Ukraine is rapidly developing a new class of high-speed interceptor drones to combat Russia’s sudden escalation of jet-powered attack UAVs. This emergency defense initiative follows a massive surge in Russian drone waves that have severely strained traditional air defenses.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv races to build faster interceptor drones 

Air power has spent decades moving towards increasingly capable and expensive combat aircraft. But AI and autonomy are opening another possibility, one built around larger numbers of lower-cost aircraft that can operate together and potentially depend less on conventional airbases.&nbsp;For Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, three factors will determine whether that model can work at scale. Basing, economics and the autonomy that AI-piloted aircraft can achieve.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/beyond-the-ak-203-vivek-krishnan-on-building-the-indian-soldier-s-next-weapon-1790607072818">Beyond the AK-203, Vivek Krishnan on building the Indian soldier’s next weapon</a><h3>Breaking dependence on the runway</h3>&nbsp;Tejaskanda says requirements from the Indian armed forces, particularly for high-altitude environments along India's borders, pushed his team to examine alternatives to conventional runway operations. Flying Wedge is exploring rocket-assisted take-off, or RATO, rather than relying entirely on vertical take-off technology. “You have to have the performance in place and also make something that is runway independent,” Tejaskanda said, explaining why his team chose to explore RATO.&nbsp;The concept could have significant military implications. Large airbases and runways can become targets during high-intensity conflict. Aircraft capable of operating with less dependence on this infrastructure could potentially be dispersed more widely.&nbsp;<h3>The economics of combat mass</h3>&nbsp;The second challenge is cost. The logic of deploying AI-piloted aircraft in large numbers only works if individual platforms are cheaper than traditional crewed fighters. “These are quite cheaper in nature,” Tejaskanda said, pointing to the emergence of autonomous combat aircraft programmes internationally. He says the company's subscale flight demonstrator is expected to fly in the third quarter of 2026.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/f-35-india-tarang-shakti-iaf-radars-stealth-fighter-1790682044701">F-35 at Tarang Shakti, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor on what India’s radars will be watching | Defence Pulse</a>&nbsp;<h3>From autonomous flight to autonomous combat</h3>&nbsp;The more difficult threshold is autonomy itself. Tejaskanda says his team is currently working at what he describes as Level Four autonomy. He shares that his tactical MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) platform, 'Kaal Bhairava' has completed 100 flight hours, including approximately 20 to 30 hours of autonomous flying.&nbsp;“We have designed it completely autonomous, take-off and landing without human intervention,” he said. Mission autonomy remains under development. Tejaskanda says the system can currently “identify, track and loiter around the target”, while a human remains in the loop for the final decision.&nbsp;That distinction could define the next stage of autonomous air power. Flying an aircraft without a pilot is one challenge. Giving it the ability to understand and respond to a changing battlefield is another.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6JY48M1u3k&amp;list=PLKwyKu6LhauQ&amp;index=6"></oembed></figure> &nbsp;

Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, believes three key factors will determine if this model can scale effectively: basing logistics, cost efficiency, and the level of autonomy AI-piloted aircraft can achieve.

Air power has spent decades moving towards increasingly capable and expensive combat aircraft. But AI and autonomy are opening another possibility, one built around larger numbers of lower-cost aircraft that can operate together and potentially depend less on conventional airbases. For Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, three factors will determine whether that model can work at scale. Basing, economics and the autonomy that AI-piloted aircraft can achieve. Also read: Beyond the AK-203, Vivek Krishnan on building the Indian soldier’s next weapon Breaking dependence on the runway Tejaskanda says requirements from the Indian armed forces, particularly for high-altitude environments along India's borders, pushed his team to examine alternatives to conventional runway operations. Flying Wedge is exploring rocket-assisted take-off, or RATO, rather than relying entirely on vertical take-off technology. “You have to have the performance in place and also make something that is runway independent,” Tejaskanda said, explaining why his team chose to explore RATO. The concept could have significant military implications. Large airbases and runways can become targets during high-intensity conflict. Aircraft capable of operating with less dependence on this infrastructure could potentially be dispersed more widely. The economics of combat mass The second challenge is cost. The logic of deploying AI-piloted aircraft in large numbers only works if individual platforms are cheaper than traditional crewed fighters. “These are quite cheaper in nature,” Tejaskanda said, pointing to the emergence of autonomous combat aircraft programmes internationally. He says the company's subscale flight demonstrator is expected to fly in the third quarter of 2026. Also read: F-35 at Tarang Shakti, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor on what India’s radars will be watching | Defence Pulse From autonomous flight to autonomous combat The more difficult threshold is autonomy itself. Tejaskanda says his team is currently working at what he describes as Level Four autonomy. He shares that his tactical MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) platform, 'Kaal Bhairava' has completed 100 flight hours, including approximately 20 to 30 hours of autonomous flying. “We have designed it completely autonomous, take-off and landing without human intervention,” he said. Mission autonomy remains under development. Tejaskanda says the system can currently “identify, track and loiter around the target”, while a human remains in the loop for the final decision. That distinction could define the next stage of autonomous air power. Flying an aircraft without a pilot is one challenge. Giving it the ability to understand and respond to a changing battlefield is another.

Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace, believes three key factors will determine if this model can scale effectively: basing logistics, cost efficiency, and the level of autonomy AI-piloted aircraft can achieve.

AI fighters without airbases, aviation expert Suhas Tejaskanda explains next leap in air power

Modern drone warfare has created a development challenge for defence companies. A drone can change its frequencies, navigation, communications or software within weeks. This potentially forces a counter-drone system to evolve just as quickly.&nbsp;Amardeep Singh, founder of Gurugram-based defence technology company Armory, believes military hardware increasingly needs to become software-defined. “Everything is now software-defined hardware,” Singh shares on WION Defence Pulse, arguing that software allows capabilities to be upgraded even after hardware has been delivered. Singh, an IIT Bombay alumnus who previously worked at drone manufacturer ideaForge, is now developing indigenous counter-drone technology.&nbsp;<h2>From a sketch to Army trials in six months</h2>Armory's experience with its man-portable counter-drone system Surge demonstrates the development model Singh advocates. According to Singh, the approximately 15-kg system can detect drones from five kilometres and jam them from three kilometres. He said the company moved from its initial concept to trials with the Indian Army within six months.Instead of spending an extended period developing the system primarily through simulation, Singh said Armory moved into field testing quickly, worked closely with the customer and repeatedly modified the system based on feedback. Within another 12 months, he said, the company secured multiple Ministry of Defence orders. Singh stressed that faster development cannot mean reducing the testing standards required for equipment deployed by the armed forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;<h2>Industry must keep pace with the battlefield</h2>Interestingly, Singh does not believe India's defence procurement system is necessarily the biggest obstacle. He pointed to mechanisms including the Fast Track Procedure and emergency procurement, arguing that the armed forces now have routes to acquire urgent capabilities more quickly.Having worked on both drones and counter-drone technology, Singh also sees a growing imbalance between the two. As drones rapidly evolve from surveillance platforms into battlefield weapons, counter-drone systems are being forced into a continuous cycle of adaptation. For now, Singh's assessment is clear. Stopping a drone is harder than building one.

