SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a clarion call for the development of an advanced autonomous interceptor system to counter the growing threat posed by long-range drones to vital installations across the country. In a recent statement, the IAF highlighted the urgent need for a cost-effective and efficient solution to detect, identify, and neutralize hostile drones, particularly in light of their increasing use in modern warfare. The proposed system, a tube-launched counter-swarm drone, is envisioned as a versatile platform capable of being deployed from helicopters, ground vehicles, or static installations, offering a robust defense against drone threats at a minimum operating altitude of 8,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL).

The IAF’s concerns stem from the evolving nature of aerial threats, with long-range drones emerging as a significant risk to critical infrastructure such as air bases, radar stations, power plants, and other strategic assets. “Long-range drones are a threat to vital installations,” the IAF stated, noting that traditional methods of interception—such as using missiles—require large infrastructure and come with a high per-weapon cost. This approach is not only resource-intensive but also impractical for countering the sheer volume of drones that could be deployed in a swarm attack, a tactic increasingly employed by adversaries to overwhelm defenses.

SOURCE: AFI

After months of speculation and fleeting glimpses, aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts alike are buzzing with excitement over newly emerged images offering the clearest look yet at the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation’s (SAC) latest creation: the J-50, tentatively dubbed “Shengad” by observers. Spotted in flight testing over Shenyang, Liaoning, China, in December 2024, this sixth-generation stealth fighter is shaping up to be a technological marvel, blending cutting-edge design with features that signal China’s bold ambitions in military aviation. With its tailless configuration, advanced electro-optical systems, and innovative aerodynamics, the J-50 is poised to redefine air combat capabilities for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

The J-50’s design breaks from convention, most notably with its lack of vertical tails—a hallmark of sixth-generation fighters prioritizing stealth and agility over traditional stability mechanisms. Instead, it relies on advanced flight control systems to maintain maneuverability. Paired with this tailless, lambda-wing planform are movable wingtips, a feature visible in recent imagery where the right wingtip appears deflected. These articulating surfaces likely serve as control mechanisms, enhancing the jet’s agility while preserving its low-observable profile. Adding to its futuristic silhouette are two-dimensional (2D) thrust-vectoring control (TVC) nozzles, a detail that suggests superior maneuverability at both subsonic and supersonic speeds, rivaling the likes of the American F-22 Raptor.

SOURCE: AFI

In a forward-looking move to enhance operational stealth and efficiency, India’s elite Special Forces are set to integrate electric motorcycles and explore electric manned Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into their arsenal. This development, announced in early 2025, reflects the Indian military’s growing emphasis on cutting-edge, sustainable technology to meet the demands of modern warfare, particularly in covert and high-stakes missions.

The decision to equip Special Forces with electric motorcycles marks a significant shift toward quieter, more agile platforms for rapid insertion and extraction in sensitive operations. These motorcycles, likely sourced from indigenous manufacturers or international partners, promise near-silent operation—a critical advantage for reconnaissance, border patrols, and counter-insurgency missions where stealth is paramount. Drawing inspiration from global trends, such as the U.S. Special Operations Command’s use of Zero MMX electric bikes or the UAE’s trials with helicopter-mounted Zero FX models, India’s Special Forces aim to leverage similar capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant milestone for India’s defense manufacturing sector, Mahindra Defence Systems Limited (MDSL) has successfully delivered 50 Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar Systems (VMIMS) to the Indian Army. This cutting-edge system, a collaborative effort between Mahindra and UK-based Milanion NTGS, integrates the advanced Alakran mortar system with Mahindra’s rugged Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), known in Indian service as the “Armado.” The delivery of this initial batch, completed by late 2024 as scheduled, underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense production under the “Make in India” initiative.

The Mahindra VMIMS is a specialized mortar platform mounted on a 4×4 Armado vehicle, designed to enhance the Indian Army’s mobility, firepower, and precision on the battlefield. Available in configurations featuring either an 81mm or 120mm mortar, the system employs an electromechanical or hydraulic deployment mechanism for rapid setup and firing. This design enables the VMIMS to excel in “shoot and scoot” operations—a tactical approach where the system can unleash a barrage of eight rounds in under two minutes before swiftly relocating to evade counterattacks. With a maximum firing range of 6.5 to 8.2 kilometers, depending on the mortar caliber, the VMIMS provides a versatile and lethal capability for engaging targets at a distance.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing is on the cusp of a major milestone, according to Dr. Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Speaking at a recent industry conclave in New Delhi, Dr. Kamat expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory, stating, “I estimate that in the next 4–5 years, we will achieve around 90% self-reliance in defence production.” This ambitious projection underscores India’s rapid strides in reducing dependence on foreign arms, a shift driven by a mix of policy reforms, private-sector participation, and DRDO-led innovation.

