SOURCE: AFI

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program CCS Clearance is a vital step towards achieving a domestically produced 5th generation fighter jet. But even as this project gains momentum, strategic foresight compels India to consider the next frontier 6th generation fighter development. AMCA program that was officially started in 2008 got funding in 2024, it was 16 years wait, a wait India cant afford if it plans to develop its own 6th gen fighters in future, Here’s why, India needs to get going even while AMCA is under development.

While global aerospace industry is in a constant state of evolution. Many countries have already declared their plans to develop and operate 6th gen fighters and in-around mid 2030’s we should see many entering production on commencing testing. India cant afford to stay behind the curve again in 6th generation too. While the AMCA promises significant advancements, other nations are already pouring resources into 6th generation concepts. Delaying Indian research in this area risks falling behind in critical technologies like:

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest for an indigenous 5th generation fighter jet takes a major stride forward. Krishna Rajendra, Project Director for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has announced plans to develop five prototypes with an ambitious target for the first flight by the end of 2028.

Central to the development phase is the creation of five prototypes. These initial AMCA models will undergo rigorous testing to refine the aircraft’s design and functionalities. This testing will encompass critical systems like avionics, sensors, and overall combat performance, ensuring the AMCA is a true force multiplier when it enters service.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia has refuted Western media reports suggesting India is abandoning its reliance on Russian weaponry. In a recent interview, the Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, highlighted India’s continued production of Russian-designed T-90 tanks and Su-30MKI fighter jets under license agreements.

Ambassador Alipov emphasized that India has already produced nearly 1,000 T-90 tanks and 300 Su-30MKI aircraft, signifying a strong and ongoing military partnership between the two nations. He contrasted Russia’s approach with Western countries, claiming Russia offers full transfer of advanced military technology to India, unlike potential limitations imposed by other arms suppliers.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian government has received the final Letter of Offer (LOA) from the US for the purchase of 31 armed MQ-9B drones. This follows the State Department’s initial notification on February 1st and a 30-day window for potential objections from US lawmakers.

The final LOA includes the negotiated price between the US and the manufacturer for the drones. The Indian Navy, the lead agency in this acquisition, will now review the details. If the price is deemed satisfactory, the proposal will be forwarded to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval.

SOURCE: AFI

The US intelligence community believes China intends to establish additional military bases and access agreements globally, including locations near India. According to a March 11th report titled “The Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community,” China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aims to “project power and protect China’s interests abroad” through this expansion.

Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar are identified as possible targets. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Seychelles are mentioned as potential locations. Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Tajikistan, and Tanzania are also listed as potential areas of interest for China.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent live-fire exercise conducted by China near the contested border with India has heightened existing tensions between the two nations. Chinese state media reported that a female missile platoon successfully launched a missile against a “subsonic target aircraft” at high altitude on the Karakoram Plateau.

India has reportedly bolstered its military presence along the LAC in recent months. News outlets like Bloomberg have cited the deployment of an additional 10,000 Indian soldiers to the disputed border.

SOURCE: AFI

The Security Committee of the Council of Ministers of India has greenlit an ambitious venture – the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. With a staggering investment of 1.8 billion dollars earmarked for its development, India is set to embark on a journey to bolster its military capabilities in the aerospace domain. This move signifies a significant departure from India’s historical reliance on Russian military technology and marks a decisive step towards self-sufficiency in defense.

Traditionally, India has maintained close ties with Russia in the defense sector, relying on Soviet-era military equipment and technology. However, recent developments indicate a shift in this paradigm. Despite Russia’s unveiling of the Su-75 Checkmate, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft aimed at markets like India, the response from New Delhi was tepid at best. This lukewarm reception underscores India’s waning reliance on Russian military hardware, signaling a desire to diversify its sources and develop indigenous capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have joined forces in a significant partnership to supply cutting-edge Communication and Electronic Warfare (EW) sensors and systems to the Indian Navy. The contract, valued at Rs 847.70 crore, underscores the commitment of both companies to bolster India’s defense capabilities through indigenous manufacturing and technological innovation.

Under the terms of the contract, BEL will provide 14 state-of-the-art Communication and EW sensors and systems, all of which will be domestically manufactured. These advanced systems will be installed on three Cadet Training Ships, enhancing the Indian Navy’s communication and electronic warfare capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent assessment by US intelligence agencies has raised concerns about the possibility of armed conflict between India and China, as well as between India and Pakistan. The annual threat assessment, released by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), highlights the volatile nature of the border disputes and the potential for miscalculation and escalation.

According to the report, the disputed border between India and China continues to strain their bilateral relationship. While significant cross-border clashes have not occurred since 2020, both sides maintain large troop deployments, and sporadic encounters between opposing forces increase the risk of armed conflict. The report underscores the importance of avoiding miscalculation and de-escalating tensions to prevent a dangerous confrontation.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent threat issued by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun towards New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters highlights the persistent challenge posed by extremist elements promoting separatism and violence. Pannun, known for his pro-Khalistan activities, has targeted Peters after the latter questioned claims linking India to the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

In a concerning development, Pannun issued a threat through a poster advocating violent attacks against India’s top diplomat in Canada. This provocative act underscores the aggressive tactics employed by individuals associated with groups like ‘Sikhs for Justice,’ which have long advocated for the secession of Punjab from India.

SOURCE: AFI

In a display of maritime prowess, India’s Navy recently conducted a significant event aboard its aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea. This event, held as part of the Naval Commanders Conference, served to assess and demonstrate the force’s operational readiness, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance.

Footage released by the Indian Navy showcased two MiG-29K fighter jets, manufactured in Russia, executing a simultaneous takeoff from the Indian aircraft carriers Vikramaditya and Vikrant. The jets then executed a cross-deck landing, symbolizing the navy’s preparedness for rapid deployment and coordinated operations.

SOURCE: AFI

Following India’s successful test of the Agni-V missile equipped with MIRV (Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicle) technology, China’s state-run media outlet, Global Times, has downplayed the event’s significance.

Liu Zongyi, director of the Center for South Asia Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, claims China remains unconcerned about the immediate threat posed by this development. He argues that India’s overall military power still lags behind China’s.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army is set to receive its Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (VMIMS) by the end of 2024, as per the UK manufacturer, Milanion NTGS. Mahindra Defence from India secured the initial contract to supply these systems. The exact number of units remains undisclosed.

The Alakran is an 81mm deployable mortar system known for its Superior mobility: Integrated onto Mahindra’s Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV).Enhanced accuracy and firing speed. High firepower on the battlefield.

SOURCE: AFI

In a landmark move for India’s manufacturing sector, Bangalore-based Dynamatic Technologies Ltd. (DTL) has joined forces with Deutsche Aircraft to manufacture the rear fuselage for the D328eco, a 40-seater next-generation regional turboprop aircraft. This collaboration marks the first project between the two companies and signifies a significant step forward for “Make in India” initiatives.

The D328eco is a modernized version of the Dornier 328, known for its efficiency and performance. Deliveries of the initial DTL-built fuselage are expected by the end of 2025.

SOURCE: AFI

A recently built LCA-Tejas aircraft (SP-24/ LA-5020) tragically crashed near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on Tuesday during an operational training sortie. Thankfully, the pilot ejected safely, marking the first-ever crash of the Tejas in its 23-year operational history.

The relatively new aircraft, having completed its maiden flight in March 2021, raises concerns regarding the cause of the incident. Reports suggest the pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) about engine failure before ejecting, indicating a potential issue with power generation during landing.