Featuring enhanced comfort and set to enter service in January, the airline’s fleet now exceeds 100, expanding connectivity across India and beyond.

Air India Express welcomed its 51st B737-8, which is its first line-fit aircraft, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Configured and designed to Air India Express specifications by Boeing, the aircraft features a cabin designed to enhance comfort, space and convenience.

According to a release, the aircraft, flown directly from Boeing’s facility in Seattle, marks an important milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation programme and is scheduled to enter service in January.

The line-fit aircraft incorporates a comprehensive set of enhancements consistent with the new branding. The cabin features ergonomically designed seats with comfortable cushioning, generous legroom, and a fast-charging power outlet in each seat, said the release. It also has onboard ovens for hot ‘Gourmair’ meals, larger overhead bins for cabin baggage, a quieter cabin environment and Boeing’s Sky Interior with soothing mood lighting, creating a modern and welcoming cabin environment.

As per the release, this is the 51st Boeing 737-8 aircraft inducted by Air India Express since its transition to the Tata group, further strengthening its position as the country’s largest Boeing operator. The airline now operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft. In 2025, the airline has also inducted four A321neos, four A320neos and three A320ceos, underscoring the scale and pace of its expansion, said the release.

Commenting on the induction of the airline’s first line-fit aircraft, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “We are proud to welcome our 51st Boeing B737-8, the first of the fully customised line-fit aircraft, marking a significant step in Air India Express’ fleet modernisation journey. Two-thirds of the airline fleet now comprises modern B737-8s and A320/321Neo aircraft, offering better fuel efficiency and superior on-board comfort. On the back of this rapid fleet growth, we have expanded our network to 60 destinations, adding 12 destinations in 2025 alone. As India’s aviation market continues to evolve, Air India Express is emerging as a strong connector of New India, enhancing connectivity to/from tier-2 and tier-3 cities with a network footprint spanning India, the Middle East, South East Asia and South Asia.”

The airline has also commenced a programme to retrofit new seats on its existing Boeing 737-8 aircraft already in service to offer consistency across the fleet. As part of this initiative, 50 Boeing 737-8 aircraft will be upgraded to a standardised 189-seat configuration, with two aircraft having already completed the retrofit.

Alongside its fleet and product transformation, the airline has unveiled its new brand campaign, ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, reflecting the transformative power of travel and the meaningful connections it enables. Air India Express also continues to celebrate India’s artistic and cultural diversity through its Tales of India initiative, which showcases over 50 indigenous art forms from 25 states through distinctive aircraft tail arts inspired by regional crafts and traditions such as Zardozi and Banarasi embroidery, Ikat and Paisley motifs, and the elegant Kasavu and Paithani weaves, among others.

Air India Express is a Tata Enterprise, operating over 500 daily flights that connect 45 domestic and 16 international destinations. The airline has a fleet of over 100 Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aeroplanes. As India’s most vibrant and inclusive airline, Air India Express embodies the spirit and confidence of India – warm, expressive, and proudly authentic. Encouraging travellers to ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, the airline transforms flying into an experience that is personal and memorable.

With thoughtfully curated touches – from ‘Gourmair’ hot meals, comfortable seats, and refreshed interiors to exclusive loyalty benefits and seamless digital journeys – Air India Express blends smart technology with heartfelt Indian hospitality, helping guests travel their way and feel at home wherever they go.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Defence Acquisition Council clears the planned procurement proposals worth Rs 79,000 crore, including Long Range Guided Rockets-120.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday (December 29, 2025) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR–120) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. 

Earlier in the day, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the planned procurement proposals worth ₹79,000 crore, including Long Range Guided Rockets-120. Later in the evening, the DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the LRGR.

The Defence Ministry said that the test marked a major milestone in India’s indigenous rocket artillery programme.

The LRGR–120 was flight-tested for its maximum range of 120 km, during which it demonstrated all planned in-flight manoeuvres and achieved a direct hit on the designated target with textbook precision. All range instruments deployed at ITR tracked the rocket throughout its entire trajectory, validating its performance parameters.

