Weekly Defence News Round-Up | 14 Jul 2025

Weekly Defence News Round-Up | 14 Jul 2025

This week was marked by a mix of solemn reminders, operational developments and noteworthy milestones. From the icy heights of Eastern Ladakh to outer space, the Indian defence narrative continues to evolve in pace with global and domestic complexities.

Addressing the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh issued a stark reminder that ‘Peace is nothing but an illusion’ in today’s volatile environment. Emphasising threats from both the Western and Northern borders as well as persistent internal challenges, he urged continuous readiness and operational adaptability. ‘We must prepare for uncertainty’, he cautioned, reinforcing the Government’s unwavering focus on defence preparedness and self-reliance.

In a tragic incident, a trainer Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Churu, Rajasthan, earlier this week—marking the third such accident involving the Jaguar fleet this year. The aircraft was on a routine training mission. Introduced in July 1979, the Anglo-French origin Jaguar is a twin-engine, single-seater deep-penetration strike aircraft known for its low-level precision attacks. Despite being upgraded with modern avionics, it operates on a legacy airframe and is slated for phased decommissioning by 2035.

In a proud moment for the Indian Air Force, Gp Capt Shubham Shukla is currently onboard an international space mission as part of an Indo-global scientific collaboration. Onboard the Axiom Space Shuttle, he is conducting a series of zero-gravity medical and material science experiments, representing India’s growing competence in military-space integration. His return is expected by late July 2025, with plans underway to debrief his team at ISRO’s Bengaluru HQ.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Operation Shiva, the codename for the annual Amarnath Yatra security grid, has so far progressed without any major incident. The Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police and local civil administration have maintained round-the-clock vigilance across the high-altitude route. However, environmental concerns have emerged. Pilgrims have reported that the Shivling at the Amarnath cave, located at over 4,000 metres, is melting faster than usual, underlining the tangible impact of climate change in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

In positive strides towards naval self-reliance, the indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) ‘Nistar’ is scheduled for commissioning on 18 Jul 2025. The vessel is equipped to support submarine rescue operations, underwater salvage, and deep-sea diving, adding a critical capability to India’s Blue Water ambitions.

Another milestone was achieved as 13 strategic defence infrastructure projects—spanning Eastern Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh—were cleared by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by Shri Bhupendra Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. A crucial approval among them is the construction of a 10-km road connecting Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) to Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) Hut, a northernmost military outpost located at over 17,000 feet and home to the world's highest airstrip. This enhanced access will be vital in reducing response times and improving logistical support in this sensitive sector. While China has a well-developed road network in their rear areas, Indian infrastructure is now catching up with renewed urgency.

In a proud cultural moment, twelve Maratha forts have been inscribed as part of the ‘Maratha Military Landscape’ in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The inclusion recognises the strategic ingenuity and architectural brilliance of the Marathas, whose military legacy forms a crucial part of India’s indigenous warfare tradition.

Internationally, while the Iran-Israel conflict has shown signs of de-escalation, Ukraine and Gaza remain hotspots with no immediate resolution in sight. Indian agencies continue to monitor both theatres for their broader implications on energy security and geopolitical stability in South Asia.

In a symbolic return of faith diplomacy, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed this month after a five-year suspension, bringing spiritual relief and strategic reassurance, especially with the route via Lipu Lekh becoming operational.

In the world of sports, Wimbledon 2025 concluded with Carlos Alcaraz clinching the men’s singles title, while Iga Świątek lifted her fourth Wimbledon trophy on the women’s side.

NDA Trivia of the Week

Did you know that the The first batch of NDA cadets joined the Academy in Jan 1949 at a temporary location in Clement Town, Dehradun. It wasn’t until 1955 that the academy shifted to its iconic campus at Khadakwasla, Pune.