As drones rapidly evolve from surveillance platforms into battlefield weapons, counter-drone systems are being forced into a continuous cycle of adaptation. Stopping a drone is harder than building one.

Modern drone warfare has created a development challenge for defence companies. A drone can change its frequencies, navigation, communications or software within weeks. This potentially forces a counter-drone system to evolve just as quickly. Amardeep Singh, founder of Gurugram-based defence technology company Armory, believes military hardware increasingly needs to become software-defined. “Everything is now software-defined hardware,” Singh shares on WION Defence Pulse, arguing that software allows capabilities to be upgraded even after hardware has been delivered. Singh, an IIT Bombay alumnus who previously worked at drone manufacturer ideaForge, is now developing indigenous counter-drone technology. From a sketch to Army trials in six months Armory's experience with its man-portable counter-drone system Surge demonstrates the development model Singh advocates. According to Singh, the approximately 15-kg system can detect drones from five kilometres and jam them from three kilometres. He said the company moved from its initial concept to trials with the Indian Army within six months. Instead of spending an extended period developing the system primarily through simulation, Singh said Armory moved into field testing quickly, worked closely with the customer and repeatedly modified the system based on feedback. Within another 12 months, he said, the company secured multiple Ministry of Defence orders. Singh stressed that faster development cannot mean reducing the testing standards required for equipment deployed by the armed forces.

As drones rapidly evolve from surveillance platforms into battlefield weapons, counter-drone systems are being forced into a continuous cycle of adaptation. Stopping a drone is harder than building one.

Building weapons at software speed, Armory founder Amardeep Singh on India’s counter-drone race

India's drone industry is having a moment, and a three-day expo in New Delhi shows just how far it has come. Drone makers, AI robotics firms and tech startups are under one roof, with autonomous swarms and smart AI systems drawing the biggest crowds. Take a look at what's on display, which technologies stood out and what this UAV boom could mean for defence, farming and everyday industry in India.


India's drone boom on display: AI systems and autonomous swarms at the expo 

India’s infantry arsenal is undergoing a transition that goes beyond replacing ageing rifles. The larger shift is from importing weapons and manufacturing foreign designs to creating small arms whose design and intellectual property are owned in India.The Indian Army’s modernisation has included the American SIG716 and the AK-203, with 601,427 AK-203 assault rifles contracted for production at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh through the Indo-Russian Rifles joint venture.&nbsp;But Vivek Krishnan, CEO of SSS Defence, argues that manufacturing sovereignty is not the same as design sovereignty. “Would the Americans or the Germans dictate the way that we fight our battles? I don't think the answer to that is yes,” Krishnan said.His argument assumes greater significance as battlefield technology evolves at extraordinary speed. Krishnan says access to designs and intellectual property determines whether a weapon can be rapidly modified as per operational requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;“In Ukraine, hardware is pretty much changing every two months,” he said, adding that without access to the designs and intellectual property, “evolution is a non-existent thing.” That challenge extends beyond the rifle.The proliferation of FPV drones has created new requirements at infantry level. SSS Defence has completed its first delivery of a counter-UAS shotgun to the Indian Army, developed for engaging fast-moving drones at close ranges.&nbsp;While SSS Defence publicly describes its wider focus as indigenous small arms and counter-UAS technology. Yet Krishnan rejects the idea that drones are making the infantry soldier less relevant.“The role of infantry, the role of foot soldiers, is not going to be changing,” he said. Territory still has to be captured and held. The difference is that tomorrow’s soldier could operate alongside drones, unmanned ground vehicles and increasingly sophisticated weapon systems.&nbsp;For India, the next step is therefore bigger than producing more weapons domestically. It is about controlling the technology behind them. SSS Defence says its current small-arms portfolio is designed and developed in-house.Krishnan believes sustained investment in research and development can dramatically shorten development cycles. After years of building indigenous design capability, he says new calibres or improved weapons could now be developed in three to six months rather than two or three years.India’s next small-arms revolution may ultimately be defined by who owns the design and how quickly it can evolve for the next war.

For India, the next step is therefore bigger than producing more weapons domestically. It is about controlling the technology behind them. India’s next small-arms revolution may ultimately be defined by who owns the design and how quickly it can evolve for the next war.

India’s infantry arsenal is undergoing a transition that goes beyond replacing ageing rifles. The larger shift is from importing weapons and manufacturing foreign designs to creating small arms whose design and intellectual property are owned in India. The Indian Army’s modernisation has included the American SIG716 and the AK-203, with 601,427 AK-203 assault rifles contracted for production at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh through the Indo-Russian Rifles joint venture. But Vivek Krishnan, CEO of SSS Defence, argues that manufacturing sovereignty is not the same as design sovereignty. “Would the Americans or the Germans dictate the way that we fight our battles? I don't think the answer to that is yes,” Krishnan said. His argument assumes greater significance as battlefield technology evolves at extraordinary speed. Krishnan says access to designs and intellectual property determines whether a weapon can be rapidly modified as per operational requirements.

For India, the next step is therefore bigger than producing more weapons domestically. It is about controlling the technology behind them. India’s next small-arms revolution may ultimately be defined by who owns the design and how quickly it can evolve for the next war.

