Mumbai, September 25: The Defence Ministry has finalized a significant contract worth over ₹810 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the purchase of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW). This deal was signed on September 24 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The SAT-SAAW is a precision-guided glide bomb designed for air-to-ground strikes, capable of being launched from platforms such as Jaguar, Hawk, and Su-30 MKI. These weapons are intended to destroy enemy airfields from long distances. The delivery of the SAT-SAAW is expected to be completed between 2027 and 2029.
In a move to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector, the contract also includes the indigenization of subsystems such as the Initial Measurement Unit, Long Impact Delay Fuse, and Twin Store Carrier, with 60% indigenous content in the system designed and developed by DRDO.
Additionally, India received two nominations for the International Emmy Awards announced on September 23. Comedian Vir Das’s Netflix stand-up special “Fool Volume” has been nominated in the comedy category, marking his third international nomination. The series “Real Kashmir Football Club” on Sony Liv has also received a nomination in the drama series category.
The 2026 International Emmy Awards will take place in New York on November 23, featuring a total of 64 nominations across 16 categories from 22 countries.
In sports news, Pune has been awarded the hosting rights for the UCI Road World Championship 2032, marking the first time this global cycling event will be held in India.
Lastly, the Delhi Cabinet has approved the DURGA e-auto scheme aimed at empowering women and transgender individuals by providing them with electric auto rickshaws for self-employment. Initially, 1,300 pink electric autos will be allocated, with a focus on enhancing safety and participation in the transport sector.
Overall, these developments reflect India’s ongoing efforts in defence, entertainment, sports, and social empowerment.