AFI
SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to undergo a significant shift in its focus, with a reduced emphasis on the development of small arms and ammunition. In a recent interview, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat highlighted the rapid progress made by the private sector in this domain.
Kamat emphasized that the private industry has gained substantial experience and expertise in developing small arms and ammunition, making them well-positioned to take the lead in this sector. As a result, DRDO plans to gradually phase out its involvement in small arms development over the next few years.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s Naval Air Station Rajali (INS Rajali) is a hub of naval aviation excellence, and at the heart of this operation is the unwavering dedication of the Agniveers. These young sailors, entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the P8I maritime patrol aircraft, play a pivotal role in ensuring the aircraft’s operational readiness and the Navy’s maritime dominance.
The P8I, a state-of-the-art maritime patrol aircraft, is a critical asset to the Indian Navy. Its advanced capabilities, including long-range surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare, make it an indispensable tool for safeguarding India’s maritime interests. To ensure that the P8I remains in peak condition, the Agniveers at INS Rajali carry out meticulous maintenance procedures.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

French aerospace engine manufacturer Safran has offered to collaborate with India in the development of a new engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation fighter program. As part of its roadmap, Safran has proposed using the Dassault Rafale fighter jet as a flying testbed for the new engine.
The plan involves equipping a Rafale with two engines: one of its standard M-88 engines and the other a high-thrust engine designed for the AMCA. By testing the AMCA engine on the Rafale airframe, Safran aims to validate its performance and capabilities in a real-world environment.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine on August 23, 2024, at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit, marking a significant moment in India-Ukraine relations, is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation in various sectors, including defense, economic ties, and science and technology.
A key focus of the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy will be the defense sector, an area of longstanding collaboration between the two nations. Historically, a substantial portion of India’s defense equipment was sourced from the Soviet Union, with much of this equipment being manufactured in what is now Ukraine. Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine remains a crucial partner for India in maintaining and upgrading these defense systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a sobering encounter during a visit to the India-Pakistan border, two US Senators, Vance Hartke and Quentin Burdick, were confronted with the grim consequences of US arms proliferation. Their journey to Amritsar, India, unveiled a chilling scene: a “Patton Tank Graveyard” – 70 battered American tanks captured from Pakistan.
These tanks were originally supplied by the US to Pakistan with the explicit condition that they would be used solely for defense against communist aggression. Yet, ironically, they were deployed against India, a nation actively combating communist influence. The stark hypocrisy of this situation was not lost on the Senators.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is set to become a cornerstone of the nation’s next-generation air combat capabilities. One of the key design features of the AMCA is its frontal shaping, which bears a striking resemblance to that of the American F-35, one of the most advanced stealth fighters in the world. This similarity in design is crucial because it directly influences the aircraft’s frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS), a measure of its detectability by enemy radar systems.
Frontal shaping is a critical factor in stealth technology. By minimizing the aircraft’s profile and ensuring that radar waves are deflected away from the source, stealth fighters like the F-35 achieve low RCS, making them difficult to detect. The AMCA’s design, with its sleek and angular frontal profile, appears to follow similar principles. This design choice suggests that India is prioritizing stealth in the development of its next-generation fighter.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly upgraded its strike capabilities with the successful integration of the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missile into its Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. This development marks a notable enhancement in the firepower of the IAF’s Russian-origin fleet, allowing for precision strikes on high-value targets at extended ranges.
The Rampage missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israeli Military Industries Systems (IMI), represents a significant leap in air-to-ground combat technology. Designed for precision strikes, this seekerless missile is tailored for operations against well-protected targets, including communication and command centers, airbases, maintenance facilities, and critical infrastructure. The missile’s long-range capability—reaching up to 250 kilometers—enables the IAF to strike deep within enemy territory without exposing its aircraft to hostile air defenses.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

