SOURCE: AFI

A high-level delegation from the Indonesian Navy, led by Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, recently visited BrahMos Aerospace in India. The visit underscores the growing military and strategic ties between Indonesia and India.

During their visit, the delegation engaged with Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi, CEO and Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace, along with other senior officials of the joint venture enterprise. The focus of the meeting was on the advanced capabilities of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which is renowned for its speed, precision, and versatility.

SOURCE: AFI

In a statement that has stirred debate across South Asia’s defense circles, Air Marshal (Rtd) Masood Akhtar of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has told SUNO News HD that the J-35A, a fighter jet reportedly on offer to Pakistan, represents a quantum leap in air combat technology, categorizing it as a “5.5 generation” aircraft. This claim positions the J-35A as significantly superior to existing fifth-generation fighters in terms of capabilities.

Air Marshal Akhtar’s assertions come at a time when regional military dynamics are under intense scrutiny, particularly between India and Pakistan. He emphasized that the J-35A, touted by some sources as an evolution of China’s J-31 Gyrfalcon, incorporates advanced features that give it an edge in stealth, speed, and weapon systems integration over its contemporaries.

SOURCE: AFI

In a curious and somewhat sensational claim, GTV HD, a popular Bangladeshi television channel known for its sports and entertainment broadcasts, has suggested that India no longer trusts its own army, leading to the development of a “Robot Dog Army.” This statement has raised eyebrows and sparked a flurry of reactions across social media and defense circles.

GTV HD’s claim seems to misinterpret or dramatically exaggerate the Indian Army’s recent advancements in military technology. The Indian military has indeed shown significant interest in integrating robotics and artificial intelligence into its operations, including the deployment of robotic systems like the Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULE), colloquially referred to as “robot dogs.” These robotic platforms are designed for tasks such as surveillance, logistics, and potentially combat in hazardous environments.

SOURCE: AFI

Squadron Leader Prathamesh D. Dongre of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was among eight officers decorated with the prestigious Vayu Sena Medal on India’s 76th Republic Day, celebrated for his remarkable act of bravery and skill in handling a near-catastrophic aircraft malfunction.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence detailed the incident that led to this honor. On May 10, 2024, while piloting a MiG-21 Bison for an operational mission, Squadron Leader Dongre faced an immediate crisis post-takeoff when the aircraft experienced a Main Hydraulic Failure. This malfunction critically compromised the control over the aircraft’s flight surfaces, including the flaps, ailerons, and landing gear, which are vital for safe flight operations.

SOURCE: AFI

India and the European Union (EU) are exploring avenues to strengthen their security and defense collaborations as part of their broader strategic partnership. This move comes against the backdrop of shared concerns over maritime security, counter-terrorism, and the growing complexities of geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

In a significant development, the EU has proposed appointing a liaison officer at the Indian Ocean Region Information Fusion Center (IOR-IFC) in Gurugram. This center, established by the Indian Navy, serves as a regional hub for monitoring maritime activities and enhancing cooperation among partner nations in ensuring security in the Indian Ocean.

SOURCE: AFI

Aero India 2025 is set to be an unprecedented event in the world of aerospace and defense, with Russia announcing that it will showcase its advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon), at the airshow in Bengaluru. This decision has not only sparked excitement among Indian defense enthusiasts but has also caught the keen interest of American defense officials from Lockheed Martin and Boeing, who are slated to attend the event.

The Su-57, known for its stealth capabilities, supermaneuverability, and advanced avionics, will be on full display, offering a rare opportunity for close observation by international competitors. The presence of the Su-57 prototype is particularly intriguing as it marks one of the few times the aircraft will be seen outside Russian territory, providing a unique chance for analysis and comparison with Western counterparts like the F-35.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent post by a user on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked discussions in defense circles about a potential US offer to sell the advanced AIM-120D3 long-range Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile to non-NATO allies, including India. The AIM-120D3 is touted for its superior capabilities in terms of Maximum Effective Range (DMAX), No-Escape Zone (NEZ), and Missile Achievable Range (MAR), reportedly outstripping China’s PL-15 missile in these aspects.

However, sources close to the AFI and the Indian Defense Research Wing (IDRW) have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such an offer. According to these insiders, the integration of the AIM-120D3 onto non-American jets is a complex endeavor, typically restricted to a select few European aircraft. The sale of the missile as a standalone weapon without accompanying American fighter jets is considered highly unlikely.

SOURCE: AFI

On the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, Vahagn Afyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to India, was among the distinguished guests at the grand parade organized by the Ministry of Defence. Sharing his experience on his X handle, Ambassador Afyan posted a series of photographs from the event, capturing the essence of India’s military prowess and cultural vibrancy. One particular image that caught significant attention was that of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s newly developed quasi-ballistic missile, Pralay.

The Pralay missile, which made its public debut during the parade, is a testament to India’s advancements in tactical missile technology. It’s designed for battlefield use, capable of delivering a variety of warheads with precision over distances ranging from 150 to 500 kilometers in its standard configuration.

SOURCE: AFI

South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co Ltd, one of the globe’s premier shipbuilders, is actively seeking collaborations in India to expand its shipbuilding and repair operations. This initiative comes as a response to the scarcity of shipbuilding slots in South Korea coupled with a worldwide increase in demand for new ship constructions.

A high-level delegation from Hanwha Ocean, formerly known as Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co Ltd, recently concluded a strategic visit to India. Led by Jin Su Lee, Senior Vice President, the delegation toured several key Indian shipyards, including Pipavav, operated by Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Ltd), state-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, and L&T Shipbuilding Ltd. Their visit, which spanned ten days, was at the behest of the Indian government and concluded with a significant meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on January 14.