Beyond the AK-203, Vivek Krishnan on building the Indian soldier’s next weapon

India's defence export ambitions rest on a single competitive edge that Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh openly acknowledged on Friday (Sep 25). Speaking at the 13th PAFI Annual Forum 2026, Singh said New Delhi can offer missile systems at roughly a quarter of what foreign original equipment manufacturers charge, a gap he described as the country's core unique selling proposition in a crowded global arms market.&nbsp;That pricing advantage, Singh told the panel discussion on India's competitive edge, is already translating into orders. The country secured Rs 38,000 crore worth of defence export orders in the past year, and the ministry now expects that figure to climb to Rs 50,000 crore within the next two years a target Singh said was achievable even without formal data projections to back the forecast.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/defence-secretary-drdo-must-focus-on-tech-research-while-industry-produces-1790417106875/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/defence-secretary-drdo-must-focus-on-tech-research-while-industry-produces-1790417106875/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile remains India's flagship export product, with sales underway or in progress to several Southeast Asian nations. But Singh pointed to a broadening export basket beyond the marquee missile: artillery systems, mounted gun platforms, and DRDO-developed technology now manufactured by private firms have found buyers abroad, with the Akash surface-to-air missile system also drawing rising interest from potential foreign customers.&nbsp;“The most well-known (product) is the BrahMos, which is fairly coveted and which we are selling to or in the process of selling to, several Southeast Asian countries. There are (exports) also increasingly in areas like artillery and mounted gun systems. We have DRDO technology-based private sector products which have been exported to certain countries, and there is more demand coming. Possibly also Akash surface-to-air missiles where there is a lot of interest,” Singh told news agency ANI.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/from-fpv-strikes-to-1-000-km-missions-india-s-drone-revolution-goes-long-range-1790182031417">From FPV strikes to 1,000 km missions, India’s drone revolution goes long range</a>&nbsp;Singh framed exports as more than a revenue stream, describing them as strategic instruments in themselves. Selling arms to partner nations, he said, demonstrates both technological credibility and cost competitiveness, while simultaneously strengthening allied militaries and embedding long-term dependency through years of spares, maintenance and support contracts. He added that exports also generate foreign exchange earnings and domestic employment.&nbsp;On the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme, Singh noted that three shortlisted Indian companies have already submitted proposals, and reiterated that India's lower missile production costs give it a structural edge in that domain as well.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/technologies-india-cannot-afford-to-import-iisc-expert-lists-defence-priorities-1789732401699">Technologies India cannot afford to import: IISc expert lists defence priorities</a>&nbsp;Government data lends weight to Singh's projections. According to the Defence Ministry, India logged ₹38,424 crore in defence exports during 2025–26, with an exporter base of 145 companies. Officials say this is evidence of deepening industrial participation beyond state-run giants&nbsp;Supporting this expansion is the revamped Defence Exim portal, which now offers end-to-end application processing, automated company verification, simplified registration, real-time order tracking and secure payment integration. The ministry says the platform is designed to improve transparency and regulatory compliance while reinforcing the government's broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India goals, positioning India not merely as a defence buyer, but increasingly as a manufacturer and exporter in its own right.

India targets ₹50,000 crore in defence exports, leveraging a massive 75% cost advantage over global rivals for BrahMos, Akash, and artillery systems.

India's defence export ambitions rest on a single competitive edge that Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh openly acknowledged on Friday (Sep 25). Speaking at the 13th PAFI Annual Forum 2026, Singh said New Delhi can offer missile systems at roughly a quarter of what foreign original equipment manufacturers charge, a gap he described as the country's core unique selling proposition in a crowded global arms market. That pricing advantage, Singh told the panel discussion on India's competitive edge, is already translating into orders. The country secured Rs 38,000 crore worth of defence export orders in the past year, and the ministry now expects that figure to climb to Rs 50,000 crore within the next two years a target Singh said was achievable even without formal data projections to back the forecast. https://www.wionews.com/videos/defence-secretary-drdo-must-focus-on-tech-research-while-industry-produces-1790417106875/embed The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile remains India's flagship export product, with sales underway or in progress to several Southeast Asian nations. But Singh pointed to a broadening export basket beyond the marquee missile: artillery systems, mounted gun platforms, and DRDO-developed technology now manufactured by private firms have found buyers abroad, with the Akash surface-to-air missile system also drawing rising interest from potential foreign customers. “The most well-known (product) is the BrahMos, which is fairly coveted and which we are selling to or in the process of selling to, several Southeast Asian countries. There are (exports) also increasingly in areas like artillery and mounted gun systems. We have DRDO technology-based private sector products which have been exported to certain countries, and there is more demand coming. Possibly also Akash surface-to-air missiles where there is a lot of interest,” Singh told news agency ANI. Also read: From FPV strikes to 1,000 km missions, India’s drone revolution goes long range Singh framed exports as more than a revenue stream, describing them as strategic instruments in themselves. Selling arms to partner nations, he said, demonstrates both technological credibility and cost competitiveness, while simultaneously strengthening allied militaries and embedding long-term dependency through years of spares, maintenance and support contracts. He added that exports also generate foreign exchange earnings and domestic employment. On the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme, Singh noted that three shortlisted Indian companies have already submitted proposals, and reiterated that India's lower missile production costs give it a structural edge in that domain as well. Also read: Technologies India cannot afford to import: IISc expert lists defence priorities Government data lends weight to Singh's projections. According to the Defence Ministry, India logged ₹38,424 crore in defence exports during 2025–26, with an exporter base of 145 companies. Officials say this is evidence of deepening industrial participation beyond state-run giants Supporting this expansion is the revamped Defence Exim portal, which now offers end-to-end application processing, automated company verification, simplified registration, real-time order tracking and secure payment integration. The ministry says the platform is designed to improve transparency and regulatory compliance while reinforcing the government's broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India goals, positioning India not merely as a defence buyer, but increasingly as a manufacturer and exporter in its own right.

India targets ₹50,000 crore in defence exports, leveraging a massive 75% cost advantage over global rivals for BrahMos, Akash, and artillery systems.

Beyond BrahMos: India targets Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports with unmatched price edge

The war in Ukraine has challenged one of the oldest assumptions of modern land warfare, that the tank remains the dominant weapon on the battlefield. Tanks have not disappeared. Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to use them. But drones have dramatically changed how armour operates and survives.Cheap FPV drones can hunt vehicles, strike vulnerable areas from above and provide targeting information for artillery. Persistent aerial surveillance also makes it increasingly difficult for large armoured formations to assemble and manoeuvre without being detected. The result is not necessarily the death of the tank, but a transformation of its role. That change becomes clearer when compared with one of the most famous armoured battles of the Gulf War.In February 1991, the Battle of 73 Easting saw U.S. armoured forces clash with elements of Iraq’s Republican Guard during Operation Desert Storm. American Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles advanced through difficult desert conditions and overwhelmed Iraqi armoured positions in a battle that became a defining example of modern mechanised warfare.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;Among the American soldiers who fought at 73 Easting was Lt Col Daniel Davis, then a young U.S. Army officer. Speaking on WION's Defence Pulse, Davis said a battle like 73 Easting would look radically different today. “You mass any formation now like what we did and you're all going to die,” he said.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/operation-sindoor-s-hidden-naval-dimension-mod-reveals-indian-navy-special-forces-joined-may-7-strikes-1789821462201">Operation Sindoor’s hidden naval dimension | MoD reveals Indian Navy Special Forces joined May 7 strikes</a>&nbsp;Davis argued that drones and long-range missiles would pose a threat even before tanks reached the battlefield, potentially targeting ships, ports and logistical infrastructure transporting armour. On the battlefield itself, concentrating tanks to generate overwhelming firepower could instead create a lucrative target for drones and precision weapons.But Davis does not believe the tank is finished. “You're still going to have to have it. You still have to have armour protection for your infantry,” he said. What must change is both the machine and the doctrine around it. Future tanks will require active protection, electronic warfare, counter-drone systems, sensors and increasingly rapid technological upgrades. For Davis, however, the biggest lesson from Ukraine goes beyond technology.Armour must operate as part of an integrated network of drones, artillery, missiles, air power, infantry and electronic warfare. The tank remains relevant. The era of the tank fighting alone does not.

