SOURCE: AFI

According to a recent report by the Hindustan Times, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is likely to abandon the proposal to integrate the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) experimental Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar onto the Rafale-M fighters. The decision comes after assessing that the cost of integrating a new radar system onto the Rafale-M would be prohibitively expensive and could result in further delays to the project.

The Indian Navy urgently requires Rafale-M fighters for its latest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The limited number of MiG-29K fighters onboard INS Vikramaditya and the need for their upgrades necessitate the introduction of Rafale-M aircraft.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A program has faced delays due to disruptions in the delivery of GE F-404 engines. However, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has a contingency plan in place to mitigate the impact of these delays and ensure the timely production of the fighter jets.

One aspect of HAL’s backup plan involves leveraging the capabilities of the private industry. Private companies will be tasked with manufacturing major assemblies for the Tejas Mk1A, such as the front fuselage, center fuselage, rear fuselage, wings, and other critical components. This collaboration will augment HAL’s capacity and help address any potential shortfalls in production.

SOURCE: AFI

In a historic shift, the Pakistan Army has officially acknowledged its role in the 1999 Kargil War with India. This comes nearly 25 years after the conflict, which resulted in a tense standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

In a speech on Defence Day, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir stated, “1948, 1965, 1971 or Kargil war between India and Pakistan, or Siachen, many have sacrificed themselves in them.” This marks the first time the Pakistani military has publicly confirmed its direct involvement in the Kargil War.  

SOURCE: AFI

The relationship between India and the CIA is a complex one, marked by periods of cooperation and deep mistrust. In the aftermath of India’s independence, the nascent intelligence apparatus sought assistance from Western powers, including the United States.

A shared adversary in Communist China brought the two nations closer together. The CIA provided crucial support to India in its early years, aiding in the formation of the Special Frontier Force and sharing intelligence on Chinese military movements. The joint operation to install a listening device on Nanda Devi stands as a testament to the depth of this cooperation.

SOURCE: AFI

Renowned security expert Bharat Karnad has called upon the Government of India (GOI) to take decisive action to expedite the production of the Tejas light combat aircraft and break the country’s reliance on foreign military equipment.

In his latest column, Karnad, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, has urged the GOI to instruct the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to transfer the Tejas source codes to private sector giants like L&T, Tata, and Mahindra Aerospace.

SOURCE: AFI

According to recent reports, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is poised to become the headquarters of India’s Joint Maritime Theatre Command. This strategic move is expected to enhance the country’s maritime security and surveillance capabilities.

The Joint Maritime Theatre Command, a significant component of India’s military reforms, aims to integrate the naval, air, and coastal forces under a single command. This unified approach will enable a more cohesive and effective response to maritime threats.

SOURCE: AFI

Sansera Engineering, a leading precision engineering company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dynamatic Technologies to supply intricate structural parts for the Airbus A220 Door Program. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, solidifying their position in the global aerospace supply chain.  

Dynamatic Technologies, a renowned aerospace engineering firm, has awarded a long-term contract to Sansera Engineering for the manufacturing of these complex components. This contract underscores the confidence that Dynamatic Technologies has in Sansera Engineering’s capabilities and expertise in delivering high-quality products to meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to embark on an ambitious mission to enhance its Earth observation capabilities with a series of advanced satellites. These missions are designed to provide crucial data for a wide range of applications, including agriculture, disaster management, climate monitoring, and oceanography.

SOURCE: AFI

Following the recent approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) 5.5gen fighter jet program, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is hopeful of finalizing a deal for the new engine for the program by 2025.

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) will collaborate with one of the contending companies, which includes offers from Safran, Rolls-Royce, and GE, to co-develop a new 110kN engine. This engine will be the powerplant for the AMCA, a crucial component for its performance and capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

India is poised to make significant investments in its submarine fleet over the next ten years, underscoring the country’s determination to enhance its undersea capabilities. According to GlobalData, India is projected to spend approximately $31.6 billion on procuring various types of submarines.

Central to these plans is the expansion of the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet. The Indian Navy aims to commission two additional Arihant-class submarines, each equipped with a larger missile-carrying capacity. This expansion will bolster India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence and strengthen its strategic capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Bharat Tak, former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria emphasized the significant export potential of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A, India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft. Bhadauria, who was a former test pilot on the LCA-Tejas program, stressed the need for a more focused approach to marketing the Tejas Mk1A to international buyers, citing its world-class capabilities and competitive pricing.

Bhadauria lauded the LCA-Tejas Mk1A as a state-of-the-art fighter jet that stands out in its class for its advanced technology and capabilities. “In its class, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A ranks among the top two aircraft globally in terms of technology and capabilities,” he remarked. The Tejas Mk1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a highly versatile and capable multirole fighter designed to perform a wide range of missions, from air-to-air combat to ground attack.

SOURCE: AFI

On September 2, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its approval for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft. This procurement will be conducted under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the supplier. The total cost of the acquisition, including all taxes and duties, amounts to over Rs 26,000 crore.

The new batch of AL-31FP engines will come equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and performance of the Su-30 MKI fleet. FADEC is a sophisticated electronic system that optimizes engine performance by automating control processes, thereby reducing pilot workload and improving overall fuel efficiency and reliability.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Air Marshal Anil Chopra, a retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, emphasized the urgent need for India to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jet. He expressed concerns about China’s rapid military modernization, including its plans to field 1000 J-20 fighters by 2035.

Chopra highlighted the significance of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program for India’s air power but stressed the importance of a stopgap solution until the AMCA becomes operational. He advocated for direct Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) control over the AMCA program to ensure its timely development and deployment.

SOURCE: AFI

Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of IT services and business solutions, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marshall Group, a renowned specialist in aerospace and defense engineering. This collaboration seeks to accelerate innovation and sustainability within the aerospace and defense sectors by leveraging the combined expertise of both companies.

Under the terms of the MoU, Tech Mahindra will contribute its engineering prowess to Marshall’s programs, encompassing areas such as aircraft design, manufacturing, special mission platforms, and the development of advanced digital maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) technologies. In exchange, Marshall will tap into Tech Mahindra’s cutting-edge data analytics and intelligent field support technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of its infrastructure solutions.

SOURCE: AFI

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India, seeking the cancellation of licenses for Indian firms exporting arms and military equipment to Israel. The petition, filed by advocates Prashant Bhushan and Cheryl D’souza, comes in light of India’s defense exports to Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict. The petition argues that the export of weapons to Israel is in violation of India’s international law obligations, particularly during an armed conflict that has raised concerns about humanitarian issues. Additionally, the petition invokes Article 51C of the Indian Constitution, which calls for the state to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, as well as the fundamental right to life and equality.

The central claim of the petition rests on the argument that India’s export of arms to Israel during the Gaza conflict contradicts its legal commitments under international law. The petitioners argue that by supplying military equipment to a state engaged in conflict, India may be indirectly contributing to violations of international humanitarian law. This, they claim, conflicts with Article 51C of the Constitution, which requires the Indian state to promote adherence to international legal standards.