Dr. Kamat’s remarks come at a time when India, one of the world’s largest arms importers, is aggressively pursuing its “Make in India” initiative to bolster indigenous defence capabilities. Over the past decade, the country has transitioned from relying heavily on imports—particularly from Russia, France, and the United States—to developing homegrown systems like the Tejas fighter jet, Arjun tank, and Pinaka rocket launchers. The DRDO chief’s 90% target reflects confidence in ongoing projects, including advanced missile systems, stealth warships, and next-generation drones, many of which are nearing operational deployment.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has faced a troubling year in 2025, with a series of jet crashes casting a harsh spotlight on its ageing fleet and maintenance practices. The latest incident, a Jaguar twin-seater crash near Jamnagar, Gujarat, on April 2, claimed the life of Flight Lieutenant Siddharth Yadav, marking the second Jaguar loss this year after a similar accident in Haryana in March.

These back-to-back crashes, alongside others involving MiG-21s and Mirage 2000s reported earlier in 2025, have raised alarm bells about the IAF’s ability to sustain its operational readiness. While many air forces worldwide continue to operate older aircraft, their crash rates remain notably lower, prompting questions about the IAF’s maintenance department and its oversight mechanisms. Past Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports on Indian crashes offer critical insights into systemic issues that may still persist, urging a thorough relook at how the IAF maintains its fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

Chandrapur, a town near Guwahati in Assam, is set to become a pivotal hub for India’s space ambitions as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) establishes the country’s first space debris monitoring radar under Project Netra (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis). This groundbreaking initiative, announced on April 3, 2025, marks a significant step toward enhancing India’s space situational awareness (SSA) and safeguarding its growing fleet of satellites from the increasing threat of space debris.

Project Netra involves the creation of a comprehensive network of observational facilities, including optical telescopes, radars, and a centralized command center. The radar system in Chandrapur, to be set up on a 200-bigha plot of land at the site of a defunct thermal power plant, will be capable of detecting objects as small as 10 cm in radius at distances up to 2,000 km. This capability will allow ISRO to track space debris in low-earth orbits (LEO), where most of India’s remote-sensing satellites operate, as well as monitor potential threats to assets in higher orbits. ISRO aims to make at least one radar operational within this year, with the full Chandrapur system expected to be commissioned within four years, by 2029.

SOURCE: AFI

As India charts its course toward developing a sixth-generation fighter jet under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, the strategic imperatives of its northern frontier—particularly the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) airbases in the Tibetan Plateau—demand a bold rethink of the platform’s design. To effectively counter China’s growing military presence and execute deep-strike missions against heavily defended targets, India’s next-gen fighter must evolve into a fighter-bomber with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of around 50 tons. This requirement stems from the need for enhanced payload, range, and survivability, critical for penetrating the PLAAF’s air defense network and neutralizing high-value assets deep inside contested territory.

The Tibetan Plateau, often called the “Roof of the World,” hosts several key PLAAF airbases, such as Hotan, Ngari Gunsa, and Lhasa Gonggar, located between 1,500 and 3,000 kilometers from India’s northern borders. These bases, situated at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters, serve as launchpads for fighter jets like the J-20 and J-16, as well as bombers like the H-6K, capable of striking Indian targets with standoff weapons. The PLAAF’s deployment in Tibet has grown steadily, bolstered by advanced radar systems, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) like the HQ-9, and an integrated air defense network extending into Xinjiang and beyond. Neutralizing these airbases is vital to disrupt China’s ability to project air power over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during a conflict.

SOURCE: AFI

India has announced a missile test in the Bay of Bengal, with a designated no-fly zone in effect from April 12 to April 14, 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its strategic defense capabilities. The advisory, issued by the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, covers a 1,245 km-long corridor stretching from Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the purview of the Indian Tri-Service Theatre Command. The test underscores India’s commitment to advancing its missile technology amid growing regional security concerns.

According to the notice, the no-fly zone will be active daily from 0400 UTC to 0430 UTC (9:30 AM to 10:00 AM IST) on April 12, 13, and 14, 2025. The restricted area spans a significant portion of the Bay of Bengal, ensuring safety for maritime and air traffic during the test window. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, is a key launch site for India’s missile tests, hosting facilities for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The island has been the launchpad for major systems like the Agni series of ballistic missiles and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Gurugram-based Kohli Enterprises has been awarded the Limited Authorization Transfer of Technology (LA ToT) for the production of brake parachutes for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft. The technology transfer, facilitated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, marks a pivotal moment in integrating private industry into the nation’s defense production ecosystem.