Tanks have not disappeared. Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to use them. But drones have dramatically changed how armour operates and survives. Cheap FPV drones can hunt vehicles, strike vulnerable areas from above and provide targeting information for artillery.

The war in Ukraine has challenged one of the oldest assumptions of modern land warfare, that the tank remains the dominant weapon on the battlefield. Tanks have not disappeared. Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to use them. But drones have dramatically changed how armour operates and survives. Cheap FPV drones can hunt vehicles, strike vulnerable areas from above and provide targeting information for artillery. Persistent aerial surveillance also makes it increasingly difficult for large armoured formations to assemble and manoeuvre without being detected. The result is not necessarily the death of the tank, but a transformation of its role. That change becomes clearer when compared with one of the most famous armoured battles of the Gulf War. In February 1991, the Battle of 73 Easting saw U.S. armoured forces clash with elements of Iraq’s Republican Guard during Operation Desert Storm. American Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles advanced through difficult desert conditions and overwhelmed Iraqi armoured positions in a battle that became a defining example of modern mechanised warfare.

Tanks have not disappeared. Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to use them. But drones have dramatically changed how armour operates and survives. Cheap FPV drones can hunt vehicles, strike vulnerable areas from above and provide targeting information for artillery.

The tank is not dead, but the way it fights must change

India’s combat drone ecosystem is moving from tactical battlefield systems towards weapons capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometres away. The transition has gathered momentum after Operation Sindoor, where indigenous drones were deployed in contested battlefield conditions. Now, Indian developers are working on longer-range one-way attack platforms designed to extend the reach of unmanned warfare. One such platform is KAL, a long-range attack drone developed by IG Defence and recently tested at the Pokhran field firing range. The company says the platform is designed for a range of up to 1,000 kilometres, an endurance of around eight hours and a warhead of approximately 50 kilograms. For Major General R C Padhi, Senior Vice President at IG Defence, the transition builds on lessons learnt during Op Sindoor. "Our drones were engaged in the battlefield and we got all those drones battle tested," Padhi told WION’s Defence Pulse. He said the company deployed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) platforms, FPV kamikaze drones, surveillance systems and logistics drones during the operation.

The crucial difference, Padhi said, was exposure to an actual contested environment rather than controlled trials. "When you are testing your drones in the range, there is no enemy presence," he said. "But in a battlefield, it is a contested environment. The enemy is also trying to dominate over you." Padhi claimed the drones were used against gun positions, command and communication centres, ammunition dumps and bunkers during Op Sindoor. Attention is now shifting towards longer-range systems. Describing KAL as a strategic rather than tactical drone, Padhi said its greater range and warhead could allow it to engage targets much deeper inside adversary territory. The recent Pokhran trial also tested its ability to launch from a vehicle-mounted mobile platform. According to General Padhi, the significance lies in extending indigenous unmanned strike capability beyond the immediate battlefield. "Most of the strategic assets of the adversaries are much behind our border areas," he said.&nbsp; For India, the evolution represents a significant shift. The indigenous drone story is moving from surveillance and tactical FPV strikes towards autonomous systems designed for long-range strategic missions.

Major General R C Padhi claimed the drones were used against gun positions, command and communication centres, ammunition dumps and bunkers during Op Sindoor.

India’s combat drone ecosystem is moving from tactical battlefield systems towards weapons capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometres away. The transition has gathered momentum after Operation Sindoor, where indigenous drones were deployed in contested battlefield conditions. Now, Indian developers are working on longer-range one-way attack platforms designed to extend the reach of unmanned warfare. One such platform is KAL, a long-range attack drone developed by IG Defence and recently tested at the Pokhran field firing range. The company says the platform is designed for a range of up to 1,000 kilometres, an endurance of around eight hours and a warhead of approximately 50 kilograms. For Major General R C Padhi, Senior Vice President at IG Defence, the transition builds on lessons learnt during Op Sindoor. "Our drones were engaged in the battlefield and we got all those drones battle tested," Padhi told WION’s Defence Pulse. He said the company deployed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) platforms, FPV kamikaze drones, surveillance systems and logistics drones during the operation.

Major General R C Padhi claimed the drones were used against gun positions, command and communication centres, ammunition dumps and bunkers during Op Sindoor.

From FPV strikes to 1,000 km missions, India’s drone revolution goes long range

The U.S. Army has begun transitioning heavy armored units away from M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks to lighter, highly mobile wheeled vehicles in response to vulnerabilities exposed by modern drone warfare and logistics challenges in potential Pacific theaters. 


Will tanks survive the AI warfare era?

Drones scan the skies. Thermal imagers search through darkness. Satellites photograph vast areas. Cameras monitor borders and critical installations. Radars and other sensors add still more streams of information. Modern battlefields are generating more information than soldiers and commanders can realistically watch. The problem is no longer simply collecting battlefield data. It is understanding it quickly enough.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/nobody-understands-high-altitude-warfare-better-than-indian-army-says-maj-gen-yash-mor-1789987439995">Nobody understands high-altitude warfare better than Indian Army: Maj Gen Yash</a> A commander could potentially receive feeds from dozens or even hundreds of drones and sensors. Human operators may be able to monitor a handful of them, but as the number increases, the actual information required can disappear inside an overwhelming volume of imagery. This is where artificial intelligence and computer vision are beginning to change surveillance. Instead of requiring a person to continuously watch every feed, AI can analyse imagery, detect objects, identify movement and flag unusual activity. The objective is to transform raw surveillance into usable battlefield intelligence.

