Chinese aggression in the region.

The collaboration also reflects India’s growing credibility as a defence exporter. The Philippines was the first foreign customer of BrahMos, and its deployment has already influenced other ASEAN nations such as Vietnam and Indonesia to consider similar acquisitions.

Thailand is also reportedly evaluating the missile system. This expanding “BrahMos Belt” across Southeast Asia complicates Beijing’s maritime calculus and strengthens regional deterrence.

The US-Philippines strike planning with BrahMos represents a significant step in operational readiness. While no live missiles were fired during the drills, the constructive environment allowed full activation of sensors, radars, and command networks, simulating real combat conditions.

This ensures that the Philippines can seamlessly integrate BrahMos into joint operations with US forces, enhancing its deterrence posture against Chinese naval threats.

Agencies

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Modi-Putin Talks To Push Su-57 Tech Transfer, BrahMos Upgrade And Final S-400 Delivery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in New Delhi on 11 September, with defence cooperation forming the centrepiece of their talks.

Pending S-400 deliveries, Su-57 technology transfer, and upgrades to the BrahMos missile system are expected to dominate discussions, signalling a renewed push in India-Russia military-technical collaboration.

India signed a ₹40,000 crore deal with Russia in 2018 for five S-400 Triumf air defence regiments. Four units have already been delivered and deployed across Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu and the northern sector against China.

The fifth and final squadron, delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine war, is now assured for delivery by November 2026. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia remains committed to fulfilling its obligations, emphasising that the S-400 continues to feature prominently in bilateral conversations.

The S-400 system is critical for India’s layered air defence architecture. It can detect and engage aircraft, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missile targets at ranges exceeding 300 km. Its combat record was highlighted during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when it successfully intercepted a Pakistani AEW&C aircraft, establishing air dominance.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council has already approved additional acquisitions, underscoring the platform’s enduring role in national defence planning.

The Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet is another major item on the agenda. For the first time, Moscow has formally confirmed that the sale of Su-57 aircraft to India is under discussion. More significantly, Russia is exploring technology transfer and production cooperation, moving beyond a simple buyer-seller arrangement.

Peskov noted that while countries are cautious about sharing cutting-edge technologies, the depth of India-Russia ties makes such cooperation possible. The BrahMos joint venture was cited as a model for future collaboration.

The BrahMos missile system itself is set for a major upgrade. Russia and India are jointly producing the BrahMos, and talks will focus on enhancing its capabilities. The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) is a lighter 1.3-ton missile compared with the current 2.9-ton version.

It offers speeds of Mach 3.5, a range exceeding 400 km, and compatibility with lighter aircraft such as TEJAS and MiG-29, allowing six to seven missiles per fighter compared with one on the Su-30MKI. Plans are underway to extend the range to 800 km.

The air-launched variant has already demonstrated effectiveness, striking 11 Pakistani airbases during Operation Sindoor.

Beyond defence, the Modi-Putin meeting will also touch on nuclear energy cooperation, with Russia signalling readiness to discuss new nuclear power plants in India. Trade and investment expansion, particularly in national currency settlements within BRICS, will also be reviewed.

Russia has highlighted that 90% of its transactions with BRICS members are now conducted in national currencies, reflecting a shift towards diversified payment mechanisms.

The meeting comes just ahead of the BRICS Summit on 12–13 September in New Delhi, where India is chairing under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The bilateral talks are expected to set the tone for India-Russia strategic ties, reinforcing defence, nuclear, and economic cooperation as pillars of the partnership.

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India Developing SHIELD Program To Test Microwave Counter-Drone Capabilities

India is developing SHIELD, a sophisticated high-power microwave evaluation system designed to test how drones, sensors and communication systems respond to intense electromagnetic energy.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation is leading this effort to pinpoint which electronic components fail, malfunction or survive under microwave exposure.

This will help India harden its own systems and shape future directed-energy counter-drone capabilities against threats from China and Pakistan. Importantly, SHIELD is not a battlefield weapon yet; it is a test facility that will inform India’s future counter-drone warfare.

SHIELD stands for S-band High-Power Microwave Integrated Evaluation System for Lethality and Damage. It is being developed under DRDO’s Technology Development Fund scheme, with Indian industry partners invited to build the system.

Its purpose is to evaluate how high-power microwave radiation affects sensitive military electronics such as drones, sensors, radars, communication nodes and command links under controlled conditions.

The technology relies on indigenous Gallium Nitride solid-state power amplifiers, which offer high efficiency, compact size and superior thermal performance compared to silicon-based systems. The design is modular, scalable and drone-mountable, capable of pulsed-mode operation to simulate varied tactical scenarios.

The system matters greatly for India’s defence. By mapping failure modes such as temporary upset, system reset or permanent burnout, India can redesign or shield its own electronics to withstand microwave attacks.

