Category: Defense

When we think of wind energy, we usually imagine big, tall wind turbines. But the Indian Air Force has created a simple device called Usha-Urja that can generate wind energy even in tough conditions. It was showcased at the Aero India 2025 event, happening until February 14 at Yelahanka Airforce Base in Bengaluru.

Usha-Urja looks small and might not catch your eye. It consists of two split PVC pipes shaped in a unique way, connected to a generator that fits into a suitcase. This clever device can produce electricity at high altitudes and in very cold weather, making it perfect for military use in places where regular generators struggle. Group Captain KDA Rajesh, who is part of the IAF, mentioned that Usha-Urja could be useful for civilians too. The prototype costs Rs. 5.67 lakh, but this price can be lowered to Rs. 4.14 lakh as production ramps up.

Also at the event, there’s an innovative drone repulsion system that acts like a virtual wall against drones within 500 meters. It uses radio frequency jamming technology and is expected to cost only Rs. 65,000.

Another interesting device on display is the Real-Time Aircraft Tracking (RTAT) box. This small box connects to India’s satellite navigation system, NaviC, and keeps track of an aircraft’s location every four seconds. This is really important to prevent incidents like the Malaysian Airlines flight that went missing.

Next to the IAF exhibits, the Indian Army showcased its efforts to improve existing technologies rather than invent new ones. Brigadier Salash Uniyal said that their focus is on maintaining and fixing imported technology, rather than creating new gadgets like IAF.

Lastly, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed some cool tech, including a high-definition surveillance camera, but most of it isn’t available for civilian use yet.

Samir V Kamat, the leader of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shared that the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is becoming very popular around the world. Many countries want to buy this advanced missile system.

Recently, Indonesia showed interest in the BrahMos missile, along with other countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Kamat mentioned that while he couldn’t share more details due to the sensitivity of the talks, he is hopeful about India’s increasing defense exports.

He believes that in the next five years, India’s defense exports could double or even triple! Current exports are expected to reach ₹26,000 crores this year, ₹30,000 crores next year, and aim for ₹50,000 crores by 2028-29. By 2035, the goal is to reach an impressive ₹1 lakh crore.

The BrahMos missile is a joint project between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya and is known as one of the fastest and most accurate weapons in the world. The Indian Army has been using the BrahMos since 2007.

Sources say that India and Indonesia are starting talks for a deal involving the BrahMos missile, and Indonesian teams will soon visit India for discussions. It’s important for this agreement to get approval from Russia too.

India has already sold the BrahMos missile to the Philippines, which made a deal worth over $335 million, and they expect more deliveries soon. Other countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and some in the Middle East have also shown interest in this missile system, which uses many Russian parts.

Aero India 2025, held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, highlighted the importance of cybersecurity for the military. As fighting now involves digital strategies, it’s essential to secure communications, radar, and surveillance. India showcased its advancements in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and electronic warfare, primarily through the Adani Group.

Adani Group Leads in Cyber Defense

Adani Defence & Aerospace was a standout exhibitor, demonstrating new cyber defense technologies alongside local military innovations. CEO Ashish Rajvanshi emphasized that modern warfare isn’t just about weapons; it’s also about managing information and public perception. This shift illustrates how vital cybersecurity and AI have become for national security, with roles in surveillance and cyber threat analysis now in the spotlight.

AI: The Future of Defence

Artificial intelligence is transforming defense operations by requiring fewer people and enhancing efficiency. For instance, one person can now monitor up to 500 cameras, making operations smoother and quicker. AI also helps identify and neutralize cyber threats before they pose a risk.

Battling Drones and Electronic Warfare

Drones are a significant threat in present-day conflicts. Adani Defence has developed advanced systems that can detect and neutralize enemy drones within a range of 20 kilometers. Their modular anti-drone systems can be set up in just 15 minutes, which is crucial during fast-thinking combat situations. Adani aims to mass-produce cost-effective drones, reshaping military strategies.

Building a Strong Cybersecurity Foundation

Cybersecurity is about more than defense; it’s also about resilience. Adani’s innovations at Aero India 2025 stressed the need for secure, AI-powered digital frameworks in modern defense. Their command centers use AI to analyze heaps of data, turning it into useful information for military leaders.

Industry experts noted that AI is now part of all modern military systems to improve security. Jala Jamuna from Bharat Electronics mentioned that they embed AI in everything from radar systems to naval operations, ensuring the safety of sensitive communications.

Expanding India’s Defense Capabilities

Adani is not just innovating; it is also taking significant steps in production. They have invested ₹5,000 crore into defense projects and plan to spend an additional billion dollars in the coming years. New production facilities are being established in cities like Kanpur and Hyderabad, where they aim to manufacture a massive amount of ammunition.

The company is also working on futuristic drone technologies and missile systems, partnering closely with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance their capabilities against aerial threats.

At Aero India 2025, the focus on cybersecurity marks a crucial change in India’s defense priorities. The rise of cyber threats in modern warfare allows Adani Defence & Aerospace to take a leading role in creating AI-driven security solutions. As India shapes its future defense strategies, the company is set to redefine capabilities in both cybersecurity and digital warfare.

Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), part of Bharat Forge, has joined forces with L3Harris Technologies from the U.S. to make India’s defence stronger. They signed a two-year agreement to work together on advanced technologies important for military operations.

This partnership will help create a better communication network for the Indian Armed Forces, using L3Harris’ experience from supplying over one million radios to U.S. and allied forces.

The agreement is part of a larger goal to help India be more self-reliant in defence. It aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology while improving India’s military skills. “This deal is a great start for future teamwork to enhance India’s security,” said Dave Johnson, a leader at L3Harris.

KSSL is excited about this collaboration, believing it will lead to faster delivery of high-tech defence products to the military. “We want to develop new capabilities that meet modern warfare needs,” said Neelesh Tungar, CEO of KSSL.

This partnership also aims to strengthen supply chains, making them more secure and reliable. Since L3Harris has been in India for over 21 years, they have played a big role in providing tactical radios and other important systems to the Indian Armed Forces.

Two soldiers from the Army, including a captain, lost their lives and another was injured after a bomb exploded near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor area on Tuesday. Officials believe the bomb was planted by terrorists. The Army confirmed the deaths and said their soldiers are in control of the area while search missions are ongoing.

The soldiers were on patrol when the powerful explosion happened at around 3:50 PM near their camp in Bhattal. The injured soldier was quickly taken to a hospital, but sadly, two of them, including a captain, passed away from their injuries. The good news is that the other wounded soldier is expected to recover.

The Jammu-based White Knight Corps of the Army honored these brave soldiers for their ultimate sacrifice. After the explosion, the area was secured, and searches were launched to find any suspects connected to the incident.

The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), made by HAL, amazed everyone at Aero India 2025 with its impressive flying skills over Bengaluru. The announcers cheered in Kannada, sharing that the helicopter is created and built right in Karnataka, which got a big cheer from the local crowd.

The LUH has cool features and has been tested in tough mountainous areas. Officials believe this type of home-made aviation development, like the LUH, helps India depend less on foreign technology and products.

According to HAL’s product brochure, the LUH is a lightweight and strong helicopter that works well both at sea level and in high places. It’s designed for many jobs, including scouting, transporting troops, and combat missions. Weighing under 2000 kg, this six-seat chopper can fly up to 235 km per hour.

HAL created it to replace the older Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by the Indian military. The brochure said it includes the latest technology to meet the helicopter needs of today.

On Monday, the skies over Yelahanka Air Force Station came alive as the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased amazing aircraft in Aero India 2025. This event, held every two years, is one of the biggest air shows in Asia, where many countries come together to show off their latest technology in aviation.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh led the way in the first flight, flying the Tejas fighter jet. The Tejas is made in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The audience watched in amazement as a special group of women pilots flew Rafale jets as part of a formation called Shakti, showing how women are becoming an essential part of the air force.

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team dazzled everyone with their impressive flying tricks using nine BAE Hawks, creating artistic shapes in the sky like a tri-color and a heart. Other remarkable displays included formations by the Indian Navy’s Varun team and the Jaguar aircraft. The Light Utility Helicopters from HAL also thrilled the crowd with their skills, especially since they are useful for our armed forces in tough areas.

For the first time at Aero India, two of the world’s most advanced fighter jets are participating: America’s F-35 Lightning II and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57. This historic moment shows how countries are working together in defense technology. People will be able to see these incredible planes up close, with the F-35 being on display during the event.

This five-day airshow promises excitement for aviation fans and is a chance to see the future of military aircraft!

