News for 'Strategic Forces Command'

Asthana to head Strategic Forces Command

Asthana to head Strategic Forces Command

Rediff.com10 Jan 2003

He will report to the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Command, navy chief Admiral Madhvendra Singh.

India sets up Strategic Forces Command

India sets up Strategic Forces Command

Rediff.com4 Jan 2003

A decision to this effect was taken at a two-hour long meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Vajpayee.

IAF commander to head Strategic Forces Command

IAF commander to head Strategic Forces Command

Rediff.com26 Dec 2010

The Strategic Forces Command responsible for the nuclear arsenal of the country will be headed by Air Marshal KJ Mathews, who will take over from Lieutenant General Balraj Singh.

Missile groups to head Strategic Forces Command

Missile groups to head Strategic Forces Command

Rediff.com7 Jan 2003

Two operational missile groups of the Indian Army -- one with the 150-250 km short-range Prithvi missiles and the other in charge of the longer-version 2,500 km Agni missiles, would form the nucleus of the new Strategic Forces Command.

Pakistan Names New Nuclear Command Chief

Pakistan Names New Nuclear Command Chief

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Lieutenant General Syed Aamir Raza's loyalty to Field Marshal Asim Munir during the turbulent times appears to have stood him in good stead, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at R&AW.

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

How Long Can US Forces Fight Iran War?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Torn between loyalty to their comrades and disillusionment towards the cause for which they are fighting, they are beginning to cave in. Morale has been the casualty, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Saudi warns Houthis as drone intercepted over Mecca

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Saudi-led coalition issued a stern warning to Yemen's Houthi rebels after intercepting a drone targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city. Describing it as a "hostile and terrorist act," the coalition declared the security of holy sites a "red line" and vowed deterrent measures. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with both sides exchanging accusations of military operations and civilian targeting.

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Private Defence Firms Get DRDO Missile Tech Boost

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The move is meant to enhance the operational capability of the armed forces, reduce import dependence and increase domestic value addition.

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

Rediff.com20 hours ago

The political confidence required to place high-end Japanese aircraft and personnel on Indian soil is itself a data point.
It indicates a level of trust that would have been difficult to imagine when India-Japan defence ties were largely symbolic, explains Varun Arya.

Gulf war simmers again: Houthi advance puts Saudi on edge

Gulf war simmers again: Houthi advance puts Saudi on edge

Rediff.com7 days ago

Fighting in Yemen has intensified as Houthi rebels advance on strategic government-held areas like Marib and Taiz, putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to respond. The conflict is also linked to wider US-Iran tensions affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with former US President Trump commenting on the situation.

Shakti Sharma makes history as first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal

Shakti Sharma makes history as first woman non-medical Air Vice Marshal

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first woman officer (non-medical) in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal. She has been appointed Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters, bringing over three decades of diverse experience, including establishing IAF Chairs of Excellence and commanding a Sainik School.

Asian Games: India Eye Another Big Win Against Sri Lanka In Men's Hockey

Asian Games: India Eye Another Big Win Against Sri Lanka In Men's Hockey

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Defending champions India are set to face lower-ranked Sri Lanka in their second Pool A match of the Asian Games men's hockey competition.

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Theatre Commands Plan Gains Momentum

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The plan includes three such formations: A China-focused Northern Theatre Command, a Pakistan-focused Western Theatre Command, and a Maritime Theatre Command.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Iran fires 'several ballistic missiles' at US aircraft carrier

Iran fires 'several ballistic missiles' at US aircraft carrier

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force claimed to have fired several ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer, alleging the warships were harassing Iranian ships and participating in a naval blockade.

Leaked images show damaged US bases in Iranian strikes

Leaked images show damaged US bases in Iranian strikes

Rediff.com4 days ago

New photographic evidence and a Pentagon inspector general's report confirm extensive damage to US military installations across the Middle East due to Iranian missile and drone strikes. The report details billions in financial costs, structural losses to hundreds of buildings, and damage to dozens of aircraft, contradicting previous assertions about US military readiness and ordnance stockpiles. The conflict also led to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices.

Iran attacks US bases after attack on its Larak Island

Iran attacks US bases after attack on its Larak Island

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The United States launched military action against two Iranian launch systems on Larak Island, prompting Iran to claim retaliation with ballistic missile launches targeting two US air bases in Jordan.

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy merge to create India's largest AI-powered insurance platform

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy merge to create India's largest AI-powered insurance platform

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy have merged to establish India's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled insurance distribution platform, targeting a significant premium book and extensive reach across the country.

Op Sindoor forced Pak to carry out hurried...: CDS

Op Sindoor forced Pak to carry out hurried...: CDS

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Operation Sindoor compelled Pakistan to undertake constitutional amendments, which is an acknowledgement that things did not go well for the neighbouring nation, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has said.

India Is A Maritime Nation In Geography, Not In Mindset

India Is A Maritime Nation In Geography, Not In Mindset

Rediff.com6 days ago

India may have a vast coastline and a strategic location, but it will become a true maritime nation only when its people understand, value and actively participate in the maritime ecosystem, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

India's 501-strong squad eyes a new Asian Games high

India's 501-strong squad eyes a new Asian Games high

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's large contingent of 501 athletes is set to compete at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, aiming to showcase the nation's growing sporting depth and its ambition to become a global top-10 sporting power by 2036. Despite initial accommodation challenges, the focus is on building on the momentum from the record 2022 Hangzhou Games, with strong medal hopes in shooting, athletics, cricket, badminton, and hockey.

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar Review: Gripping Cop Drama

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar Review: Gripping Cop Drama

Rediff.com6 days ago

Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar is a gripping cat-and-mouse game that benefits from smart writing.

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Where the 1857 mutiny left its mark on the road to independence

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Delhi's Ridge, encompassing areas like Kamla Nehru Ridge, played a pivotal strategic role during the 1857 Revolt against British rule, with sites like the Flagstaff Tower, Hindu Rao's house, and Pir Ghaib serving as crucial military positions and silent witnesses to the intense fighting.

General Dhiraj Seth takes over as 31st Army Chief

General Dhiraj Seth takes over as 31st Army Chief

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

General Dhiraj Seth has been appointed as the new Chief of the Army Staff, taking command of the 1.3 million-strong Indian Army. He brings nearly four decades of extensive experience, including commanding two operational Army commands along the western front, and will lead the force in its pursuit of self-reliance and readiness amidst dynamic global geo-strategic challenges.

'India's long-range missile programme aimed beyond South Asia'

'India's long-range missile programme aimed beyond South Asia'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A senior Pakistani defence official, Lt Gen (retd) Mazhar Jamil, claimed that India's long-range missile development indicates ambitions to become a global nuclear power capable of threatening Western capitals, urging international attention to India's military modernisation. He also reiterated Pakistan's commitment to deterrence stability in South Asia.

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Rediff.com11 May 2026

'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has abruptly withdrawn from a peace deal with Iran, citing fresh intelligence of Iranian assaults on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision, made just a fortnight after celebrating the deal, has led to a significant military escalation in the region, with the US launching extensive counter-operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

Historic Qualification: India's U20 Football Team Secures AFC Asian Cup Berth

Historic Qualification: India's U20 Football Team Secures AFC Asian Cup Berth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

India's U20 football team secured a historic qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament after a 20-year hiatus, following a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh. Goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash sealed their spot as one of the best runners-up, with the main tournament scheduled for 2027 in China.

Tata Advanced Systems To Co-Produce Javelin Missiles

Tata Advanced Systems To Co-Produce Javelin Missiles

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The proposed arrangement would involve sub-assembly kits produced at Lockheed Martin's facility in Troy, Alabama, and guidance electronics units manufactured at Raytheon's facility in Tucson, Arizona, being shipped to India for final assembly and integration.

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Has Trump Chosen Pakistan Over India?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

We are back to the 1971 moment with both China and the US supporting Pakistan, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Israel could 'cease to exist': Russian general's warning

Israel could 'cease to exist': Russian general's warning

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, deputy chief of the Russian Armed Forces' Main Military-Political Department, has warned that the escalating conflict in West Asia could lead to Israel ceasing to exist as a state, accusing Israel of seeking to widen the confrontation to involve the US and NATO.

India-China ties can't be held hostage to border: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan

India-China ties can't be held hostage to border: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Former CDS Anil Chauhan stated that China poses a long-term and comprehensive challenge to India, with the boundary issue remaining unresolved due to differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control. However, he emphasised that India's ties with Beijing cannot be solely defined by border disputes, advocating for engagement through platforms like SCO and BRICS. He also highlighted the broader global geopolitical flux and instability in India's neighbourhood as significant security concerns, stressing the need for self-reliance.

Strait of Hormuz is our territory, Iran warns US allies

Strait of Hormuz is our territory, Iran warns US allies

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming two oil tankers turned back after a fire, and warned countries supporting the US against interference in the strategic waterway.

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Has Iran war depleted US's missile defence stockpiles?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has rejected a CNN report claiming that the Pentagon's missile defence stockpiles have fallen to 'dangerously low levels' amid the conflict with Iran.

Mirage 2000 'Turned The Tide' Of Kargil War

Mirage 2000 'Turned The Tide' Of Kargil War

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

How the Indian Air Force's strategic deployment of Mirage 2000 jets and precision laser-guided bombs during Operation Safed Sagar delivered a 'decisive and crushing blow' to the enemy, playing a pivotal role in India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War.

Infantino on course to survive FIFA vote as opponents explore new battle plan

Infantino on course to survive FIFA vote as opponents explore new battle plan

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Infantino appears to have enough global support to secure re-election, forcing opponents without a credible challenger to consider shifting from defeating him to curbing presidential powers.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth named next Army Chief

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth named next Army Chief

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently the Vice Chief of Army, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff, taking over from Gen Upendra Dwivedi on June 30. He brings nearly four decades of distinguished military experience, having commanded various formations and held key strategic appointments.

India, Japan deepen maritime security with eye on China

India, Japan deepen maritime security with eye on China

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on maritime security cooperation, committing to deepen defence ties and oppose unilateral actions that impede freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, a move seen as directed at China's increasing military presence.

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

US deploys sea, air attack drones for first time in Iran war

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched extensive precision strikes across multiple Iranian military installations, deploying both one-way attack aerial and sea drones for the first time, to degrade Tehran's ability to disrupt international maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Indian Air Force Shows Operational Versatility On Expressway

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force demonstrated its operational versatility by landing various military aircraft on an emergency airstrip on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.