13 June 2025.*DEFENCE UPDATE* 1. *Israel launches Operation Rising Lion*: Israel began Operation Rising Lion against Iran with 200 fighter jets targeting key parts of Iran's nuclear and military program, causing significant damage at Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility. 2. *Record of Pakistan on terrorism very clear*: India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated Pakistan’s record on terrorism is well known, citing the recent Pahalgam terror attack as another example of cross-border terrorism. 3. *White House rejects reports of inviting Pakistan Army's failed Marshal*: The White House denied claims that it had invited a senior Pakistani military officer to a US Army parade. 4. *Indian Navy poised for prominent role in next conflict with Pakistan*: A Pakistani maritime security expert warned that the Indian Navy is likely to take a leading role in any future escalation, potentially targeting Karachi port and nearby naval facilities. 5. *India issues NOTAM for Indian Air Force exercise near Pakistan border*: India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for an Air Force exercise near the southern section of its border with Pakistan, less than 60 km from the border, scheduled from June 18-19. 6. *Indian Air Force Apache conducts emergency landing in Pathankot, 2nd in a week*: An IAF Apache helicopter made an emergency landing due to technical issues, marking the second such incident involving Apaches in a week. 7. *Prachand helicopters cleared for operations after safety overhaul*: The Prachand Light Combat Helicopters have been cleared for flight operations following a comprehensive safety overhaul. 8. *Russia pitches Bastion-P system to countries interested in BrahMos*: After BrahMos missile success, Russia is offering its Bastion-P mobile coastal defense missile system to international buyers interested in BrahMos, noting Bastion-P is a coastal defense asset. 9. *India shifts to competitive bidding for defence projects boosting private sector opportunities*: The Indian government announced all major defense projects will now be awarded through competitive bidding, moving away from nomination-based contracts to encourage private sector participation. 10. *Bombardier Aerospace to propose Global 8000 for IAF's upcoming ISTAR platform*: Bombardier is preparing to pitch its advanced Global 8000 jet for the Indian Air Force’s upcoming ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) aircraft program. 11. *SiriNor developing 90 kN electric jet engine*: Norwegian-Indian startup SiriNor is developing a 90 kN thrust electric jet engine for commercial aircraft, with scalability for fighter jets and potential for an electric fighter jet in the future. 12. *India set to bolster Air Force with ₹67,000 crore deal for 97 additional MK1A fighters*: The Indian government will approve a ₹67,000 crore deal to procure 97 more Tejas MK1A fighter jets, with higher per-unit costs due to foreign exchange volatility and imported engines. 13. *Russia offers KH-69 stealth cruise missile for India's Su-30MKI fleet*: Russia has formally offered the KH-69 stealth cruise missile for integration on India’s Su-30MKI fighters, which can be launched from external wing stations without major modifications. 14. *India's MoD plans dual production lines for 500 Astra Mark 2 BVR missile order*: The Ministry of Defence plans to establish two production lines—one with Bharat Dynamics Limited and another with private sector firms—for over 500 Astra Mark 2 beyond-visual-range missiles to boost capacity and reduce delivery times.