SOURCE: AFI

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB), in its quest for a new type of fighter jet to complement its existing fleet, has attracted an offer from China, marking a significant development in its procurement strategy. According to the Brazilian outlet Veja, the Chinese government has proposed the sale of the Chengdu J-10C, a 4.5-generation fighter jet, to Brazil. This proposal comes as part of FAB’s broader search for a lighter fighter that would operate alongside its more advanced Gripen-E fleet.

The FAB’s selection process for a new fighter jet has drawn interest from multiple global players. Early last year, discussions were confirmed with the United States regarding the potential acquisition of a batch of F-16 fighters. The U.S. offer represents a blend of proven technology and established support systems, which could be appealing for Brazil’s strategic needs.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move to bolster its technological prowess, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India is planning to dispatch its promising young scientists and engineers to prestigious foreign universities. These institutions are renowned for their complex engineering courses, particularly in the fields of aerospace and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to accelerate the development of next-generation weapon systems and advanced communication technologies.

This initiative comes at a time when India is aggressively pushing to become self-reliant in defense technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) campaign. The DRDO recognizes that to stay ahead in modern warfare, it must not only innovate but also integrate cutting-edge technologies that are at the forefront of global research.

SOURCE: AFI

The Chengdu J-36, a new stealth aircraft emerging from China’s cutting-edge aerospace development, has raised significant interest within the global defense community. According to aviation expert Davis, this aircraft is not designed for traditional “dogfighting” or the intense, high-maneuverability air combat that many of its counterparts excel in. Instead, the J-36 is designed to fill a specialized niche in modern warfare, offering advanced capabilities suited for long-range operations and networked combat environments.

One of the most striking features of the Chengdu J-36 is its supercruise ability. Unlike traditional fighter jets that require afterburners to achieve supersonic speeds, the J-36 is likely designed to sustain supersonic flight without the need for afterburners. This capability significantly enhances the aircraft’s range and responsiveness, making it a highly effective asset in long-endurance missions. Supercruise enables the J-36 to operate over greater distances without the fuel penalty associated with afterburner use, making it more efficient during extended operations in the contested airspace of the Indo-Pacific region.

SOURCE: AFI

India has announced two separate missile test windows around the strategically located Andaman & Nicobar Islands, setting the stage for what is believed to be significant military exercises aimed at showcasing and advancing its missile capabilities. The notifications detail testing periods from January 15-17 and January 19-20, 2025, with designated areas where no-fly zones will be enforced to ensure safety and security during these operations.

First Test Window (January 15-17, 2025): Slightly shorter, this test area extends up to 380 kilometers, still a considerable distance for missile operations.

SOURCE: AFI

According to recent reports from local Bangladeshi media, the Bangladesh government is engaged in discussions with Turkey to acquire 26 light tanks. These tanks, known as the TULPAR, are multi-purpose, and come from a collaborative effort between Turkish and Italian defense companies. This proposed deal signifies Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance its military capabilities.

The TULPAR light tank has been designed with versatility and adaptability in mind, making it an ideal choice for the varied terrains and conditions that characterize Bangladesh’s geography. Known for their ease of operation in soft, marshy, and rugged terrains, the TULPAR tanks are especially well-suited for the challenging landscapes found in Bangladesh’s vast wetlands and low-lying flood-prone areas.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant announcement for aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts alike, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has confirmed that the Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon,” Russia’s advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter, will participate in a full-fledged flying display at Aero India 2025. This event, scheduled to take place at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru from February 10th to 14th, promises to be a showcase of cutting-edge aerial technology.

The decision by UAC to bring the Su-57 for a flying display at Aero India is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with India, a long-standing defense partner of Russia. It comes at a time when India is actively seeking to modernize its air force with advanced fighter jets, amidst a backdrop of increasing regional security concerns.

SOURCE: AFI

In a candid assessment of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the current Chief of the Air Staff, has highlighted significant delays in the production of the Tejas Mk1 jet. Speaking at a recent press conference, the Air Chief revealed that since its initial induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016, fewer than 40 Tejas Mk1 aircraft have been inducted, pinpointing the slow pace of production as a critical bottleneck.

Air Chief Marshal Singh expressed his deep concern over the production rates, emphasizing the urgent need to address these delays to maintain the IAF’s combat readiness. He stated, “The Tejas aircraft has been with us since 2016, but the numbers we’ve seen inducted are not commensurate with our requirements. We need to do something about it.”

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards bolstering India-US civil nuclear cooperation, the United States has announced plans to remove several Indian companies from its restricted ‘entities list.’ This move aims to dismantle decades-old barriers that have curtailed nuclear trade between the two nations.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, during his address at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi on Monday, confirmed that the US is in the process of finalizing steps to eliminate these long-standing regulations. “Today, I can announce that the United States is now finalizing the necessary steps to remove long-standing regulations that have prevented civil nuclear cooperation between India’s leading nuclear entities and US companies,” Sullivan stated.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s nuclear history is one of profound transformation—from a staunch advocate for a nuclear-free world to becoming the sixth declared nuclear power in 1974. This journey, shaped by global politics, regional conflicts, and internal dynamics, offers a fascinating insight into how ideals, ambitions, and strategic imperatives intersect.

India’s initial stance on nuclear weapons was rooted in moral conviction and the horrors of the atomic bombings in Japan. Mahatma Gandhi, in 1947, decried nuclear weapons as a “sinful and evil use of science.” Shortly after, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, voiced his concerns about nuclear weapons being used disproportionately against Asians, calling for their global abolition.