News for 'Defence Ministry'

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Railways have exceeded the national average capital expenditure (capex) by spending 63 per cent and 57 per cent of Budget estimates (BE), respectively, in the first half of 2025-26 (FY26). The total capital expenditure for April-September of FY26 stood at 52 per cent of the BE, according to the latest data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

Is Iran nearing Chinese missile deal as conflict escalates?

Is Iran nearing Chinese missile deal as conflict escalates?

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

China has denied reports of finalising a deal with Iran to sell CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles, amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and joint US-Israeli airstrikes.

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Deadly retaliation awaits: Iran on killing of IRIS Dena sailors

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Following the death of Iranian sailors in the Indian Ocean, Iran's navy has threatened 'deadly retaliation,' accusing the US of attacking its warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, escalating tensions in the region.

India denies links to transnational violence in Canada amid Nijjar case

India denies links to transnational violence in Canada amid Nijjar case

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India has categorically rejected allegations of its involvement in transnational violence or organised crime in Canada, following a media report linking Indian officials to the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Defence Ministry to announce new air defence command by Oct

Defence Ministry to announce new air defence command by Oct

Rediff.com27 Aug 2020

The air defence command is proposed to be set up alongside the Central Command Headquarters of the IAF which controls important air bases including Agra, Gwalior and Bareilly.

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India has declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms, aiming to establish integrated theatre commands to enhance synergy among the three armed forces and transform the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force. The reforms will also focus on streamlining acquisition procedures, promoting collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

CCS assesses West Asia crisis, orders steps to help stranded Indians

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reviewed the evolving situation in West Asia, directing departments to assist Indian nationals affected by recent developments and emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy.

Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra: Many firsts at R-Day Parade

Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra: Many firsts at R-Day Parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

61 Cavalry, Bhairav light commando battalion, DRDO's Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and many more key military assets were part of a grand Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

According to an international media report, the jet crashed in the afternoon local time while flying a demonstration flight at the prestigious air show.

India rejects Pakistan's claims on Islamabad mosque bombing

India rejects Pakistan's claims on Islamabad mosque bombing

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

India has strongly denied Pakistan's accusations of its involvement in the suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, calling the allegations baseless and a deflection from Pakistan's internal issues.

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Govt moves to shield trade as Iran war chokes sea routes

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

With the Iran war escalating sharply and crisis deepening in the global energy market, India on Monday unveiled a coordinated plan to support exporters and shippers caught in the fallout.

270 Taliban, 12 Pak soldiers killed as Islamabad declares open war on Kabul

270 Taliban, 12 Pak soldiers killed as Islamabad declares open war on Kabul

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Pakistan launched a retaliatory operation, 'Ghazab lil Haq,' against the Afghan Taliban following alleged border attacks, resulting in reported casualties and destruction of Taliban infrastructure.

India set to clinch $450 mn BrahMos missile order soon

India set to clinch $450 mn BrahMos missile order soon

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The missile was showcased at the recent Dubai Air Show and drew huge interest from potential buyer countries.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Iran Plays Hardball With India's Hormuz Requests

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

'I suspect that Bangladesh being given permission stuck in India's official craw, and this story was an attempt to balance the scales by giving the impression that a similar waiver had been given to India as well.'

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

India and the UK have announced a series of defence cooperation initiatives, including a USD 468 million deal for the supply of lightweight multirole missile systems to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

Stay sharp, adapt and innovate, CDS Gen Chauhan tells IAF commanders

Stay sharp, adapt and innovate, CDS Gen Chauhan tells IAF commanders

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan addressed IAF commanders, emphasizing professional competence, operational readiness, and continuous adaptation in the evolving security environment. The conference focused on enhancing the IAF's capabilities and commitment to national security.

Morbi man captured in Ukraine appeals to Modi for help

Morbi man captured in Ukraine appeals to Modi for help

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

A 22-year-old man from Gujarat's Morbi town, captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for the Russian military, has sent a video message to his family here, making an emotional appeal for help from the Indian government for his release.

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

MEA voices concern over situation in West Asia, silent on Khamenei killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, India voices strong concerns over the safety of its nationals and the potential disruption to energy supplies, urging dialogue and diplomacy for a swift resolution.