The United States government is intensifying its efforts to prevent Indian companies from supplying Russia with technology and components that could be used in its military arsenal. The move comes in the wake of sanctions imposed on Bengaluru-based Si2 Microsystems last year for allegedly supplying dual-use technology to Moscow.
A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that US officials are engaging in extensive consultations and sensitization programs with Indian businesses to highlight the risks associated with exporting specific products. These items, including chemicals, aeronautic parts, and components, could potentially find their way into Russian missile systems and other defense equipment.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

Zen Technologies Limited, a leading innovator in the defense simulation and technology sector, has announced a major breakthrough with the recent patent grant in India for its cutting-edge “Mine Detection System.” This groundbreaking innovation is poised to revolutionize minefield reconnaissance, planning, and clearance by offering a safer, more efficient, and highly accurate method of mine detection.
The “Mine Detection System” represents a significant advancement in the field of military technology, particularly in the area of minefield management. By integrating GPS and GIS technology, the system is capable of plotting and recording mine coordinates with exceptional precision, using Latitude/Longitude and Military Grid references as detailed in Defense Series Maps (DSM). This level of accuracy ensures that the system can reliably navigate to pre-recorded coordinates, greatly enhancing the safety and effectiveness of mine retrieval operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

On the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War, DocuBay has released a powerful documentary titled “Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of the Indian Air Force.” The film shines a spotlight on the critical but often overlooked role played by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the conflict.
Produced by Media Indica in association with Juggernaut Productions, the documentary offers a deep dive into Operation Safed Sagar, revealing the courage, innovation, and strategic brilliance of the IAF. Through firsthand accounts from veterans like Air Chief Marshal Tipnis, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa, and Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia, viewers gain an intimate understanding of the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved by the air warriors.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made a bold assertion, claiming it can now develop any type of missile system within a timeframe of just three to four years. This includes air-to-air, ground-to-air, and air-to-ground missile systems.
DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat attributed this accelerated development capability to the growing prowess of local industries, which have been instrumental in reducing the time spent on developmental trials. This strategic partnership between DRDO and Indian companies is seen as a game-changer in the country’s defense sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defence electronics company, has made a significant announcement in its annual report. The company is set to embark on the development of an X-band GaN radar. This development marks a crucial step forward in India’s indigenous radar technology capabilities.
GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology is renowned for its ability to deliver higher power output, improved efficiency, and enhanced thermal management compared to traditional semiconductor materials. When integrated into radar systems, GaN offers significant advantages in terms of range, accuracy, and reliability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently unveiled a poster showcasing its elite Air Headquarters Communication Squadron, more famously known as ‘Pegasus’. This specialized unit plays a pivotal role in India’s aviation landscape, dedicated to the safe and secure transportation of the nation’s highest dignitaries.
Originally formed as the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (RIAF) during the British Raj, it was rechristened as the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (IAF) upon India’s independence. The squadron’s primary responsibility is the conveyance of VVIPs and VIPs, including visiting heads of state and government.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Allan Sonsteby, Executive Director of the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University, recently visited the Office of Naval Research in India. His visit underscored the growing collaboration between U.S. and Indian research institutions, with a focus on advancing cutting-edge science and technology.
During his visit, Sonsteby engaged with leading Indian institutions, including IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, and IISc Bengaluru, known for their pioneering research in various fields. These interactions are expected to pave the way for deeper scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

BrahMos Corporation has announced a significant rebranding of its upcoming BrahMos-NG (Next-Generation) air-launched cruise missile, now named the BrahMos-MA (Small Aircraft). This rebranding reflects a strategic move to better align the missile’s identity with its intended operational role and enhance its market positioning.
The BrahMos-MA represents the latest advancement in BrahMos Corporation’s missile technology. As a next-generation system, it is designed to be integrated with a variety of small aircraft, expanding its versatility and operational reach. The rebranding to BrahMos-MA underscores its tailored design for smaller platforms while retaining the formidable capabilities of the BrahMos family.
Continue reading