SOURCE: AFI

The Indian-Russian joint venture BrahMos, known for its supersonic cruise missiles, has secured a significant milestone with a combined order portfolio exceeding $7 billion. This figure encompasses both domestic Indian orders and export deals, according to the company’s export director, Pravin Pathak.

Pathak made the announcement during the World Defense Show 2024, an international defense and security exhibition currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event, running from February 4th to 8th, provides a platform for showcasing advanced military technologies and fostering international partnerships.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

In a notable display of India’s growing prowess in defense technology and strategic diplomacy, Union Minister of State for Defence & Tourism Ajay Bhatt, along with Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, and Additional Secretary Anurag Bajpai, were warmly welcomed at the BrahMos Pavilion during the ongoing WORLD DEFENSE SHOW 2024 in Riyadh. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Joshi and Praveen Pathak, Director (Marketing, Promotion, & Export) at BrahMos, hosted the esteemed delegation, marking a significant moment in India’s defense export endeavors.

The presence of such high-profile dignitaries underscores the importance India places on bolstering its defense capabilities while fostering stronger ties with key partners in the Middle East region. The BrahMos Pavilion served as a testament to India’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in defense technology, particularly in the realm of cruise missile systems.

SOURCE: AFI

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has once again brought the Kashmir issue to the forefront as part of its electoral strategy leading up to the national polls. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has pledged to prioritize the ‘Kashmir issue’ should the PPP come into power. Bhutto’s remarks come in conjunction with Pakistan’s annual observance of ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’, a day dedicated to showing support for the people of Kashmir.

In addition to his focus on Kashmir, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also criticized his political rival and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for what he perceives as attempts to reconcile with India. Bhutto accused Sharif of seeking rapprochement with India, particularly highlighting Sharif’s recent statement expressing willingness to engage with India if it restores Article 370, which was revoked by Prime Minister Modi’s government in 2019.

SOURCE: AFI

In his latest address to the parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered scathing remarks targeting the Gandhis and India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

During his final speech in parliament before the upcoming elections, PM Modi took direct aim at Rahul Gandhi and his great grandfather, criticizing Rahul’s “Mohabbat ka Dukaan” campaign and accusing Nehru of lacking faith in the potential of the Indian people.

SOURCE: AFI

Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has revealed a strategic shift in the country’s defense procurement, highlighting India and France as key partners. This move signifies a diversification away from traditional reliance and marks a significant development in Armenian national security strategy.

Minister Papikyan emphasized the ongoing process of expanding Armenia’s defense equipment sources. He noted the development of partnerships with “many superpowers,” but specifically identified India and France as the “main partners”.

SOURCE: AFI

India showcased its military hardware at the recent 2nd India-Kenya Defence Exhibition & Seminar held in Nairobi, aiming to strengthen its strategic ties with Kenya. Among the offerings was the HAL-developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, designed for high-altitude warfare.

The exhibition, co-organized by the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) and the High Commission of India (HCI), saw participation from dignitaries like Kenyan Defence Minister Hon. Aden Duale and KDF Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen J Mwangi.

SOURCE: AFI

The Philippines is gearing up for a significant boost in its coastal defense capabilities with the impending arrival of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya confirmed the delivery schedule, stating that the ground system will arrive in the first week of February 2024, followed by the missiles themselves in March.

This acquisition marks a major milestone for the Philippines, which will become the first Southeast Asian nation to possess the BrahMos system. Developed jointly by India and Russia, these missiles boast impressive capabilities:

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have set their sights on acquiring the country’s first-ever submarine, marking a significant step in bolstering its maritime defense capabilities. This move comes amidst rising tensions with China in the South China Sea, where Beijing asserts expansive claims and frequently engages in military activities.

The AFP’s primary motivation for acquiring submarines lies in enhancing its coastal defense capabilities against Chinese warships and submarines. They envision a fleet of conventional-diesel submarines tailored for patrolling the country’s vast maritime territory and deterring potential threats.

