SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with SUNO News HD, Commodore (R) Syed Muhammad Obaidullah of the Pakistan Navy made bold claims regarding the superiority of the Chinese-supplied Hangor-class submarines over the French-designed Scorpène-class submarines operated by the Indian Navy. According to Obaidullah, the edge lies in the Chinese Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

However, this narrative requires a deeper examination of the technology at play. The Hangor-class submarines, an export variant of China’s Type 039A Yuan-class, are indeed equipped with AIP, but the specifics of this technology merit scrutiny.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for underwater warfare, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Diehl Defence are set to redefine submarine self-defense with their Interactive Defense and Attack System (IDAS). This innovative system, which allows submarines to engage aerial threats while submerged, has caught the attention of several countries, including India, which is poised to leverage this technology in its naval expansion plans.

Traditionally, submarines have been vulnerable to aerial threats like ASW helicopters equipped with dipping sonar and lightweight torpedoes. IDAS breaks this paradigm by enabling submarines to counter these threats without breaking the water’s surface, thus maintaining stealth.

SOURCE: AFI

The recently released film “Sky Force,” starring Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, and Sara Ali Khan, has rekindled interest in one of the most tumultuous chapters of Indo-Pak relations – the 1965 war. While the movie celebrates the valor and victory of India’s armed forces, it also brings to light a somber moment from that conflict, the tragic loss of an Indian Chief Minister, Balwantrai Mehta.

“Sky Force” has not only been a box office hit but also a cultural phenomenon, with audiences leaving theaters chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram,” reflecting a surge of national pride. However, this pride comes with a reminder of the war’s grim realities, including the incident that claimed the life of Gujarat’s then-Chief Minister.

SOURCE: AFI

On the night of March 28, 2024, Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans embarked on what was supposed to be a routine long-range ferry mission aboard a MiG-29 aircraft, heading towards Exercise Gagan Shakti-24. The mission took an unexpected turn when, 20 minutes into the flight and at an altitude of 28,000 feet (8.5 km), the aircraft’s canopy suddenly detached. This left Hans exposed to the harsh conditions of high-altitude flight, including temperatures plummeting to minus 35° to 40° Celsius, the risk of decompression sickness, hypoxia, and the severe wind blast affecting his vision.

In this dire situation, Flight Lieutenant Hans demonstrated extraordinary composure. With the Head-Up Display (HUD) and visual references gone, he relied solely on head-down instruments to maintain control of the aircraft. He promptly declared an emergency using the standby radio, navigated away from civilian airspace, and began descending to a safer altitude of 3 kilometers, all while battling severe eye pain due to the wind blast.

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.