SOURCE: AFI

China has conducted surface-to-air missile tests on the Karakoram Plateau, close to the border with India. These tests, reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), took place even as diplomatic talks between the two countries were ongoing.

The missile tests involved successfully intercepting a subsonic cruise missile at an altitude of over 17,000 feet. China’s state media highlighted the test as a demonstration of its military prowess, showcasing its ability to neutralize advanced missiles that India might possess.

SOURCE: AFI

Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur, in a recent column, has raised a crucial concern about India’s “Atmanirbharta” (Self-Reliant India) campaign. While commendable in its intention to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, it should not come at the cost of compromising the fighting potential of the Indian armed forces.

The Vice Chief’s statement highlights a recurring issue in India’s defense sector: the tendency of research and development agencies to overpromise and underdeliver. The delays in the supply of Tejas Mk1A fighters and Apache helicopters are stark examples of this trend.

SOURCE: AFI

Controp-Paras Technologies Private Limited, an associate company of Paras Defence and Space Technologies, has secured a significant order valued at approximately Rs 305 crore (excluding taxes) from Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T). The order involves the manufacturing and supply of 244 units of the Sight-25HD Electro-Optics (EO) System, which will be integrated into L&T’s Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) program.

The Sight-25HD EO System is a high-performance targeting sight designed for installation on various vehicles and weapon stations. It offers a comprehensive suite of EO/IR sensors to effectively address diverse operational challenges and ensure accurate target acquisition and engagement.

SOURCE: AFI

In a bid to meet its ambitious net-zero targets, India is planning to build a large fleet of small nuclear reactors (SNRs) to power hard-to-decarbonize industries like steel and cement. These reactors, a redesigned version of India’s 220-MW pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR), are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of these energy-intensive sectors.

The initiative, driven by requests from domestic heavy industries, aims to provide a clean and reliable energy source for sectors that have struggled to decarbonize. Anil Kakodkar, former chairman and current member of India’s Atomic Energy Commission, highlighted the growing interest from industry players in having captive nuclear power plants. “Sensitivity about carbon emissions has gone up,” he stated, “and companies whose emissions are hard to abate are particularly conscious of it, because it’s going to hurt them if they cannot bring down the carbon footprint of their products.”

SOURCE: AFI

India is close to finalizing a major defense deal with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. These jets are intended to operate from India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant. While the exact price of the deal has not been officially disclosed, media reports suggest that the pricing will be based on the Rafale jets previously procured for the Indian Air Force (IAF), adjusted for inflation.

In 2016, India signed a deal with France’s Dassault Aviation for 36 Rafale fighter jets for the IAF. The contracted price for those jets averaged out to €91.7 million (Rs 686 crore) per aircraft. This included 28 single-seat fighters priced at €91.07 million (Rs 681 crore) each and eight twin-seat fighters priced at €94 million (Rs 703 crore) per aircraft. The total cost of this deal amounted to €3.3 billion for the 36 “bare-bones” aircraft.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, is set to establish a manufacturing facility in Casablanca, Morocco. This facility will focus on producing the highly successful WhAP 8×8 armored vehicle, with an annual production capacity of 100 units.

Morocco has already placed orders for 150 units of the WhAP 8×8, demonstrating its confidence in the vehicle’s capabilities. However, the establishment of the production facility in Morocco serves a broader strategic purpose. It aims to serve as an entry point for Tata to export the Made in Morocco WhAP 8×8 to other African markets. This move aligns with Tata’s vision of expanding its global footprint and contributing to the growth of local defense industries.

SOURCE: AFI

MKU, Asia’s largest manufacturer and exporter of armored solutions, has announced plans to establish new manufacturing units in Saudi Arabia and Brazil. This strategic expansion comes in response to the increasing global demand for its high-quality bulletproof jackets and composite helmets.

As the primary supplier to the Indian Armed Forces, Police, and other Special Forces, MKU has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge protective equipment. The company’s decision to set up manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia and Brazil reflects its commitment to catering to the growing needs of these markets.

SOURCE: AFI

Scandron Pvt. Ltd., a leading player in the drone technology space, has emerged victorious at the prestigious HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2, securing the first place in the High-Altitude Logistics category. Held at the Wari La Pass in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the event showcased the latest innovations in drone technology specifically tailored for challenging High-Altitude Areas (HAA).

Organized by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), HIM-DRONE-A-THON 2 provided a platform for drone manufacturers and developers to demonstrate their capabilities in navigating the demanding conditions of high-altitude terrains.

SOURCE: AFI

IdeaForge Technology Limited, a leading drone technology company based in Navi Mumbai, has announced its plans to develop a 500 kilogram (kg) class drone capable of carrying payloads exceeding 100 kg. This ambitious project marks the company’s entry into the “logistics at scale” segment, targeting both civilian and military applications.

The development of a 500 kg class drone represents a significant step forward for IdeaForge Technology. Such a large drone could potentially be used for a wide range of logistics tasks, including cargo transportation, disaster relief, and surveillance operations. The ability to carry heavy payloads over long distances would revolutionize the way goods and materials are transported, especially in remote or inaccessible areas.