1. PM Modi extends greets the IAF on Air Force Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended 93rd Air Force Day greetings on October 8 to all Air Warriors protecting Indian skies and highlighted their bravery, discipline, and precision.

The Prime Minister also praised the Air Force's role during natural disasters.

"Greetings to all the courageous Air Warriors and their families on Air Force Day. The Indian Air Force epitomises bravery, discipline, and precision. They have played a vital role in safeguarding our skies, including during the most challenging situations", the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

2. Chief of Defence Staff, three service Chiefs pay tribute at National War Memorial

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi paid tribute to the soldiers at the National War Memorial on the occasion of 93rd Air Force Day.

CDS, along with the chiefs of the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, laid wreaths at the National War Memorial.

Meanwhile, air warriors also carried out a march past at Hindon Air Base, as part of Air Force Day celebrations.

3. INS Kadmatt visits Indonesia

INS Kadmatt, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, visited Makassar for a three-day operational turnaround from October 3-5. The visit by INS Kadmatt is a part of the ongoing deployment to the Indo-Pacific region and is aimed at sharing best practices with the Indonesian Navy.

"INS Kadmatt, as part of the ongoing deployment in the Indo-Pacific, visited Makassar, Indonesia, for a three-day Operational Turn Around from 03 - 05 Oct 25. This visit was aimed at professional interactions, fostering naval partnerships and sharing best practices with the Indonesian Navy", the Indian Navy said in a post on X.

4.Indian Army to get 75,000 AK-203 rifles by year's end

The Indian Army is set to receive another 75,000 AK-203 assault rifles by the end of this year, giving a strong push to the centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in the defence sector. These rifles will replace the ageing INSAS rifles that have been in service for over three decades.

The AK-203 rifles are being assembled at the Korwa ordnance factory in Amethi, under a joint venture between India and Russia. Last year, the Army received 48,000 AK-203 rifles. With this batch of 75,000 weapons, the Indian Army will have 1.2 lakh AK-203 rifles. In total, more than six lakh rifles are to be supplied to the Army over the next five years. The overall cost of the project is estimated to be ₹5,200 crore.

The Korwa factory also plans to manufacture the AK-19 carbine version chambered in 5.56 NATO and the PPK-20 carbine chambered in 9x19mm.

5. Encounter breaks out between police and terrorists in J&K

An encounter broke out between terrorists and a police party in a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Tuesday evening, a senior police officer said.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, said a joint search operation is underway following the encounter in the Beeranthub area of Kandi.

"Exchange of fire took place between terrorists and the SOG team in Beeranthub area, Police Station Kandi, Rajouri. Joint parties of the Police, Army, and CRPF have rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area," the IGP said.

6. Bangladesh plans $2.2billion purchase of 20 J-10 fighter jets

Bangladesh is planning to procure 20 J-10CE fighter jets in a $2.2 billion purchase from China, according to a report by Business Standard. The deal, which covers procurement, training, maintenance, and associated expenses, is expected to be executed during FY26 and FY27, either through a direct purchase or a government-to-government arrangement.

Payments would be spread across 10 fiscal years, up to FY2035–36, according to official documents reviewed by The Business Standard.

The Chengdu J-10CE "Vigorous Dragon" is an export version of the Chinese J-10C, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet. It is designed for air superiority and strike missions and is manufactured by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. Pakistan operates 20 J-10CE fighter jets, with 16 more to come, and they were procured to counter India’s Rafale. The J-10CE was used in Operation Sindoor, and claims were made that it shot down the Rafale aircraft of the IAF, which have to be verified.

7. Sweden acquires four KC-390 Millennium aircraft

Sweden signed a contract for four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. The contract also includes seven additional purchase options, paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.

This important milestone for defence in Europe is part of a broader trilateral partnership between Austria, Sweden, and the Netherlands, aimed at fostering joint procurement, interoperability, and long-term cooperation around the C-390 Millennium platform. The seven options signed under this framework reflect growing European interest in this next-generation aircraft and a shared commitment to modernizing tactical airlift capabilities across the continent.

The KC-390 Millennium competes with the Airbus A-400M for the Indian Air Force’s MTA Programme to replace the aging Antonov An-32 and the Ilyushin IL-76 Gajraj. The C-390 can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions, such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways, such as packed earth, soil and gravel.

8. Turkiye in negotiations with Qatar for second-hand Eurofighter Typhoons

Turkiye is in talks with Qatar to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets, according to a report by Middle East Eye. Ankara’s rapidly ageing F-16 fleet has pushed it to seek alternative options to fill the gap until its domestically produced fifth-generation Kaan aircraft enters service in the early 2030s. 

In July, Turkey signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding to purchase 40 brand-new Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Eurofighter jets from the UK. However, negotiations over pricing and the final terms are still ongoing, as Ankara has deemed the UK's initial offer too expensive. Even if the deal does go through, deliveries could take several years, while Turkey’s need for new aircraft is urgent. 

Qatar, by contrast, could provide a faster solution, as it already operates 24 Tranche 3A Eurofighter Typhoons. 

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.