Rupal Kalebere
June 2025 marked a watershed moment in India’s defence modernisation journey. With major inductions across naval platforms, accelerated procurement under emergency frameworks, cutting-edge breakthroughs in quantum communication, and systemic policy reviews, the month saw both operational and institutional strides. Aligned with the Government of India’s flagship initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and the declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, these developments collectively reflect India’s maturing defence-industrial base and strategic foresight.
Naval Modernisation: Expanding India’s Maritime Reach
INS Arnala: Commissioning of India’s First ASW Shallow Water Craft
Commissioned on 18 June 2025 at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, INS Arnala is the first in a series of 16 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). Built by GRSE in partnership with L&T, Arnala integrates over 80% indigenous content and brings enhanced subsurface surveillance and maritime patrolling capabilities to shallow coastal zones, a critical component of anti-submarine operations. The vessel’s propulsion through a Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination and its integration with systems from BEL, Mahindra Defence, MEIL, and others reflect a successful public-private partnership model.
Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs): Keel Laying of Yard 1283
On 9 June 2025, the keel of the fourth NGOPV was laid at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), under a contract for 11 vessels (7 by GSL and 4 by GRSE). The 3,000-ton class ships will support coastal defence, EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy, and humanitarian operations. The NGOPV program demonstrates India’s commitment to building a blue-water navy with indigenous assets, critical for India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.
ICG FPVs: ‘Achal’ and ‘Adamya’
- FPV ‘Achal’: Launched on 16 June 2025 by GSL, Achal is the fifth in an 8-ship series, powered by CPP-based propulsion and capable of 27 knots.
- FPV ‘Adamya’: Inducted on 26 June 2025, Adamya is the first of the same series to feature indigenously designed CPPs and gearboxes, and is equipped with advanced weapons and fire control systems.
Induction of Bollard Pull Tug ‘Ojas’
The Indian Navy inducted Ojas, the fifth 25-ton Bollard Pull Tug, on 27 June 2025 in Visakhapatnam. Built by Titagarh Rail Systems, these tugs will support ship berthing, fire-fighting, and limited SAR.
Strategic Implication: Though auxiliary, tugboats like Ojas enhance harbour operations and reflect India’s growing self-reliance in naval logistics infrastructure.
Coast Guard Infrastructure: Operationalising the Vizhinjam Jetty
On 7 June 2025, the Indian Coast Guard inaugurated a 76.7-metre dedicated jetty at Vizhinjam Harbour, Kerala just 10 nautical miles from international shipping lanes. This jetty supports faster deployment of ICG vessels for search and rescue (SAR), anti-smuggling, and fisheries protection. This infrastructure positions India as a maritime security anchor along the southwest coast and complements Vizhinjam’s role as an international transshipment hub.
Emergency Procurement: Rapid Response for Counter-Terrorism
On 24 June 2025, MoD concluded 13 contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore under the Emergency Procurement (EP) framework for the Indian Army. Key procurements include:
- Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS)
- Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR)
- VSHORADS launchers and missiles
- Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs)
- Loitering Munitions (including VTOL)
- Bulletproof Jackets, Helmets, and QRF Vehicles
The fast-tracked procurement highlights MoD’s commitment to closing operational gaps in real-time, particularly for counter-insurgency and asymmetric warfare in J&K and the Northeast.
Defence R&D and Technology Infusion
DRDO Transfers Nine Land Systems to Ten Private Companies
On 7 June 2025, DRDO’s VRDE transferred technologies for 9 advanced systems to companies including BEL, BEML, Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems, and Metaltech. Notable systems include:
- CBRN Recce Vehicle Mk-II
- Mounted Gun System
- Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked)
- Multi-Purpose Decontamination Systems
- Unit Maintenance and Repair Vehicles for MBT Arjun
This technology transfer promotes dual-use land systems development and aligns with India’s goal to create a globally competitive defence manufacturing base.
Quantum Communication Breakthrough by DRDO & IIT Delhi
On 16 June 2025, India demonstrated free-space quantum secure communication over 1 km at IIT Delhi using quantum entanglement. The system achieved:
- Secure key rate: ~240 bits/sec
- Quantum bit error rate: <7%
- No physical cables required (free-space optical link)
This is a paradigm shift in cyber defence, offering unbreakable encryption vital for nuclear command and strategic communication networks.
Policy and Institutional Reform: Review of DAP 2020
In line with the ‘Year of Reforms’, MoD initiated a comprehensive review of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 on 19 June 2025. A committee led by the DG (Acquisition), with inputs from former IAS officer Apurva Chandra, academia, and industry, will:
- Align DAP with FDI, Make-I/II, and startup participation
- Simplify acquisition trials, post-contract processes, and categorization
- Promote AI integration and new technology adoption
A revamped DAP will be instrumental in lowering entry barriers for MSMEs and startups, enhancing ease of doing defence business, and accelerating tech acquisition.
Conclusion: Building for Future Conflicts, Sustainably
The defence developments in June 2025 offer a multi-dimensional snapshot of India’s strategic priorities:
- Indigenisation across naval and land platforms is no longer aspirational but operational.
- Fast-tracked procurement reflects policy responsiveness to emerging threats.
- Quantum and cyber technologies are breaking ground in core military capabilities.
- Institutional reforms are being synchronised with industry-driven innovation.
Together, these initiatives reinforce India’s transition from a buyer’s defence market to a producer’s power, one that is confident in its capacity to protect its interests from the Himalayas to the high seas, from conventional combat to cyber frontiers.