SOURCE: AFI

In a recent inflammatory video, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a known Khalistani terrorist and the General Counsel of the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), made controversial remarks, claiming that the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh is “the territory of China.” In his latest rant, Pannun urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to reclaim the northeastern Indian state, calling for immediate military action. “Now is the time to order the Chinese army to take Arunachal Pradesh back,” Pannun declared, stirring controversy and outrage in India.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has long been a vocal proponent of Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking the creation of an independent Sikh state. His organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has been at the forefront of pushing for the secession of Punjab from India, which has led to his designation as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

SOURCE: AFI

The use of armed drones and Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) in contemporary conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, has significantly reshaped the battlefield landscape. These unmanned systems have demonstrated their ability to overcome traditional anti-aircraft defenses and even advanced Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. The success of drones in penetrating air defenses highlights the urgent need for developing innovative strategies to counter these evolving threats. As future conflicts will likely see a surge in the use of armed drones and RPVs, defense forces worldwide must adapt and prepare. For India, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), presents a promising solution for countering drone threats.

Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have underscored the transformational impact of armed drones on warfare. These drones, often small and agile, have been able to evade traditional defense systems and deliver precision strikes on high-value targets. RPVs are increasingly being used for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and airstrikes, rendering them a vital component of modern warfare.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent footage of China’s ZTQ-15 light tanks reveals a significant upgrade in their protection systems, as the tanks are now equipped with large, cage-like “grills” that cover the front, sides, top, and rear of the vehicle. This extensive protection extends to critical components such as the engine, transmission compartments, and partially the external fuel tanks. These enhancements come at a time when India is increasing its focus on kamikaze drones and loitering ammunition, possibly signaling that China is responding to this emerging threat along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The ZTQ-15, also known as the Type 15, is designed for operations in rugged terrain like mountains and jungles, making it particularly suited for deployment in areas like the LAC, where the landscape poses significant challenges for heavier armored vehicles. First showcased publicly in 2016, this light tank features a 105mm gun capable of firing both traditional rounds and guided missiles, giving it substantial firepower despite its relatively lighter design compared to main battle tanks.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in partnership with Edgewood Ventures LLC, USA, and Edgewood Technologies Private Limited, Bangalore, India, has established HAL-Edgewood Technologies Private Limited (HETL). This joint venture company is dedicated to developing cutting-edge Mission Computers for Military Aviation and Aircraft.

HETL’s focus lies in the design, development, manufacture, and promotion of high-tech projects and products within the fields of electronics, software, hardware, and aeronautical systems. The company’s expertise extends to aviation, aerospace, and satellite projects, ensuring the development of advanced solutions for critical military applications.

SOURCE: AFI

3rdiTech, a leading provider of custom chips and imaging solutions, has achieved a significant milestone with its award of the Army Design Bureau’s Award of Excellence for its low-light imaging sensors. This recognition underscores the company’s expertise in developing innovative and high-performance solutions for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications.

3rdiTech specializes in crafting application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) tailored to meet the specific requirements of ISR systems. Their products find applications in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and defense, with collaborations spanning from the military to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

SOURCE: AFI

India is at a critical juncture in its aerospace development with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to develop a fifth-generation indigenous fighter jet. The project demands advanced technology, especially in propulsion systems. While India has successfully partnered with General Electric to procure the GE F-414 engines for its Tejas Mk2 and initial AMCA prototypes, a long-term solution for an indigenous engine for the AMCA is still lacking.

In this context, India might have missed a significant opportunity by not negotiating with Russia for the local development of a low-thrust variant of the AL-51F1 engine, formerly known as the “Izdelie 30”, which powers Russia’s Su-57 Felon fighter jets. The AL-51F1 engine has been hailed as a technological marvel, offering unprecedented capabilities that could have been adapted for India’s next-generation fighter jets.

SOURCE: AFI

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the third phase of India’s Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission, a critical step toward enhancing the country’s land and maritime domain awareness. This initiative, aimed at both civilian and military applications, will significantly bolster India’s surveillance capabilities, allowing for greater monitoring of both domestic and international activities across land and sea borders.

The ambitious proposal involves the launch of at least 52 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). These satellites will serve a wide array of surveillance functions, including monitoring enemy movements and tracking infrastructure developments in regions of strategic interest to India. The total cost for this extensive surveillance program stands at ?26,968 crore.

SOURCE: AFI

AeroArc, a leading robotics company based in New Delhi, has unveiled its new covert unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, the Trishul X. This cutting-edge drone is designed to provide soldiers with superior tactical awareness and operational efficiency while minimizing cognitive load.

