SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s Rafale Marine fighter jets are set to receive a significant upgrade with the acquisition of Meteor long-range beyond visual range air-to-air missiles and Astra Mk1A beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. The deal for 26 Rafale M jets is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is a state-of-the-art air-to-air missile with a range of over 150 kilometers. It is capable of engaging targets at high speeds and altitudes, making it a formidable weapon for air defense missions.

SOURCE: AFI

At the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and Managing Director of Dynamatic Technologies Limited, presented the company’s vision for the development of a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) for India. In his address, Malhoutra emphasized Dynamatic Technologies’ readiness to contribute significantly to the project, citing the company’s extensive experience in manufacturing aircraft fuselages for prominent international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

According to idrw.org, Malhoutra voiced strong support for the RTA initiative, showcasing the confidence that Dynamatic Technologies brings to the table. The company’s involvement in producing fuselage sections for leading aircraft manufacturers has cemented its reputation in the aerospace industry, positioning it as a key player for India’s domestic aviation programs. Malhoutra’s backing of the RTA proposal is a reflection of the company’s ambitions to leverage its aerospace expertise for national projects.

SOURCE: AFI

DroneAcharya, a leading Indian drone technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with American Blast Systems (ABS) to expand its presence in the United States, United Kingdom, and European markets. This collaboration aims to drive growth in the manufacturing and distribution of drones across various sectors, including defense, law enforcement, agriculture, and logistics.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), DroneAcharya and ABS will jointly design and develop drones in Los Angeles. These drones will be specifically tailored for applications such as surveillance, security, and logistics, catering to the diverse needs of the target markets.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the developmental trials of the Indigenous Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). This fourth-generation, miniaturised missile system is designed to provide critical air defence capabilities to the Indian armed forces.

To ensure timely production and deployment of VSHORADS, the DRDO has partnered with Adani and ICOMM in the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode. These two companies will play a key role in the limited production of VSHORADS, which will subsequently undergo user trials by the Indian Army.

SOURCE: AFI

The Canadian government has reiterated its unwavering support for India’s territorial integrity, dismissing any notion of a separate Khalistan state. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs David Morrison made this clear during his testimony before the foreign interference commission in Ottawa on Friday.

Morrison emphasized Canada’s unequivocal stance on India’s sovereignty, stating, “Canada’s policy is very clear that India’s territorial integrity must be respected. There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear.” He further clarified that while Canada views certain activities related to pro-Khalistan elements as “awful,” they are still protected under the country’s Freedom of Speech laws.  

SOURCE: AFI

The French-speaking military online portal, Avions Legendaires, has reported that Lockheed Martin is positioned as the primary challenger to Dassault in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets. The report claims that Lockheed Martin has offered its F-16V Viper, rebranded as the F-21 for India, as a strong competitor to Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet.

What makes Lockheed Martin the main challenger to Dassault is not entirely clear from the report, but the portal hints at significant backing from the U.S. administration, which is allegedly exerting diplomatic pressure on India to select the American fighter jet. The F-16V Viper, a modernized version of the legendary F-16, has already seen international success, with Taiwan purchasing 66 units from Lockheed Martin.

SOURCE: AFI

A major setback for Russia’s drone program: A heavy attack stealth drone, believed to be an S-70 Okhotnik, has been destroyed in what appears to be a friendly fire incident over the Donetsk front. The drone was allegedly shot down by a Russian Su-57 fighter jet near Konstantinovka.

Footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath of the incident, with severe damage to the drone and surrounding area. The red star on the drone’s wing is clearly visible, confirming its Russian origin. Ukrainian sources claim the drone was downed in Ukrainian-controlled territory, approximately 10 miles behind their lines.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant achievement, the South Western Command of the Indian Army has completed the maiden flights of Air Target Imitators (ATIs) in a high-altitude area, marking a pivotal moment in the Army’s efforts to enhance operational readiness. This breakthrough demonstrates the Army’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and utilizing innovative methods to train air defense troops in challenging environments.

The deployment of the ATIs in high-altitude areas opens up new opportunities for air defense troops to train in a realistic combat environment. These air target imitators are designed to replicate the flight characteristics of piston-engined or jet-propelled aircraft, emitting energy in the infrared wave band to simulate a wide range of aerial threats.

SOURCE: AFI

Green Aero Propulsion, a leading innovator in sustainable aviation technology, has announced a significant milestone in its development of hydrogen-based aero engines. The company has successfully test-fired its first hydrogen-based combustor, showcasing a major step towards a cleaner and more efficient future for aviation.

Prithwish Kundu, founder and CEO of Green Aero Propulsion, expressed his excitement about this achievement. “This is a truly remarkable moment for our team,” he said. “Converting theoretical concepts from textbooks into tangible, working hardware is incredibly rewarding. Our hydrogen-based combustor is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our engineers.”