Data from SHIELD will guide the design of future directed-energy weapons and non-kinetic counter-swarm systems tailored to regional threats. It also accelerates indigenous directed-energy and electronic-warfare technology, reducing reliance on foreign systems.

However, SHIELD remains an evaluation and testing infrastructure, not a deployable battlefield system. Its role is to generate empirical data needed to design, validate and harden future microwave-based counter-drone and electronic-warfare platforms.

Gallium Nitride amplifiers make SHIELD more powerful, compact and reliable. They deliver far higher output power and efficiency than older silicon or GaAs-based amplifiers, while handling heat better and operating across wider bandwidths. GaN can deliver roughly five to ten times the power density of GaAs and significantly more than silicon LDMOS, allowing SHIELD to generate intense microwave pulses from a smaller, lighter package.

GaN power amplifiers routinely exceed 70–80% power-added efficiency at microwave frequencies, meaning more DC power is converted to RF output and less wasted as heat. With high thermal conductivity, especially GaN-on-SiC substrates at around 390–490 W/m·K, GaN devices dissipate heat more effectively, sustaining high-power pulsed operation without rapid degradation.

GaN’s breakdown field is about ten times that of silicon, enabling higher operating voltages of 28–50 V and thus higher peak power in compact solid-state modules. GaN supports operation from S-band up to Ka-band and beyond, giving SHIELD flexibility to test different threat spectra and future directed-energy concepts.

Lower peak operating temperatures and robust material properties improve device lifetime under repeated high-power pulsing, which is critical for a test rig that must run many cycles. These advantages allow SHIELD to achieve required field strengths with fewer modules, lower power draw and better thermal margins, making the evaluation platform more scalable, mobile and suitable for field trials.

SHIELD is being developed by DRDO under its Technology Development Fund scheme, with the actual system to be built by Indian private industry partners including Start-Ups, MSMEs and defence firms selected through a Request for Proposal. DRDO is the lead agency, issuing the RFP and overseeing requirements, testing and integration.

The project is funded under the TDF, which is designed to push industry-led defence innovation from concept to engineered prototypes. Industry partners will design and deliver the GaN-based high-power microwave evaluation platform.

DRDO sets the technical specifications, validates performance and integrates SHIELD into its test infrastructure, while the selected industry partners develop the hardware, amplifiers and control systems. In short, DRDO is the program owner and technical authority, while Indian industry is the developer and builder.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Hypersonic R-37M Missiles To Transform Su-30MKI Into India’s Long-Range Air Dominance Platform

India’s acquisition of the Russian R-37M hypersonic missile, valued at over ₹10,000 crores, will transform the Su-30MKI fleet into a long-range strike powerhouse, giving the Indian Air Force a decisive edge against Pakistan and China by neutralising high-value airborne assets from distances of up to 400 km.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit on 12–13 September has already drawn attention to the strengthening of Indo-Russian defence ties.

Among the most significant developments is India’s decision to procure around 300 R-37M very long-range air-to-air missiles, also known by their export designation RVV-BD. The contract is worth more than ₹10,000 crores, and nearly 100 Su-30MKI fighters will be upgraded to operate these missiles.

The R-37M is a formidable weapon system. With a strike range between 300 and 400 kilometres and speeds reaching Mach 6, it is designed to destroy high-value airborne targets such as AWACS surveillance aircraft, aerial refuelling tankers, reconnaissance planes, and VIP transports.

These platforms are critical to modern air operations, as they extend radar coverage, coordinate missions, and sustain frontline fighters. By targeting them, India can effectively blind and disrupt adversary air campaigns before direct fighter engagements occur.

The missile’s integration requires modifications to the Su-30MKI’s weapons management system, avionics, and radar software.

The Bars radar will be upgraded to support the missile’s guidance, while secure datalinks will allow mid-course updates without exposing the aircraft. This ensures that Indian fighters can launch the missile without activating their own radar, reducing vulnerability to counter-fire.

The R-37M’s design employs a lofted trajectory, conserving energy by climbing into thinner air before diving onto its target.

It carries a 60 kg fragmentation warhead optimised for large aircraft. Guidance is layered: inertial navigation during the mid-course phase, datalink corrections, and an active radar seeker in the terminal phase. This combination ensures precision even against manoeuvring targets.

Strategically, the missile addresses gaps exposed during Operation Sindoor and the Galwan clash, where Pakistan’s PL-15 and China’s PL-17 long-range missiles out-ranged India’s existing arsenal.

With the R-37M, India gains the ability to strike enemy support aircraft from extreme distances, denying them the ability to coordinate or refuel fighters near contested airspace. This capability is particularly critical against Pakistan’s J-10C fighters and China’s expanding fleet of stealth aircraft.

The integration of the R-37M coincides with India’s broader “Super Sukhoi” upgrade program, which includes the Virupaksha active-array gallium-nitride radar capable of detecting targets at 400 km. 