The long-range guided rocket has been designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Research Centre Imarat (RCI). The flight trial was coordinated by the Integrated Test Range and the Proof & Experimental Establishment (P&EE), the Ministry sources said.

The LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating the system’s versatility and its ability to fire multiple variants of Pinaka rockets with different ranges from the same launcher.

Congratulating DRDO on the successful test, the Defence Minister said the design and development of long-range guided rockets would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces, describing it as a “game changer.”

Defence R&D secretary and DRDO chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat, who witnessed the trial, also congratulated the teams involved for successfully meeting all mission objectives.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Marking his quiet contribution, Shravan regularly delivered water, milk and lassi to soldiers deployed near his village in Punjab’s Ferozepur district.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Friday conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 10-year-old Shravan Singh for his service to Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor, carried out amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.

Marking his quiet contribution, Shravan regularly delivered water, milk and lassi to soldiers deployed near his village in Punjab’s Ferozepur district during the military operation, despite the risks associated with the situation.

Reacting to the honour, Shravan said his decision to help the soldiers was voluntary.

“When Operation Sindoor began against Pakistan, soldiers came to our village. I thought I should serve them. I used to take milk, tea, buttermilk, and ice for them daily… I feel great to be awarded. I had never dreamt of it,” ANI news agency quoted him as saying.

According to officials, Shravan took the initiative to deliver refreshments and ration to the soldiers without any prompting from his family.

Who is Shravan Singh?

Shravan Singh is a Class 4 student from Tara Wali village in the Mamdot area of Ferozepur district. His village is located around 2 km from the international border.

Shravan’s contribution had earlier been recognised by the Indian Army. In May, Major General Ranjit Singh Manral, the General Officer Commanding of the 7th Infantry Division, honoured him for his service to the troops stationed in the area.

The 10-year-old has also expressed his ambition to join the armed forces in the future. “I want to become a ‘fauji’ when I grow up. I want to serve the country,” the boy said.

His father said the family was proud of his actions. “We are proud of him. Even the soldiers loved him.”

India and Pakistan border tensions

Operation Sindoor followed Indian military strikes carried out on May 7, when the Indian Air Force conducted night raids targeting terror headquarters of banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Among some of the major sites hit were Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, Sarjal in Tehra Kalan, Markaz Abbas in Kotli and the Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad, all linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Of the nine targets, four were located inside Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Following the strikes, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military bases and shelled border areas continuously for three days before arriving at a ceasefire understanding.

Indian officials said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and two posthumous recipients from Tamil Nadu and Bihar are in this year’s Bal Puraskar list.

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday (December 27, 2025) conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 20 children for their exceptional achievements in the fields of Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture and Science and Technology at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.What are Bal Puraskar awards?

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is a prestigious national-level award conferred annually by the President of India to recognise exceptional achievements of children (below 18 years) across multiple fields. The award honours young achievers in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture, and Science & Technology.

A maximum of 25 awards are conferred annually. The PMRBP committee can relax this limit in exceptional cases. Each award carries a medal and a certificate.

Why is Veer Baal Diwas celebrated?

The Government of India observes Veer Baal Diwas on December 26 every year in remembrance of the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh.

Talking about the significance of the Veer Bal Diwas, Ms. Murmu said that about 320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, and his two sons made the “supreme sacrifices” while fighting in support of truth and justice. The bravery of the two youngest Sahibzadas – Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh – is honoured and respected both in India and abroad.

The day is celebrated to honour the bravery of the two young heroes of the country.

Ajay Raj, Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, Mohammed Sidan P, Vyoma Priya (Posthumous) , and Kamlesh Kumar (Posthumous) have been conferred this year’s bravery award.

Check the full list of Bal Puraskar winners here

Bravery

1. Vyoma Priya (Posthumous), Tamil Nadu: 9-year-old Vyoma Priya lost her young life while selflessly trying to save a six-year-old child during an electrical accident.
2. Kamlesh Kumar (Posthumous), Bihar: 11-year-old Kamlesh gave up his life in an instinctive attempt to rescue another child from drowning.
3. Muhammed Sidan P, Kerala: 11-year-old Muhammed Sidan acted without fear to save two of his friends from electrocution, putting their lives above his own safety.
4. Ajay Raj, Uttar Pradesh: 9-year-old Ajay showed remarkable fearlessness by saving his father from a crocodile attack near their village river.

