DRDO Successfully Conducts Maiden Trial of Stratospheric Airship Platform
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden flight-trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh.
The airship, developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, ascended to an altitude of approximately 17 km, carrying an instrumental payload. The flight, which lasted for about 62 minutes, marks a significant step in the development of high-altitude, lighter-than-air platforms.
BSF to Get 16 New Battalions, 2 Field HQs for Pakistan, Bangladesh Borders
The Border Security Force is all set to get the government's final nod to raise 16 more battalions, comprising around 17,000 troopers, and set up two forward headquarters for its western and eastern commands guarding the Pakistan and Bangladesh frontiers, respectively. The plan has already received an in-principle approval.
May 01, 2025
IAF Gets New Vice Chief, Tri-services New CISC, Army New Northern Army Commander
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the strategically crucial Northern Command, following the retirement of Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar.
Headquartered at Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, the Northern Command is tasked with operational responsibilities along both Pakistan and China borders, as well as counter-terrorism operations.
In the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari was appointed as Vice Chief, succeeding Air Marshal S. P. Dharkar, who superannuated.
The third top-level change was in the tri-services structure. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, was appointed the new Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). He replaced Lt Gen J. P. Mathew, who retired.