Combined with indigenous Netra and Phalcon AEW&C aircraft, this networked capability provides India with a first-detection, first-shot advantage. The missile’s effectiveness has already been demonstrated in Russia’s war in Ukraine, where it forced adversary pilots to fly low and remain cautious.

India is also advancing its indigenous Astra program. The ASTRA MK-2, with a range of 160–240 km, is expected to enter service by 2027, while the ASTRA MK-3 Gandiva, with ramjet propulsion and a reach of 340 km, is under development.

Together with the R-37M, these layered systems will provide India with a comprehensive beyond-visual-range capability.

By fielding the R-37M, India becomes one of the few nations to deploy such a missile from a multirole fighter. This acquisition not only strengthens deterrence but also reshapes the balance of air power in South Asia, ensuring that India can contest aerial engagements well before adversaries can respond.

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India Harnesses Sound And Microwaves To Build Non-Kinetic Weapons Against Drone Threats

India is now actively developing acoustic and microwave-based counter-drone systems, combining experimental sound-wave technology with high-power microwave directed energy weapons to neutralise UAVs. These efforts mark a significant step in building layered, non-kinetic air defence against cheap drone threats.

Indian tradition has long carried accounts of ‘Dhwani’, or sound, possessing extraordinary power. Stories of Dashanan describe mastery over vibration, while musical legends recall Tansen and Raag Megh Malhar, believed to summon rain.

Today, Indian scientists are exploring whether sound can be harnessed against one of the modern battlefield’s biggest threats: the drone.

At Chandigarh’s Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, researchers have developed an experimental acoustic counter-drone system. It uses high-intensity sound waves to interfere with the MEMS gyroscope that helps drones maintain balance and orientation. By disrupting these sensors, the system aims to destabilise drones mid-flight.

Sound is only one part of India’s emerging non-kinetic warfare landscape. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has initiated projects under its Technology Development Fund, including SHIELD, an S-band High-Power Microwave Integrated Evaluation System.

This program is designed to evaluate the effects of powerful microwave energy on electronic systems. High-power microwaves can interfere with or damage vulnerable electronics without physically striking the target, offering a potential solution against drone swarms and saturation attacks.

In January 2026, DRDO showcased a prototype microwave directed energy weapon at the International Conference on Electronic Warfare in Bangalore. Developed by the Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre, the system successfully disabled quadcopter UAVs at ranges up to one kilometre.

Engineers aim to extend this kill range to five kilometres by the end of 2026. The prototype operates in the S-band frequency, with a peak power output of 450 MW and a pulse width of 20 nanoseconds. Its beam width is tuneable, allowing adaptability to different threat scenarios.

Dr Prahlada Ramarao, regarded as the father of India’s Akash missile, has emphasised that acoustic energy itself can be weaponised. He explained that sound, amplitude, frequency and angle can be managed to render drones ineffective.

However, he cautioned that acoustic systems face challenges involving beam width, intensity and the ability to influence sensors inside drones, requiring deeper scientific and engineering work.

The larger transformation could fundamentally change air defence economics. Cheap drones have created a problem for militaries forced to expend costly interceptors against inexpensive threats. Electronic warfare, acoustic systems, lasers and high-power microwaves could provide additional layers before a missile needs to be fired, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

India’s counter-drone ecosystem is expanding rapidly. By mid-2026, the country had fielded 60 counter-UAS systems from 43 manufacturers, with procurement worth ₹374 crore and deployments across more than 12 states. Directed energy systems, including lasers and microwave weapons, are now part of this layered defence architecture.

These developments align with India’s broader push for indigenous defence innovation under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Acoustic and microwave systems could eventually complement radar, jammers and kinetic interceptors, creating a multi-tiered shield against evolving drone threats.

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India And Sri Lanka Sign Agreement For Upgrading L70 Gun Systems

Bharat Electronics Limited has come into focus following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sri Lanka for the upgradation of the L70 air defence gun system.

The agreement was reached during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day visit to Colombo, where both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepen defence cooperation across military training, defence education and air defence equipment.

The L70 gun upgrade is significant because BEL has already executed similar modernisation programs in India. The package involves replacing legacy hydraulic drives with electric drives, which enhances responsiveness and reliability while reducing dependence on older systems. BEL’s expertise in integrating motors, electronics, control systems, power units and targeting equipment makes it central to such upgrades.

The modernisation also introduces an Integrated Fire Control System. This system incorporates an optronic sight with an eye safe laser range finder, daylight television and thermal imager. These additions enable detection and engagement of targets in both day and night conditions, extending the operational relevance of the platform.

Another key feature is autonomous ballistic computation. The upgraded system electronically calculates firing solutions, incorporating round-to-round muzzle velocity correction and tilt compensation.

This improves firing accuracy by adjusting to actual weapon and ammunition conditions. BEL’s role here is crucial, as the upgrade is electronics-intensive, involving sensors, computing, fire control and system integration.

