India set to finalize mega defence deals worth over Rs 1.5 lakh crore before March 31
India is set to seal at least four major defence contracts worth more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore before the fiscal year ends on March 31. These deals aim to significantly strengthen India's military capabilities across various sectors, including fighter jets, submarines, helicopters, and artillery systems.
The first deal, valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore, is with France for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. These aircraft will be deployed on India's indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The contract includes 22 single-seat maritime fighters, four twin-seat trainers, along with weapons, simulators, crew training, and a five-year logistics support package for the Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force.
Another significant agreement with France is for the acquisition of three additional Scorpene-class submarines worth Rs 38,000 crore. These submarines, equipped with air-independent propulsion for extended underwater endurance, will be built at Mumbai's Mazagon Docks. The first of these new submarines is expected to be delivered by 2031.
Additionally, India is finalizing contracts for 156 Prachand light combat helicopters, valued at around Rs 53,000 crore, and 307 advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) for Rs 8,500 crore. The Prachand helicopters, capable of operating in high-altitude areas such as Siachen Glacier, will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The ATAGS, developed by DRDO, will be produced by Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, with Bharat Forge set to manufacture 60% of the guns
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
