SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been spearheading an ambitious project known as “Project Kusha,” aimed at developing an indigenous long-range air defence system. This initiative could revolutionize not only India’s national security architecture but also position India as a key player in the global defence export market.

Project Kusha, also referred to as Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is designed to create a multi-layered air defence network capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, including stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and even precision-guided munitions. This system is envisioned to operate effectively over distances up to 350 km, with the potential to intercept even high-speed, low-radar cross-section targets.

SOURCE: AFI

India is on the brink of a monumental milestone in its naval capabilities with the nearing completion of INS Varsha, a state-of-the-art underground base designed to house nuclear submarines. Strategically located near the coastal village of Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 70 km from the Visakhapatnam naval base, this facility is expected to become operational within the next two years.

The need for a stealthy and secure base for nuclear-powered submarines has long been a strategic priority for India. The second phase of Project Varsha, initially delayed due to forest-land acquisition issues since 2010, received a significant boost in 2018 when the Modi government addressed these challenges and expedited its construction.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent diplomatic engagement, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged Russia to accelerate the delivery of the last two units of the S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems. This move comes as Russia has already completed the supply of the first three regiments, but the delivery of the remaining units has been delayed due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The S-400 Triumf, known by NATO as the SA-21 Growler, stands as one of the most formidable air defense systems globally. This Russian-developed, long-range, road-mobile surface-to-air missile system became operational in 2007 and is often compared to the US Patriot system. Its capabilities extend beyond just engaging aerial threats; it’s also equipped for surface-to-surface operations, offering a versatile strategic asset to any military force.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru: SAAB, the Swedish aerospace and defence giant, has expressed an optimistic outlook on the burgeoning opportunities within India’s defence industry. This sentiment was underscored during the unveiling of the Full Scale Replica (FSR) of its state-of-the-art single-engine Gripen E fighter aircraft at the pre-Aero Show event in Bengaluru. Kent Åke Molin, Head of the Gripen for India Programme, articulated SAAB’s commitment to not just selling aircraft but to fostering a robust technological partnership with India.

Since responding to the Indian government’s Request for Information (RFI) in 2018 for the Indian Air Force’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement, SAAB has been actively positioning itself as a key player. The Gripen E, with its advanced capabilities, is among eight contenders vying for this significant contract, which could redefine India’s air combat strategy.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the construction of two advanced Russian frigates, dubbed as Frigates 9 and 10, will commence at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in India. This development was confirmed by Ilya Samarin, CEO of Russia’s Yantar Shipyard, in a recent interview with RT. The project is slated to conclude by the end of 2027, marking a new chapter in the Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

The initiative to build these frigates in India is part of a broader collaboration between the two nations under the ‘Make in India’ programme, aimed at fostering indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports. The strategic partnership with Russia in naval construction not only enhances India’s maritime capabilities but also exemplifies the deepening of bilateral defence ties.

SOURCE: AFI

As the Indian Navy looks ahead to 2025, it is set to bolster its maritime strength with the induction of the sixth and final Scorpene class submarine and the addition of a new class of stealth ships. This dual enhancement to the naval fleet is part of India’s broader strategic initiatives to fortify its naval presence and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy will mark the culmination of the Scorpene project with the commissioning of INS Vagsheer, the sixth and last submarine in this series. Constructed under Project 75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, the Scorpene submarines have significantly upgraded India’s underwater warfare capabilities. These submarines, known for their advanced stealth features, can undertake various missions including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move to bolster its position in the global arms market, India is set to establish a dedicated Export Promotion Council (EPC) for the defence sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the Narendra Modi administration, reflects India’s ambition to significantly expand its defence exports. The goal is to more than double the current export value from ?21,083 crore as recorded at the end of March 2024 to over ?50,000 crore by the year 2029.

The establishment of a separate EPC for defence is a clear indication of India’s intent to streamline and enhance its export capabilities in this sector. The council will focus on identifying and capitalizing on export opportunities, addressing exporter concerns, and refining strategies to attract more international buyers. This initiative comes at a time when global defence manufacturers are increasingly considering India as a viable location to shift their production lines, recognizing the country’s growing manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to the aviation sector, Air India, now under the Tata Group, has confirmed a new order for 100 Airbus aircraft, comprising 10 widebody A350s and 90 A320 Family aircraft, including the A321neo. This order, following a previous mega-deal for 470 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, underscores the robust expansion of India’s aviation market. However, this reliance on foreign manufacturers has sparked a conversation around self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing within India.