The L70 upgrade also enables silent operation through battery power. This reduces reliance on external power systems and enhances tactical flexibility. The shift from hydraulic to electric systems supports this battery-based architecture.

Additionally, the gun can interface with tracking and fire control radars. This integration allows the weapon to function as part of a wider air defence network rather than as a standalone system. Radar inputs support target acquisition and engagement, while electro optical systems provide another channel for tracking and targeting.

The Sri Lanka development is important not only for its immediate defence cooperation value but also for the export and lifecycle support opportunities it creates.

Legacy platforms in overseas markets can be modernised without requiring complete replacement. For BEL, this opens avenues in system upgrades, fire control electronics, electro optical equipment, radar integration, maintenance, spares and future modernisation.

During his visit, Rajnath Singh met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and emphasised India and Sri Lanka’s shared civilizational ties, maritime partnership and strategic relationship. The defence cooperation surrounding the L70 gun adds a practical dimension to these ties.

Singh also highlighted India’s rapid growth in defence manufacturing and exports. He noted that India’s defence exports have risen sharply over the past decade, reaching an all-time high of around ₹39,000 crore, compared with approximately ₹600 crore twelve years ago. This reflects the government’s push towards self-reliance and domestic manufacturing.

For BEL, the L70 upgrade in Sri Lanka demonstrates how its proven capabilities in modernising legacy platforms can be extended to friendly overseas markets.

This aligns with India’s broader defence export strategy and strengthens regional security cooperation.

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BEML Pushes Indigenous 1,350 HP Engine To Power Indian Army’s T-90 Tanks

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) is advancing a critical indigenous defence project to develop a 1,350 horsepower engine and complete powerpack for the Indian Army’s T-90 main battle tanks, replacing the current 1,000 horsepower system.

This upgrade, under discussion with the Ministry of Defence, promises enhanced mobility, agility, and a superior power-to-weight ratio, particularly vital for high-altitude operations in Ladakh and other challenging terrains.

The Ministry of Defence has already cleared funding support under the MAKE-I framework for indigenous development of this high-power engine. The government will provide up to 70% of prototype development costs, capped at ₹250 crore per development agency, with a mandatory minimum of 50% indigenous content.

This ensures that the project strengthens India’s defence industrial base while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The Defence Acquisition Council approved the requirement for a more powerful engine in March 2025, recognising the operational need for improved mobility in mountainous regions. The existing 1,000 horsepower engine struggles in thin air at high altitudes, leading to reduced performance.

The proposed 1,350 horsepower engine will significantly improve acceleration, climbing ability, and manoeuvrability, making the T-90 fleet more effective in diverse terrains such as deserts, mountains, and riverine areas.

Engine Factory Avadi, part of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, has already showcased prototypes of the 1,350 horsepower powerpack. These feature redesigned cooling systems with three fans instead of one, improved thermal management, and possible gearbox updates.

This marks a fundamental shift from the current T-90 powerplant, making it potentially the most powerful engine fitted to any T-90 variant worldwide, surpassing even Russia’s T-90M with its 1,250 PS engine.

The upgrade will allow Indian armoured units to reposition faster, negotiate obstacles more effectively, and respond swiftly in both offensive and defensive operations. In high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Sikkim, the enhanced engine output will minimise mobility penalties caused by reduced air density, ensuring operational readiness is maintained.

Beyond battlefield performance, the program represents a strategic investment in indigenous propulsion technologies, including thermal management, transmission integration, and powerpack optimisation. 

Mastery of these areas has historically been challenging for India, but this initiative will build long-term expertise and self-reliance. It also supports the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by involving domestic industries, including MSMEs, in component manufacturing.

The T-90 Bhishma, weighing 46 tons, currently uses a 1,000 hp engine with a power-to-weight ratio of 21.5 hp per ton. With the proposed 1,350 hp engine, this ratio will rise significantly, giving the tank superior battlefield agility.

The upgrade aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armoured fleet, complementing contracts for 464 upgraded T-90 MK-III tanks and potential integration of advanced active protection systems.

This indigenous engine project is not just a technical upgrade but a strategic leap in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. It will reduce dependence on Russian technology, ensure sustainability in tank production, and position India as a global leader in armoured vehicle innovation.

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Countering The China–Pakistan Axis: Inside India’s Massive Modernisation Push

India has cleared a massive defence acquisition package worth ₹1.1 lakh crore to strengthen its armed forces against the twin challenge posed by China and Pakistan.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved proposals covering the Army, Navy and Air Force. This takes the total approvals this year to ₹1.6 lakh crore and the cumulative figure since 2025 to ₹13 lakh crore.

The package includes systems to enhance the war-fighting capabilities of fighter jets, transport aircraft and helicopters. A pilot project will integrate Russian-origin RVV-BD long-range air-to-air missiles with Sukhoi-30 fighters, significantly boosting the Indian Air Force’s reach and deterrence capability.

