SOURCE: AFI

In a remarkable turn of events, fishermen off the coast of Odisha, India, made an unexpected catch – a Shikra Target Drone. This intriguing discovery hints at the clandestine operations of the nation’s defense forces and provides insight into its advanced weaponry testing procedures.

The Shikra Target Drone, manufactured by QinetiQ Target Systems Ltd in collaboration with its Indian partner, Anadrone Systems Private Limited, is a sophisticated piece of technology designed for aerial target practice. Typically utilized to test the effectiveness of both air-to-air and surface-to-air missile systems, this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) plays a crucial role in evaluating the prowess of India’s defense arsenal.

SOURCE: AFI

Sheena Rani, a woman of Malayali descent hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, played a pivotal role in the triumphant launch of India’s Divyastra AGNI 5 ballistic missile. Serving as the DRDO Mission Director, she orchestrated the mission with precision, bringing immense pride to the nation with the resounding success of Mission Divyastra. Her exemplary leadership was lauded by none other than the Prime Minister himself, who hailed her as ‘Divya Putri’ during the announcement of the missile test’s success.

The Agni 5 missile, a formidable addition to India’s defense arsenal, boasts a striking range of 5,000 km and carries a payload of approximately 10 warheads. Developed utilizing state-of-the-art Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, this advanced missile is designed to traverse from Earth to space and back again, dispersing into multiple warheads upon re-entry to precisely strike designated targets.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, that recently celebrated its milestone of completing 10,000 accident-free sorties over the last 23 years, today encountered a significant setback with its first crash. The aircraft, believed to be in the Final Operational Configuration (FOC), belonging to the Second LCA-Tejas Squadron, No. 18 Flying Bullets, met with an accident during an operational training sortie in Jaisalmer.

The incident, which unfolded at Jaisalmer, saw the pilot ejecting safely from the aircraft. However, the crash marks a poignant moment for the LCA-Tejas program, which has prided itself on maintaining an impeccable safety record over the years.

SOURCE: AFI

The presence of the Chinese spy ship Xiang Yang Hong 01, currently positioned off the coast of Vizag, has drawn attention to maritime activities in the region. Real-time AIS positions indicate that the vessel is virtually stationary, maintaining a speed of 0.2 knots. This development comes after India had issued a second Notice to Airmen and sailors, highlighting the significance of ongoing operations in the area.

Against the backdrop of recent developments, including India’s testing of the Agni-V Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) system, the maritime environment has become increasingly dynamic. Notably, there is one more active Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) for a range of 3500 kilometers, suggesting potential preparations for the testing of the K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. V K Saraswat, the former Director General of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), recently made remarks regarding India’s successful test of the Agni-5 Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV). He emphasized that this achievement marks a pivotal moment for India, positioning it among a select group of nations with advanced nuclear capabilities. According to Dr. Saraswat, the Agni-5 MIRV test is a game-changer that significantly alters India’s geopolitical and strategic standing, particularly in Southeast Asia.

In Dr. Saraswat’s assessment, the Agni-5 MIRV test introduces a transformative element to India’s defense posture. By enhancing the efficacy of its missile systems, India can achieve greater annihilation potential with fewer launches, thereby optimizing its strategic deterrent capabilities. Dr. Saraswat aptly describes this phenomenon as a “Force Multiplier,” indicating that the deployment of MIRV technology minimizes the number of missiles required to neutralize potential threats.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s recent announcement of the successful test of its Agni-V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) equipped with Multiple Re-entry Vehicle (MRIV) technology has stirred significant interest and speculation among defense analysts and observers worldwide. The unveiling of the first official images of the Agni-V MRIV has sparked discussions, particularly regarding its distinctive conical nose, which sets it apart from its predecessors.

The Agni-V MRIV test marks a notable departure from the previous iterations of the Agni series, particularly in terms of its design and technological capabilities. The prominent feature of the conical nose on the Agni-V MRIV raises questions about the evolution of India’s ballistic missile program and hints at the possibility of a more advanced and sophisticated weapon system than initially perceived.

