9 June 2025.*DEFENCE UPDATE* *1. 5 Pakistani Jets Shot Down by Indian Air Defence Systems:* Digital evidence, including radar tracks and intercepted communications, has confirmed that Indian air defense systems have shot down five Pakistani jets. Three were downed by the Indo-Israeli MRAMM system, one by the Akash Mark 1 system, and one by the S-400 system. *2. DRDO Signs Licensing Agreement with Bharat Forge for Mounted Gun System:* DRDO has signed a Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (ToT) with Bharat Forge for the indigenous 155mm Mounted Gun System, paving the way for its large-scale production in India. *3. BSS Material Conducts High Altitude Trials of AI-driven Lethal Weapon System:* BSS Material has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of its AI-driven autonomous lethal weapon system (Negev LMG) at 14,000 feet, demonstrating the system’s operational capability in extreme conditions. *4. Germany Quietly Promotes IRIS-T Air Defence System to Pakistan:* Germany is discreetly marketing its IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system to Pakistan. The IRIS-T has proven its effectiveness by intercepting advanced threats, including Russia's P-800 Oniks supersonic cruise missile. *5. GE Eyes Engine Deal for India’s AMCA Stealth Fighter:* General Electric’s CEO, Larry Culp, has confirmed that GE will compete for the contract to manufacture jet engines for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter program. *6. DRDO Chief Confirms Rudram-4 Next-Gen Hypersonic Missile:* The DRDO Chief has confirmed the development of the Rudram-4, a next-generation long-range air-to-surface hypersonic missile. With maneuverability and speeds exceeding Mach 5, it will be highly difficult for adversaries to intercept. *7. DRDO Chief Confirms Induction Timelines for Pinaka Mk4:* User trials for the 120 km range Pinaka Mk3 will begin by late 2025, with induction into the Indian Army expected within three years. The 300 km range Pinaka Mk4 is progressing well, with prototype testing scheduled for 2027. *8. Indian Air Force to Get 3 Indigenous ISTAR Spy Planes:* The Defense Ministry will soon consider a ₹10,000 crore proposal to procure three sophisticated indigenous DSAR (ISTAR) aircraft for the Indian Air Force, enhancing India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. *9. Russia Offers 30 Su-57 Fighters Direct from Russia Until Nashik Line is Ready:* Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation has offered India 20–30 Su-57E stealth fighters directly from Russian production lines, along with full source code access, until local production is established at HAL’s Nashik facility. *10. GTRE to Sign Agreement for 120 kN Thrust Jet Engine by Year End:* The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) will sign a joint development agreement with an international OEM for a 120 kN thrust jet engine by the end of 2025. Ground testing of the technology demonstrator will start by 2029, with airborne trials by 2032. *11. MoD to Enhance Private Sector Role in AMCA Program:* In response to concerns from private industry about limited participation in the AMCA program, the Ministry of Defense is considering expanding the scope and share of work allotted to private sector partners, aiming for greater industrial involvement beyond just airframe manufacturing.