The Army will receive Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance vehicles. These will detect, identify and monitor hazardous agents in operational zones, marking contaminated areas to protect advancing troops. High-Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) have also been approved to improve logistics support and mobility in difficult terrain.

Trawl tanks, based on T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks, will be equipped with indigenous minefield-breaching systems developed by DRDO. These assemblies include heavy trawl rollers, mine ploughs and electromagnetic devices to neutralise landmines, including those with advanced proximity magnetic fuses.

Alongside, self-propelled mechanical mine layers will provide automated and responsive mine-laying capabilities in challenging terrain.

The Sarvatra Bridge System, manufactured by BEML Limited, has also been cleared. This truck-mounted, multi-span mobile bridging system can support the 68-ton Arjun Main Battle Tank. A single 15-metre span can be deployed in 15 minutes, while a 75-metre bridge configuration can be launched in about 100 to 150 minutes. Adjustable trestle legs allow deployment across varied terrain, enhancing operational flexibility.

For the Navy, the DAC approved Arudhra radars to replace existing air route surveillance radars at naval air stations.

It also cleared the design, development and procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs), a warship propulsion system aimed at reducing dependence on foreign vendors.

The Air Force will acquire Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ) to counter adversary radars. The Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system will replace paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable radio-frequency identification-based smart card system.

The Defence Ministry emphasised that approximately 98% of these procurements will come from Indian industry.

This aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, which includes phased import bans on weapons and subsystems, a separate budget for indigenous hardware, increased FDI limits from 49% to 74%, and improved ease of doing business. India achieved defence production worth ₹1.8 lakh crore in 2025-26 and aims to reach ₹3 lakh crore by 2029-30.

The approvals reflect India’s determination to modernise its armed forces and ensure readiness against regional threats.

The integration of advanced systems, indigenous technologies and large-scale procurement from domestic industry marks a decisive step in strengthening national security.

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India Expands Indo-Pacific Defence Outreach As Trump Pulls Back

India has intensified its defence outreach in the Indo-Pacific as US President Donald Trump has withdrawn from the region under a strategic realignment, FirstPost reported.

This recalibration has prompted New Delhi to expand its engagements with regional partners to counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is currently in Colombo, holding talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. His visit marks the first by an Indian defence minister to Sri Lanka in nearly four decades, underscoring the strategic importance of the island nation to India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR initiatives.

Singh described the meeting as highly productive, reaffirming commitments to regional peace, prosperity, and security. He emphasised that India and Sri Lanka are civilizational twins and maritime partners, bound by shared history, culture, and faith.

He assured Colombo that India would stand steadfastly with Sri Lanka during any crisis, highlighting the strong cultural and civilizational foundation for expanding bilateral ties.

Parallel to this, the Indian and Japanese air forces have commenced the bilateral ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ exercise in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Indian Air Force is fielding TEJAS, Su-30MKI, and Rafale fighter aircraft, while Japan has deployed F-2A fighters.

The 14-day exercise involves advanced operational missions, mission planning integration, and professional exchanges on aerospace safety and engineering. The drills aim to enhance tactical proficiency and operational synergy, reaffirming the deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan.

The exercise reflects the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the face of regional challenges.

Meanwhile, Indian Navy chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is visiting Australia and New Zealand to build on the understandings reached during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits earlier in July.

In Canberra, Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to expand military interoperability, increase aircraft deployments in each other’s territories, and deepen personnel exchanges, education, and training programs.

Swaminathan’s visit comes as Australia and New Zealand take the lead in countering China’s influence in the Pacific, entering into security agreements with island nations and reinforcing their commitment to regional initiatives such as the Quad, even as Washington steps back.

India’s heightened engagement with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia reflects a broader strategy of middle powers joining hands to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia, coupled with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s earlier trip to India, highlight the strengthening of these partnerships. 

Collectively, these efforts position India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and a proactive player in shaping Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Through these coordinated diplomatic and military initiatives, India is signalling its readiness to shoulder greater responsibility in the Indo-Pacific, filling the vacuum left by the United States and reinforcing its role as a stabilising force in the region.

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82.6 Ghz Gyrotron Commissioned And Integrated With SST-1 TOKAMAK Fusion Reactor At Institute For Plasma Research, Gujarat

The Gyrotron commissioned and integrated (Extreme left pic) at IPR

The Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in Gujarat has successfully commissioned and integrated an advanced 82.6 GHz Gyrotron with the SST‑1 Tokamak (State Superconducting Tokamak-1), marking a major milestone in India’s fusion energy program.

This system enables plasma heating at both fundamental and second harmonics, significantly enhancing experimental capabilities for long‑pulse fusion operations.

The Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating system (ECRH) is a crucial component for Tokamaks and fusion reactors. Its applications include low‑loop voltage plasma Start‑Up, heating, current drive, and control of instabilities. A standard ECRH system comprises a high‑power microwave source, corrugated waveguide transmission line, and quasi‑optical launcher.

On SST‑1 and Aditya‑U Tokamaks, two ECRH systems are deployed: a 42 GHz 500 kW unit and the newly commissioned 82.6 GHz 400 kW unit. The 82.6 GHz Gyrotron is capable of delivering 400 kW of RF power for 500 milliseconds. It was mounted on the cryomagnet with precision, while the mirrors of the matching optic unit were replaced and aligned to couple power effectively into the transmission line. The Gunn coil was installed, and all cooling and electrical connections were completed following standard procedures.

Cold high‑voltage tests validated the voltage withstand capability and tube integrity. Initial low‑power, short‑pulse operations ensured precise mirror alignment, with burn‑patterns confirming correct beam propagation. The Gyrotron achieved stable operation at rated parameters on a water‑cooled dummy load, with beam voltage at −45 kV, beam current around 20 A, and anode voltage at +20 kV.

Following dummy load commissioning, the system was integrated with SST‑1 using a 20‑metre transmission line. Launcher mirrors inside the Tokamak were realigned to deliver EC power to the desired plasma location, validated through burn‑pattern observations. This integration enabled plasma heating experiments at both fundamental and second harmonics.

During the recent SST‑1 campaign, the 82.6 GHz system was successfully used for plasma pre‑ionisation and heating. For the first time, SST‑1 operated at a toroidal magnetic field of approximately 2.8 T with the 82.6 GHz system applied for plasma breakdown and heating. Power levels varied between 150 kW and 300 kW, with durations ranging from 75 ms to 200 ms.

The system was also employed for second‑harmonic pre‑ionisation at 1.5 T with different polarisation settings, achieving effective breakdown in synergy with the Klystron‑based LHCD system.

This achievement represents a significant advancement in India’s fusion research. SST‑1, India’s first superconducting Tokamak, was designed for long‑pulse steady‑state plasma operations.

The integration of the 82.6 GHz Gyrotron strengthens India’s capability to conduct advanced plasma heating experiments, contributing to global efforts in developing practical fusion energy. The system’s commissioning also demonstrates India’s growing expertise in high‑power microwave technology, superconducting magnet integration, and fusion plasma control.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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ISRO Chief Opens Bangalore Space Expo 2026, Calls For Industry Collaboration To Boost India’s Space Ambitions

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan inaugurated the ninth edition of the Bangalore Space Expo (BSX) 2026, emphasising India’s expanding role in global space exploration and the need for greater private sector and Start-Up participation.

He clarified that ISRO remains a government organisation, while highlighting reforms that encourage industry collaboration to meet India’s ambitious target of 50 launches annually.

The Bangalore Space Expo 2026 has brought together leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the global space industry. The event is Asia’s premier space gathering, showcasing India’s growing influence in space technology and exploration.

ISRO Chief V Narayanan addressed the inaugural session, stressing that India’s space program, now 64–65 years old, has 56 operational space assets serving the nation. He noted that the country’s requirements are far greater, with a need for 200–300 satellites over the next six to seven years.

He underlined that this scale of activity cannot be achieved by ISRO alone and requires strong collaboration with private companies, Start-Ups, and academia.

Narayanan reassured employees that ISRO is not being privatised, dismissing concerns raised by nine employee associations about transferring manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. He acknowledged their concerns as genuine and promised clarifications. He reiterated that ISRO remains a government organisation, but the ecosystem must grow to meet national and global demands.

He explained that reforms introduced six years ago were designed to hand-hold private industry and Start-Ups, enabling them to contribute to the national space ecosystem.

He highlighted that nearly 80% of the budget for PSLV, GSLV, and LVM-3 launches is invested in Indian industries, with around 450 companies actively working with ISRO. This partnership has become the backbone of India’s space program.

Narayanan also pointed to the rapid growth of India’s private space sector. From a single space Start-Up in 2014, India now has more than 450, with over ₹1,300 crores of private capital invested in 2026 alone. 

Companies like Skyroot Aerospace have already developed India’s first privately built rocket, achieving orbital launch capability. This reflects the synergy between ISRO, IN-SPACe, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and private industry.

He emphasised that India must scale up its launch frequency. While ISRO now conducts launches almost monthly, the national requirement is around 50 launches per year. This ambitious target underscores the importance of industry collaboration, technological innovation, and international cooperation.

The Bangalore Space Expo 2026 is serving as a platform for dialogue on space sustainability, commercialisation, and future missions. It is also showcasing India’s expanding private space ecosystem, with Start-Ups presenting innovations in satellite technologies, launch services, and geospatial intelligence.

The event highlights India’s transition into a new phase of space exploration, where government, industry, and academia must work together to achieve national and global ambitions.

