Buzz kill: To make cocaine less potent, Colombia looking to modify gasoline supply
“If you make the invention, I’ll give you $1 million,” Colombia’s Minister of Defense Pedro Sánchez told Breaking Defense.
navy
INS Surat Pioneers AI-Enabled Warfare In Indian Navy’s Operational Debut
The Indian Navy has marked a pivotal advancement in operational capabilities with the combat deployment of INS Surat during Operation Sindoor. Commissioned in January 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mumbai Port, this advanced destroyer represents India’s first warship purposefully designed with integrated support for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems.Built by
Why India Must Prioritise Self-Reliance in Defence Amid Global Dependencies
India’s indigenous defence programs have long faced ridicule from critics. For decades, commentators dismissed investments in home-grown military platforms as misguided. Why pour resources into unproven domestic systems, they argued, when advanced foreign alternatives stand ready on the shelf?Consider the Kaveri engine: detractors question its viability amid a ready deal with General Electric.
Chinese Cars in India: An Espionage Threat Beckoning The Armed Forces?
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has imposed a strict ban on Chinese-manufactured vehicles entering military bases, driven by fears that embedded sensors, cameras, and communication systems could facilitate espionage.This decision, announced in late 2025, mandates that around 700 vehicles, including models like the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro supplied to senior officers since 2022, be removed by early 2026.
Beyond 2025: What defense leaders need to watch in 2026
What’s in store for 2026? Breaking Defense reporters examine how the decisions, disruptions, and developments of 2025 could shape the year ahead.
HAL’s Naval Utility Helicopter-Marine Set For 2027 Debut, Ushering In Era of Twin-Engine Maritime Utility
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is advancing rapidly with its Utility Helicopter-Marine (UH-M), a bespoke platform tailored for the Indian Navy’s demanding maritime operations. Unlike the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which has been excluded for naval use, the UH-M promises to deliver on safety-critical requirements over open seas.Recent statements from Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral
India’s Maritime Security: A Case For Modularity, Speed, Self-Reliance, And Export Leadership
India’s maritime environment is becoming more complex and contested, not just in high-intensity conflict scenarios but also in routine peacetime operations such as maritime security, mine countermeasures, convoy escort, and regional presence missions.To respond effectively, the Indian Navy needs ships that are flexible, affordable, rapidly buildable, and sovereign in capability.A new 4,000–5,000
Rafael’s Ice Breaker Missile: Arming India’s Sea Hawk Helicopters For 300km Maritime Dominance
The Indian Navy is assessing Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems’ Ice Breaker cruise missile to significantly enhance the long-range strike capabilities of its MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters.This development follows the Indian Air Force’s recent approval for the same missile, positioning the Navy to bridge a critical gap in its maritime firepower.Sources indicate that integrating the Ice
DRDO Accelerates Indigenous EW And Stealth Fighters To Secure Spectrum Supremacy By 2047
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is intensifying its efforts in next-generation electronic warfare technologies, aiming to position the nation as a global defence leader by 2047.Speaking on the sidelines of the Electronic Warfare Conference-India (EWCI) in Bangalore, DRDO Director General for Electronics and Communication Systems, BK Das, outlined key priorities
Indian Navy Signs Contract For Three ‘Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges’ With Suryadipta Projects
A contract for construction and delivery of 03 x 200T Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges has been concluded with Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane (MSME Shipyard) on 16 Jan 2026.These Barges are the proud flag bearers of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of Govt. of India and will be built under the Classification Rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).With this