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently warned that the growing military ties between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are a serious threat to his country. He promised to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Kim’s comments indicate that he is not interested in meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to talk about peace anytime soon.

During a speech for the 77th anniversary of the Korean People’s Army, Kim accused the U.S. of trying to create a military alliance similar to NATO in Asia, which he believes disrupts peace on the Korean Peninsula and puts North Korea in danger. He spoke about plans to rapidly improve North Korea’s military, especially its nuclear capabilities.

As talks with the U.S. and South Korea have stalled, Kim has been focusing on building and modernizing North Korea’s nuclear weapons. In response, the U.S. and South Korea have increased their military exercises, which North Korea sees as preparations for an invasion.

Since taking office, Trump has mentioned reaching out to Kim again, noting their close relationship. During a recent news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump expressed hope for U.S.-North Korean relations and noted, “I got along with him very well.”

Trump and Kim met three times between 2018 and 2019 to discuss North Korea’s nuclear weapons, but those efforts failed when Trump turned down Kim’s proposal for dismantling part of his nuclear program in exchange for lifting some sanctions.

North Korea has not directly replied to Trump’s recent offers. Some experts believe Kim is currently more focused on helping Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. Kim has pledged support for Russia, accusing the U.S. of causing problems in Ukraine.

In South Korea, there are concerns that Trump might give up on the goal of complete denuclearization of North Korea just for diplomatic wins. However, a joint statement by Trump and Ishiba reaffirmed their commitment to fully denuclearize North Korea and emphasized the importance of the partnership between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea in dealing with the North.

Google, once famous for saying “Don’t Be Evil,” has changed its motto to “Do the right thing,” and now it’s backing away from an important promise. In 2018, Google promised not to use its artificial intelligence (AI) technology for weapons or spying. But recently, they removed that promise from their rules. Demis Hassabis, the head of Google’s AI, said this change is just a part of progress and that AI is growing quickly, like phones did.

But this idea—that our ethical rules can change just because things are moving fast—is risky. Using AI in warfare could be dangerous. Imagine machines making quick decisions about fighting without waiting for human input, which could lead to chaos and more deaths. Even if we think automated fighting could be “clean,” mistakes by AI could still hurt innocent people.

Hassabis used to support banning autonomous weapons, signing a pledge against them in 2018. However, circumstances have changed, and now Google is under a lot of pressure to work with the military. In the past, employees protested against a big military project called Project Maven, which aimed to use AI to analyze drone footage. Thousands signed a petition saying, “Google should not be in the business of war.”

But now, more tech companies are getting involved in military contracts. Google struggles to maintain proper direction, having previously canceled an ethics board and firing some of its leading AI ethics experts. They’ve lost sight of their original goals, and so have other tech companies.

Now is the time for governments to step up and create strict rules for AI in the military. They should ensure a human is always involved in decisions about military AI, ban weapons that can make their own targeting choices without a human’s go-ahead, and have clear checks to see that these systems are safe.

One smart idea comes from a think tank that suggests treating military AI like nuclear power plants, making sure they are safe. Countries could also create a global group similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that monitors and enforces safety for military AI.

Google’s change of heart is a warning that even strong values can fade in a fast-moving market. Although self-regulation seems over, there’s still a chance to create rules to prevent dangerous AI uses—starting with automated warfare.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Speaks on Nuclear Concerns
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, said on Wednesday that worries about Iran making nuclear weapons can be solved. He pointed out that Iran does not want weapons of mass destruction. Araqchi’s comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump restarted his aggressive strategy against Iran, which aims to limit Iranian oil exports to stop them from getting nuclear weapons.

Araqchi emphasized that Iran is part of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, meaning it has promised not to develop nuclear weapons. He reminded everyone that Iran’s Supreme Leader has declared that Iran does not support weapons of mass destruction. He also spoke against Trump’s tough tactics, saying they won’t work and will only lead to more issues.

Since Trump pulled the U.S. out of a deal meant to limit Iran’s nuclear activities, Iran has been enriching uranium closer to weapons-grade levels. The head of the U.N. nuclear agency raised concerns about this last December.

Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson responded to Trump’s recent comment that Iran would be destroyed if it tried to harm him. He called claims of Iran wanting to target U.S. officials false and said Iran is seeking legal justice for the killing of its top general, Qassem Soleimani, by a U.S. strike in 2020.