military procurement

Leaked records reveal Iran's Revolutionary Guards secretly acquired advanced Chinese satellite communication equipment via a UAE-based procurement network. The technology, crucial for Tehran's drone and missile programs, was shipped through Dubai, highlighting sophisticated methods to bypass Western sanctions and reach Iran's military apparatus.

The US Department of Defense has secured a $9.69 billion, five-year agreement with Microsoft to consolidate software licenses across military and intelligence agencies. This initiative aims to reduce redundant spending and enhance efficiency by centralizing purchases of Microsoft 365 tools and other services.

A recent Iran conflict has significantly depleted US high-end missile stockpiles, raising alarms in Washington. Critical systems like Tomahawks and Patriots may take years to replenish, creating a 'window of vulnerability' amid rising tensions with China. Production bottlenecks and allied demands complicate rebuilding efforts, impacting future defense readiness.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's India visit highlights a deepening defence partnership, now a comprehensive strategic alliance in the Indo-Pacific. Discussions focused on sustained progress and regional security. India is a vital US partner, with cooperation in security, trade, and technology central to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Key agreements and joint exercises are enhancing interoperability and information sharing.

Armenia is bolstering its defence with India, seeking robust military hardware and training to counter threats from Azerbaijan, which is supported by Pakistan and Turkey. Recent high-level visits and significant arms deals, including Akash missile systems, highlight New Delhi's growing role as Armenia's key strategic partner in the South Caucasus.

India's defence exports have soared to an unprecedented Rs 38,424 crore, with the US emerging as the top buyer for sub-systems and components. This remarkable growth, nearly tripling in five years, is fueled by strategic partnerships like the proposed Reciprocal Defence Procurement Agreement with the US and domestic reforms, positioning India as a global defence exporter.

North Korea has vehemently rejected the Quad's call for its denuclearisation, vowing "never" to give up its nuclear weapons. The foreign ministry accused the grouping of being a US tool and interfering in its affairs. The Quad nations, including India, had reiterated their commitment to Pyongyang's denuclearisation and condemned its weapons programs.

The Pentagon is forging new partnerships with companies like Anduril and Leidos to rapidly boost US strike capabilities. The Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) program aims to procure over 10,000 affordable cruise missiles by 2027, while a separate deal with Castelion will scale low-cost hypersonic solutions. This initiative emphasizes speed, innovation, and private sector investment to rebuild America's military might.

India’s conflict with Pakistan last year and wars in Ukraine and Iran have put drones at the centre of modern combat, with Indian firms now chasing a surge in domestic orders and demand from West Asia and Nato markets

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's South Korea visit deepens defence ties, exploring collaboration on missile systems and the KIND-X initiative. This builds on India's historical humanitarian role during the Korean War, commemorated by a new memorial. The partnership aims for co-development of advanced defence technologies, fostering innovation and industrial integration between the two nations.

Defence analysts warn the issue is not just the quantity of weapons today but the speed at which industry can regenerate what has been used. A single week of heavy combat in either theatre can consume months of production output for certain precision munitions and interceptors. This has transformed a temporary logistical challenge into a broader strategic concern.

Fresh US intelligence suggests Iran has resumed military production, including drones, much sooner than anticipated, raising concerns about its rapid arsenal regeneration. Tehran's strategy of decentralized manufacturing and reliance on commercially available components allows for swift replenishment of weapons like Shahed drones and Fateh missiles, even after recent strikes.

On May 11, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing Rath's murder had arrested three people before widening its probe across multiple states. The cops suspected that hired sharpshooters were brought in from outside West Bengal to carry out the killing with military-style precision. A key breakthrough came after investigators traced a UPI payment made at the Nivedita Setu toll plaza on May 6.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are revolutionizing naval operations and civilian sectors with their stealth, persistence, and risk reduction capabilities. Navies are investing heavily in these platforms for surveillance, mine warfare, and reconnaissance, while also finding dual-use applications in disaster response and oceanographic research.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget amid congressional scrutiny over the Iran war's escalating costs, now at $29 billion. Lawmakers questioned the strain on weapons stockpiles, while Hegseth acknowledged increased production to support ongoing operations and future needs.

India is set to revolutionize its mechanized warfare with the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program, replacing aging BMPs with advanced, indigenous platforms. This multi-billion dollar initiative emphasizes drone integration, digitization, and high-mobility capabilities, marking a significant shift towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and modernizing the Army's battlefield prowess.