Art and Culture

1. Esther Lalduhawmi Hnamte, Mizoram: 9-year-old Esther touched millions across the country with her heartfelt renditions of patriotic songs, inspiring national pride through her young voice.
2. Suman Sarkar, West Bengal: 16-year-old Suman is a gifted tabla prodigy whose exceptional talent has earned him admiration and accolades on the global stage.

Environment

1. Pooja, Uttar Pradesh: 17-year-old Pooja, driven by concern for her surroundings, created an innovative machine to reduce agricultural dust and air pollution.

Social Service

1. Shvan Singh, Punjab: 10-year-old Shvan displayed rare courage during Operation Sindoor by carrying out dangerous supply runs to support frontline soldiers.
2. Vansh Tayal, Chandigarh: Despite early hardships, 17-year-old Vansh chose compassion over comfort and dedicated himself to the rehabilitation of children, including those with special needs.

Science and Technology

1. Aishi Prisha Borah, Assam: Inspired by sustainability, 14-year-old Aishi promotes eco-friendly practices such as natural farming and innovative mulching techniques.
2. Arnav Anupriya Maharshi, Maharashtra: 17-year-old Arnav is a young divyang innovator who turned personal challenges into purpose by developing an AI-based rehabilitation tool for hand paralysis.

Sports

1. Shivani Hosuru Uppara, Andhra Pradesh: 17-year-old Shivani is a determined divyang para-athlete who has brought pride to the nation through her achievements in shot put and javelin.
2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Bihar:14-year-old Vaibhav is a cricket sensation whose record-breaking performances have made him the youngest IPL player and fastest Indian centurion in the league.
3. Yogita Mandavi, Chattisgarh: Rising from a naxal-affected region, 14-year-old Yogita overcame immense challenges to become a national-level Khelo India judoka.
4. Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika, Gujarat: 7-year-old Vaka is a young chess prodigy who stunned the world by becoming Under-7 World Champion with a flawless 9/9 score.
5. Jyoti, Haryana: 17-year-old Jyoti is an inspiring international para-athlete whose medal-winning performances reflect resilience, strength, and determination.
6. Anushka Kumari, Jharkhand: 14-year-old Anushka is one of only five girls from Jharkhand selected for the Indian Under-17 Women’s Football Team, known for her consistent goal-scoring ability.
7. Dhinidhi Desinghu, Karnataka: 15-year-old Dhinidhi is a promising swimmer who has made India proud on the global stage and became one of the youngest Indians to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
8. Jyoshna Sabar, Odisha: 16-year-old Jyoshna is a powerful young weightlifter who set a Youth Asian record and continues to bring international medals home for India.
9. Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, Telangana: 16-year-old Vishwanath is a fearless mountaineer who conquered the world’s highest peaks, becoming the youngest to complete the Seven Summits Challenge.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Mathewkutty won the prestigious Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Awards 2025 — widely recognised as the ‘Oscars of Indian Agriculture.’

At the age of 25, when Mathewkutty Tom decided to defy conventional wisdom by leaving his high-paying job for a calling in farming, many advised him against doing so. For him, quitting a career with a luxury automobile brand, trading it for an uncertain path in agriculture, was not at all an easy decision. However, his passion for farming compelled him to embrace the unknown.

Fast forward a decade, and Mathewkutty has not only boosted his annual income around 150 times but also placed his village of Marangattupilly, in Kottayam, in the national limelight, by winning the prestigious Millionaire Farmer of India (MFOI) Awards 2025 — widely recognised as the ‘Oscars of Indian Agriculture.’ The 36-year-old with an MBA is now a trailblazer, demonstrating through his integrated methods that agriculture, when approached with a business acumen, is a highly profitable venture.