But military imagery presents challenges far beyond conventional CCTV. Camouflage can conceal equipment. Smoke and cloud cover can obscure targets. Weather can degrade imagery. An adversary can also deliberately attempt to deceive sensors and algorithms. Atul Rai, CEO and co-founder of Staqu Technologies, believes the real value of AI lies in helping decision-makers navigate this flood of information. "AI is bringing the information to the decision maker," Rai said during a conversation on WION's Defence Pulse.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/imagine-50-ai-fighters-cornering-one-manned-jet-india-s-mobbing-doctrine-eyes-a-new-era-of-air-warm-1789620684117">‘Mobbing doctrine’: How AI drone swarms could challenge fighter jets</a> But he also warned that the quality of the decision ultimately depends on the quality of information being processed. "If I consume wrong information, I'll make a wrong decision," he said, stressing that humans must remain closely involved in interpreting AI-generated intelligence. The complexity increases when militaries combine information from different sensors. A normal CCTV camera largely works with conventional RGB imagery. Battlefield systems may simultaneously receive thermal imagery, satellite pictures and Synthetic Aperture Radar data. The same tank or vehicle can appear dramatically different across each sensor. According to Rai, this makes data fusion one of the major challenges confronting military AI. It would be a fair assessment that the next surveillance revolution will increasingly depend on whether AI can turn thousands of battlefield eyes into one coherent picture that a commander can trust and act upon. &nbsp;

Instead of requiring a person to continuously watch every feed, AI can analyse imagery, detect objects, identify movement and flag unusual activity. The objective is to transform raw surveillance into usable battlefield intelligence.


Drones scan the skies. Thermal imagers search through darkness. Satellites photograph vast areas. Cameras monitor borders and critical installations. Radars and other sensors add still more streams of information. Modern battlefields are generating more information than soldiers and commanders can realistically watch. The problem is no longer simply collecting battlefield data. It is understanding it quickly enough. Also read | Nobody understands high-altitude warfare better than Indian Army: Maj Gen Yash A commander could potentially receive feeds from dozens or even hundreds of drones and sensors. Human operators may be able to monitor a handful of them, but as the number increases, the actual information required can disappear inside an overwhelming volume of imagery. This is where artificial intelligence and computer vision are beginning to change surveillance. Instead of requiring a person to continuously watch every feed, AI can analyse imagery, detect objects, identify movement and flag unusual activity. The objective is to transform raw surveillance into usable battlefield intelligence.

Instead of requiring a person to continuously watch every feed, AI can analyse imagery, detect objects, identify movement and flag unusual activity. The objective is to transform raw surveillance into usable battlefield intelligence.

From sensors to soldiers, how AI is transforming battlefield intelligence

India's defence indigenisation drive is increasingly moving beyond building weapons at home to owning the critical technologies inside them, a more difficult challenge. Modern fighters, missiles, drones and warships depend on an intricate ecosystem of semiconductors, sensors, advanced materials, communications, electronic warfare systems and software.&nbsp;Dependence on imported components in these areas can expose defence programmes to supply disruptions and technology-denial regimes during a crisis. Speaking on WION's Defence Pulse, Omprakash Subbarao, CEO of the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science, argued that India now needs to take indigenisation deeper into the component and subsystem level. Subbarao drew lessons from India's digital transformation, including Aadhaar, where large public infrastructure helped create an ecosystem for private innovation. “The lesson to learn from that is how we can use public rails to fuel private innovation.”&nbsp;He said a similar model could be extended to strategically important sectors including food, energy and defence. On military technology, Subbarao identified five areas requiring particular attention:<ul><li>satellite-guided hypersonic weapons,</li><li>advanced fighter-engine development,</li><li>high-speed communication systems,</li><li>radar and electronic warfare technologies</li><li>electro-optical systems including indigenous seekers.</li></ul>India, he said, has already developed significant capability in assembling increasingly complex systems. The next step is developing the underlying components and critical subsystems domestically. Asked to narrow the priority list further, Subbarao identified three capabilities he believes could have a major impact over the coming decade.&nbsp;First was a fully indigenous fighter aircraft. “It should be an indigenous fighter aircraft incorporating domestically developed engines, materials and critical subsystems.”His second priority was hypersonic missiles equipped with advanced precision-navigation technologies, potentially incorporating scramjet propulsion.&nbsp;The third was satellite-enabled surveillance, navigation and countermeasure systems, reflecting the increasing importance of space-based capabilities to military operations.For India's next phase of defence self-reliance, indigenous platforms are one part of the equation. Owning the engines, materials, sensors, seekers, electronics and critical subsystems that make those platforms work represents the deeper technological test.&nbsp;WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIMTW57pXGQ"></oembed></figure>

Speaking on WION's Defence Pulse, IISc FSID CEO Omprakash Subbarao emphasised deepening defence indigenisation at the component level, highlighting how public digital infrastructure drives private innovation.

India's defence indigenisation drive is increasingly moving beyond building weapons at home to owning the critical technologies inside them, a more difficult challenge. Modern fighters, missiles, drones and warships depend on an intricate ecosystem of semiconductors, sensors, advanced materials, communications, electronic warfare systems and software. Dependence on imported components in these areas can expose defence programmes to supply disruptions and technology-denial regimes during a crisis. Speaking on WION's Defence Pulse, Omprakash Subbarao, CEO of the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science, argued that India now needs to take indigenisation deeper into the component and subsystem level. Subbarao drew lessons from India's digital transformation, including Aadhaar, where large public infrastructure helped create an ecosystem for private innovation. “The lesson to learn from that is how we can use public rails to fuel private innovation.” He said a similar model could be extended to strategically important sectors including food, energy and defence. On military technology, Subbarao identified five areas requiring particular attention: satellite-guided hypersonic weapons, advanced fighter-engine development, high-speed communication systems, radar and electronic warfare technologies electro-optical systems including indigenous seekers. India, he said, has already developed significant capability in assembling increasingly complex systems. The next step is developing the underlying components and critical subsystems domestically. Asked to narrow the priority list further, Subbarao identified three capabilities he believes could have a major impact over the coming decade. First was a fully indigenous fighter aircraft. “It should be an indigenous fighter aircraft incorporating domestically developed engines, materials and critical subsystems.” His second priority was hypersonic missiles equipped with advanced precision-navigation technologies, potentially incorporating scramjet propulsion. The third was satellite-enabled surveillance, navigation and countermeasure systems, reflecting the increasing importance of space-based capabilities to military operations. For India's next phase of defence self-reliance, indigenous platforms are one part of the equation. Owning the engines, materials, sensors, seekers, electronics and critical subsystems that make those platforms work represents the deeper technological test. WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE

Speaking on WION's Defence Pulse, IISc FSID CEO Omprakash Subbarao emphasised deepening defence indigenisation at the component level, highlighting how public digital infrastructure drives private innovation.

Technologies India cannot afford to import: IISc expert lists defence priorities

The cockpit is changing, and soon it might not need a human in it at all. The US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program envisions a single pilot commanding four to six AI-powered drones like Shield AI's X-BAT or General Atomics' FQ-42, scouting, absorbing enemy fire, and even launching strikes. Last year, an AI-piloted jet dogfighted a human-flown F-16 in a real test. As the US and China race to build autonomous air forces, the question isn't just "can AI fly", it's whether militaries are ready to trust it with life-and-death decisions.


