Page 2 - Defence And Geopolitical News
China hints at sixth-generation fighter jet in official video: Report
It marks the first time PLA hinted at its next-generation fighter programme, which until now was only seen through unverified photographs and videos
 "China hints at sixth-generation fighter jet in official video: Report")
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes charge as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff during Operation Sindoor, took charge as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff on Wednesday, officials said. He succeeded Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who superannuated on June 30 after four decades of service in the Indian Air Force (IAF). Air Marshal Dixit was accorded a guard of honour at the Vayu Bhawan the headquarters of the IAF as he took charge as the new Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS). Prior to the ceremony, the air officer visited the National War Memorial and laid a wreath to pay homage to the fallen heroes of the armed forces. Before being appointed as VCAS, he was serving as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) here. Air Marshal Dixit assumed the appointment of CISC on May 1, 2025, which he relinquished on June 30. The HQ IDS said in an X post on Tuesday, "His tenure at HQ IDS was defined by landmark contributions that reshap
 "Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit takes charge as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force")
What is Helina? India's indigenous helicopter-launched anti-tank missile
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the missile climbs sharply after the launch and then plunges directly onto the top of the tank
 "What is Helina? India's indigenous helicopter-launched anti-tank missile")
Reports of Amca F414 engine negotiations hitting deadlock false: Source
Initial variants of the Amca are slated to be powered by American engines, while a more powerful engine is planned to be co-developed with a foreign partner
 "Reports of Amca F414 engine negotiations hitting deadlock false: Source")
Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire in Lebanon starting Friday
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire after renewed fighting threatened wider US-Iran efforts to secure a lasting West Asia peace deal
 "Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire in Lebanon starting Friday")
Best of BS Opinion: Hope is not a strategy, capacity is
From geopolitics and women's empowerment to manufacturing, the rupee and technology, lasting progress depends less on hope and more on building capacity
 "Best of BS Opinion: Hope is not a strategy, capacity is")
US plans to reduce military assets allocated to Nato in Europe: Report
It has urged allies to increase defence spending and commit a higher percentage of their gross domestic product to military expenditure
 "US plans to reduce military assets allocated to Nato in Europe: Report")
India seen upping deterrence, deploys 12 warheads
The country is modernising its nuclear arsenal, having slightly expanded it in 2025, a Sipri report says
 "India seen upping deterrence, deploys 12 warheads")
With approx 190 warheads, India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: Report
The report has described Operation Sindoor as 'an unusually severe military crisis' between the two nuclear neighbours India and Pakistan in May 2025
 "With approx 190 warheads, India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: Report")
India has responsibilities on the continental and in the maritime domains
Former Chief of the Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said this when asked if the theatre command proposal is tied to the country's geopolitical ambitions
 "India has responsibilities on the continental and in the maritime domains")
AI spending to continue amid geopolitical uncertainty, says Gurnani
AIONOS Co-Founder C P Gurnani said companies will continue investing in AI and digital technologies despite geopolitical uncertainty and rising operational costs.
 "AI spending to continue amid geopolitical uncertainty, says Gurnani")
Shifting US geopolitical priorities are affecting Quad's relevance
The war in West Asia has added to the Quad nations' concerns.
 "Shifting US geopolitical priorities are affecting Quad's relevance")
Macro Matters Ep 1: India’s economy meets the West Asia shock | Oil prices | Rupee | Bond yields
This is the first public episode of Macro Matters — a new fortnightly podcast from Business Standard that tries to make sense of the forces shaping India and the world across economics, markets,
 "Macro Matters Ep 1: India’s economy meets the West Asia shock | Oil prices | Rupee | Bond yields")
Rajnath Singh begins Vietnam, South Korea visit to boost defence ties
Defence Minister said his discussions during the visit would focus on expanding defence ties and enhancing regional cooperation
 "Rajnath Singh begins Vietnam, South Korea visit to boost defence ties")
News in brief global: From Japan's missiles to Brazilian aircraft
Here are some defence news in briefs from around the world, as featured in Blueprint May 2026 edition
 "News in brief global: From Japan's missiles to Brazilian aircraft")
A renewed push for theatre commands
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said that while the three branches of the armed forces are well-trained and excel in their jobs, they are also protective of their turfs
 "A renewed push for theatre commands")
Market radar: March 21, 2026 to April 22, 2026
The index reached a market capitalisation of ₹11.6 trillion, with all 25 constituents moving northward. MTAR Technologies and Apollo Micro Systems led the surge
 "Market radar: March 21, 2026 to April 22, 2026")
A rocket with missile precision
The LRGR-120 has an increased range of about 120 kilometres (km) from the previous 40-50 km along with guided accuracy
 "A rocket with missile precision")
HDFC Bank to sustain FY26 credit growth momentum, cautious on FY27
HDFC Bank plans to sustain FY26 credit growth momentum but avoids FY27 guidance, citing geopolitical risks, while focusing on stable funding metrics and balanced growth
 "HDFC Bank to sustain FY26 credit growth momentum, cautious on FY27")
Pallbearers of the 'liberal order'
A summit finds that countries are being pragmatic in the pursuit of national interests
 "Pallbearers of the 'liberal order'")