1. India test fires Agni-5 ballistic missile

India on August 20 successfully test fired the Agni-5 intermediate range ballistic missile which has a range of 5,000 km.

The missile was test fired from the Integrated test range in Odisha’s Chandipur.
All the operational and technical parameters of the missile were validated.

Agni-5 is capable of covering almost the entire Asian continent, (almost all of Asia) including the northernmost parts of China, as well as reaching some areas of Europe.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China on 31st August for the SCO summit.

2. First steps of Gaza operation taken by Israel

Israel's military announced the first steps of an operation to take over Gaza City on August 21 and called up tens of thousands of reservists while the government considered a new ceasefire proposal to pause nearly two years of war.

Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Israel's military spokesperson said we have begun the preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding the outskirts of Gaza City.

The Israeli statements have signaled that Israel is pressing ahead with its plan to seize Gaza's biggest urban centre despite international criticism of an operation likely to force the displacement of many more Palestinians.

3. Israel to buy two Boeing KC-46 tanker

Israel plans to buy two Boeing-made KC-46 military aerial refuelling tankers in a $500 million deal to be financed with U.S. military aid, the Israeli defence ministry said on August 20.

The Israeli military already operates four KC-46 Pegasus tankers and these were used in the 12 day war against Iran in June. This would take the number of tankers to a total of six operated by Israel.

The KC-46 is replacing the aging KC-707 Re’em tanker which is based on the Boeing 707 aircraft.

4. JeM uses e-wallets to bypass FATF and mini camps to avoid Indian strikes

Pakistan-based Jaish e Mohamed (JeM) has been trying to raise funds using an elaborate digital wallet network and has been decentralising operations to minimise the impact of further Indian strikes on terror establishments across the border, the Economic Times report says.

Sources tracking the terrorist organisation said that the outfit has drawn up a PKR 3.9-billion plan to establish a vast 'Markaz' or religious centre network that would replicate the modus used by Lashkar-e-Taiba. This includes setting up 313 new camps to make it more difficult for Indian agencies to track terror operations.

The money is being raised using digital wallets that are linked to the family members of JeM leader Masood Azar and agencies have identified at least five such wallets with direct links to the proscribed organisation.

5. Kim praises troops for fighting along with Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised his nation’s troops deployed to support Russia in the war against Ukraine during a meeting with commanders, state media reported on August 21.
An estimated 10,000 troops have been deployed in Russia since 2024. North Korean soldiers were used to clear the territory in Kursk held by the Ukrainian military.

6. Sikorsky to modernize US Army Blackhawk

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company on August 20 announced a new U.S. Army contract that will fund Black Hawk modernization engineering efforts. 

The initial $43 million contract award will focus on foundational capabilities for modernization: enhancement of the airframe and inclusion of a digital backbone capability to allow for rapid unmanned aerial systems (UAS) integration.

The award also includes development of requirements and architecture using model-based systems engineering (MBSE).The contract will support the Army's near-term priority to integrate launched effects into the Black Hawk, enabling the aircraft to deploy UAS and other effects to enhance its mission capabilities.

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.