The Air Force without pilots: Is AI rewriting the rules of air warfare?

It has been long debated which terrain poses the greatest challenge to combat operations, but comparing mountains, deserts, jungles, and cities reveals that each environment presents its own brutal form of logistical and physical warfare.

Mountain, desert, jungle or city: Which is the world’s toughest battlefield?

For decades, battlefield firepower depended largely on weapons that followed a predetermined path once fired. Mortar rounds travelled along ballistic trajectories, artillery shells followed their calculated arcs and unguided bombs depended heavily on the conditions at the moment of release.Modern warfare is changing that equation. Guidance systems, sensors and increasingly sophisticated onboard electronics are allowing munitions to correct their flight after launch and strike targets with far greater precision.&nbsp;India is also working on technologies aimed at bringing precision to existing classes of weapons, including mortar and artillery ammunition. The broader objective is significant: instead of relying only on expensive missiles or entirely new weapon systems, intelligence can increasingly be incorporated into the munition itself.&nbsp;Speaking to WION, Abhishek Jain, Chief Business Officer of Zeus Numerix, said the distinction between conventional and smart ammunition can be surprisingly simple. “Smart basically means, can the munition decide for itself what to do in flight?”&nbsp;Jain explained that this intelligence exists at different levels. A relatively simple system might correct only its range. More sophisticated weapons can correct both range and direction, while additional sensors can enable still greater precision.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0AyyqPv38E&amp;list=PLKwyKu6LhauQ&amp;index=6"></oembed></figure>&nbsp;But how much intelligence should actually be packed into a projectile? Jain says the answer depends on the mission. “Can we do more? Yes. Should we do more? Depends on the CONOPS, whether we require it or not.”&nbsp;He said Zeus is working with navigation-based guidance in which a munition can detect that it is deviating from its intended trajectory and autonomously correct its course without further input from the operator. He also referred to multi-constellation satellite navigation, including Indian navigation capabilities, and systems combining satellite navigation with terminal laser guidance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet greater sophistication comes at a price. “The moment you include more sensors, it becomes more and more expensive, so we have to be careful about that.”&nbsp;That trade-off could become increasingly important on battlefields where militaries need both mass and precision. The future may therefore not simply belong to the smartest weapon available, but to one carrying exactly as much intelligence as the mission requires. &nbsp;

India is developing technologies to make conventional munitions smarter by adding guidance, sensors and onboard electronics. Zeus Numerix says systems can autonomously correct range and direction using satellite navigation and laser guidance, but greater precision also brings higher costs.

For decades, battlefield firepower depended largely on weapons that followed a predetermined path once fired. Mortar rounds travelled along ballistic trajectories, artillery shells followed their calculated arcs and unguided bombs depended heavily on the conditions at the moment of release. Modern warfare is changing that equation. Guidance systems, sensors and increasingly sophisticated onboard electronics are allowing munitions to correct their flight after launch and strike targets with far greater precision. India is also working on technologies aimed at bringing precision to existing classes of weapons, including mortar and artillery ammunition. The broader objective is significant: instead of relying only on expensive missiles or entirely new weapon systems, intelligence can increasingly be incorporated into the munition itself. Speaking to WION, Abhishek Jain, Chief Business Officer of Zeus Numerix, said the distinction between conventional and smart ammunition can be surprisingly simple. “Smart basically means, can the munition decide for itself what to do in flight?” Jain explained that this intelligence exists at different levels. A relatively simple system might correct only its range. More sophisticated weapons can correct both range and direction, while additional sensors can enable still greater precision. But how much intelligence should actually be packed into a projectile? Jain says the answer depends on the mission. “Can we do more? Yes. Should we do more? Depends on the CONOPS, whether we require it or not.” He said Zeus is working with navigation-based guidance in which a munition can detect that it is deviating from its intended trajectory and autonomously correct its course without further input from the operator. He also referred to multi-constellation satellite navigation, including Indian navigation capabilities, and systems combining satellite navigation with terminal laser guidance. Yet greater sophistication comes at a price. “The moment you include more sensors, it becomes more and more expensive, so we have to be careful about that.” That trade-off could become increasingly important on battlefields where militaries need both mass and precision. The future may therefore not simply belong to the smartest weapon available, but to one carrying exactly as much intelligence as the mission requires.

India is developing technologies to make conventional munitions smarter by adding guidance, sensors and onboard electronics. Zeus Numerix says systems can autonomously correct range and direction using satellite navigation and laser guidance, but greater precision also brings higher costs.

When munitions start thinking: How India is turning conventional weapons ‘smart’

The Russia-Ukraine war is entering a new phase of escalation. Russia has launched fresh strikes, including an attack on a shopping centre, while Ukraine is increasingly turning to unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to strengthen its battlefield capabilities. Ukraine's Third Army Corps has reportedly deployed robotic systems to frontline positions, highlighting the growing role of autonomous and remote-controlled technologies in modern warfare as both sides seek new tactical advantages.


Russia-Ukraine war: Russia hits shopping centre as Ukraine deploys ground robots to frontline

India is emerging as an increasingly important classroom for modern air combat. The immediate example is Veer Guardian 2026, where Japan’s F-2 fighters are operating from Indian soil for a joint exercise for the first time. At Jodhpur, they are training alongside three very different Indian fighters: the Russian-origin Su-30MKI, French Rafale and indigenous Tejas. The attraction goes beyond flying another country’s aircraft.&nbsp;India offers an unusual combination of dissimilar fighters, large training airspace and diverse operating environments. The Indian Air Force has spent decades operating aircraft, weapons and sensors originating from different technological ecosystems. It creates a distinctive training environment for visiting forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/russia-su-57-drone-swarms-future-air-warfare-1788955371608">Su-57’s Drone army: Russia turns stealth fighter into an airborne commander</a>&nbsp;India's geography adds another dimension, from Rajasthan’s deserts and vast airspace to high-altitude and maritime operating environments.And Veer Guardian is part of a larger trend. With multinational Tarang Shakti 2026 expected to follow, India is increasingly becoming a place where different air forces can test interoperability, mission planning and tactics against unfamiliar aircraft and operating philosophies.On WION's Defence Pulse, I asked former Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, what pilots actually learn when unfamiliar fighters meet?&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/defence-pulse/when-sound-becomes-a-weapon-india-explores-dhwani-to-bring-down-drones-1788833493934">When sound becomes a weapon: India explores ‘dhwani’ to bring down drones</a>&nbsp;He said modern air combat is no longer about comparing individual aircraft characteristics alone. “A fighter aircraft today is not simply a platform. There are a whole lot of sensors.” Kapoor said the real exercise involves understanding how information is collected, communicated from command-and-control systems, absorbed by pilots and ultimately converted into combat action.&nbsp;I also asked Air Marshal Kapoor about how much information is revealed even to friendly forces in a joint drill, he explained there are limits to what participating countries reveal. Kapoor said such exercises are planned six to eight months in advance, with missions and boundaries agreed beforehand. “Whatever is in the open domain is laid out.”&nbsp;So why travel thousands of kilometres to India?Kapoor points to India’s Russian, French and indigenous aircraft mix, its extensive airspace, geography, climate and growing experience of multinational exercises. He described India’s diverse fleet as offering visiting air forces a “huge platter to choose from.” And the learning works both ways. “They come to us because we’ve got the experience, and when we fly with them, we get the experience.” That may ultimately explain India’s growing attraction. Foreign air forces are not simply coming to India to fly. They are coming to encounter aircraft, environments and ways of fighting they do not encounter at home.&nbsp;

India is emerging as a key classroom for modern air combat, with Japan’s F-2 fighters training alongside India’s Su-30MKI, Rafale and Tejas during Veer Guardian 2026. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor explains why India’s diverse fighters, geography and airspace attract foreign air forces.

India is emerging as an increasingly important classroom for modern air combat. The immediate example is Veer Guardian 2026, where Japan’s F-2 fighters are operating from Indian soil for a joint exercise for the first time. At Jodhpur, they are training alongside three very different Indian fighters: the Russian-origin Su-30MKI, French Rafale and indigenous Tejas. The attraction goes beyond flying another country’s aircraft. India offers an unusual combination of dissimilar fighters, large training airspace and diverse operating environments. The Indian Air Force has spent decades operating aircraft, weapons and sensors originating from different technological ecosystems. It creates a distinctive training environment for visiting forces. Also Read: Su-57’s Drone army: Russia turns stealth fighter into an airborne commander India's geography adds another dimension, from Rajasthan’s deserts and vast airspace to high-altitude and maritime operating environments. And Veer Guardian is part of a larger trend. With multinational Tarang Shakti 2026 expected to follow, India is increasingly becoming a place where different air forces can test interoperability, mission planning and tactics against unfamiliar aircraft and operating philosophies. On WION's Defence Pulse, I asked former Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, what pilots actually learn when unfamiliar fighters meet? Also Read: When sound becomes a weapon: India explores ‘dhwani’ to bring down drones He said modern air combat is no longer about comparing individual aircraft characteristics alone. “A fighter aircraft today is not simply a platform. There are a whole lot of sensors.” Kapoor said the real exercise involves understanding how information is collected, communicated from command-and-control systems, absorbed by pilots and ultimately converted into combat action. I also asked Air Marshal Kapoor about how much information is revealed even to friendly forces in a joint drill, he explained there are limits to what participating countries reveal. Kapoor said such exercises are planned six to eight months in advance, with missions and boundaries agreed beforehand. “Whatever is in the open domain is laid out.” So why travel thousands of kilometres to India? Kapoor points to India’s Russian, French and indigenous aircraft mix, its extensive airspace, geography, climate and growing experience of multinational exercises. He described India’s diverse fleet as offering visiting air forces a “huge platter to choose from.” And the learning works both ways. “They come to us because we’ve got the experience, and when we fly with them, we get the experience.” That may ultimately explain India’s growing attraction. Foreign air forces are not simply coming to India to fly. They are coming to encounter aircraft, environments and ways of fighting they do not encounter at home.

India is emerging as a key classroom for modern air combat, with Japan’s F-2 fighters training alongside India’s Su-30MKI, Rafale and Tejas during Veer Guardian 2026. Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor explains why India’s diverse fighters, geography and airspace attract foreign air forces.

India’s skies go global: Why the world’s fighter jets are coming to train

For centuries, the Arctic’s greatest defence was nature itself. Thick ice, extreme temperatures, and vast distances made the region one of the most inaccessible places on Earth. But as the ice retreats and shipping activity increases, the High North is rapidly emerging as a new arena of strategic competition.&nbsp;Russia has now described NATO’s growing military presence in the Arctic as a “direct threat.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that increasing exercises raise the risk of incidents escalating into armed confrontation.&nbsp;&nbsp;NATO, meanwhile, is strengthening its northern flank. Seven of the eight Arctic states are now members of the alliance following Finland and Sweden’s accession. In February, NATO launched Arctic Sentry, bringing allied activities across the region under a broader operational framework.&nbsp;&nbsp;From September 7, around 400 military personnel from 10 NATO nations will participate in Arctic Shield 2026 in Greenland, training across land, sea, and air in harsh Arctic conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;The stakes extend beyond military rivalry. Melting seasonal ice is opening sea routes and increasing access to natural resources. NATO says Russia has expanded its Arctic military infrastructure, including reopening Soviet-era facilities and developing airfields and deep-water ports. Russia’s powerful nuclear submarine forces also give the region enormous strategic importance.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-warns-nato-is-a-direct-arctic-threat-1788450621363/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-warns-nato-is-a-direct-arctic-threat-1788450621363/embed</a>&nbsp;Finland is preparing its civilian population too. More than 2,000 people participated this week in Shelter 2026, described as Europe’s largest civil defence exercise since World War Two. The drill rehearsed responses to cyber disruption and potential missile attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;But John Erath, Senior Policy Director at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, cautions against concluding that conflict is inevitable.&nbsp;“There is an increase in military activity in the Arctic that parallels an increase in civilian activity,” Erath told WION, pointing particularly to growing commercial shipping.&nbsp;On the nuclear danger, Erath believes Moscow’s rhetoric must also be viewed through the Ukraine conflict.“When Russia makes threats about the Arctic, what it really means is stay out of Ukraine, stop assisting the Ukrainians, or there could be some sort of broader trouble,” he said.&nbsp;While acknowledging that growing military activity is dangerous, Erath added: “I don’t see that there is imminent threat of nuclear war.”&nbsp;For now, the Arctic remains far from open conflict. But the ice is retreating, trade routes are expanding and military forces are moving north. &nbsp;

NATO, meanwhile, is strengthening its northern flank. Seven of the eight Arctic states are now members of the alliance following Finland and Sweden’s accession.

