Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India's commitment to a "free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific" during the 13th Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC) in New Delhi. This stance dislodges opposing China's attempts to create restrictive zones in the South China Sea. Singh emphasized the need for collective efforts to address security challenges and climate change. He highlighted India's "Act East Policy" and Prime Minister Modi's principles of engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The IPACC, along with related events, serves as a significant forum for land forces in the region, co-hosted by the Indian and United States armies.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has bolstered its logistical capabilities by inducting the first C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft at the Hindan Air Force Station. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the induction ceremony, which included a 'Sarva Dharma Pooja.' This aircraft joins Squadron No. 11, one of the IAF's oldest squadrons based in Vadodara. The C-295 will replace the aging Avro-748 fleet and is capable of tactical transport, paratrooping, logistic operations, disaster response, and maritime patrol duties. Airbus will deliver 16 aircraft, with the remaining 40 to be manufactured in India as part of an industrial partnership.

The Indian Army has installed a vertical wind tunnel at its Special Forces Training School in Himachal Pradesh's Bukloh, a first for the force. As per officials, the tunnel provides airborne operations simulation to train Special Forces operatives for all situations related to air operations. This allows comprehensive preparation for varied scenarios before actual missions. The wind tunnel exposes troops to experiences similar to free-fall parachute training, helping them get ready for specialized airborne ops. The facility demonstrates the Army's focus on modern simulation technology to enhance the training and readiness of Special Forces tasked with strategic missions.

Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Uzair Khan was killed along with another terrorist on Tuesday, the seventh day of the Anantnag encounter, officials said. Security forces also recovered a weapon from Khan's body. With his death, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said the week-long gunfight has concluded though search operations continue. Officials suspect a third terrorist may also be dead as a huge area remains to be searched, which may have unexploded shells. The encounter began last Wednesday when terrorists hiding in Kokernag, Anantnag engaged security forces, killing 3 officers. Officials had reports of 2-3 terrorists, so a third body may emerge after a complete search, Kumar added.

Taiwan's defense ministry reported the largest ever incursion by Chinese warplanes into its air defense zone, with 103 aircraft detected over a 24 hour period. The escalation in military activity has raised tensions and threatens regional stability. Taiwan criticized China's unilateral actions and called for an immediate end to the provocations. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan based on its One-China policy despite the island governing itself. Most countries acknowledge Beijing's stance, but maintain unofficial ties with Taipei. The massive show of force by China's air force highlights rising cross-strait tensions.

The Indian Army said the retrieval of the body of the third terrorist killed in an encounter in Baramulla was interfered with by firing from a Pakistani post. Army spokesperson Brigadier Dhillon stated that during a joint operation, three infiltrating terrorists were engaged, resulting in two being eliminated and their bodies recovered. The third was also killed but heavy firing from across the border prevented retrieval of the body. The encounter occurred when three heavily armed terrorists attempted infiltration early morning and opened fire on being spotted. Two were gunned down in the fierce exchange but Pakistani firing hampered operations to recover the last terrorist's remains. 

The Defence Ministry today approved the proposal for procuring 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, to be manufactured indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Rs 11,000 crore project will include the aircraft as well as related ground systems. As per officials, the aircraft will have over 60% indigenous content and will be equipped with various Indian weapons and sensors, making them the most modern Su-30MKIs in the IAF's fleet. The move highlights India's push towards indigenous defence manufacturing and enhancing the combat capability of the Air Force. The Su-30MKI has been the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet and the addition of 12 new jets will provide a timely boost.

The Indian Army paid tribute to army dog Kent, a 6-year-old female labrador of the 21 Army Dog Unit, who was killed in action during an encounter operation in J&K's Rajouri. Kent was leading troops on the trail of fleeing terrorists when she came under heavy fire. Despite being fatally shot, Kent continued shielding her handler till the end. The brave canine made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. She was given full military honors as army personnel mourned the loss of the heroic dog.

A heartbreaking video shows retired Jammu and Kashmir top cop Ghulam Hassan Bhat taking 10 heavy steps to lay a wreath on the body of his slain son Humayun Bhat, a Deputy SP killed in an Anantnag encounter. The 33-year-old officer suffered fatal injuries during the gunfight with terrorists. The dignified grief of the father bidding farewell to his son killed in the line of duty underscores the human tragedy behind terrorism. Humayun was among three officers killed in the encounter. Large crowds attended his last rites in Budgam.

The Indian Army conducted the last rites for a 6-year-old female labrador Kent on Wednesday. Kent belonged to the Army's 21 Dog Unit and sacrificed her life shielding her handler in a recent encounter in J&K's Rajouri. Visuals showed Army personnel carrying Kent's body to pay final respects to the canine soldier. Kent was part of 'Operation Sujaligala' and lost her life protecting her handler while at the forefront of the Rajouri encounter with terrorists. The farewell comes on the day 3 security officers including an Army colonel died in a separate fierce gunfight with terrorists in Anantnag, Kashmir.