Has Russia's invasion of Ukraine stalled? UK's defence ministry thinks so

Has Russia's invasion of Ukraine stalled? UK's defence ministry thinks so

Rediff.com17 Mar 2022

Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses, the UK's ministry of defence said on Thursday.

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

India, US in talks for mutually beneficial trade agreement

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Indian government informed Parliament that India and the US are engaged in negotiations for a mutually beneficial multi-sectoral bilateral trade agreement. The two countries also cooperate on strategic, economic, and defense matters, managing divergences through high-level dialogues.

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Referring to local sources, IRNA shared a video clip that it claims shows the downing of the American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait.

Conflict of interest in the defence ministry: L&T CMD to Dr Manmohan Singh

Conflict of interest in the defence ministry: L&T CMD to Dr Manmohan Singh

Rediff.com8 Mar 2011

L&T chairman and managing director A M naik has written a letter to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan ingh saying there is a conflict of interest in the way the defence ministry is organised.

Boost For IAF: Free Hand On Weapons For 114 Rafales

Boost For IAF: Free Hand On Weapons For 114 Rafales

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The additional Rafales will be from a vastly improved version compared to the 36 acquired for the IAF under the 2016 deal.'

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

How defence ministry, MEA played 'passing the parcel'

How defence ministry, MEA played 'passing the parcel'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2013

Did one arm of the government not take any action despite knowing Finmeccanica might have violated the integrity pact it had signed with the government of India?

Mudh-Nyoma airbase near LAC in Ladakh operationalised

Mudh-Nyoma airbase near LAC in Ladakh operationalised

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The strategically important Mudh-Nyoma airbase in Ladakh has been operationalised, enhancing India's military capabilities near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Antony's office 'bugged'? Defence ministry says NO

Antony's office 'bugged'? Defence ministry says NO

Rediff.com2 Mar 2012

In a sensational case, defence ministry authorities have detected alleged bugging of the office room of Defence Minister A K Antony and Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been asked to probe the matter.

Defence ministry to order for 126 aircraft

Defence ministry to order for 126 aircraft

Rediff.com3 Oct 2006

Mukherjee said some state governments were not carrying out rehabilitation of ex-servicemen in accordance with the norms laid down.

Centre clears Rs 79,000-cr weapons deal to boost combat readiness

Centre clears Rs 79,000-cr weapons deal to boost combat readiness

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

India has approved proposals to procure weapons and military hardware worth Rs 79,000 crore, including Nag missiles, amphibious warfare ships, and electronic intelligence systems, to enhance the military's combat capabilities.

IAF sends proposal to govt for 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets

IAF sends proposal to govt for 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The proposal, expected to be worth over Rs 2 lakh crore, including the indigenous content of more than 60 percent, is expected to be taken up for discussion by the Defence Procurement Board headed by the defence secretary in the next few weeks.

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'As the PLA higher command is almost dismantled and instability spreads, India needs to be prepared for any eventuality,' cautions China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

India to seal 2 mega subs deals worth Rs 1 lakh cr by 2025

India to seal 2 mega subs deals worth Rs 1 lakh cr by 2025

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

The first project that is being negotiated is for the procurement of three Scorpene submarines, which will be jointly constructed by state-run Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and French defence major Naval Group.

The defence Budget for this year is...

The defence Budget for this year is...

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Under capital expenditure, Rs 48,614 crore has been set aside for aircraft and aero engines while Rs 24,390 crore has been allocated for the naval fleet.

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) expressed deep sorrow over the death of an Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, in a Tejas aircraft crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The incident involved the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and marked the second crash involving a HAL-manufactured aircraft in 20 months.

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The defence ministry is likely to take up the proposal by the Indian Air Force for approval at a defence acquisition council meeting planned to be held on October 23, sources said.

SC hears Army's plea against hospital near Indo-Bangladesh border

SC hears Army's plea against hospital near Indo-Bangladesh border

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Indian Army has raised concerns in the Supreme Court regarding the construction of a multi-speciality hospital near the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam, citing potential security risks from drone movement and long-range sniper rifles. The court is seeking a balance between public health needs and national security.