Security Forces & Agencies

US President Donald Trump has hinted at sending long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine as a way to pressure Russia into ending the war, stating that if the conflict does not settle soon, the US might provide these offensive weapons capable of reaching deep into Russian territory, including Moscow, from Ukrainian positions. This comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and discussions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with Russia warning that such a move would escalate the conflict significantly.

Recent details from defence sources reveal how Mission Sudarshan Chakra, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India's 79th Independence Day, will incorporate advanced components like directed energy weapons, satellites, and a vast radar network to create a multilayered air defence shield. This initiative aims to protect strategic and civilian sites from aerial threats, building on successful tests of indigenous systems and lessons from recent conflicts, highlighting India's push towards self-reliant defence technology amid evolving regional security challenges.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a new defence agreement that treats an attack on one as an attack on both, raising questions about regional security. This pact, agreed upon during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Riyadh, comes at a time of growing tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas war and recent strikes. India is closely watching this development because of its strong ties with Saudi Arabia and ongoing issues with Pakistan, leading to statements from Indian officials about protecting national interests.

The Indian Army has kicked off urgent procurement of advanced radars to strengthen its air defence against low-flying drones and swarms, learning key lessons from Operation Sindoor in May 2025. During this short border clash with Pakistan, hundreds of enemy drones slipped through older detection systems, pushing the Army to issue Requests for Information for up to 45 enhanced low-level radars and 48 fire control systems. This move aims to plug gaps along northern and western borders, boosting overall readiness in a time of rising aerial threats from neighbors.

During the closing session of the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 in Kolkata on September 17, 2025, India's top military leaders announced the creation of the country's first three joint military stations and the merger of the Army, Navy, and Air Force education branches into a single Tri-Services Education Corps. These steps, directed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, aim to boost jointness among the services amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for swift reforms to prepare the armed forces for future challenges, including the ongoing drive towards integrated theatre commands.

The Indian Navy has taken delivery of 'Androth', the second of eight indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on September 13, 2025. This step is important right now because it helps boost the Navy's ability to detect and fight submarines in shallow coastal waters, especially with growing threats from China's naval activities in the Indian Ocean and Pakistan's new submarines. It also shows India's progress in making its own defence equipment, cutting down on imports and supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat goal.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given approval to the updated Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 on September 14, 2025, which replaces the old 2009 version. This step is important now because it helps make the process of buying everyday items like spares and ammunition faster and simpler for the army, navy, and air force. It focuses on making India self-reliant in defence needs, especially when the country is spending about ₹1 lakh crore this year on such purchases, and it supports the government's push for quick decisions and home-grown innovation in a time of modern wars and global supply issues.

On August 20, 2025, India conducted a successful test-firing of its nuclear-capable Agni-5 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) from the Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The test was carried out by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and validated all key operational and technical parameters, reinforcing India's long-range strike capabilities.