Agencies

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Chinese-Origin Tank Blast In Bangladesh Kills Two Soldiers, Officer Critical

Two Bangladesh Army soldiers were killed and a senior officer critically injured when a Chinese-origin Type-59 tank exploded during a live firing exercise at Hathazari Field Firing Range in Chattogram on Wednesday.

The officer has been airlifted to Dhaka’s Combined Military Hospital for advanced treatment, while the cause of the blast remains under investigation.

The incident occurred during a routine training drill in Chattogram. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate, the explosion happened while the crew was firing from the tank. The two soldiers inside the vehicle were killed instantly, while the officer sustained severe injuries requiring urgent evacuation to Dhaka.

The tank involved was a Chinese-origin Type-59, a Chinese version of the Soviet T-54A main battle tank continues to form part of Bangladesh’s armoured inventory. Defence analysts have noted that legacy platforms such as the Type-59 often face increasing risks due to material fatigue, outdated fire-control systems, and limited availability of spare parts. This raises questions about the sustainability of operating ageing equipment in frontline training exercises.

A purported video of the accident has gone viral on social media, showing the moment of the explosion and its immediate aftermath. While the authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified, it has intensified public debate over the safety of ageing military hardware.

The Bangladesh Army has launched a formal inquiry to determine whether the blast was caused by ammunition instability, mechanical failure, or operational error during the firing sequence. Investigators are expected to examine the tank’s maintenance records, ammunition handling procedures, and crew training protocols to establish the root cause.

The accident highlights broader challenges faced by regional militaries reliant on older Chinese-origin equipment. Bangladesh has previously sought to modernise its armoured fleet, but the continued use of legacy tanks underscores the difficulties of balancing operational readiness with budgetary constraints. 

Defence experts argue that such incidents reinforce the urgent need for fleet modernisation and stricter safety protocols in live-fire environments.

The injured officer remains under intensive care in Dhaka, while the families of the deceased soldiers have been informed. The Army has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent similar accidents in future exercises.

Agencies

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Baloch Liberation Army Claims 28 Operations, Reports 52 Pakistani Personnel Killed Across Balochistan

The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for 28 operations across Balochistan between 1 and 7 September, stating that 52 Pakistani military personnel were killed and several others injured. The group also confirmed that 12 of its fighters were killed during clashes with Pakistani forces. These claims were reported by The Balochistan Post on X.

The operations were said to have taken place in Pasni, Kharan, Kalat, Turbat, Mastung, Surab, Tump, Pishin, Jhal Magsi, Noshki, Chagai and Quetta. The BLA described the attacks as part of its ongoing campaign against Pakistani forces and infrastructure projects it considers exploitative.

According to the statement, the first operation occurred on 1 September at Zero Point in Pasni, Gwadar. BLA fighters attacked a joint police and Levies post along with checkpoints belonging to Customs and the Coastal Police. The group claimed it seized weapons and military equipment, took control of the checkpoints, and later set them on fire, destroying the posts.

The BLA also reported an ambush on a Pakistani military convoy at Albat in Kharan and an attack on personnel transporting armoured vehicles at Garari in Kalat. It claimed that several personnel were killed or injured and three armoured vehicles were severely damaged.

On 2 September, the group said its fighters targeted a Pakistani military armoured vehicle with an improvised explosive device at Guro in Mastung’s Khadkocha area. The convoy was then ambushed, with the BLA claiming four personnel were killed and more than seven injured.

On 3 September, the BLA’s Special Tactical Operations Squad carried out an attack in Hajika, Surab, using an explosives-laden vehicle against a Pakistani military convoy. The group claimed one military vehicle was destroyed and seven personnel were killed.

The Fateh Squad of the BLA was reported to have attacked Pakistani forces at Ziarat Cross in Pishin. The group claimed 18 personnel were killed and five injured, while two vehicles were destroyed. Weapons and military equipment were also seized.

Further attacks were claimed in Tump, Mastung, Kalat and Jhal Magsi. The BLA also said it was responsible for the killings of Abdul Rehman Langove, described as the Noshki district president of the Balochistan Awami Party, and Rehmat Saeed in Quetta. The group accused both of working as operatives for Pakistani forces.

The statement additionally referred to clashes at Nokchah in Chagai on 31 August. The BLA claimed 16 Pakistani military personnel, including a senior officer, were killed, while 10 of its fighters also died in the fighting.

The group reiterated its stance that its “economic blockade” against Pakistani forces and projects would continue on major highways across Balochistan. It pledged to sustain armed operations until the establishment of what it described as an independent and sovereign Balochistan.

These casualty figures and claims were reported by The Balochistan Post and attributed to the BLA. Independent verification of the group’s claims remains difficult due to restricted access to conflict zones in Balochistan.

