An Indian Air Force (IAF) microlite aircraft experienced a technical malfunction during a routine training flight from Air Force Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on 21 january 2026, . The two-seater aircraft, used for pilot training, reconnaissance, and survey missions, had to make an emergency landing around 12:15 hours.

While flying over the Phaphamau and Sangam areas, the engine reportedly failed, prompting the pilots to activate the recovery system and guide the microlite to a controlled landing in an uninhabited pond near K P College in the George Town police area. Both pilots were unharmed, and no damage to civilian life or property was reported. Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya credited the pilots’ swift action for preventing a potential disaster.

Local police, fire personnel, and residents quickly assisted in the rescue, with divers ensuring the pilots were safely retrieved. Authorities have cordoned off the area for recovery and investigation. The IAF confirmed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the aircraft experienced a technical malfunction during a routine sortie and was safely force-landed without harm to civilians or property. A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the malfunction, examining flight data, maintenance logs, and technical records.

Microlite aircraft are lightweight, versatile planes used to train novice pilots in low-risk environments, including simulations of emergencies like engine failures. This incident highlights the risks inherent in military aviation training and the importance of rigorous pilot training, which enabled a precise water landing under challenging conditions.

Prayagraj, near AF Station Bamrauli, often sees such training operations. Local authorities and residents responded swiftly, reflecting strong civil-military coordination. Preliminary findings suggest an isolated technical fault rather than a systemic issue. Both pilots are undergoing routine medical checks, and training operations are expected to continue with minimal disruption. The incident also underscores the need for enhanced pre-flight checks and redundancy measures, especially when operating microlites near populated or sensitive areas like the Sangam. No further details on the aircraft model or specific malfunction have been released pending the inquiry.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday emphasized that economic strength alone cannot guarantee a nation’s security, stressing that a strong and decisive military is essential to protect sovereignty. Speaking at the 22nd Subroto Mukherjee Seminar in Delhi, organised by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies, he cited Venezuela and Iraq as recent examples where economic capacity failed to prevent external intervention.

He noted that history offers similar lessons for India, recalling that despite India and China once accounting for nearly 60 percent of global GDP, the absence of adequate military strength led to colonisation. According to Singh, military power remains the ultimate measure of national strength, and without it, even economically sound nations risk subjugation. He added that beyond capability, the will to use military power is equally critical, warning that restraint without strength is often mistaken for weakness.

Quoting poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, the Air Chief underlined that restraint commands respect only when backed by strength. He also pointed out that India’s security challenges are often shaped by developments in its neighbourhood, requiring quicker decision-making, especially in advancing Make in India initiatives and strategic partnerships for next-generation engines and weapon systems.

Singh praised Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee, the founding father of the Indian Air Force, for building the force with vision despite limited resources, stating that his leadership placed the IAF on a strong foundation. He added that improved resources today have placed the force in a better position than ever before. Congratulating CAPSS for organising the seminar, Singh said such platforms are vital to keeping the armed forces intellectually prepared in an increasingly uncertain global environment and reaffirmed that a strong Air Force remains crucial to safeguarding India’s sovereignty.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Army officers on Tuesday paid their final respects to Havildar Gajendra Singh, a Special Forces soldier who was killed on Monday during a counter-terrorism operation in the Singhpora area of Chatroo, Kishtwar district. Havildar Singh lost his life "while gallantly executing a counter-terror operation" as part of Operation Trashi-I on the night of January 18–19.

In a post on X, the White Knight Corps stated, "The #GOC, White Knight Corps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to Havildar Gajendra Singh of the Special Forces, who made the supreme sacrifice while gallantly executing a Counter Terrorism operation in the Singpura area during Operation TRASHI-I. We honor his courage, valor, and selfless devotion to duty, and stand firmly with his family in this hour of grief."

