Weekly Roundup • DefenceNiti
Weekly Defence Roundup | 19–26 Aug 2025
India Defence Highlights
Agni-5 Test Strengthens Strategic Deterrence
On 20 Aug 2025, DRDO successfully test-fired the long-range Agni-5 from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha. The launch validated accuracy and re-entry performance, reinforcing India’s strategic strike posture. Official sources described the flight as meeting all mission parameters.
Major Tejas Mk1A Order Approved (97 jets)
The Defence Acquisition Council approved an order for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighters (approx. ₹62,000 crore) on 19 Aug 2025. The deal significantly scales up indigenous fighter strength and underlines the government’s Make-in-India strategy for defence manufacturing.
Kaala Bhairav: India’s First AI-Enabled MALE Combat Drone
On 22 Aug 2025, Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace unveiled the Kaala Bhairav — an AI-powered MALE UAV with ~30-hour endurance and swarm-strike capability. The system is pitched as a cost-effective, exportable alternative to Predator-class systems.
Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) Completes Maiden Flight Test
DRDO’s multi-layer **IADWS** completed its first integrated flight test on 23 Aug 2025, demonstrating coordination between QRSAM, VSHORADS and directed-energy subsystems. Officials said the test is a key milestone in Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Army Launches Civil-Military ‘Samanvay Shakti’ Exercises
Between 20–25 Aug, the Indian Army ran Samanvay Shakti 2025 in the northeast — focused on civil-military coordination, disaster relief drills, and inter-agency logistics preparedness.
Project Kusha: Long-Range Interceptor Testing to Begin in 2026
The ministry confirmed plans to start testing long-range interceptor missiles under **Project Kusha** from 2026 as part of the overall Mission Sudarshan Chakra shield. Project Kusha will provide high-altitude interception capability.
INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri Commissioned — Naval Self-Reliance Highlighted
At the commissioning ceremony on 26 Aug 2025, Defence Minister highlighted India’s growing shipbuilding self-sufficiency following the induction of two Project 17A frigates — **INS Udaygiri** and **INS Himgiri**.
International Defence Highlights
Quad Focuses on Critical Minerals and Tech Supply Chains
During diplomatic exchanges this week, Quad partners reiterated cooperation on critical minerals and supply chains that underpin defence technology — a strategic priority for India and Japan ahead of the SCO summit.
Laser Defence Tech Gains Regional Attention
Analysis this week noted that India’s high-power laser developments surprised regional observers — a measure of the rapid advances showcased during recent trials linked to Mission Sudarshan Chakra.
Quick Snapshot
| Date | Headline | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Aug | Tejas Mk1A order (97 jets) | Scale-up of indigenous fighter fleet |
| 20 Aug | Agni-5 test | Strategic deterrence validated |
| 22 Aug | Kaala Bhairav drone unveiled | AI-enabled drone autonomy |
| 23 Aug | IADWS maiden flight test | Multi-layer air-defence progress |
| 20–25 Aug | Samanvay Shakti exercises | Civil-military readiness |
| 26 Aug | INS Udaygiri & Himgiri | Naval self-reliance showcased |
Why This Week Mattered
- Deterrence & Capability: Missile and fighter orders strengthen long-term defence posture.
- Autonomy & Technology: AI drones and laser systems underline rapid indigenous innovation.
- Integrated Readiness: Civil-military exercises and integrated air-defence tests improve resilience.
- Diplomacy & Supply Chains: Quad critical-minerals focus and naval self-reliance shape strategic planning.