ANI

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Saudi Arabia Launches 32 Strikes As Pakistan Warns Houthis Against Testing Defence Pact

Saudi Arabia executed a series of intense airstrikes across Yemen on Wednesday, marking one of the largest retaliatory operations in recent weeks. According to Houthi sources, Saudi aircraft carried out thirty-two strikes targeting multiple governorates including Marib, Al-Jawf, Taiz and Hodeida.

The bombardment followed a wave of Houthi missile and drone attacks that had struck Saudi cities and economic infrastructure, leaving dozens injured.

The Iran-backed Houthis, through their Almasirah television channel, reported that the strikes had been concentrated over the past few hours, describing them as widespread and destructive.

The group claimed that the Saudi military response was aimed at punishing them for their escalating assaults on Saudi territory. Despite the detailed claims, Riyadh has not yet issued an official statement confirming or denying the scale of the operations.

The escalation came just a day after Houthi forces launched coordinated attacks on Saudi Arabia, injuring at least seventy-three civilians. The strikes targeted both urban centres and critical energy infrastructure, raising alarm over the vulnerability of Saudi facilities to sustained rebel offensives.

The attacks also underscored the continuing instability in the region, with the Houthis demonstrating their ability to strike deep into Saudi territory despite ongoing coalition efforts to contain them.

In a parallel development, Pakistan issued a strong warning regarding the newly formed Makkah Defence Alliance. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that there should be “no ambiguity” about the pact’s collective defence clause, emphasising that an attack on any one member would be treated as an attack on all. His remarks came just hours after the Houthi strikes, suggesting that the alliance could soon be tested in practice.

The Makkah Defence Alliance, signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, has been portrayed as a significant step towards regional defence cooperation. Asif’s comments reinforced the seriousness of the arrangement, making clear that the pact was not symbolic but intended to provide real deterrence against external threats.

He stressed that the agreement was a joint defence program, requiring no further clarification, and that its provisions could be activated in response to the latest Houthi aggression.

The timing of Pakistan’s statement highlighted the growing concern among alliance members that the Houthis’ actions could destabilise the region further.

The attacks on Saudi Arabia’s economic and energy infrastructure were seen not only as a direct challenge to Riyadh but also as a test of the credibility of the new alliance.

The emphasis on collective defence suggested that Pakistan was prepared to stand firmly alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey should the situation escalate.

The developments underline the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, where alliances are being tested against the backdrop of persistent insurgent activity. The Saudi airstrikes represent a forceful response to the Houthis, but the absence of an official statement leaves questions about Riyadh’s broader strategy. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s warning signals that the Makkah Defence Alliance may soon face its first real challenge, with implications for regional security and stability.

Agencies

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Pakistan Warns of Joining Saudi Arabia In War Against Iran-Backed Houthis

Pakistan has signalled that it may join Saudi Arabia militarily against the Iran-backed Houthis, invoking the Mecca Defence Pact after drone and missile strikes injured at least 73 civilians in Saudi Arabia. 

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan is “bound by the terms” of the pact, raising the possibility of airstrikes in Yemen and a wider regional escalation.

The fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has intensified, with the Houthis targeting Saudi energy infrastructure and cities. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that the Mecca Pact’s collective defence clause could be activated if the conflict spills into Saudi territory. He emphasised that an attack on one member—Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or Turkey—would be treated as an attack on all.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed last month, was designed as a defensive program rather than an offensive alliance. Asif clarified that the pact does not authorise members to launch unilateral attacks but obliges them to respond collectively to aggression.

He stressed that Pakistan would honour its commitments to Saudi Arabia if required, leaving “no ambiguity” about Islamabad’s stance.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have long fought to seize power in Yemen. Their latest strikes injured dozens of civilians and damaged Saudi energy facilities, reviving memories of Riyadh’s failed intervention in Yemen in 2015. Pakistan’s potential involvement could mark the first operational test of the Mecca Pact, which was built upon the earlier Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Islamabad and Riyadh.

Pakistani sources have suggested that airstrikes could target Houthi strongholds in Saadah and other regions. This would represent a significant escalation, as Pakistan has historically supported Saudi Arabia but avoided direct combat in Yemen. The Defence Minister’s remarks now hint at a shift, with Islamabad prepared to act militarily if Saudi sovereignty is threatened.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also condemned the Houthi attacks, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity. The government in Islamabad views the Houthis as non-state actors aligned with Iran, whose actions risk destabilising the wider region.

The credibility of the Mecca Pact is therefore at stake. If Pakistan joins Saudi Arabia in combat operations, it could deepen the Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey defence axis but also risk dragging Pakistan into the broader Iran conflict. Observers warn that such involvement could escalate tensions across West Asia, potentially drawing in other powers and complicating Pakistan’s delicate relations with Tehran.

Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. While Pakistan’s Defence Minister expressed hope that tensions might subside, he also made clear that the pact’s clauses would become operative if aggression continues.

The situation underscores the fragile balance in the region, where alliances and rivalries intersect amid ongoing wars.

Agencies

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