The Corps also provided details of the operation, saying contact was made on Sunday with terrorists in the Son Nar area, northeast of Chhatru, during a planned search as part of joint operations with Jammu and Kashmir Police. The troops responded with professionalism and determination under difficult terrain and weather conditions. Additional forces were deployed to reinforce the cordon, in close coordination with civil administration and other security agencies.

Operations under Operation Trashi-I continue in the Son Nar area. The cordon has been tightened, and search operations expanded. Troops of the White Knight Corps, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, remain deployed to dominate the area. At least eight security personnel were injured during an encounter on Monday, which followed the launch of the operation on Sunday targeting terrorists in the Chatroo region. Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed that the operation is ongoing, with security forces maintaining heightened deployment.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) has cleared a major proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation, delivering a substantial enhancement to India’s air combat strength. Approved on Friday, the move highlights the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) accelerated modernisation drive in response to shifting regional security dynamics. The proposal will now be examined by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Officials suggest the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, may grant final clearance soon, helping fast-track the deal.

The plan originates from a formal request submitted by the IAF to the Defence Ministry last year, seeking additional Rafales to reinforce its shrinking fleet. India and France are expected to conclude the agreement as early as next month, reflecting the strong pace of bilateral defence cooperation. This procurement follows a major agreement signed in April last year, under which India committed ₹63,000 crore for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. That deal includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2031.

The new acquisition will be executed through an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA), enabling direct government-to-government procurement from Dassault and eliminating intermediaries. This approach, used in earlier Rafale purchases, is seen as reducing delays while safeguarding technology transfer provisions.

Alongside the acquisition, Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed four production transfer agreements in June, enabling domestic manufacturing of Rafale fuselage sections in India. This partnership is expected to deepen India’s role in the global aerospace supply chain. TASL is setting up an advanced manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce key structural components of the Rafale, including front, central, and rear fuselage sections. Production is expected to begin in FY2028, with the facility eventually delivering up to two complete fuselages per month.

This localisation effort supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by reducing reliance on imports while generating high-skilled employment and advanced manufacturing capabilities within India. Operationally, the Rafale—known for its multi-role versatility, advanced electronic warfare systems, and beyond-visual-range weapons—will significantly strengthen the IAF’s ability to counter platforms such as China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s J-10C.

The timing is considered critical, coming amid elevated tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and increased strategic activity in the Indian Ocean Region. With the IAF operating roughly 30 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42, the addition of Rafales—on top of the existing fleet of 36—will help close key gaps in air dominance and deep-strike capabilities. France continues to be one of India’s most reliable defence partners, with cumulative defence deals crossing ₹1 lakh crore since 2016. The IGA framework also ensures offsets through local manufacturing, maintenance infrastructure, and skill development initiatives.

From an economic standpoint, the deal is expected to attract significant investment through offsets, with TASL’s Hyderabad plant alone representing a multi-billion-rupee commitment. It also positions India as a potential exporter of Rafale sub-assemblies as Dassault diversifies production beyond its facilities in France. Deliveries of the 114 aircraft are likely to be spread over several years, potentially aligning with the Navy’s Rafale-M timeline up to 2031 and complementing indigenous programmes such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The inclusion of twin-seat variants will support pilot training, especially for mastering the Rafale’s sophisticated fly-by-wire controls and AESA radar systems.

While cost concerns may arise, supporters argue that the Rafale’s proven compatibility with Indian platforms and weapons—along with its operational track record—offers advantages over competing aircraft. The DPB’s approval reflects extensive evaluation under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. In the longer term, the deal could unlock deeper Indo-French cooperation, including joint engine development involving Safran and HAL, as well as upgrades for the Su-30MKI fleet. As the DAC and CCS consider the proposal, an official announcement may follow at an upcoming defence event, reinforcing India’s growing role as both a military power and a defence manufacturing
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

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.

On May 18, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel would relax its blockade to allow limited food supplies into Gaza, following the military’s declaration of “extensive ground operations” in both the northern and southern regions of the enclave. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman provide the latest updates from Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics at the University of San Francisco.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.