SOURCE: AFI

On February 19, 2001, a routine flight from Delhi to Kargil nearly turned into a tragedy. Air Marshal VK Bhatia, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), despite lacking qualification for the AN-32 aircraft, insisted on flying the aircraft himself for the inauguration of the Kargil Airfield. This decision, fueled by ambition and a desire for personal glory, almost cost the lives of all onboard.

The Kargil Airfield, located close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan and surrounded by high hills, presented inherent challenges. Despite concerns raised by the qualified co-pilot Air Vice Marshal A C Chafekar about the risks, Air Marshal Bhatia remained determined to land at Kargil.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set for a series of missile launches, marking a significant development for the country’s defense capabilities. While previous launches have primarily taken place from Odisha’s Chandipur or Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota, this upcoming event will witness a historic first for West Bengal. DRDO has established a launch pad at Junput beach near Haripur, poised to host its maiden missile launch from the state.

The launches are scheduled for the end of February or the beginning of March, with two missiles taking to the skies. One launch will occur from Baleshwar, Odisha, adhering to the established practice. However, all eyes will be on Junput beach as it witnesses its first ever missile launch, marking a new chapter for West Bengal’s involvement in India’s strategic missile program.

SOURCE: AFI

In a bid to bolster India’s self-reliance and indigenization efforts, the Indian Navy and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted their annual Apex Level Meeting-2024 on today’s date. Co-chaired by DRDO Chairman Dr. Sameer V. Kamat and Indian Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the meeting served as a platform for in-depth discussions on collaborative development projects aimed at equipping the Indian Navy with cutting-edge indigenous technologies.

The meeting emphasized the shared goal of minimizing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening domestic defense capabilities. Strategic discussions focused on existing and upcoming projects across various domains, including:

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force is taking a major step forward in its indigenous fighter jet program with the first upgraded Tejas MK1A aircraft nearing its maiden flight. Scheduled for later this month, the jet boasts a range of improvements including a new mission computer, smart multi-function displays (MFDs), an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and an advanced electronic warfare suite.

Currently undergoing final assembly checks before the aircraft will embark on low and high-speed trials after successful ground testing. If all goes well, the inaugural flight could occur by early March, paving the way for further testing and eventual squadron deployment.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s growing prowess in defense manufacturing received a boost with the Adani-Elbit joint venture delivering over 20 Hermes 900 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAVs to Israel. This marks a significant achievement, as the Hyderabad-based Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd became the first entity outside Israel to manufacture these advanced drones.

While contributing to Israeli defense through exports, Adani-Elbit has also secured initial orders from the Indian Army and Navy for two Hermes 900 units. These units were procured under emergency powers for immediate needs, but they also serve as vital tools for evaluation and benchmarking, potentially paving the way for larger domestic orders in the future. Recognizing the capability of the Hermes 900, the Indian Armed Forces have expressed a combined requirement for 155 MALE-class UAVs.

SOURCE: AFI

Following the recent approval for the sale of 31 MQ-9B high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAVs to India, the Biden administration is now reportedly considering a deal for the supply of six additional P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to the Indian Navy. This potential deal further underscores the growing strategic partnership between the US and India in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy currently operates a fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, split into two squadrons stationed at Arakkonam and Goa. These Boeing-made planes, based on the 737-800 commercial platform, offer advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW), long-range surveillance, and intelligence gathering capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set to conduct a missile test launch from the Digha coast in West Bengal, marking the first time the state will host such an event. Typically, DRDO utilizes the neighboring state of Odisha for missile testing activities.

The launch is scheduled for late February or early March, with the Junput coast near Digha serving as the designated launchpad. The West Bengal government has collaborated with DRDO by providing the necessary land for the launchpad construction. Interestingly, another missile will be launched simultaneously from Balasore, Odisha, raising questions about the purpose of this dual launch.