Transforming his 20-acre property into a modern agricultural ecosystem, Mathewkutty now generates an annual income of `22 crore, which earned him the ‘Richest Farmer in India (RFOI)’ second runner-up title at the MFOI Awards, organised by Krishi Jagran and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) last week, for his success with a balanced model of crops and animal husbandry.

His TJT Farms engages in a wide range of activities from growing paddy, seasonal vegetables and fruits to animal husbandry and meat processing.

It was not an overnight success, but the result of hard work and adaptability, says Mathewkutty. “Agriculture is profitable if approached as a business venture and one can introduce changes in keeping with viability and market demand.

I began in 2015 with plantain and tapioca cultivation, but dropped it when market prices softened and middlemen took a significant share. Similarly, I concentrated on ornamental fish farming, when demand was high during the Covid pandemic,” he said.

In the realm of animal husbandry, he manages farms with buffaloes, pigs, goats, chickens, quails, and ducks.

District animal husbandry officer Dr P K Manoj Kumar said Mathewkutty has demonstrated the profitability of agriculture and animal husbandry, inspiring more young people to follow suit.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

The test was conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.

India marked a major advance in its sea-based nuclear deterrent after a successful test of the nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile from the INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal.

The test was conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.

Designed to strike targets up to 3,500 km away, the K-4 missile enhances India’s sea-based nuclear attack capability.

The missile was launched under the operational control of the Strategic Forces Command, defence forces told India Today TV.

The defence ministry has not issued an official statement on the test.

This was the second test of the K-4 missile from the nuclear-poweredINS Arighaat, following the first launch last year, bringing the system closer to full operational readiness.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the solid-fuel K-4 is intended to arm India’s nuclear-powered submarines.

The K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29 August, 2024, placing India among a select group of nations capable of launching nuclear missiles from land, air and undersea platforms.

Derived from the Agni-III land-launched ballistic missile, it is India’s longest-range sea-launched strategic weapon.

The land-based version has been modified for submarine launch, enabling it to eject from an underwater launch silo, surface through a bubble system and then ignite its rocket motor to ascend into the air.

Capable of delivering a 2.5-ton nuclear warhead, the K-4 can be deployed from India’s Arihant-class submarines.

It represents the stealthiest leg of India’s nuclear triad, as ballistic missile submarines are designed to operate in undisclosed oceanic regions for extended periods on “deterrence patrols”.

The missile forms part of the K-series of weapons, with the ‘K’ serving as a tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam for his pivotal role in India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

INS Arighaat, commissioned into the Navy in August 2024, is India’s latest nuclear-powered submarine, displacing around 6,000 tonnes.

Its induction has enhanced India’s strategic deterrence by enabling the carriage of K-4 missiles with a 3,500-km range.

The first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, was armed with K-15 missiles that had a more limited range of 750 km.

Earlier tests of the K-4 had been carried out from submersible pontoons, but launches from INS Arighaat mark a crucial step toward full operational deployment.

While countries such as the United States, Russia and China already field submarine-launched ballistic missiles with ranges exceeding 5,000 km, India’s K-4 programme is viewed as a vital component in closing the gap and reinforcing its strategic capabilities.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, NMIA is strategically positioned to meet the growing air traffic demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, congratulated the people of Maharashtra on the opening of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on Thursday.

Calling it a “historic moment”, he said on a social media platform X that Mumbai becomes India’s first true double-airport metropolis, made possible by the “synergy of the double-engine NDA government.”

“Congratulations to the people of Maharashtra and especially Mumbai, on the commencement of operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport today. With this historic milestone, Mumbai becomes India’s first true double-airport metropolis–made possible by the synergy of the double-engine NDA government under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji,” he said in a post.

“The state-of-the-art, technology-driven Navi Mumbai International Airport marks a defining moment in India’s airport infrastructure journey and sets new benchmarks for capacity, efficiency and passenger experience,” he added.

Located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, NMIA is strategically positioned to meet the growing air traffic demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Western India.

Gautam Adani also shared his thoughts on the opening of the Navi Mumbai International Airport for passengers, calling it a “deeply moving moment”.