The order, announced on December 9, 2024, pushes Air India’s total commitment to 350 aircraft from Airbus alone, highlighting not just the airline’s ambition but also the growing demand within one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. With such substantial investments in foreign aircraft, the question arises: is it time for India to consolidate its domestic aerospace projects and aim for self-sufficiency in aircraft production?

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s recent acquisition of the Hermes 900 UAV has been mired in controversy due to reported operational shortcomings. Sources, including insights from Alpha Defense, have highlighted significant discrepancies between the advertised capabilities of the Hermes 900 and its actual performance in naval service.

The Hermes 900 has reportedly struggled with satellite communication (SATCOM), which is crucial for long-range operations and maintaining connectivity beyond the line of sight. This could compromise the UAV’s effectiveness in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over vast maritime areas.

SOURCE: AFI

The third joint working group (JWG) meeting of the UK-India Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership was recently held at the Portsmouth Naval Base, UK. Co-chaired by Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy and Rajeev Prakash, Joint Secretary Naval Systems, the meeting marked a significant step in the collaboration between the two nations on electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy.

A pivotal moment during the meeting was the signing of a Statement of Intent, affirming both nations’ commitment to jointly design and develop electric propulsion systems tailored to the Indian Navy’s needs, particularly for the new Landing Dock Platforms (LPDs) planned for launch in 2030.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent decision by Bangladesh to relax visa restrictions for Pakistani citizens, specifically eliminating the security clearance requirement, has raised eyebrows among regional analysts. This move, while seemingly innocuous, could signal a significant shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy and security posture.  

The elimination of security clearance suggests a growing level of trust and cooperation between the two nations. It opens the door for increased people-to-people contact, trade, and investment. However, it also raises questions about the potential for deeper security and intelligence cooperation.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Lokesh Machines Limited, has developed the ASMI 9mm Submachine Gun (SMG), an indigenously designed firearm that has not only been adopted by the Indian military and security forces but also holds significant potential for export, particularly into the lucrative US civilian market.

The United States is home to one of the largest civilian firearms markets globally, with a culture deeply entrenched in gun ownership. The market for compact, reliable, and affordable firearms, especially for personal defense and sport shooting, is vast.

SOURCE: AFI

In the early stages of India’s ambitious Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, the United States made a striking proposal: Northrop Grumman offered to move its F-20 Tigershark manufacturing facility to India. This intriguing offer highlighted America’s interest in collaborating with India on defense technologies during the 1980s.

The F-20 Tigershark was a modernized version of the widely used F-5E Tiger II fighter jet. Developed in the late 1970s, the F-20 was designed to be an affordable yet technologically advanced fighter for export, in line with the U.S. administration’s export policies under President Jimmy Carter. These policies aimed to sell advanced but not cutting-edge military aircraft to allies, reducing the risk of top-tier technology falling into Soviet hands.

SOURCE: AFI

In a compelling vision for the future of maritime transportation and rescue operations, Brigadier Arvind Dhananjayan (Retd) has highlighted the potential of hydrofoil craft and Ground Effect Marine Vehicles (GEMVs) to revolutionize how personnel and stores are moved across large distances. These technologies, characterized by their speed, efficiency, and unique tactical advantages, represent a leap forward in military and commercial maritime transport.

Hydrofoil technology offers a transformative approach to maritime mobility. As a hydrofoil craft picks up speed, the hydrofoils beneath the hull lift the vessel out of the water, significantly reducing drag. This allows for higher speeds than traditional maritime crafts. The strategic benefits of such speed and efficiency are particularly evident in military applications, where the rapid deployment of personnel, equipment, or aid is often critical.

SOURCE: AFI

The Trishakti Sappers, the engineering unit of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps headquartered in Sukna near Siliguri, have received national acclaim for their groundbreaking innovation: the Advanced Flood Monitoring System (AFMS). This state-of-the-art system is designed to mitigate the devastating effects of flash floods in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, a region prone to extreme weather events and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

The Trishakti Sappers were honored at Inno Yodha, a national-level event hosted by the Indian Army in Delhi, for their contribution to disaster management and defense preparedness. This recognition underscores the critical importance of the AFMS in safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and military assets in vulnerable regions.