SOURCE: AFI

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India, seeking the cancellation of licenses for Indian firms exporting arms and military equipment to Israel. The petition, filed by advocates Prashant Bhushan and Cheryl D’souza, comes in light of India’s defense exports to Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict. The petition argues that the export of weapons to Israel is in violation of India’s international law obligations, particularly during an armed conflict that has raised concerns about humanitarian issues. Additionally, the petition invokes Article 51C of the Indian Constitution, which calls for the state to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, as well as the fundamental right to life and equality.

The central claim of the petition rests on the argument that India’s export of arms to Israel during the Gaza conflict contradicts its legal commitments under international law. The petitioners argue that by supplying military equipment to a state engaged in conflict, India may be indirectly contributing to violations of international humanitarian law. This, they claim, conflicts with Article 51C of the Constitution, which requires the Indian state to promote adherence to international legal standards.

SOURCE: AFI

The central government is actively considering revisions to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, a controversial policy introduced in 2022 to streamline the armed forces. The proposed adjustments aim to address criticisms and protests from Army aspirants, refine the scheme’s overall framework, and improve the retention rate of Agniveers.

A key focus of the government’s review is to increase the retention rate of Agniveers beyond the current 25 percent. This figure has been deemed insufficient by military experts, who argue that a higher retention rate would ensure a more experienced and skilled workforce within the armed forces.

SOURCE: AFI

The Village Defense Guards (VDGs) in the Jammu region have received a significant boost to their capabilities with the introduction of Semi-Automatic Rifles (SLRs) to replace the outdated .303 rifles. These VDGs, who assist security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), have expressed their readiness to combat militants but have also demanded an increase in their remuneration.

The distribution of SLR rifles is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the VDGs’ effectiveness in hunting down militants in the remote areas of the Jammu region. The new weapons provide a more sophisticated and reliable platform for search operations and surveillance activities.

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director of Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), recently highlighted the success of the company’s Shourya bulletproof vehicle, currently deployed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. According to Dr. Jha, the vehicle has received positive feedback, and MIDHANI is now anticipating more orders from other state police forces. The vehicle is seen as a key asset in enhancing the security and operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies in high-risk regions.

MIDHANI plays a central role in the production of these vehicles. The armored steel, critical for the protection provided by Shourya, is manufactured at the company’s Hyderabad facility, while the vehicle assembly is conducted at MIDHANI’s facility in Rohtak, Haryana. The deployment of these vehicles by the J&K Police has demonstrated their effectiveness in real-world conditions, solidifying the product’s credibility in the armored vehicle sector.

SOURCE: AFI

A breakthrough in hydrogen fuel combustion technology has been achieved by SAP Aerospace, an IIT Jammu-incubated startup. The company has successfully demonstrated 100% hydrogen combustion in a gas turbine engine, a significant step towards decarbonizing the aviation industry.

This achievement marks a major milestone in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly propulsion systems. By transitioning to hydrogen fuel, gas turbine engines can significantly reduce their carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

SOURCE: AFI

Suhas Tejaswini, the Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defense & Aerospace (FWDA), has made a bold claim that the company is currently developing an unmanned aircraft capable of taking on enemy fighter jets, such as the F-16.

While Tejaswini did not provide a specific timeline for the rollout of this new platform, the announcement has generated significant interest and speculation within the defense industry. If successful, FWDA’s unmanned aircraft could revolutionize aerial warfare and provide India with a significant strategic advantage.

SOURCE: AFI

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has witnessed a remarkable surge in the use of First-Person View (FPV) drones, particularly those guided by wires. These drones have played a pivotal role in fire missions on both sides, primarily driven by the innovative work of Andrew Perpetua. While these drones have proven effective in certain scenarios, their limitations and potential drawbacks warrant careful consideration.

While wire-guided FPV drones offer advantages in terms of electronic warfare (EW) resistance, they also introduce significant limitations. One of the most critical drawbacks is their reduced mobility. The need to manage the cable spool and maintain a slack-free connection significantly hampers their speed and maneuverability. This makes them more vulnerable to detection and interception by enemy forces.

