Drones
Engines of opportunity
Indian companies are betting on small jet propulsion
 "Engines of opportunity")
Physical AI firm SiMa.ai raises $150 mn in Series C, valued at $1.45 bn
The funding takes SiMa.ai's total capital raised to $500 million and will help accelerate the scaling of Palette Neat and development of next-generation hardware
 "Physical AI firm SiMa.ai raises $150 mn in Series C, valued at $1.45 bn")
India's first indigenous long-range attack drone KAL tested at Pokhran
The vehicle-launched drone has a range of 1,000 km, endurance of up to eight hours and a 50 kg payload capacity, and is designed for precision strikes on designated targets
 "India's first indigenous long-range attack drone KAL tested at Pokhran")
MPD-2047 proposes 41-62 acres for Delhi's semiconductor, drone, AI hubs
Delhi's IT department has sought 41-62 acres for four technology projects under MPD-2047, including semiconductor and electronics, drone innovation, a digital hub, and AI-enabled data infrastructure
 "MPD-2047 proposes 41-62 acres for Delhi's semiconductor, drone, AI hubs")
Drones take the field in Indian agriculture as services expand for farmers
Driven by on-demand models, startups and government programmes are making the tech accessible and affordable for farmers
 "Drones take the field in Indian agriculture as services expand for farmers")
UK Navy finds Chinese parts in unmanned vessels, officials deny data breach
The communications can indicate when a system is switched on and functioning properly, and may also carry information about its location.
One sky, one command
As drones, missiles and multi-domain warfare redefine combat, fragmented airspace control is a major risk
 "One sky, one command")
News in brief global: From China's Long March 10B to NATO's new initiatives
Global defence developments include China's reusable rocket milestone, US space warfare capability, autonomous drones and Nato's industrial initiatives.
 "News in brief global: From China's Long March 10B to NATO's new initiatives")
A delayed takeoff
Concerns remain about India's ability to deploy a MALE UAV soon
Delhi govt's drone policy likely to get nod soon, to create 1,000+ jobs
Delhi IT minister Pankaj Singh said on Saturday that the Delhi government's proposed drone policy aims to create over 1,000 jobs in the city. The policy, currently under development, will emphasise establishing drone research clusters, dedicated flight testing facilities, utilising drones for traffic management, and providing subsidies to enhance the drone ecosystem. "A comprehensive drone policy is being planned to ensure safe and regulated drone operations, along with job opportunities. The policy is ready; we plan to table it for cabinet approval in a month," Singh said. The policy is being developed by the government's information and technology (IT) department. According to officials, the policy's key objectives include regulating drone usage to prevent misuse, enabling government agencies to use drones for surveillance and mapping, and strengthening integration with the DGCA's Digital Sky platform. The government plans to allocate a separate budget for implementing the schem
 "Delhi govt's drone policy likely to get nod soon, to create 1,000+ jobs")
Lockheed to make cheaper Patriot interceptors amid demand spike
Initial production could start within 36 months, the company said, adding that it plans to develop and manufacture the weapon with US and European industry partners
 "Lockheed to make cheaper Patriot interceptors amid demand spike")
Army to expand drone fleet, raise Baaz Battalions for better surveillance
Highlighting the rapid expansion of unmanned systems in the Indian Army, the Army Chief said drone strength has grown significantly over the past two years
 "Army to expand drone fleet, raise Baaz Battalions for better surveillance")
Donald Trump says Iran attacks on ships 'a foolish violation' of ceasefire
US President says Iran launched four one-way attack drones at ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with one striking the upper deck of a cargo vessel
 "Donald Trump says Iran attacks on ships 'a foolish violation' of ceasefire")
India tests edge-native drone swarms that adapt, decide and act
Tashi Network and DroneVerse demonstrate drone swarms that can self-coordinate, redistribute tasks and continue missions despite connectivity loss or battery constraints
 "India tests edge-native drone swarms that adapt, decide and act")
Ashok Leyland explores autonomous Stallion, drones for armed forces
The commercial vehicle maker is also developing a hydrogen-powered Stallion and targeting defence mobility opportunities worth ₹11,000 crore over the next three to five years
 "Ashok Leyland explores autonomous Stallion, drones for armed forces")
Conflict zone: Ethiopia
Civil unrest
 "Conflict zone: Ethiopia")
India's $2-billion drone acquisition to boost defence deep-tech ecosystem
The proposed military drone procurement is expected to strengthen indigenous manufacturing, expand supply chains and accelerate investments in defence technology and innovation
 "India's $2-billion drone acquisition to boost defence deep-tech ecosystem")
India eyes $2 billion military drone order in biggest procurement yet
The plans are in advanced stages with deliveries expected over 18 to 24 months, for a jump in value from recent government orders worth 30 billion rupees ($313 million) for tactical-class drones
 "India eyes $2 billion military drone order in biggest procurement yet")
Dangerous escalation: India condemns attack on UAE's Barakah nuclear plant
Expressing its concerns, the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said that such actions are 'unacceptable' and represent a 'dangerous escalation'
 "Dangerous escalation: India condemns attack on UAE's Barakah nuclear plant")
Stealth Ghatak drone must be fast-tracked: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit said the launch of a formal loyal wingman programme is 'a very high-priority target'
 "Stealth Ghatak drone must be fast-tracked: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit")