Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a cornerstone of India's defence manufacturing, made a powerful impression at the "Mini Defence Expo' held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in April 2025. The event, a platform to highlight India's indigenous defence capabilities, saw AVNL showcase its diversified product portfolio, featuring the T-72 Ajeya Tank, the upgraded BMP-II infantry combat vehicle, and the Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV) Jonga.
The AVNL stall drew high-profile attention, with visits from Tanzania's Defence Minister, India's Raksha Rajya Mantri, the Indian High Commissioner, and other dignitaries, underscoring the growing defence ties between India and Tanzania.
AVNL, headquartered in Avadi, Chennai, and formed in 2021 as a restructured entity from the Ordnance Factory Board, brought its expertise in armoured vehicle manufacturing to the fore. The expo highlighted three key platforms, each tailored to modern battlefield needs and reflecting India's push for indigenisation.
Apr 15, 2025
J&K Police Launch All-Women Safety Squad in Srinagar to Protect Women
For the first time ever, the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched an all-female safety squad in Srinagar city to assist women in distress. The main objective of the squad is to ensure the safety of girls, especially around schools, colleges, universities, and coaching centres. The initiative aims to protect not only local women but also female tourists visiting the city.
Apr 14, 2025
IAF Wraps up Multinational Exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece
In a display of precision, cooperation, and operational strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) concluded its participation in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) at Greece's Andravida Air Base.
The biennial air exercise, which concluded on April 11, saw the participation of air and surface assets from fifteen countries. Representing India, the IAF deployed a fleet comprising Su-30 MKI fighter jets, IL-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft, and C-17 strategic airlifters.
INIOCHOS-25 provided a high-intensity training ground for multinational forces, with missions designed to replicate modern air warfare conditions. The exercise focused on refining tactics, strengthening interoperability, and building synergy between participating air forces through the execution of combined air operations under complex and realistic combat scenarios.
India Develops Laser Weapon to Shoot Down Aerial Targets
In a first, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully developed a laser-based weapon system that can neutralise fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and swarm drones, marking a huge milestone in the country's defence technology.
A team of DRDO officials tested the new 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, with positive results. With this technology, India joined the list of elite countries like the United States, China and Russia who possess advanced laser weapon capabilities.
The indigenously designed and developed Mk-II(A) DEW system was demonstrated in its entire spectrum of capability by engaging the fixed wing drones at long range, thwarting a multiple drone attack and destroying enemy surveillance sensors and antennae.
Apr 10, 2025
India Clears Biggest-Ever Fighter Jet Deal: 26 Rafale Marine Jets for Navy Approved
India took a significant step in bolstering its naval aviation strength by approving a Rs. 63,000 crore (over $7 billion) inter-governmental deal with France for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. This long-anticipated deal was formally cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and is poised to strengthen the Navy's air power, especially on the INS Vikrant, India's indigenously built aircraft carrier.
Out of the 26 Rafale-M jets 22 are single-seaters and 4 are twin-seater trainers.
They will operate from INS Vikrant, India's indigenous aircraft carrier.
Apr 08, 2025
Haryana Government Announced 20% Quota for Agniveers in Haryana Police
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made significant announcements aimed at enhancing the welfare of Agniveers, who are part of the Agnipath Scheme. The state will now provide a 20% reservation for Agniveers in police jobs, after completing mandatory four-year service in the Armed Forces, making it the first state to offer such a guarantee. This move is part of a larger initiative to secure the future of Agniveers post their service. The government has also introduced other provisions like affordable loans for self-employment and priority in obtaining gun licenses for those interested in private security roles.