SIPRI Reports 12 Indian Nuclear Warheads Operationally Deployed; No First Use Policy Unchanged

IAF & JASDF Chiefs Fly Tejas in Veer Guardian 2026; First JASDF Fighters on Indian Soil

India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian showcases indigenous Tejas fighter, as both air chiefs flew in formation. This marks the first time JASDF fighters operated from Indian soil, strengthening bilateral defence ties and highlighting India's growing defence exports potential.

India’s Nuclear Doctrine Faces Review Amid China-Pakistan Alignment, Tech Disruptions

India's nuclear doctrine, unchanged since 2003, is being re-evaluated due to China-Pakistan strategic convergence, disruptive technologies (AI, hypersonic, cyber), and a multipolar geopolitical landscape. The article stresses reviewing operational capabilities without altering core principles like No First Use (NFU) and massive retaliation.

₹1,943 Crore Deal: Indian Navy Leases 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones from US for 30 Months

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,943 crore contract to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from US firm General Atomics for 30 months, boosting Indian Navy's maritime surveillance capabilities across both eastern and western fronts. This expands the Navy's drone fleet to four units and bridges the gap until delivery of 31 MQ-9Bs ordered in 2024.

India-US Sign Javelin Missile LOA Via FMS Route for Indian Army

India signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the US to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. This marks India becoming an official customer of the Javelin and deepens the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership, opening avenues for co-production.

INS Nipun Commissioned: Indian Navy's 2nd Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel Enhances Submarine Rescue Capability

INS Nipun, the Indian Navy's second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned at Mumbai. Built indigenously by HSL, it enhances India's submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, and salvage capabilities, marking a step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

22nd Yudh Abhyas 2026: US 3MDTF & MLIDS Deployed for High-Altitude Warfare Interoperability

The 22nd edition of India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, held from Sep 9-28, focuses on high-altitude warfare, long-range precision fires, and counter-drone capabilities. For the first time, the US Army's 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) and the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS) are participating, marking a significant step in operational interoperability under the Operation Pathways framework.

IAEA Board Reports Iran to UN Security Council for First Time in 20 Years Over Uranium Traces

The IAEA's board voted 23-3 to report Iran to the UN Security Council for non-cooperation in investigating undeclared uranium traces – the first such referral in two decades. This escalates nuclear tensions, opens Iran to potential sanctions (though vetoes by Russia/China make them unlikely), and marks a major diplomatic flashpoint amid ongoing US-Iran conflict.

India-Vietnam Agree to Co-Produce Defence Equipment, Deepen Strategic Partnership Under Act East Policy

India and Vietnam have agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, including co-production of Indian defence equipment. This move strengthens the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under India's Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, with a clear focus on countering China’s assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.