SOURCE: AFI

A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has shed light on concerning practices within the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the formulation of Aircraft and Systems Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs). Instead of adhering to the spirit of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), which aims for a transparent and competitive procurement process, the IAF has been found to tailor ASQRs based on the technical specifications of already available products in the market.

The audit pointed out that the IAF has been drafting ASQRs by directly copying the technical specifications of products which are already in the commercial domain. Moreover, these requirements have often been based on the inputs provided by vendors in response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the IAF. The DPP envisages the RFI as a tool to gather widespread information that would help in crafting broad, inclusive Qualitative Requirements (QRs) to ensure a level playing field among potential suppliers.

SOURCE: AFI

In an ambitious move to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities, India is set to significantly increase the production of composites for its burgeoning fighter jet programs. This initiative is driven by the escalating demand for local manufacturing of advanced materials for aircraft like the Tejas M1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII, with production orders expected to exceed 300 units by 2035.

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a key player in aerospace research and development under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has been at the forefront of this technology. NAL has pioneered the use of composites in India’s aircraft programs, including the LCA Tejas and the SARAS, where composites make up a significant portion of the aircraft structure. Now, with the Tejas M1A and MkII projects, the focus is on enhancing these capabilities further, leveraging composites for their lightweight, strength, and durability benefits.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride in international defense collaboration, India and France have jointly developed the Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system, showcasing a fusion of technological expertise from both nations. This development has now led to Armenia selecting the Trajan system for its armed forces, enhancing its military capabilities with cutting-edge technology.

The Trajan 155 mm towed gun is not just another addition to global artillery; it represents a synergy between French and Indian defense sectors. While France provided the initial design and technology, several key subsystems were developed in India, underscoring the country’s growing prowess in defense manufacturing. These subsystems include advanced communication and navigation systems, which are crucial for modern warfare scenarios where precision and speed are paramount.

SOURCE: AFI

Journalist, researcher, and commentator Adnan Aamir from Islamabad has provided insights into the recent U.S. sanctions on Pakistani entities involved in long-range missile programs. According to Aamir, these sanctions are not merely punitive actions but are deeply rooted in Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific security strategy, potentially altering the geopolitical balance in South Asia in favor of India.

Aamir points out that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on several Pakistani organizations, notably those linked to the development of ballistic missiles, which are seen as integral to Pakistan’s defense against perceived threats, primarily from India. These sanctions include freezing any U.S. property belonging to these entities and barring Americans from conducting business with them, effectively aiming to curb the proliferation of missile technology.

SOURCE: AFI

India is ramping up efforts to position itself as a key player in the global defense maintenance sector by highlighting its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, especially for the Rafale fighter jets, to Indonesia. This initiative comes in the context of Indonesia’s substantial military acquisition from France.

In February 2022, Indonesia’s Air Force inked a landmark $8.1 billion deal for 42 French-made Rafale aircraft, as confirmed by Air Vice Marshal Sukadis. He elaborated, “The signing of the Rafale contract also provides training to pilots and technicians of Rafale aircraft so that they can maintain optimal aircraft performance.” This statement underscores the comprehensive nature of the deal, which includes a significant human resource development package centered around pilot crew training and aircraft maintenance.

SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based Zen Technologies Limited, a leader in providing defense training solutions, has been granted an Indian patent for its innovative “T-72 Containerized Crew Gunnery Simulator System” on January 8, 2025. This marks the eleventh patent awarded to the company in the fiscal year 2024-25, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in military training technology.

The T-72 Containerized Crew Gunnery Simulator System is specifically engineered to enhance the skills of T-72 tank commanders and gunners. This advanced simulator offers an immersive training experience by accurately replicating battlefield scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s long-standing practice of naming its ballistic missiles after historical Afghan invaders, intended as a taunt to India, has backfired amidst a new geopolitical spat with Afghanistan. The controversy was sparked by Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who in an unexpected turn of events, referred to Mahmud of Ghazni as “merely a plunderer” during a televised interview. This remark has sent shockwaves through Pakistan, where Ghazni is often lionized in educational curricula for his 1026 raid on the Somnath temple in India.

Mahmud of Ghazni, along with other figures like Ahmad Shah Abdali and Muhammad Ghori, have been celebrated in Pakistan for their roles in historical conflicts with Indian forces. Abdali is remembered for his victory in the third battle of Panipat against the Marathas, an event marked by significant bloodshed, while Ghori is noted for his defeat of the Indian king Prithviraj Chauhan. These names — Ghaznavi, Abdali, and Ghauri — adorn Pakistan’s arsenal of missiles, including the Ghaznavi (Hatf-III), Abdali-I (Hatf-II), and Ghauri (Hatf-V), respectively, symbolizing not just military might but also a cultural and historical assertion over India.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India is set to conclude one of the largest indigenous defense deals by the end of the current financial year, March 2025. The deal involves procuring 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with a total value estimated at ?53,000 crore (approximately $6 billion).