For centuries, the Arctic’s greatest defence was nature itself. Thick ice, extreme temperatures, and vast distances made the region one of the most inaccessible places on Earth. But as the ice retreats and shipping activity increases, the High North is rapidly emerging as a new arena of strategic competition. Russia has now described NATO’s growing military presence in the Arctic as a “direct threat.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that increasing exercises raise the risk of incidents escalating into armed confrontation. NATO, meanwhile, is strengthening its northern flank. Seven of the eight Arctic states are now members of the alliance following Finland and Sweden’s accession. In February, NATO launched Arctic Sentry, bringing allied activities across the region under a broader operational framework. From September 7, around 400 military personnel from 10 NATO nations will participate in Arctic Shield 2026 in Greenland, training across land, sea, and air in harsh Arctic conditions. The stakes extend beyond military rivalry. Melting seasonal ice is opening sea routes and increasing access to natural resources. NATO says Russia has expanded its Arctic military infrastructure, including reopening Soviet-era facilities and developing airfields and deep-water ports. Russia’s powerful nuclear submarine forces also give the region enormous strategic importance. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-warns-nato-is-a-direct-arctic-threat-1788450621363/embed Finland is preparing its civilian population too. More than 2,000 people participated this week in Shelter 2026, described as Europe’s largest civil defence exercise since World War Two. The drill rehearsed responses to cyber disruption and potential missile attacks. But John Erath, Senior Policy Director at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, cautions against concluding that conflict is inevitable. “There is an increase in military activity in the Arctic that parallels an increase in civilian activity,” Erath told WION, pointing particularly to growing commercial shipping. On the nuclear danger, Erath believes Moscow’s rhetoric must also be viewed through the Ukraine conflict. “When Russia makes threats about the Arctic, what it really means is stay out of Ukraine, stop assisting the Ukrainians, or there could be some sort of broader trouble,” he said. While acknowledging that growing military activity is dangerous, Erath added: “I don’t see that there is imminent threat of nuclear war.” For now, the Arctic remains far from open conflict. But the ice is retreating, trade routes are expanding and military forces are moving north.

NATO, meanwhile, is strengthening its northern flank. Seven of the eight Arctic states are now members of the alliance following Finland and Sweden’s accession.

The new Cold War: Arctic emerges as NATO-Russia flashpoint

The Arctic is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most contested strategic regions. As NATO expands its military presence across northern Europe and conducts large-scale exercises near Russia's borders, Moscow has accused the alliance of turning the Arctic into a potential conflict zone. Russia says NATO's growing footprint poses a direct security threat and has warned that military escalation could trigger a dangerous new phase in East-West tensions.


Russia warns: NATO is a direct Arctic threat 

India's defence industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, with production crossing ₹1.78 lakh crore and exports reaching record levels. New drones, missiles, fighter jets and artillery systems are moving from drawing boards to production lines. But a critical question remains: can India manufacture advanced weapons fast enough to meet military demands? As global conflicts show the importance of rapid innovation and mass production, India's next challenge is no longer designing weapons—it's building them at scale and on time.


The next arms race may be about who can innovate & build fastest

Glide bombs are rapidly changing the way modern wars are fought. By combining the destructive power of traditional bombs with precision guidance and long-range stand-off capability, they allow aircraft to strike targets without entering dangerous enemy air-defence zones. India's successful test of the Khagantak-243 marks a major step in this direction.


Khagantak, Gaurav and Tara: India builds a new glide arsenal 

Drones are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of India's military strategy. What began as a tool for surveillance and reconnaissance has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem of strike drones, loitering munitions, AI-powered systems, and autonomous platforms. As modern warfare increasingly shifts from hardware to software, algorithms and data are becoming as critical as tanks and fighter jets. From monitoring borders to conducting precision strikes, drones are redefining how India prepares for future conflicts, making unmanned warfare a key pillar of national defence.


India’s drone revolution: How unmanned warfare is transforming defence

For decades, Japan's postwar identity was defined by pacifism. But growing security challenges in East Asia are driving a dramatic military transformation. Tokyo is investing heavily in drones, advanced missiles, artificial intelligence, and next-generation defense systems as it seeks to strengthen its deterrence capabilities. Supporters argue the shift is necessary in an increasingly volatile region, while critics warn it marks a significant departure from Japan's postwar principles.


Drone 40 loitering munition - Japan’s new precision weapon 

Global superpowers are racing into an urgent arms revolution. The Pentagon faces severely depleted crucial weapon stockpiles after sustained conflicts across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. With US President Donald Trump demanding rapid weapons replenishment, American military chiefs have launched an emergency search for new advance weaponry. But again, money is an issue. With military budgets stretched and modern wars requiring massive ammunition, the new mantra is to build, acquire cheaper, precision weapons.


The new arms race: High-tech low-cost arms race explodes 

President Vladimir Putin said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's warning to airlines that Ukrainian drones would effectively shut down Russian airspace sounded like "state terrorism" and that Moscow would find a way to respond. Speaking at a news conference in Kyrgyzstan, Putin said it was not possible to negotiate with "terrorists."


Ukraine to target civilian Russian flights? Ukraine issues chilling threat to Putin

The new arms race: Low-cost smart missiles | Why everyone wants cheaper weapons

India is strengthening its air defence network with the development of Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range air defence system designed to complement the Russian-made S-400. The new system aims to intercept enemy aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missile threats at multiple ranges. Together, the S-400 and Project Kusha could create a layered missile shield capable of protecting critical military and civilian infrastructure. As regional security challenges evolve, India's push for self-reliance in defence technology marks a major step toward building a robust and modern air defence architecture.


Sudarshan Chakra: India builds multi-layered air defence wall

India’s defence reset: S-400s, S-500s, drones & Atmanirbharta

Modern warfare is as much about industrial capacity as battlefield strength. As India pushes for defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, a critical question emerges: can domestic manufacturers sustain the massive ammunition requirements of a prolonged, high-intensity conflict? From 155mm artillery shells to missiles, drones and spare parts, wartime demand can rapidly outpace peacetime production. India's defence industry has expanded significantly in recent years, but experts say stockpiles, manufacturing capacity and supply chains will determine how long the country can sustain combat operations. This report examines India's readiness for a war of attrition.


Can India's defence industry sustain high-intensity warfare?

From S-400 to Project Kusha: India builds a powerful new missile shield

India's armed forces are rewiring the battlefield — moving from isolated units to a single connected network. From Akashteer's real-time air picture to tri-service data fusion, cyber warfare and electronic warfare are merging into one unified combat system. This video breaks down how India's Army, Navy, and Air Force are syncing sensors, radars, and AI-driven decisions to build a faster, smarter, and harder-to-beat digital war machine.


India's three services move towards network warfare

The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar Class, at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The vessel will enhance the Navy’s deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue capabilities. Indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam, INS Nipun marks another step towards Aatmanirbharta in India’s defence shipbuilding and strengthens the Navy’s specialist underwater capabilities.


India’s deep-sea challenge: Submarines, rescue & AUVs

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