1. IAF and Royal Navy conduct joint exercise

On 14 October 2025, IAF Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Jaguars, AWACS and AEW&C aircraft joined Royal Navy F-35Bs from HMS Prince of Wales for a joint exercise over the Indian Ocean Region. The training strengthened interoperability, mutual trust, and collective commitment to regional stability, the IAF said in a post on X.

The Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond arrived at Mumbai Port today following the successful completion of Exercise Konkan 2025, held off India’s western coast from 5–9 October. 

For the first time, the British and Indian Carrier Strike Groups conducted a combined maritime exercise. The UK’s 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales joined forces with India’s INS Vikrant, demonstrating advanced air-sea combat readiness with fighter jets, helicopters, submarines, and surface ships. Allied vessels from Norway and Japan also participated.

2. Pakistan and Afghanistan clash along northwest border

Clashes erupted on 15 October between Pakistani and Afghan forces in a remote northwestern border region, with Pakistani state media accusing Afghan troops of opening “unprovoked fire.” 

Pakistani forces responded, damaging Afghan tanks and military posts, according to Pakistan TV and two security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Tahir Ahrar, deputy police spokesperson in Afghanistan’s Khost province, confirmed the clashes but provided no further details.

3. China building its fourth aircraft carrier

China appears to be making progress on its fourth aircraft carrier at a shipyard in the country’s northeast, according to new satellite imagery.

Commercial satellite images posted on Chinese social media show new hull sections at the Dalian shipyard in Liaoning, where the warship, believed to be the Type 004, is under construction. The sections were visible in late September but absent in August images.

4. ‘Terrorists will be hunted down even in hell’: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said India’s security forces, through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, have made it clear that terrorists will find no safe haven anywhere. “India’s security agencies will punish you even if you are hiding in hell,” he warned.

Addressing the 41st Raising Day of the NSG (Black Cat Commandos), Shah said Operation Sindoor destroyed the headquarters of terror groups that plotted attacks on India, while Operation Mahadev eliminated those who carried them out. He also announced plans for a new NSG hub in Ayodhya and highlighted steps such as amendments to UAPA and the NIA Act, activation of PMLA and ED mechanisms, and the introduction of scientific methods to track terror funding.

5. Operation Sindoor 2.0 will be ‘deadlier’: Western Army Commander

Western Army Commander Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar said on 14 October that Pakistan lacks the capacity to fight India directly but may attempt fresh attacks similar to Pahalgam. “The response — Operation Sindoor 2.0 — will be deadlier,” he declared.

“Pakistan continues its policy of ‘bleeding India through a thousand cuts,’ and the Army is fully prepared to deal with it,” he added. “The action we will take this time will be more powerful and decisive.”

6. Army Chief bats for collaborative approach for UN peacekeeping missions

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi has called for a robust and responsive framework among nations contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions, integrating advanced technologies into operations.

He noted that peacekeeping missions now face challenges of unprecedented scale — from hybrid warfare to the influence of non-state actors and disinformation. Speaking at a conference of military chiefs from troop-contributing nations, Gen Dwivedi advocated greater collaboration in training, technology, and resource management.

7. Leonardo DRS and KNDS team up for US Army howitzer bid

Leonardo DRS and KNDS have signed a strategic teaming agreement to offer the CAESAR Self-Propelled Howitzer to the U.S. Army as part of its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme, according to a report by Defense News.

“The CAESAR is a combat-proven and reliable system that meets the U.S. Army’s need for greater range and mobility,” the companies said in a joint statement at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference. Leonardo DRS will serve as prime contractor, while KNDS will provide its artillery expertise and ammunition range.

8. Hamas launches Gaza crackdown as Trump vows to disarm it

Hamas meanwhile released footage showing the street execution of eight blindfolded and kneeling suspects, labelling them “collaborators and outlaws.” The video, apparently filmed on 13 October evening, surfaced as armed clashes broke out between Hamas security units and Palestinian clans in parts of Gaza — the fifth day of a U.S.-brokered truce with Israel.

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.