Out of the 156 helicopters, 90 are designated for the Indian Army, while the remaining 66 will strengthen the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet. These helicopters are known for their ability to land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making them ideal for operations in some of the world’s most challenging terrains. The Prachand LCH is equipped with an array of modern weaponry, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, enhancing its combat effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has announced that the Indian Army has already conducted over 300 trials of the innovative Mounted Gun System (MGS), tailored for the dynamic needs of modern warfare. The MGS, featuring a 155mm/52 caliber system, has been adapted from the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)’s Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and mounted on an 8×8 high mobility vehicle for enhanced battlefield mobility.

General Dwivedi highlighted that the trials will continue through the year with plans to conclude by early 2026. “We have seen promising results from the trials conducted so far,” he stated, “but our commitment to ensuring the system’s readiness for combat necessitates further rigorous testing in diverse operational scenarios.”

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has recently completed the field evaluation of the Nag Missile Carrier version-2 (NAMICA-2), marking a significant milestone in its indigenous defense capabilities. With the successful trials conducted at the Pokhran Field Range, the entire weapon system of the Nag MkII Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) is now ready for induction into the Indian military arsenal.

The Nag Missile Carrier version-2, an upgrade from its predecessor, introduces several enhancements aimed at bolstering India’s anti-armor warfare capabilities. One of the key features of the NAMICA-2 is its redesigned launcher, which can now accommodate six Nag MkII ATGMs. This upgrade not only increases the firepower but also optimizes the system for battlefield efficiency.

SOURCE: AFI

The defense industry has seen a surge in innovation with the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their manned counterparts, designed to leverage technology for tactical advantages. One such project, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, sounds promising, especially when juxtaposed with the Northrop Grumman Model 437. However, despite its intriguing design, the manned version of the CATS Warrior presents significant practical limitations when it comes to actual combat scenarios, particularly due to its limited weapons carrying capacity.

The HAL CATS Warrior, as it stands, is designed to carry a maximum of two Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) bombs internally and two Close Combat Missiles (CCM) externally. This capacity, while innovative for its stealth and teaming capabilities, is inherently limited. In modern warfare, where versatility and firepower are critical, this small payload does not justify the risk of human life.

SOURCE: AFI

According to a Japanese defense analyst, India’s domestically produced Zorawar light tank exhibits notable design characteristics that set it apart from traditional Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). While the Zorawar is lightweight at 25 tons, its dimensions reflect design priorities that diverge from the compact and low-profile trends observed in modern MBTs.

When compared to the Indian Army’s T-90S MBT, which weighs 46.5 tons, the Zorawar displays interesting dimensional contrasts:

SOURCE: AFI

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has achieved a significant milestone in stealth technology with the development of two innovative radar-absorbing materials tailored for aerospace applications. These breakthroughs, named NiRaLa-Monolithic Radar Absorbing Laminate and ADRISHYA-RAM Paint, promise to enhance the stealth capabilities of aircraft, reducing their radar cross-section (RCS) and thus, their detectability by enemy radar systems.

NiRaLa, an acronym for “Nirantar Radar Absorbing Laminate”, represents a leap forward in the domain of radar-absorbing structures (RAS). This technology involves:

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent development, Adani Defence has successfully recovered the Drishti 10 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which crashed off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat, while undergoing pre-acceptance trials. According to sources from idrw.org, the incident occurred before the official handover to the customer, placing the responsibility for any losses or repair costs squarely on Adani Defence.

Since the crash happened during the pre-delivery phase, Adani Defence has taken full responsibility for the incident. This includes covering any repair costs or losses associated with the UAV, as the official handover to the customer had not yet occurred.

SOURCE: AFI

On Monday, the Indian Navy took a significant step forward in enhancing its maritime operations with the launch of the second Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), ‘Utkarsh’, from the Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. Built by L&T Shipbuilding Limited, Utkarsh, meaning ‘Superior in Conduct’, joins its sister ship, INS Samarthak, which was launched just three months prior, in bolstering the Navy’s versatility and operational scope.

The launch of INS Utkarsh comes within three months of the launch of the first MPV, INS Samarthak. Together, these vessels will significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, particularly in areas requiring versatile and mission-critical support.