SOURCE: AFI

Reports reveal a concerning trend of Indian youths being misled into joining the conflict in Ukraine. Unscrupulous middlemen and agents are creating fake employment letters promising high salaries and Russian citizenship, attracting young individuals under false pretenses.

Lured by the prospect of earning up to Rs 2 lakhs per month with free rations and potential citizenship, several youths, including two from Telangana, signed contracts and underwent training. However, the harsh reality of potentially facing frontline combat shattered their illusions, prompting them to seek escape.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent reports circulating in certain media outlets have stirred controversy by asserting that a Chinese fifth-generation J-20 fighter jet achieved a remarkable feat during a simulated combat exercise. According to these reports, the J-20 purportedly brought down 17 Dassault Rafale fighter jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF) without suffering any losses itself. While such claims may grab headlines, they warrant careful scrutiny and consideration.

The initial source of this assertion stems from Chinese state media, particularly the Global Times in Beijing, which touted the purported achievement of the J-20 in a mock combat scenario. According to these reports, the J-20 demonstrated superior combat capabilities by downing a significant number of “enemy” aircraft while evading any return fire.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy base on Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep, soon to be christened INS Jatayu, has unveiled its official insignia. The emblem, to be formally inaugurated next week by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, features a powerful image – Jatayu, the courageous vulture from the Ramayana, alongside a lighthouse.

Jatayu, revered for his loyalty and valiant sacrifice, attempted to rescue Mata Sita from the clutches of the demon king Ravana. The insignia draws a symbolic connection between Jatayu’s unwavering defense and the role INS Jatayu will play in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a significant step towards bolstering its presence in Eastern Ladakh with the completion of a paved runway at the Nyoma airstrip, located just 30 kilometers from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This development mirrors India’s efforts to counter China’s infrastructure advancements in the region.

Situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet, Nyoma offers a strategic advantage due to its proximity to the LAC. The newly paved runway will now allow the IAF to operate transport aircraft and attack helicopters from this location, significantly enhancing its operational flexibility and rapid response capabilities in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a significant leap forward in its space exploration endeavors with the inauguration of a first-of-its-kind large trisonic wind tunnel (TWT) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This groundbreaking facility will play a crucial role in optimizing the aerodynamic design of future rockets and spacecraft, paving the way for a more efficient and cost-effective space program.

The TWT is a unique wind tunnel capable of simulating three distinct flight regimes: subsonic (below the speed of sound), transonic (at the speed of sound), and hypersonic (above the speed of sound). This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for testing the aerodynamic performance of scaled-down models of rockets and re-entry spacecrafts under various atmospheric conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the war game ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Pokhran, Rajasthan on March 12. Participation in this will be done only through indigenously designed weapon platforms and systems. Top officers of the three armies including Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan are going to participate in the exercise to be held in Pokhran. The concept of ‘self-reliant India’ is going to be seen in this exercise. 

According to the Hindustan Times report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may ask the military leadership to develop a strategy-based revolution in military affairs, at the center of which would be India, Indian geography and a strategy to deal with its security threats. It is believed that Indian-made defense platforms and network-based systems are going to be tested in the exercise being conducted under the name ‘Bharat Shakti’. With this, the strength of indigenous weapons can also be estimated. 

SOURCE: AFI

In a compelling statement, ISRO Chairman S Somanath emphasized the imperative of exploring other planets and celestial bodies for potential human habitation, underscoring the inherent spirit of exploration ingrained within humanity. His remarks, delivered on Saturday, shed light on the pressing need to expand our understanding of the cosmos and consider alternative habitats beyond Earth.

Somanath’s assertion that the exploration of other planets should commence while Earth remains habitable reflects a forward-thinking approach to space exploration. It underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure the long-term survival and sustainability of humanity. By venturing beyond the confines of our home planet, humans can broaden their horizons and unlock new frontiers in science, technology, and civilization.

SOURCE: AFI

Former ISRO chief K Sivan shared positive updates on India’s Gaganyaan project, stating that all tests have been completed and the mission is ready for a successful launch.

He elaborated that the first round of astronaut training was conducted in Russia, and the second phase will take place within India. Sivan emphasized that the initial mission will involve test pilots, with opportunities for mission scientists to participate in subsequent successful missions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a display of leadership and operational understanding, Air Marshal P.M. Sinha, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Western Air Command (WAC), undertook a combat mission on February 26, 2024, flying a Dassault Rafale fighter jet at one of India’s forward airbases.

The sortie, flown in an operational profile through dusk and culminating at night, served a dual purpose. Air Marshal Sinha not only assessed the combat readiness of the airbase but also interacted directly with air warriors, gaining firsthand insights into their operational environment and morale.

SOURCE: AFI

According to a report by Lenta.ru, Germany is in talks with India to purchase ammunition from the country and transfer it to the Ukrainian armed forces through intermediaries. The report cites Der Spiegel as saying that India is unwilling to openly sell its ammunition to Ukraine due to its friendly relations with Russia.

The German government has not commented on the report.

SOURCE: AFI

The Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo concluded on a high note, emphasizing the importance of indigenous production and collaboration with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, speaking at the closing ceremony, praised the expo for “bringing together several MSMEs” and highlighted the significance of “developing the ecosystem and environment for indigenisation.” He further stated that “Defence Expos facilitate this and encourage indigenous production,” underlining the crucial role such events play in fostering domestic defense capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Armenia is actively pursuing closer ties with India, aiming to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, according to an exclusive interview with Armenia’s Labor Minister Narek Mkrtchyan in Mint. “I think our relations are mature enough to be defined as a strategic partnership,” Mkrtchyan stated, expressing his hope for discussions on this matter between the foreign ministers of both countries.

Furthermore, Armenia seeks to strengthen its defense cooperation with India. Mkrtchyan acknowledged existing collaboration in this domain and emphasized the desire to “make our cooperation much deeper.” This statement hints at potential future defense deals between the two nations.