The Indian Army has begun the process of acquiring more than ninety Carrier Air Defence Tracked (CADET) systems, intended to enhance its short-range air defence capability and potentially replace the ageing 2K22 Tunguska platforms. The Request for Information highlights a strong preference for indigenous Make in India solutions, seeking a versatile tracked platform capable of carrying missile systems, anti-aircraft guns, or a hybrid configuration.

The CADET initiative is designed to counter evolving aerial threats including unmanned aerial vehicles, rockets, artillery, and mortar fire, reflecting growing concern over URAM challenges in modern warfare. It is intended to protect critical population centres, defence installations, and sensitive border regions, particularly along the Line of Control, by providing mobile and responsive air defence cover.

The system is expected to be highly adaptable, allowing different configurations such as missile launchers, gun systems, or combined setups to meet varying operational needs and ensure comprehensive airspace coverage. Key requirements include a high mobility tracked chassis suitable for difficult terrain, automatic ammunition handling, advanced tracking systems, and the ability to engage fast moving targets with precision.

The Army also requires the system to function effectively in high altitude conditions and deliver full 360 degree coverage against aerial threats. This RFI is not a final procurement tender but a preliminary step to assess available indigenous technologies that meet operational expectations. The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s broader push for self reliance, aiming to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign systems.

The CADET program represents a significant step toward modernising India’s air defence network and improving resilience against drones, rockets, and artillery threats. The procurement process therefore marks an important milestone in enhancing layered air defence capability strengthening border security and supporting long term strategic self sufficiency in defence production while promoting innovation within the domestic defence industry across multiple sectors of technology development and operational readiness enhancement efforts ensuring future combat preparedness standards.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan met Armenia’s Chief of the General Staff, Lt General Edvard Asryan, in New Delhi on Tuesday, where both leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in the development of military hardware. On his arrival for the official visit, Lt Gen Asryan was welcomed by CDS Chauhan and was presented with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. The Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS HQ) shared on X that the meeting focused on strengthening defence ties and exploring joint ventures in defence equipment, highlighting a shared vision for a long-term, mutually beneficial strategic partnership.

The engagement reflects the continued growth in India-Armenia defence cooperation. Earlier, in February, General Chauhan led a four-day visit to Armenia, during which he met Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss regional security challenges and expand bilateral defence cooperation. IDS HQ noted that the discussions also focused on emerging areas of collaboration amid a changing geopolitical environment.

During the same visit, the CDS held talks with Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Robert Abisoghomonyan, where they exchanged views on regional security and bilateral relations. He also met Defence Minister Suren Papikyan to further strengthen cooperation across various defence sectors.

General Chauhan addressed faculty and students at Armenia’s National Defence Research University, where he spoke about the evolving global security landscape, structural changes in warfare, and the growing importance of technology in modern conflicts. He emphasized that future warfare is increasingly multi-domain in nature, covering cyber, electronic warfare, space, and cognitive domains, and highlighted the transformative impact of technology on military power.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@HQ_IDS_India.

India and Japan recently held the 8th Army-to-Army Staff Talks, focusing on deepening and expanding defence cooperation between the two countries. The discussions between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force placed strong emphasis on improving interoperability through increased bilateral military exercises and enhanced Subject Matter Expert exchanges.

According to a statement shared by the Indian Embassy in Japan on X, the talks took place in Tokyo from 22 to 24 April 2026. The engagements were aimed at strengthening defence collaboration and improving coordination between the two armed forces through structured training interactions and expert-level exchanges. During the visit, the Indian delegation also met India’s Ambassador to Japan, Nagma M. Mallick, and General Arai Masayoshi, the Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.

The Indian Army stated that both sides engaged in productive discussions, reviewed ongoing defence cooperation initiatives, and explored future areas of collaboration across multiple domains. Both countries also reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which remains a key strategic priority for both India and Japan.

The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed Japan’s decision to review its long-standing framework governing the transfer of defence equipment and technology. The MEA described the move as a positive step that could further enhance bilateral security cooperation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that defence and security cooperation is a crucial pillar of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

He further stated that both nations have consistently worked under the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to expand practical collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including national security and economic stability. The growing defence engagement between India and Japan reflects their shared vision of regional peace, stability, and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@IndianEmbTokyo.

France has shifted its combat aviation priorities, placing greater emphasis on accelerating the development of the Rafale F5 rather than expanding production of the Rafale F4 fleet. The aircraft is expected to be operational by 2030, with Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin stating that the initiative aims to enhance air and naval combat strength, support future operational demands, and improve export prospects. The Rafale F5 is projected to represent a major advancement, featuring AI-driven systems, an upgraded RBE2 XG radar, improved engines, and the capability to work alongside unmanned drones.

This shift also has important implications for India’s Medium Role Fighter Aircraft programme, which involves the planned acquisition of 114 fighter jets. The Indian Air Force already operates Rafale F3R aircraft, and moving toward the F5 could provide long-term fleet consistency and lower upgrade expenses.

At the same time, choosing the F5 could risk delays if development schedules are not met, potentially affecting India’s efforts to quickly address its fighter squadron shortfall. India is also in discussions for an Interface Control Document with Dassault to enable integration of indigenous weapons like the Astra-2 missile and BrahMos-NG, along with French systems such as SCALP and Hammer.

The MRFA deal, estimated at around €32 billion, is expected to include significant local manufacturing under India’s push for defence self-reliance. Overall, India’s procurement strategy could follow different paths—waiting for the F5, opting for earlier F4 deliveries, or adopting a phased upgrade approach balancing immediate needs with future capabilities.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Amid rising tensions in the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, airlines are diverting flights away from major Middle East routes that connect Asia and Europe. This shift raises the question: could new aviation hubs emerge beyond established centers like Dubai and Doha? How might this affect ticket costs, cargo transport, and the broader landscape of global air travel? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore these issues with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Principal Consultant and Commercial Aviation Lead at Frost & Sullivan.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Whether it is issuing military threats toward Colombia and Cuba, suggesting the takeover of Greenland from Denmark, or capturing oil tankers in European and Caribbean seas, Donald Trump’s actions are forcing global leaders into constant crisis management. His renewed brand of American imperialism is reshaping international politics at a rapid pace. Jonathan Freedland discusses this shifting global landscape with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Anne Applebaum, examining what lies ahead in a world being rapidly transformed by the decisions of the US president.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The United States’ confiscation of a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker represents a significant escalation, denounced by Caracas as “international piracy.” Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examine the underlying strategic signal the Trump administration is sending to Latin America in the context of China’s expanding influence, alongside Ross Feingold, Head of Research at Caerus Consulting. They assess whether this aggressive move qualifies as a justified national security action, whether it accomplished its intended objectives, and how neighbouring countries have responded in the immediate aftermath.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

On September 3, China held its largest military parade to date in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event featured tens of thousands of soldiers, along with hundreds of aircraft, ground vehicles, and advanced weaponry. More than just a show of military might, the parade was intended as a symbol of deterrence, national solidarity, and a display of Xi Jinping’s authority in a period of global uncertainty. Andrea Heng discussed the significance of the event with Dr. Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst at Solaris.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.