SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Adani Defence and Aerospace has announced plans to locally produce the R-73E, a Within Visual Range (WVR) air-to-air missile (AAM), in India. Rebranded as “Raya” for its indigenous production, this initiative aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programs, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening domestic defense production.

The R-73E, developed by Russia’s Vympel NPO, is a highly agile, short-range air-to-air missile widely regarded as one of the most effective WVR missiles in the world. Known by its NATO reporting name “AA-11 Archer,” the missile is a critical component of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) arsenal, equipping fighter aircraft such as the MiG-29, Su-30 MKI, and MiG-21 Bison. With a range of up to 30 kilometers, the R-73E is renowned for its infrared homing (heat-seeking) capabilities, exceptional maneuverability, and ability to engage targets at off-boresight angles of up to 45 degrees, making it a formidable weapon in close-combat aerial engagements.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025, that the United States will provide India with the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jet has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s media and strategic circles. This development, made during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., has sparked widespread concern and alarm in Pakistani media outlets, which view the potential transfer of advanced military technology to India as a threat to regional stability and Pakistan’s security.

The Pakistani media’s reaction has been marked by a mix of panic, criticism, and calls for diplomatic action, reflecting deep-seated fears about the shifting military balance in South Asia. Below, we explore this reaction and cite specific examples from Pakistani media outlets to illustrate the extent of their concern.

SOURCE: AFI

A high-level delegation from Chad, headed by General of Division Tahir Brahim Djouma, representative of the Minister of the Armed Forces, recently visited Bharat Forge and its subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL). The delegation was seen inspecting the Mobile Autonomous Gun System (MArG MGS) and Gun Towing Vehicle (GTV), both of which play a crucial role in the Garuda 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH).

The visit highlights Chad’s interest in acquiring advanced artillery solutions to enhance its military capabilities. The MArG MGS, developed by Bharat Forge, is a state-of-the-art mobile artillery system designed to provide rapid deployment and precision firepower. The GTV, used for transporting and deploying the Garuda 105mm SPH, further enhances battlefield mobility and operational effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

In a remarkable display of India’s defence innovation, a Dornier aircraft equipped with indigenously developed radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system, and Software Defined Radio (SDR) took to the skies during Aero India 2025, held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

This achievement, highlighted by the presence of the Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems (DG ECS), underscores the rapid strides made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence technology. Notably, all payloads were developed within an impressive timeline of just 24 months, with the first video transmission through the indigenous SDR being showcased live at the DRDO Pavilion.

SOURCE: AFI

In a proud moment for the Indian Navy, INS Tushil, the first of two additional P1135.6 follow-on stealth frigates, sailed into its home port at Karwar, Karnataka, today, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey spanning over 12,500 nautical miles. The warship, which set sail from Kaliningrad, Russia, on 18 December 2024, visited eight countries across three continents, showcasing India’s maritime prowess and reinforcing its diplomatic ties with friendly nations.

INS Tushil, an advanced multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, embarked on its maiden operational deployment following its commissioning into the Indian Navy on 9 December 2024. The ship’s journey from Russia to India was not just a logistical feat but a testament to India’s growing stature as a maritime power. Traversing the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and finally the Indian Ocean, INS Tushil made strategic port calls in eight countries, engaging in collaborative exercises and fostering goodwill along the way.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to bolster its air defence capabilities, the Indian Army has placed orders for advanced thermal weapon sights from Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This development was highlighted during the Aero India 2025 show in Bangalore, running from February 10 to 14.

TASL officials confirmed that they had already delivered 28 Rajak Thermal Weapon Sight Cooled (TWC) systems to the Indian Army’s Northern Command in 2024, with further deliveries slated for other commands in 2025. The Northern Command has issued a repeat order for an additional 14 units in the coming year, showcasing the trust and reliability placed in TASL’s technology.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move towards self-reliance in defense avionics, the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Korwa facility, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) from Panchkula, signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025. This collaboration aims at developing an indigenous Head-Up Display (HUD) for the Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for Stage-II pilot training.

The Hawk 132 AJTs, which have been integral to IAF’s training regime, will now benefit from this technological leap. The HUD is a critical component in modern aircraft, providing pilots with vital flight information projected onto a transparent screen in their line of sight, allowing them to keep their heads up and eyes on the sky, enhancing both safety and combat effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

The third phase of India’s ambitious space-based surveillance programme, SBS-3, is set to see its first batch of satellites launched between 2027 and 2028. This phase marks a significant shift as it will involve the private sector in a major capacity for the first time. Under this ?27,000 crore initiative, a total of 52 satellites will be deployed, with 31 being constructed by three private firms, while the remaining 21 will be developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The programme, which received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security several months ago, underscores a new era in India’s space policy, emphasizing collaboration between public and private sectors. Unlike the first two phases of the SBS programme, SBS-1 and SBS-2, where ISRO was solely responsible for satellite production, SBS-3 will leverage the capabilities of private companies to expand and diversify India’s space assets.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards enhancing India’s naval defense capabilities, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has entered into a License Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the manufacture of an Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) designed for the RBU 6000/IRL Launcher. The formal signing of the agreement took place during the Aero India 2025 event, marking a milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defense technology.

The ceremony where the document was exchanged saw the presence of Shri DV Srinivas Rao, Director (Technical) of BDL, alongside the Hon’ble Rajya Raksha Mantri (RRM), Shri Sanjay Seth. This collaboration signifies not only an advancement in indigenous manufacturing but also underscores the commitment to bolstering the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.