SOURCE: AFI

A recent media report has brought to light the integration of Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Rampage air-to-surface missile onto the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets, marking a significant enhancement in the naval aviation’s strike capabilities.

The Rampage missile, known for its high-speed, long-range, and precision strike capabilities, has been showcased in a photograph where it is mounted on the wing of a MiG-29K, indicating successful integration and testing. This missile, which can be launched from various aircraft platforms, offers the Indian Navy the ability to engage high-value targets from a safe standoff distance, reducing the risk to pilots and aircraft from enemy air defenses.

SOURCE: AFI

BonV Aero, a leading developer of heavy-lift unmanned aerial systems (UAS), has achieved a significant milestone by joining the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) UAS Heavy Lift Capability Framework. This inclusion strengthens its position as a global player in the heavy-lift drone sector and paves the way for international defense collaborations.

The UK MoD’s UAS Heavy Lift Capability Framework is a strategic initiative designed to identify and integrate cutting-edge solutions for military logistics, disaster response, and operational support. By joining this framework, BonV Aero gains access to a platform that facilitates collaboration with the UK defense ecosystem, including the military, private sector innovators, and research institutions.

SOURCE: AFI

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, it has announced a significant augmentation of its air defense capabilities around the National Capital Region (NCR). In a move to ensure the safety and security of the airspace during the festivities, the IAF is deploying a range of state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, including the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM).

The MRSAM, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is capable of neutralizing aerial threats at distances between 70 to 80 kilometers. This system, which was inducted into the IAF in 2021, features advanced radar systems and can engage multiple targets simultaneously, offering a robust shield against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

SOURCE: AFI

The Border Security Force (BSF) plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s extensive and diverse borders, which span rugged mountains, deserts, dense forests, and vast rivers. The challenges of patrolling such varied terrains often demand innovative solutions. One such potential solution is the deployment of powered paragliders (PPGs) for border surveillance and patrolling.

Powered paragliding involves a motorized harness attached to a paraglider wing, allowing the operator to take off, fly, and land with minimal infrastructure. This lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective technology has proven effective in civilian applications such as adventure sports, aerial photography, and even search-and-rescue operations. Its potential for military and paramilitary use, particularly in surveillance and reconnaissance, is increasingly being explored.

SOURCE: AFI

The animated science fiction series Pantheon, released by AMC+ in 2022, has earned widespread acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative on the ethical and existential dilemmas surrounding Uploaded Intelligence (UI). Amidst its global storyline, the series takes an intriguing turn by showcasing critical components of India’s strategic naval capabilities, including the INS Arihant, K-15 Sagarika missile, and INS Kattabomman, reflecting the growing recognition of India’s military prowess in global media.

Set in a near-future world, Pantheon explores the consequences of human consciousness being uploaded into digital realms, turning individuals into “Uploaded Intelligence.” The series follows two teenagers as they uncover the dark realities of this revolutionary technology, which carries immense potential but exacts a heavy human toll.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies has officially announced the unveiling of their Abhimanyu Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, set for February 10, 2025, coinciding with the opening day of Aero India 2025. This announcement was made by Sameer Joshi, CEO & Director of NewSpace, who emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “This is the official unveiling of the program by NewSpace. We are still looking to work with an end user…”

The Abhimanyu platform is designed as a low-cost, expendable asset in the realm of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT). Its modular design allows it to adapt to various roles including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), kinetic attacks, serving as a decoy, and electronic warfare (EW) missions. This versatility positions Abhimanyu as a game-changer in tactical aerial capabilities, offering a cost-effective solution for modern warfare scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

In a stride towards a greener, more sustainable future, Sagar Defence Engineering (SDEPL) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Flowcopter, aiming to revolutionize the realm of heavy lift drones. This collaboration is set to usher in an era where logistics and aerial mobility are not only automated, connected, and electrified but also significantly reduce carbon footprints.

Sameer Joshi, CEO of Sagar Defence Engineering, highlighted the challenges and opportunities in this venture, stating, “The future will be #automated, #connected, low carbon, and #electrified. So… how do we get there! The above comes with a high cost when we talk about Green Revolution in terms of Electromechanical actuation, Fuel Cell, Battery power, power electronics, and above all, can we sustain the investment. But yes, there can be #GreenEvolution – which can give us an evolutionary path towards a revolutionary result but with manageable risk and cost.”

SOURCE: AFI

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders is building India’s largest floating dry dock at NHAVA SHEVA FREEPORT TERMINAL near Mumbai as part of a ?5,000 crore expansion plan to handle larger ships, including next-generation destroyers. The ?475 crore dock, built in 6 blocks, will be operational by year-end, enabling the construction of 8 large ships simultaneously.

The facility aims to double capacity and cater to Indian Navy, Coast Guard, export and commercial ship orders.

SOURCE: AFI

A video that has gone viral on social media platforms captures a Bangladeshi border guard commander making a provocative statement about the capabilities of his forces on the Indo-Bangladesh border. In the footage, he asserts, “I am enough to teach BSF a lesson on Indo-Bangladesh border, When I need help, I will call for the villagers to join.”

This statement has ignited a flurry of reactions and debates across both sides of the border, raising questions about border security, nationalism, and the dynamics between the Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).