PM Narendra Modi’s Israel visit (Feb 25–26, 2026) is not just a diplomatic photo-op, but a signal of India’s confident “de-hyphenated” foreign policy. India–Israel FTA negotiations have started this week. Currently the trade is ~$3.6 billion, but the focus will be on high-tech, electronics and medical devices. Let us tell you that Indian MSMEs can benefit from this. Faster access to Europe is possible with the IMEC corridor and the Adani-led Haifa Port deal. In Defence, HAL and Israel Aerospace Industries are working on tanker aircraft project. Also AI, cyber and green-tech collaboration can increase. Challenge Gulf balance will have to be maintained.

Indian Air Force: The Indian government has approved the purchase of 114 more Rafale fighter jets from France. With this step, the squadron strength of the Indian Air Force is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. In the meantime, let us know how many fighter jets are there in a squadron of the Indian Air Force and how many does India have at present.

How many fighter jets are there in a squadron?

A standard fighter squadron of the Indian Air Force usually consists of 18 fighter aircraft. Of these 18 aircraft, about 16 are operational fighter jets, while two are trainer aircraft. These are used for pilot conversion and operational training. Apart from this, some aircraft are kept in reserve to manage maintenance cycles and emergencies. Each squadron is usually commanded by an officer of the rank of Wing Commander. It oversees operational preparation, training and deployment.

How many fighter squadrons does India have now?

By February 2026, the Indian Air Force is operating approximately 29 active fighter squadrons. This is much less than its sanctioned strength of 42.5 squadrons. This is considered necessary to deal with the two front situation. The decline in squadron numbers over the past few years has been mainly due to the retirement of older aircraft such as the MiG variants. Along with this, new aircraft have been gradually included.

Total fighter aircraft in service

Based on the current 29-30 squadrons, India has approximately 520 to 540 operational fighter aircraft. This number keeps going up and down depending on retirements, upgrades and new inductions. Although the fleet is still strong, the gap between sanctioned and actual numbers remains a strategic concern.

114 What will change with Rafale jet?

With the approval to purchase 114 more Rafale jets, the number of squadrons is expected to improve significantly in the next 10 years. Once inducted, these aircraft will greatly help India get closer to its projected strength and modernize its fighter fleet. With growing regional security challenges, expanding squadron capability is not just about numbers. It is about maintaining air power and also about the strength of the Indian Air Force.

Also read: Can a Hindu also become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, how is the constitution there?

After making strategic defense partnership with United Arab Emirates (UAE), now India is going to make a big agreement with Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism. On Wednesday (January 28), India and Saudi Arabia held high-level talks on security and terrorism in Riyadh.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the meeting took place amid regional and global security concerns and focused on counter-terrorism measures, legal cooperation and emerging threats. The third meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Security Working Group under the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council was held on January 28.

‘Strongly condemn all forms of terrorism’
The Ministry of External Affairs said that a review was conducted regarding security cooperation and a comprehensive assessment of the threats posed by terrorist groups in their respective regions at the global level. Both India and Saudi Arabia strongly condemned all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. The authorities particularly condemned the terrorist attack on civilians on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the terrorist incident that occurred on November 10 near the Red Fort in New Delhi.

The 3rd Meeting of Security Working Group emanating from the ‘Political, Consular, and Security Cooperation Committee’ of India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council was held today in Riyadh. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (CT) @MEAIndia and… pic.twitter.com/5lcEmKooBC

— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) January 28, 2026

What issues were discussed?
During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening cooperation to deal with current and emerging counter-terrorism challenges. These included countering extremism and radicalization, stopping terrorism funding, preventing the misuse of technology for terrorist purposes, and addressing the nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism.

India has good relations with both Saudi and UAE
This conversation is also important because recently during the visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi, both the countries have signed a deal on Strategic Defense Partnership. Tension has been seen between India’s key partners UAE and Saudi Arabia over separate issues in Yemen and parts of North Africa. However, Indian officials have emphasized that New Delhi’s defense cooperation with Abu Dhabi is not against any third country but the agreement has been made keeping in mind the interests of India.

read this also

How was gold stolen from the doors of Sabarimala? ISRO scientists made shocking revelation

America has approved to sell modern technology and assistance worth $686 million i.e. Rs 5,800 crore to upgrade Pakistan’s fighter jet F-16. America’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has sent a letter in this regard to the US Parliament and Congress. The US Congress has 30 days to review this proposed sale. However, this step of the Trump administration has increased the stir at the global level. Besides, keeping in mind the concerns of India, it was also said in the letter that this deal will not have any impact on the military balance of the region.

