1. China-Russia to Conduct Naval Exercise in August

The Chinese military announced on Wednesday that it will conduct its annual naval exercise and a maritime joint patrol with Russian forces in August.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said the “Joint Sea 2025” exercise will take place in the air and sea near the Russian port city of Vladivostok, located across from Japan’s west coast. Last year, the drill was held in the South China Sea, off southern China.
China and Russia have significantly deepened ties in recent years, with China providing a crucial economic lifeline to Russia.
European leaders again urged China last week to use its influence to push Russia towards ending the war, now in its fourth year—but Beijing has shown no signs of doing so.

2. India, UAE to Deepen Defence Ties

 India and the UAE on Wednesday agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, particularly in maritime security, through real-time information sharing, joint manufacturing, and enhanced military training cooperation.
The agreement was reached during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UAE’s Under-Secretary of Defence Lt General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi.
UAE-based small arms manufacturer Caracal has also partnered with Indian firm ICOMM to manufacture small arms in India.

3. Indian Experts Call for Ammunition Self-Reliance

India’s top defence experts on Wednesday stressed the urgent need to enhance both the quality and quantity of ammunition to achieve self-reliance.
The call was made at PHDCCI’s Ammo Power Conference in New Delhi, themed “Building Ammunitions Ecosystem for Self-Reliant and Future-Ready India.”
Senior policymakers, military officials, and private sector leaders attended to explore challenges and opportunities in strengthening India’s ammunition base.
Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that while the government and armed forces are committed to achieving self-sufficiency, the industry must focus on the entire value chain.

4. India, UK Unveil 10-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap

 India and the United Kingdom on Wednesday announced the signing of a 10-year defence industrial roadmap to enhance defence cooperation and strengthen security ties under the broader Vision 2035 partnership.
The announcement was made by the British High Commission via social media platform X.
The roadmap focuses on co-development, joint research, and innovation in defence technologies, with emphasis on supply chain resilience, development of complex weapons, warship and jet engines, and bolstering national security for both nations.

5. Construction of First Air Cushion Vehicle for Coast Guard Begins

 Construction of the first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) began on July 30, 2025, marked by a girder laying ceremony at the Rassaim Yard, Chowgule Shipyard, Goa.
 Designed by British firm Griffon Hoverwork and constructed with Indian expertise, the ACVs will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s speed, versatility, and reach—reinforcing maritime capability and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Griffon Hoverwork is known for designing hovercraft used by several militaries, including the Indian Coast Guard.

6. Airbus Rolls Out C295 MSA for Spain

Airbus rolled out the first C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) for the Spanish Air and Space Force on July 30, 2025.
Assembled at the company’s Seville facility, the aircraft has now entered the development and certification phase, with its maiden flight expected later in the year.
This is the first of eight C295 MSAs ordered to replace Spain’s aging CN-235 VIGMA fleet, in service since 2008. The aircraft will be used for maritime surveillance, anti-smuggling, border patrol, and search and rescue (SAR) missions.

7. India, Brazil to Boost Defence Cooperation

India and Brazil have agreed to deepen defence and military cooperation, focusing on defence industry partnerships and regional security in the Indo-Pacific and Latin America.
The 8th Joint Defence Committee meeting was held in Brasilia on July 30, co-chaired by Shri Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (IC), and Maj Gen Willian Koji Kamei, Deputy Chief of Policy and Strategy.
Talks covered military training, industry collaboration, and bolstering defence ties in strategic regions, the Indian Defence Ministry said in a post on X.

8. Axiscades Details Defence Orders Worth ₹600 Crore

On July 31, 2025, Axiscades disclosed details of previously announced defence orders worth approximately ₹600 crore from DRDO, BEL, and other labs for the development and production of advanced sub-systems.
The Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a DRDO subsidiary, awarded the company a ₹203 crore order for prototype development of Digital Transmit Modules (DTM) and Digital Receive Modules (DRM) for surveillance radar.
The order is for prototype work and will be followed by a production order for 400 units over 2–4 years.

9. US Navy F-35 Jet Crashes, 12th in 7 Years

A US Navy F-35 fighter jet crashed near Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on July 31, 2025. The pilot safely ejected, and an investigation is underway.
This marks the 12th crash involving an F-35 in the last seven years.
The incident follows the departure of a British F-35B from India after more than a month of repairs.
The crashed jet was an F-35C, the carrier variant used for naval operations, and belonged to VFC-125 “Rough Raiders,” responsible for pilot and aircrew training.

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.