SOURCE: AFI

Nitin Mangal, a SEBI-registered research analyst, has ignited a debate on social media platform X, alleging that some companies are exploiting loopholes in the ‘Make in India’ program for defense procurement.

Mangal argues that the current system allows companies to qualify for ‘Make in India’ benefits even if they simply purchase components from an Indian company, regardless of whether those components are actually manufactured domestically. In his example, company A, which doesn’t manufacture itself, could buy parts from company B, which imports them. Under current rules, this might allow company A to qualify for the program.

SOURCE: AFI

High-resolution satellite imagery has revealed significant progress in the ongoing renovation of Bagdogra Airbase, a crucial Indian Air Force (IAF) facility in the strategically important Siliguri Corridor bordering China. This upgrade comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, making Bagdogra’s transformation even more critical.

The 2017 Doklam standoff underscored Bagdogra’s vital role. Its proximity to the disputed territory makes it a launchpad for air operations and a key staging point for troop deployment. The current renovations aim to significantly enhance the airbase’s capacity and capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Muhammad Mahmood Alam, a Pakistani fighter pilot, is credited with shooting down five Indian fighter jets in under a minute during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. This feat, if true, would be an unparalleled achievement in aerial combat history. However, the claim has been shrouded in controversy for decades.

Pakistan’s official narrative hails Alam as a national hero and an “ace in a day” for his alleged feat. He is credited with downing five Indian Hawker Hunter aircraft within a sixty-second timeframe.

SOURCE: AFI

For those who continue to question the Apollo Moon landings, here’s some compelling evidence captured by a non-NASA space agency. India’s Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, launched in 2019, trained its high-resolution camera on the Apollo 11 and 12 landing sites. The resulting images provide a detailed view of the lunar surface, including the Apollo hardware left behind.

These images, captured by a completely independent space program, offer a clear perspective on the Apollo missions. The presence of the lunar landers on the Moon’s surface provides strong visual proof of human presence there.

SOURCE: AFI

A U.S. Marine Corps fighter squadron stationed in California discovered a series of problems with five recently delivered F-35C Joint Strike Fighters. These issues, documented in a January 2023 memo, raise concerns about the quality control of the jets and potential impacts on operational readiness.

The problems identified included, Metal shavings were found in the fuel supply of some of the aircraft. Faulty assembly of parts was detected during inspections. : A worrying case involved a plastic scraper, measuring 5.5 inches, left lodged in the wing fold of one jet, only discovered after a post-flight inspection.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s hypersonic missile program is a critical endeavor aimed at propelling the country into the realm of advanced weaponry. Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) and possess unique capabilities that challenge traditional defense systems.

India’s hypersonic journey is intertwined with the success of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a joint venture between India’s DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organisation) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia. The BrahMos-II, currently under development, leverages hypersonic scramjet technology, offering a significant leap in speed and range compared to its predecessor. This hypersonic BrahMos is expected to reach speeds of Mach 6 and strike targets over 1,500 kilometers away.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s strategic defenses in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) have received a significant boost with the recent upgrade of INS Utkrosh. This naval air station, which plays a vital role in supporting Veer Savarkar International Airport (VSI Airport), has been equipped with new advanced landing systems.

The collaborative efforts of the Indian Navy and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have resulted in the installation of a new Advanced Landing Guidance System (AFLS), Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), and a Cat II Approach Lighting System at INS Utkrosh. These advancements, coupled with the existing Instrument Landing System (ILS) by the AAI, effectively transform Port Blair Airport into a Precision Instrument Runway.

SOURCE: AFI

Armored combat training just got a revolutionary upgrade. Zen Technologies introduces Zen ACTS™, the Armour Combat Training System, designed to propel mechanized force training into the future.

Zen ACTS™ is meticulously crafted to address the rigorous training needs of tank crews. This cutting-edge system delivers unparalleled realism and precision, simulating field craft, battle drills, and tactical gunnery procedures within meticulously crafted scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

The prolonged detention of Commander Tiwari, a naval veteran, due to a pending issue has brought to light the complexities of diplomatic relations and the human cost of such circumstances. While his colleagues returned to India on April 12th after being detained for over five months, Commander Tiwari remains stranded abroad, facing a travel ban that has upended his life and that of his family.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has provided limited clarity on Commander Tiwari’s situation, stating that certain requirements must be fulfilled before his return can be facilitated. The lack of transparency regarding these requirements adds to the frustration and anxiety experienced by Commander Tiwari and his family, who eagerly await his safe return home.

SOURCE: AFI

Arun Prakash, a former Chief of the Indian Navy, has ignited discussions by proposing a bold idea on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). His suggestion revolves around the potential for India and France to collaborate on naval projects concurrently. Specifically, Prakash advocates for the simultaneous construction of France’s future aircraft carrier, known as PA-NG, in France, and India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-III (IAC-3) in India.

Prakash’s proposal aims to leverage the strengths of both nations to create a mutually beneficial arrangement. He argues that such collaboration would not only facilitate the acquisition of ship design and construction expertise but also enable the exchange of nuclear design and propulsion technologies. Furthermore, Prakash highlights the potential for work-share opportunities that could enhance cooperation between India and France in the naval domain.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is soaring into the future with the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drone system for inspecting aircraft engines. This innovative technology promises to revolutionize engine maintenance procedures, making them faster, more efficient, and potentially safer.

The new system ditches the traditional, time-consuming manual inspections. Instead, it utilizes a mini or micro drone equipped with high-resolution cameras. These cameras capture detailed images of the engine, focusing on critical components like air intake ducts, exhaust nozzles, turbine blades, and more.

SOURCE: AFI

The induction of Hangor-class submarines by Pakistan, procured from China, has sent ripples through the strategic landscape of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. This development has the potential to alter the balance of power in the region, particularly vis-à-vis India’s long-held naval dominance. Let’s delve into the possible implications for India.

The Hangor class boasts modern features like Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, allowing them to stay submerged for longer durations. This translates to a more potent underwater threat to Indian surface ships, potentially hindering their free movement in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) released its annual Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023, outlining a year marked by a rise in both space traffic and Isro’s efforts to maneuver its satellites safely.

The report highlights a significant increase in the number of collision avoidance maneuvers (CAMs) conducted by Isro in 2023. This reflects a growing trend in the number of space objects in orbit, with 2023 seeing more launches and on-orbit breakups compared to 2022. While Isro’s high-profile missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 didn’t require specific interventions, the report emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and precise orbital data analysis.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s foray into military transport aviation has seen a rich history, with the Antonov An-12 playing a significant role for a period. However, unlike China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) which pursued license production of the An-12 (known as the Y-8 in China) with great success, India did not.

China’s decision to license-produce the An-12 as the Y-8 proved highly successful. The Y-8 program yielded over 40 variants, demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility and adaptability. This extensive production not only fulfilled China’s military transport needs but also provided a valuable platform for its nascent aviation industry.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian government has introduced the Draft Indian Military Airworthiness Bill 2024, a significant step towards strengthening safety regulations and oversight of military aircraft operations within the country. This bill, expected to be presented in Parliament this year, has sparked discussions and debates among policymakers and aviation experts.

The detailed draft bill is readily available for public scrutiny on the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) website: https://dgaeroqa.gov.in/. This transparency allows for informed discussions and potential public participation in the legislative process.