Karnataka has announced an expedited plan for a dedicated drone flight testing facility near Bengaluru, alongside a refreshed drone policy framework. IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge led an industry consultation with regulators and startups to address testing infrastructure, streamlined approvals and public-sector drone adoption. The state is also exploring an annual Bengaluru Drone Festival to spotlight innovation, competitions and real-world use cases.
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said unmanned aerial systems are no longer “eyes in the sky” but an extension of air power—“claws in the sky”—driving decentralised, autonomous warfare. He stressed complete domain awareness and “total coordination” among the three services sharing the same airspace, citing the March 1 Kuwait fratricide involving F-15E Strike Eagles. Singh also urged faster innovation in counter-UAS, highlighting Operation Sindoor’s integrated command and control, and the need for scalable, low-cost defences.
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The Technology Development Board (TDB) has begun disbursing the first tranche of India’s Rs 1 lakh crore Research and Development Initiative (RDI) fund, aimed at accelerating deeptech innovation with minimal government interference. TDB expects to release Rs 500–600 crore this fiscal year through investments sized from Rs 3 crore to Rs 100–150 crore per project. It has selected 22 projects so far across drones, spacetech, advanced batteries and biotech, including Rs 50 crore for indigenous cell therapies and Rs 105 crore for a modular satellite platform.
A fragile month-old ceasefire in the Iran war was tested again as a drone sparked a small fire on a commercial ship off Qatar and separate drones were reported entering UAE and Kuwait airspaces. The UAE blamed Iran for the incidents, while Kuwait said it responded to hostile drones. No casualties were reported. The episode comes as the U.S. seeks Iran’s response to a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end shipping disruption, and curb Iran’s nuclear advances.
Russia mounted its largest aerial assault in a two-day stretch, firing hundreds of drones and missiles that struck Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The attacks damaged residential and other infrastructure, killing at least 11 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Western partners to keep backing air-defense systems as the strikes continue.
Russia launched what Ukrainian officials call its largest drone assault over two days since the war began, targeting Kyiv as the main focus alongside other cities. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said damage spread across roughly 20 locations in Kyiv and the surrounding region. Officials reported at least three deaths in Kyiv and around 40 injuries, including two children.
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Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit says India’s next phase of military strength depends on AI, cyber warfare and drones, not just conventional platforms. He also urges MSMEs to position themselves as long-term national security partners, pointing to a massive ₹10 lakh crore opportunity within the expanding defence ecosystem as modernization accelerates.
Russia launched at least 800 drones at Ukraine, killing six people, as President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack despite Moscow’s recent peace overtures. He said the bombardment unfolded during US President Donald Trump’s visit to China and argued the timing appeared intentional, targeting Ukraine on Wednesday with a massive aerial assault.
A five-year-old European military drone startup, Helsing, backed by Daniel Ek, is reportedly close to raising $1.2 billion at an $18 billion valuation. The latest funding push highlights how quickly defense tech is attracting mega-investment interest, even as the company remains relatively young and focused on drones for military use.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, co-developing with Defence & Aerospace, has enabled the Indian Army to receive the indigenous ULPGM loitering munition. The system uses an Imaging Infrared seeker and can be launched from UAVs, allowing it to strike both stationary and moving targets—signaling a new precision capability for future battlefield operations.
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A US-brokered ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is under heavy strain after both sides reported weekend attacks. Ukraine described drone strikes and clashes, while Russia’s Defence Ministry said it shot down many Ukrainian drones. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, key sticking points remain unresolved. US envoys are set to visit Moscow soon, aiming to revive talks even as fighting claims continue.
The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies, including several in China and Hong Kong, accused of helping Iran procure weapons and drone-related materials. The move is designed to restrict Iran’s military capabilities and reduce threats to regional allies and key shipping routes by targeting specific supply facilitators.
Google is reportedly exploring major investments in India, with a focus on AI infrastructure. The company is also considering local manufacturing of servers and drones as part of its broader AI capital push, following CEO Sundar Pichai’s announcement of large global capex directed toward AI infrastructure. The move could expand India’s tech and hardware footprint.
Russia says it destroyed 347 Ukrainian drones in an overnight strike spanning more than 20 regions, including Moscow, according to its Defense Ministry. Officials call it Ukraine’s second-biggest aerial attack since the all-out invasion began over four years ago. The highest toll came last March, when Ukraine launched 389 drones.
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Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack, marked its first anniversary as India’s most expansive multi-domain combat push in decades. The mission used drones and AI, spurring a broader military upgrade. Since then, India has inducted advanced platforms including S-400 systems and Rafale jets, alongside new submarines and missile tests aimed at strengthening readiness and deterrence.
The UAE says its air defenses are confronting missile and drone attacks originating from Iran, describing the situation as a major escalation after a period of calm. The foreign ministry warns the strikes pose a direct threat to national security and says the UAE reserves the right to respond. The statement raises regional tensions and questions over next steps.
Ukraine has significantly increased medium range drone strikes aimed at Russian logistics, troop concentrations, and air defenses located dozens of kilometers behind the front lines. The tempo has more than doubled since March, reflecting a push to disrupt supply chains and erode Russia’s ability to sustain operations while Kyiv expands its domestic defense capabilities.
The U.S. military began an operation to keep shipping safe through the Strait of Hormuz, destroying six Iranian small boats and intercepting drones and cruise missiles. Admiral Brad Cooper said the operation successfully countered ongoing IRGC interference efforts. He described the protection strategy as a multi-layered defensive arrangement, not traditional escorted convoys.
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Ukrainian drones reportedly hit Russia’s Primorsk port, a key oil-export outlet in the northwest region. Regional governor Alexander Drozdenko said over 60 drones were shot down overnight. He added that the resulting fire was extinguished quickly and that there was no oil spill, despite the attack targeting vital port infrastructure.
Indian and Cambodian armed forces have begun a two-week joint exercise in Cambodia as part of the CINBAX initiative. The training will emphasize counter-terrorism tactics and peacekeeping operations, with hands-on sessions that include the use of drone technology. The drill marks the second phase of CINBAX, aiming to strengthen coordination between the two militaries.
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