Taking it to a social media post on X, Gautam Adani posted pictures of him at the opening of the NMIA for the passengers and also wrote a heartfelt note.

“In that moment, alongside the war heroes, stood the other quiet architects of the nation – the workers who built this airport with their bare hands and unbreakable spirit; the farmers and their families who feed India; the social workers who selflessly serve millions alongside the Adani Foundation; and our specially abled colleagues who inspire us every single day. For many of them, this was the first flight of their lives,” he said.

Developed and operated by Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), NMIA is among India’s largest greenfield airport projects.

On Day One, NMIA handled 48 flights connecting nine domestic destinations, serving over 4,000 passengers, Adani Group said in a statement.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

Bihar’s total eclipsed the previous record of 506 for 2, set by Tamil Nadu against the same opposition in the 2022–23 season, and claimed the No. 1 spot on the all-time list with a ‘world record’ innings score.

India’s domestic cricket witnessed a batting onslaught on Wednesday as Bihar shattered the world record for the highest team total in a single List A match, piling up a staggering 574 for 6 against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group fixture.

At the heart was 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 190 off just 84 balls to script a performance for the ages.

Bihar’s total eclipsed the previous record of 506 for 2, set by Tamil Nadu against the same opposition in the 2022–23 season, and claimed the No. 1 spot on the all-time list with a ‘world record’ innings score.

While the collective effort was formidable, it was Suryavanshi’s fearless assault that laid the foundation for the total, ably supported by Piyush Kumar Singh with 77, wicketkeeper-batter Ayush Loharuka with 116, and skipper Sakibul Gani with 128.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Bihar surged ahead during the powerplay, led by Suryavanshi, whose aggression made him unstoppable.

The teenage opener brought up his century in just 36 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in List A cricket.

By the time he was dismissed for 190 off 84 balls, which included 15 sixes and 16 fours, Bihar had already raced past 260 runs inside 27 overs.

En route to his knock, Suryavanshi broke multiple records. He became the youngest player to score a century in List A cricket and also surpassed AB de Villiers’ mark for the fastest 150 in the format.

India’s domestic cricket witnessed a batting onslaught on Wednesday as Bihar shattered the world record for the highest team total in a single List A match, piling up a staggering 574 for 6 against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group fixture.

At the heart was 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 190 off just 84 balls to script a performance for the ages.

Bihar’s total eclipsed the previous record of 506 for 2, set by Tamil Nadu against the same opposition in the 2022–23 season, and claimed the No. 1 spot on the all-time list with a ‘world record’ innings score.

While the collective effort was formidable, it was Suryavanshi’s fearless assault that laid the foundation for the total, ably supported by Piyush Kumar Singh with 77, wicketkeeper-batter Ayush Loharuka with 116, and skipper Sakibul Gani with 128.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Bihar surged ahead during the powerplay, led by Suryavanshi, whose aggression made him unstoppable.

The teenage opener brought up his century in just 36 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in List A cricket.

By the time he was dismissed for 190 off 84 balls, which included 15 sixes and 16 fours, Bihar had already raced past 260 runs inside 27 overs.

En route to his knock, Suryavanshi broke multiple records. He became the youngest player to score a century in List A cricket and also surpassed AB de Villiers’ mark for the fastest 150 in the format.

His innings came only three days after his failure in the final of the U19 Asia Cup against Pakistan in the UAE, making the turnaround all the more remarkable.

Following Suryavanshi’s departure, the responsibility of maintaining the momentum fell on Ayush Loharuka.

The wicketkeeper-batter accelerated sharply after reaching his fifty in 35 balls and was eventually dismissed for a whirlwind 116 off 56 deliveries.

Every bowling option Arunachal Pradesh tried met the same fate, with the ball repeatedly disappearing into the stands or being pierced through the covers.

After Loharuka’s dismissal, Gani took charge alongside Bipin Saurabh. Gani’s assault was even more explosive as he reached his century in just 32 balls, the fastest by an Indian in List A cricket, breaking Anmolpreet Singh’s record of a 35-ball hundred set in 2024 against the same opposition.