The formal handover took place during an event organized by DRDO on the sidelines of Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru from February 10-14, 2025. Kanav Kohli, Managing Director of Kohli Enterprises, received the LA ToT document from Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and the Indian Air Force (IAF). This transfer underscores India’s ongoing “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and fostering indigenous innovation.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step forward for India’s aerospace and propulsion industry, DG Propulsion has announced the successful completion of its first test turbine wheels, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s journey to refine its manufacturing processes. The initial batch, described as “phenomenal” by the company, has passed visual inspections with flying colors, setting a promising tone for the next stages of production.

DG Propulsion, a rising player in the global propulsion technology sector, conducted this trial run to fine-tune its methods and ensure the highest standards of quality and precision. “This was a trial run to refine our process and methods, and so far, the results speak for themselves,” the company stated in an official release. The turbine wheels, a critical component in jet engines and other high-performance propulsion systems, are a testament to DG Propulsion’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s defense and surveillance capabilities, Paras Defence and Space Technologies announced on Thursday, April 3, 2025, that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MicroCon Vision Ltd, an Israel-based subsidiary of the Rafael Group. The agreement focuses on the supply of advanced cameras for drones, positioning Paras Defence as a key player in India’s growing unmanned aerial systems market.

The collaboration aims to enhance the indigenous content in drone cameras and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) payloads, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By integrating locally developed components, Paras Defence expects to significantly reduce costs, making advanced drone technology more accessible for both military and commercial applications. This move underscores the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative while leveraging global expertise to meet domestic needs.

SOURCE: AFI

Kuntal Biswas, one of India’s most prominent 3D military system and defense animation experts, has once again captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts with his latest creation: a twin-engine variant of the Tejas MkII. This conceptual design, powered by twin Kaveri engines each generating 75kN of thrust, showcases the potential of India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities and positions the Tejas MkII in the same league as global heavyweights like the Dassault Rafale. With a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of approximately 24 tons, this innovative design aligns closely with the Rafale’s capabilities, powered by the Snecma M-88 engine, which also delivers 75kN of thrust.

Biswas, renowned for his detailed and visionary 3D renderings of military hardware, has evolved the Tejas MkII—originally conceived as a single-engine, medium-weight fighter—into a twin-engine multirole combat aircraft. His design incorporates canard-delta wings, an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and a fully homegrown weapons suite, blending cutting-edge technology with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The twin-Kaveri engine configuration not only boosts the aircraft’s thrust but also enhances its versatility, making it a formidable contender in air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant milestone for India’s aerospace and defense sector, Godrej Aerospace has confirmed the delivery of the first two modules of the Kaveri derivative engine to the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). The company, a key player in precision manufacturing, also announced that six additional modules are slated for delivery later this year, fulfilling a critical order placed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The order, secured by Godrej Aerospace in September 2022, involves the production of eight modules for a specialized Kaveri derivative engine. Unlike the original Kaveri engine, which was developed for fighter aircraft, this variant is a 48 kN dry engine without an afterburner. Sources indicate that this engine is intended for use in autonomous air vehicles, marking a step forward in India’s indigenous unmanned aerial technology.

SOURCE: AFI

In a candid conversation with Snehesh Alex Phillip of The Print, Lt Gen PR Shankar (Retd), former Director General of Artillery, dropped a bombshell about the Indian Army’s experience with the Russian-made Smerch multiple rocket launcher system. According to Shankar, the Smerch that was ordered in 2005 and inducted into service by 2008, yet the Indian Army (IA) was unable to fire it until 2012 due to persistent technical issues. The statement, delivered with a mix of incredulity and frustration, has left defense enthusiasts and analysts questioning the procurement process and the prolonged delay in resolving the problem. “Did I hear it right?” quipped a Indian defence analysts, echoing the disbelief many might feel about this operational hiccup.

The Smerch, a 300mm rocket system with a range of up to 90 kilometers, was acquired from Russia to bolster India’s long-range artillery firepower. Touted as one of the most powerful multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in the world, it was intended to give the IA a decisive edge in precision strikes and area saturation against enemy targets. The initial order, part of a broader modernization drive, came at a time when India sought to counter growing threats along its borders, particularly from Pakistan and China. The deal, reportedly worth over $500 million, included launchers, rockets, and support systems, with deliveries beginning in 2007-2008.