Following the successful delivery of 700 Trinetra D drones to the Indian Army, AeroArc has developed the Trishul X as a locally produced version of the American Skydio X10. The Trishul X is equipped with a high-resolution thermal imager and up to a 64MP electro-optical camera, ensuring exceptional low-light performance. It offers an extended range, improved battery life, and enhanced resilience, making it a valuable asset for various military missions.

SOURCE: AFI

Ratan Naval Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and one of India’s most influential business leaders, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. His death marks the end of an era for India’s business world, but his legacy in leadership, philanthropy, and nation-building remains unparalleled.

Tata was not just a business tycoon; he was a visionary who transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse while maintaining its deep commitment to social responsibility. Under his leadership, the group expanded its footprint in industries as diverse as steel, automotive, information technology, and aerospace, all the while upholding the values of trust and ethical business practices. His contributions went far beyond business, leaving an indelible mark on India’s industrial landscape and society at large.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to its unmanned aerial capabilities, the Indian Armed Forces have received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to procure 31 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the U.S.-based General Atomics. The deal, which has been under consideration for some time, is expected to be signed by the end of 2024, with initial deliveries slated for late 2027 or early 2028.

The MQ-9B UAV, an advanced and highly versatile drone platform, is renowned for its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as its strike potential. The Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force will be the primary recipients, marking a new chapter in India’s drive to modernize its defense forces with cutting-edge technology.

SOURCE: AFI

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is poised to initiate trials of the software-defined radio (SDR) technology that will be integrated into the Tejas MkII program. This marks a crucial milestone in the development of advanced communication capabilities for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft.

ADA has commenced testing two SDR units. One SDR will undergo rigorous environmental stress screening to ensure its resilience in demanding operating conditions. The other SDR will be subjected to safety of flight testing to verify its reliability and performance in real-world flight scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

Paras Anti-Drone Technologies, a subsidiary of Paras Defence and Space Technologies (Paras), has won the ADITI 1.0 Challenge for “Mobile Ground Station in S/X/Ka band for Transmitting and Receiving Data from Satellites”. The Scheme/Challenge was launched by Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), under the Department of Defence Production (DDP) Ministry of Defence, Government of India as ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX), a Scheme under iDEX for Promoting Innovations in Critical and Strategic Defence Technologies. As per the Scheme, Paras Anti-Drone Technologies is eligible for a grant amount upto 50% of the Product Development Budget (PDB), with a maximum limit of Rs. 25 crore.

The ADITI 1.0 Challenge was launched in April 2023 with the aim of identifying and supporting innovative defence technologies. Paras Anti-Drone Technologies was one of the 20 shortlisted companies from across India. The company’s Mobile Ground Station was selected as the winner based on its technical merit, commercial viability, and potential impact on national security.

SOURCE: AFI

India is poised to achieve complete self-reliance in drone technology, according to R Shivaraman, co-founder of Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS), a leading defense startup. This significant development will enable the country to deploy both armed and unarmed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for tactical missions and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) purposes against its adversaries.

Shivaraman, who is also the Director and Chief Technology Officer of BBBS, highlighted the phenomenal growth of India’s drone industry in recent years. Over the past five years, approximately 50 drone manufacturers have entered the market, and orders are now steadily flowing into this burgeoning ecosystem.

SOURCE: AFI

India is reportedly on the brink of joining the exclusive group of nations that possess the capability to manufacture indigenous fighter jet engines, a technological leap that would mark a significant milestone for the country’s defense and aerospace sectors. Currently, only the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—have mastered the complex science of fighter jet engine development.

According to a recent report from The Financial Times, India is receiving offers from several global defense players, including France, the UK, and the US, all vying to assist in the development of a cutting-edge jet engine for India’s next-generation fighter jets. However, the US offer, led by General Electric (GE), comes with certain caveats that may affect India’s decision-making.

SOURCE: AFI

Kalyani Strategic Systems, a leading Indian defense manufacturer, has emerged as a strong contender in the Uttar Pradesh Police’s tender for 2000 5.56×45 carbines. The company’s CQB carbine, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Armament Research Development Establishment (ARDE), is one of the shortlisted options for the contract.

The CQB carbine offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, effectiveness in close combat, and compatibility with existing ammunition. Weighing just 3.2 kilograms and measuring less than 800 millimeters in length, the carbine is highly maneuverable and suitable for operations in confined spaces.