According to the report of Pakistani newspaper Dawn, this package includes Link-16 data link system, cryptographic equipment (secret code), avionics updates (electronic systems of the aircraft), pilot training and logistical support. With this package, the lifespan of the aircraft will increase by 15 years i.e. the lifespan of the weapons will increase by 2040.

DSCA has informed House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Rish and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast in this regard. The agency said in the letters that the US Air Force is going to issue a ‘Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for defense materials and services worth about $ 686 million to Pakistan, the estimated cost of which is $ 686 million.

It is clearly stated in the DSCA letter that this deal will support America’s foreign policy and national security. With this, Pakistan will be able to continue working with American and allied forces in anti-terrorism operations.

This package includes Major Defense Equipment (MDA) worth $37 million and additional hardware, software and logistical support worth $649 million. 92 links-16 technical data link systems are also included in the MDA list. It is a jam-resistant digital network used by US and allied forces to share battlefield information in real time. Also included are six MK-82 inert 500-pound bomb bodies, which are unguided and low-drag training weapons. These are specifically used for integration and release testing.

According to the notification, the deal also includes a variety of non-MDA items, including avionics updates, operational flight program modifications, secure communications systems, identification friend or foe equipment, cryptographic applique, mission-planning systems, test equipment, spare parts, training devices, simulators, publications, and contractor engineering and logistics support.

The administration said these upgrades will help Pakistan modernize its Block-52 and mid-life upgrade F-16 fleet and ensure compatibility with US and partner forces. Keeping in mind India’s long-standing concerns, the notification also made it clear that this sale will not change the basic military balance in the region.

Also read:-
India-US Relations: ‘India can help’, US MP gave a big statement, also gave green signal on visa policy

The Philippines has begun formal talks with India to purchase a medium-range surface-to-air missile system (SAM). This system will replace the Philippines Air Force’s old American-made missiles, which were purchased in the 1990s.

Old missile system now ineffective
Currently, the Philippines Air Force operates only one upgraded HAWK XXI system at Clark Air Base. This system is now outdated and has limited capacity. It can intercept fighter planes at a distance of about 40-45 kilometers and cruise missiles at a distance of 20-25 kilometers. Old technology has been used in this system and it is becoming difficult to get the necessary spare parts for it. For this reason, there are continuous difficulties in its maintenance and operation.

India offered Akash-1S system
Keeping in mind the needs of Philippines, India has offered Akash-1S missile system. This system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and is already in use in the Indian Army and Air Force. This missile system has the capability to shoot down fighter planes at a distance of about 45 kilometers and cruise missiles up to 30 kilometers. It is a mobile system that can be carried on 8×8 heavy military vehicles. A battery unit consists of four mobile launchers, each launcher carrying eight missiles. It is accompanied by a command post and 3D radar system, which is capable of identifying and tracking targets.

Why is this system considered useful for the Philippines?
The system can be deployed rapidly and works even in harsh weather conditions. It is being considered suitable for the security of sensitive military areas like Subic Bay, Clark Airbase and Palawan. This system will strengthen the air defense of the Philippines in the event of increasing maritime tensions with China.

The need for a long range system has not yet been met.
The Philippines had initially expressed its desire for a missile system with a range of 50 to 80 kilometers. India is working on a new such long-range system, Akash-NG, but it is still in the testing phase and is not yet approved for export. For this reason, only Akash-1S has been given as an option to the Philippines. India’s other missile systems such as QRSAM or MRSAM-ER have not been included in this proposal. QRSAM is short in range and MRSAM-ER has sensitive technology, so their export is not possible at present.

How much will the deal be?
According to open-source reports, if this deal is finalized then its price could be around $200 million. This will be another major achievement in defense cooperation between India and Philippines after the BrahMos missile deal.

world photo gallery

Drone Engines: Drones are playing a big role in modern wars. Many big countries have established their dominance in drone manufacturing. With this, now everyone’s eyes are on India which is rapidly moving towards making its own indigenous drone engines. Let us know which countries currently make drone engines and what is India’s position in this matter.

Big countries manufacturing drone engines

America

The United States is far ahead in terms of drone technology. It has developed new technology drones like MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk. Both of them run on very powerful engines. US defense companies such as General Atomics and Pratt & Whitney have established large and global standards for UAV propulsion systems. After this step, America has become a big leader in this field.

China

Along with this, if we talk about China, then this country has become the largest producer and exporter of both commercial and military products. Companies like DJI continue to dominate the global consumer drone market, and military drones like the Wing Loong and CH series demonstrate the country’s technological strength. China also manufactures parts for drone engines and exports them all over the world.

israel

The name of Israel is also included in this list, which was one of the first countries to develop modern UAVs. Israel Aerospace Industries has manufactured drones like Heron and Searcher and these drones have been used by the Indian Defense Forces.