SOURCE: AFI

In recent years, the global arms trade landscape has witnessed a significant shift, particularly concerning Russian arms exports. The statistics reveal a stark reality: Russian arms exports fell by 53 percent between the periods of 2014–18 and 2019–23. This rapid decline has raised concerns and sparked discussions among analysts and policymakers worldwide.

The decline in Russian arms exports over the past five years has been pronounced, with notable implications for both Russia’s defense industry and its geopolitical influence. In 2019, Russia exported major arms to 31 states; however, by 2023, this number dwindled to only 12 states. Such a substantial reduction in the number of recipient states underscores the challenges facing Russia’s arms export market.

SOURCE: AFI

According to reports from Maldivian media on Monday, Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives and responsible for operating a helicopter have departed from the island nation. They have handed over the helicopter’s operations to an Indian civilian crew, as confirmed by a media official from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to the Adhadhu news portal.

The Indian soldiers, who were stationed in Addu city, have returned to India after transferring the responsibility of helicopter operations to the civilian crew. However, there has been no immediate confirmation from India’s defense ministry regarding the withdrawal of the first batch of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, as reported by the media in the Maldives.

SOURCE: AFI

March 9th, 2024 marks the second anniversary of a tense incident between India and Pakistan. On that day in 2022, a BrahMos missile – a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia – inadvertently landed in Pakistani territory near Mian Channu.

Pakistan has used the anniversary to reiterate its call for a comprehensive report from India on the incident. While India has expressed regret and reportedly held some officials accountable, a detailed investigation report remains undisclosed.

SOURCE: AFI

A Chinese research vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 01, has been spotted entering the Bay of Bengal region, according to maritime data. This comes just days before India’s planned missile tests off its eastern coast.

This is the second such vessel to enter waters near India in recent weeks, raising eyebrows. India is reportedly scheduled to test two nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, the K4 submarine-launched and Agni-V land-based variants, between March 11th and 16th. The exact date may vary depending on various factors.

SOURCE: AFI

India holds the title of the world’s largest arms importer even with its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliance) initiative to develop domestic military equipment. This information comes from data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

While India’s aim is to reduce reliance on foreign weapons, imports actually rose 4.7% between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023. This growth is likely due to ongoing border tensions with China and Pakistan.

SOURCE: AFI

A new report from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists raises serious concerns about a potential resurgence of nuclear testing by major powers. The report suggests that existing nuclear-armed nations are not only modernizing their arsenals but also contemplating the possibility of conducting test detonations.

The report highlights a domino effect that could be triggered by a single test. If a major power like Russia, China, or the United States were to resume nuclear testing, it could prompt similar actions from its rivals, leading to a dangerous escalation.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest to unlock the mysteries of the deep ocean takes a significant stride forward with the Samudrayaan mission. Announced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, this ambitious endeavor aims to send a crewed submersible to explore the ocean floor by the end of 2025.

The Samudrayaan mission signifies a significant leap forward for India’s oceanographic capabilities. The mission’s core objective is to deploy a specially designed submersible, capable of withstanding immense pressure, to depths of 6,000 meters. This will allow scientists to directly observe and study the previously unexplored ocean floor, a realm teeming with unique ecosystems, potential resources, and scientific wonders.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to conduct its second Reusable Launch Vehicle Autonomous Landing (RLV-LEX) mission this month, before March 16th, according to Dr. V Narayanan, Director of LPSC-ISRO.

This mission builds upon the success of the inaugural RLV-LEX mission conducted in April 2023 at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

SOURCE: AFI

Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), a Pakistani state-owned defense company, recently impressed military officials from 11 allied nations with a demonstration of their latest Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), the Shahpar II.

The Shahpar II, classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, showcased its targeting capabilities by engaging ground targets with its air-to-ground guided missile, the “Burq,” while flying at an altitude of 14,000 feet.