SOURCE: AFI

Aviation enthusiasts were treated to a rare sight during Phase-II of the ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 military exercise. A two-seat MiG-23UB Flogger, bearing registration number MS306, made an appearance, stirring memories of this iconic Cold War-era jet fighter.

The MiG-23’s retirement from active service in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been a gradual process. The last MiG-23MF variant was phased out in March 2007, followed by the MiG-23BNs in March 2011. However, a limited number of MiG-23UB trainers remained operational for specialized roles.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has received the green light to place orders for the P17B frigates, a follow-on class to the Nilgiri-class frigates currently under construction. As part of the Next Generation series of future frontline surface combatants, the P17B class is expected to significantly enhance the navy’s capabilities. However, the staggering cost of $1.19 billion per ship has raised eyebrows among defense analysts in India.

The P17B frigates are estimated to cost a significant 50% more than their predecessors, the P15B frigates. This substantial increase in price has led to comparisons with the Talwar-class frigates, which could have been acquired in greater numbers for the same cost.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced that its Technology Development Fund (TDF) team will be a prominent participant at the upcoming TarangShakti event. This high-profile gathering is expected to be a showcase for the latest advancements in technology and innovation.

Tarang Shakti offers an unparalleled platform for researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore potential partnerships. The DRDO’s TDF team will be on hand to demonstrate the organization’s groundbreaking research and development initiatives.

SOURCE: AFI

IdeaForge Technology Limited has announced the successful deployment of its advanced Q6 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with the Mangaluru City Police. Procured through the Mangaluru Smart City Corporation Limited, the Q6 UAV represents a significant upgrade in the city’s law enforcement capabilities.

In a press release, Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal expressed his enthusiasm for the new drone system, stating that it has been seamlessly integrated into the city police’s operations. The Q6 UAV is expected to prove invaluable during public gatherings, protests, and city-wide celebrations, providing enhanced situational awareness and surveillance.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with Prashanth Nair and the rest of the Axiom-4 mission crew, have arrived in Houston to begin their rigorous training program. This marks a significant milestone as Shukla prepares to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

The Axiom-4 mission, a privately funded spaceflight, is scheduled to launch later this year. Shukla’s participation in this historic endeavor represents a major breakthrough for India’s space program. As part of the training, the crew will undergo a series of simulations and exercises to prepare for the challenges of spaceflight.

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the DRDO, has announced that the Zorawar Light Tank is on track for Army user trials by the end of the year. The tank, which has successfully completed internal trials, is now poised to undergo rigorous testing in the challenging high-altitude conditions near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the upcoming winter months.

The Zorawar Light Tank is a crucial component of India’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities in high-altitude regions. Designed specifically to operate in such demanding environments, the tank is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ordinance Development Cell-Ordinance Factory Medak (ODC-OFMK) is at the forefront of developing Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) with significantly enhanced mine blast resistance. In collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Advanced Materials Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI), ODC-OFMK has incorporated innovative materials to bolster the vehicles’ survivability.

CSIR-AMPRI has developed an aluminum hybrid closed-cell foam reinforced with nanomaterials like CNT/Graphene. This advanced material exhibits superior strength (-15-25 MPa) and energy absorption (8-15Mj/m³). Based on extensive testing, it was hypothesized that these foams, when used in sandwich panel configurations, could effectively absorb substantial impact energy, making them ideal for blast mitigation applications.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s military aviation, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) newly inducted C-295 transport aircraft was recently spotted alongside the veteran An-32 aircraft, capturing the attention of defense enthusiasts across the country. This rare visual of the two transport aircraft side by side highlights the evolution of the IAF’s airlift capabilities and marks a new chapter in its modernization efforts.

The C-295, developed by Airbus Defence and Space, has been procured by the IAF to replace the aging fleet of AVRO transport aircraft. With its state-of-the-art design and advanced avionics, the C-295 is expected to serve as a versatile and reliable platform for various transport missions, including tactical airlift, medical evacuation, and disaster relief operations. The aircraft’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities make it ideal for operations in remote and austere airfields, enhancing the IAF’s operational flexibility.