Türkiye

In the last few years, Türkiye has emerged as a big player because of its Bayraktar and Anka drones. These drones are controlled by indigenous engines designed for durability and precise aiming.

iran

Iran says that it has made its own UAV engines using indigenous technology. Iran has achieved great success in developing drones like Shahed 136.

Is India self-reliant in making drone engines?

India is constantly trying to reduce its dependence on foreign drone parts. The government has started the Production Link Incentive Scheme to be self-reliant. Its aim is to transform India into a global drone hub by 2030. At the same time, organizations like Defense Research and Development Organization and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are working hard in making long-range drones running on indigenous engines.

Along with this, India is also developing Kamikaze drone with an effective strike range of 1000 km. These self-destructing UAVs are designed for precise attacks and will be powered by indigenous engines.

Also read: This Mughal emperor had the maximum number of marriages, know how many children he had and the reason behind it?

India is among the world’s largest arms purchasing countries. The Indian Air Force is retiring its Mig-21 fleet. In such a situation, there is a discussion that India will include other fighter jets in their fleet. Therefore, from America, Russia to France, India is offering offers to buy their fighter jets. Meanwhile, the Defense Secretary of India has given a big statement.

Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on Friday (September 12, 2025) that India needs to showcase its ‘soft power’ as well as its ‘hard power’ amidst growing competitive populism and economic protectionism worldwide. The Defense Secretary was addressing the Southern Command Defense Tech 2025 Seminar (Strid 2025) in Pune.

Rising wave of nationalism in the world: Rajesh Kumar Singh

Rajesh Kumar Singh said that geopolitical factors associated with the ongoing struggles in West Asia and Europe and the rise of populist leadership around the world have stopped the trend of increasing globalization and free trade. He said, ‘These trends are promoting competitive populistism and economic protectionism around the world, along with economic fragmentation, collapse of multilateral institutions and the rising wave of nationalism is also being seen.’

What did the defense secretary say about the deal?

The Defense Secretary said, “As a result, at a time when strategic bargains you need to be able to demonstrate rigorous power too, the need to show rigorous power in support of soft power is becoming even more important.”

He also said that there is a need to bring together research institutes, private and public sectors like the education world, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to meet the needs of the country’s armed forces.

India, France and Russia are offering

Let us know that America has the most modern and most dangerous fifth generation fighter jet F-35, but it is quite expensive. Russia’s SU-57 is also a fifth generation stealth fighter jet, it is considered to be a collision of F-35, but it is much cheaper than it. Apart from this, France also wants to sell its Rafael to India. India already have two Squadron of Rafael.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was questioned on Friday whether the issue of China was raised in the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohammad Mujju? In response to this, he said that Maldives has expressed his commitment to cooperation with India, describing the issues related to security as important.

Maldives’ security is necessary to cooperate with India
Vikram Misri said that President Mujju clarified that Maldives takes security related matters seriously and cooperation on it will continue between the two countries. He informed that there is constant communication and contact between the security agencies of India and Maldives.

VIDEO | Maldives: when asked if China featured in the modi-muizzu talks, mea foreign secretary vikram misri said, “The President Expressed His Commitment to the Maldives ATATACHES TO Security-Related issues and the Commitment of Both Sides to Continue Working… pic.twitter.com/y9pp2Pelif

– Press Trust of India (@Pti_News) July 25, 2025

Discussion on trade, defense and maritime security
Prime Minister Modi held extensive conversations with Mujju during a two -day visit to Maldives. The two leaders insisted on further deepening the partnership in important areas like trade, defense and maritime security.

India-Maldives will continue to work on shared security interests
Vikram Egyptian said that India will continue to work with Maldives on all the subjects that can affect regional security. There is a constant and higher dialogue between security agencies.

40% relief in loan payment
Vikram Egyptian informed that under the important agreement reached after the meeting, the debt that Maldives has to pay for India every year will decrease by 40 percent.

“Our relations are older than history” – PM Modi
PM Modi said in the press briefing that the relations between India and Maldives are as deep as the sea and older than history. He said, “Friendship always comes to us first.” He also said that the friendship between India and Maldives will remain bright and clear in every situation.

Line of credit and trade agreement of ₹ 4,850 crore
India announced financial assistance of ₹ 4,850 crore to Maldives. Apart from this, it has been agreed to finalize the free trade agreement between the two countries soon.