Gani went on to smash 10 fours and 12 sixes, while Loharuka had earlier struck 11 boundaries and eight maximums.

Gani and Saurabh ensured that Bihar breached the 500-run mark in record time, achieving the milestone on the fourth delivery of the 46th over.

Bihar closed their innings at an astonishing 574 for 6 at the end of 50 overs. At a venue that had already witnessed 49 fours and 38 sixes, even Loharuka’s blistering century was somewhat overshadowed by the unreal batting of Suryavanshi and Gani.

The global list of the quickest hundreds in the format continues to be topped by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who struck a 29-ball century for South Australia against Tasmania in the 2023–24 season, followed by AB de Villiers’ 31-ball hundred for South Africa against West Indies in Johannesburg.

With centuries from the troika of Suryavanshi, Gani and Loharuka, Bihar not only overwhelmed minnows Arunachal Pradesh but also rewrote the record books on the opening day of the 50-over domestic tournament.

The sustained, brutal onslaught against an attack described as pedestrian in quality ensured that what might have been a routine Plate Group encounter instead became a landmark moment in List A cricket history.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

These are equipped with state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes, indigenously developed anti-submarine rockets and shallow-water sonar, enabling effective detection and engagement of underwater threats.

The Indian Navy on Monday (December 22, 2025) received Anjadip, the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

The delivery took place in Chennai, marking another significant step in India’s drive towards self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.

The Navy informed that the ASW SWC project is being executed under a Public-Private Partnership between GRSE and L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The vessels have been designed and constructed in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), demonstrating the success of collaborative defence manufacturing in the country.

Largest naval warships

At approximately 77 metres in length, the ASW SWCs are the largest Indian naval warships to be propelled by waterjets. They are equipped with state-of-the-art lightweight torpedoes, indigenously developed anti-submarine rockets and shallow-water sonar, enabling effective detection and engagement of underwater threats. These platforms will significantly enhance the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability, coastal surveillance and mine-laying operations, the Navy added.

Anjadip is named after Anjadip Island off the coast of Karwar in Karnataka and is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Anjadip, a Petya-class corvette that was decommissioned in 2003. The naming underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its extensive maritime domain.

With this delivery, GRSE has achieved the rare feat of delivering five warships to the Indian Navy in a single year. Anjadip is the 115th warship built by the shipyard and the 77th delivered to the Navy. The vessel was accepted by Rear Admiral Gautam Marwaha, VSM, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Eastern Naval Command.

Earlier in 2025, GRSE delivered the Advanced Guided Missile Frigate Himgiri, the first two ASW SWCs Arnala and Androth, and the Survey Vessel (Large) Ikshak, all of which have since been commissioned.

Fitted with an indigenous 30 mm Naval Surface Gun and boasting over 80% indigenous content, Anjadip exemplifies the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision and the growing strength of India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, the Navy said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

India Optel and Safran will jointly manufacture two key systems widely used in artillery guns, missiles, radars, anti-drone applications; Defence Ministry says the venture will reduce dependency on imports.

In a major step under the Make-in-India programme, India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna defence public sector undertaking (DPSU), signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defence, a French company, on Monday (December 22, 2025) for the production of two high-precision, combat-proven defence systems in India.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the systems covered under the agreement are SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight. SIGMA 30N is widely used across artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars, while CM3-MR is designed for artillery guns and anti-drone applications, significantly enhancing accuracy and operational effectiveness on the battlefield.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Tushar Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of India Optel Limited, and Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defence Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense. The signing took place in the presence of Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Government of India.

The Ministry added that this collaboration builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies in January 2024 and reaffirms their commitment to jointly manufacture and support advanced defence systems in India. Under the partnership, IOL will undertake manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control and complete life-cycle support of the systems, ensuring they meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army.

Enhances accuracy

The partnership will also contribute to enhancing the operational readiness, accuracy and performance of the Army’s land-based weapon systems.

The agreement marks an important step towards reducing dependency on imports, promoting technology transfer and achieving self-reliance in critical defence technologies, in line with the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)