SOURCE: AFI

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to face delays in the materialization of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, concerns are growing over whether this long-awaited procurement will ever come to fruition. With time running out, there is increasing pressure on the IAF to rethink its priorities. Instead of waiting for the MRFA tender to proceed, the IAF has an opportunity to collaborate with the Indian Navy’s Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program.

This indigenous project not only offers a viable solution for both services but also aligns with India’s self-reliance goals. Moreover, a closer look at the specifications of the Rafale and TEDBF reveals striking similarities, suggesting that the TEDBF could meet many of the IAF’s requirements at a fraction of the cost and with greater strategic advantages.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s submarine technology, the Secretary of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) jointly inaugurated a cutting-edge Land-Based Submarine Battery Test Facility at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam.

The event was graced by the presence of the Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), the Director of NSTL, and other esteemed scientists from the organization. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test submarine batteries based on lithium-ion technology, a development spearheaded by NSTL.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defense manufacturer, has taken a significant step towards expanding its global footprint with the establishment of a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Inaugurated by India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, on July 11, 2023, this office is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for HAL’s operations and engagements in the wider Southeast Asian region.

This move is not only aimed at promoting HAL’s products but also at enhancing India’s defense cooperation with regional nations, providing a platform for other Indian Defense Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to showcase their capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a display of the strong diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives, newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in India on an Indian Air Force (IAF) civilian airliner. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, notably retains the iconic Air India livery, highlighting an intriguing chapter in its history.

The Airbus A321, which carried President Muizzu to India, was once part of Air India’s fleet but was not sold to the Tata Group when they took over the national carrier. Instead, the aircraft was retained by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to serve as a strategic asset for the IAF’s future Netra MkII Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s Rafale Marine fighter jets are set to receive a significant upgrade with the acquisition of Meteor long-range beyond visual range air-to-air missiles and Astra Mk1A beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. The deal for 26 Rafale M jets is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is a state-of-the-art air-to-air missile with a range of over 150 kilometers. It is capable of engaging targets at high speeds and altitudes, making it a formidable weapon for air defense missions.

SOURCE: AFI

DroneAcharya, a leading Indian drone technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with American Blast Systems (ABS) to expand its presence in the United States, United Kingdom, and European markets. This collaboration aims to drive growth in the manufacturing and distribution of drones across various sectors, including defense, law enforcement, agriculture, and logistics.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), DroneAcharya and ABS will jointly design and develop drones in Los Angeles. These drones will be specifically tailored for applications such as surveillance, security, and logistics, catering to the diverse needs of the target markets.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the developmental trials of the Indigenous Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). This fourth-generation, miniaturised missile system is designed to provide critical air defence capabilities to the Indian armed forces.

To ensure timely production and deployment of VSHORADS, the DRDO has partnered with Adani and ICOMM in the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode. These two companies will play a key role in the limited production of VSHORADS, which will subsequently undergo user trials by the Indian Army.

SOURCE: AFI

The Canadian government has reiterated its unwavering support for India’s territorial integrity, dismissing any notion of a separate Khalistan state. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs David Morrison made this clear during his testimony before the foreign interference commission in Ottawa on Friday.

Morrison emphasized Canada’s unequivocal stance on India’s sovereignty, stating, “Canada’s policy is very clear that India’s territorial integrity must be respected. There’s one India, and that’s been made very clear.” He further clarified that while Canada views certain activities related to pro-Khalistan elements as “awful,” they are still protected under the country’s Freedom of Speech laws.  

SOURCE: AFI

The French-speaking military online portal, Avions Legendaires, has reported that Lockheed Martin is positioned as the primary challenger to Dassault in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets. The report claims that Lockheed Martin has offered its F-16V Viper, rebranded as the F-21 for India, as a strong competitor to Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet.

What makes Lockheed Martin the main challenger to Dassault is not entirely clear from the report, but the portal hints at significant backing from the U.S. administration, which is allegedly exerting diplomatic pressure on India to select the American fighter jet. The F-16V Viper, a modernized version of the legendary F-16, has already seen international success, with Taiwan purchasing 66 units from Lockheed Martin.

SOURCE: AFI

A major setback for Russia’s drone program: A heavy attack stealth drone, believed to be an S-70 Okhotnik, has been destroyed in what appears to be a friendly fire incident over the Donetsk front. The drone was allegedly shot down by a Russian Su-57 fighter jet near Konstantinovka.

Footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath of the incident, with severe damage to the drone and surrounding area. The red star on the drone’s wing is clearly visible, confirming its Russian origin. Ukrainian sources claim the drone was downed in Ukrainian-controlled territory, approximately 10 miles behind their lines.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant achievement, the South Western Command of the Indian Army has completed the maiden flights of Air Target Imitators (ATIs) in a high-altitude area, marking a pivotal moment in the Army’s efforts to enhance operational readiness. This breakthrough demonstrates the Army’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and utilizing innovative methods to train air defense troops in challenging environments.

The deployment of the ATIs in high-altitude areas opens up new opportunities for air defense troops to train in a realistic combat environment. These air target imitators are designed to replicate the flight characteristics of piston-engined or jet-propelled aircraft, emitting energy in the infrared wave band to simulate a wide range of aerial threats.

SOURCE: AFI

Green Aero Propulsion, a leading innovator in sustainable aviation technology, has announced a significant milestone in its development of hydrogen-based aero engines. The company has successfully test-fired its first hydrogen-based combustor, showcasing a major step towards a cleaner and more efficient future for aviation.

Prithwish Kundu, founder and CEO of Green Aero Propulsion, expressed his excitement about this achievement. “This is a truly remarkable moment for our team,” he said. “Converting theoretical concepts from textbooks into tangible, working hardware is incredibly rewarding. Our hydrogen-based combustor is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our engineers.”

SOURCE: AFI

Recently, a Pantsir-S1 air defence system decoy was reportedly abandoned by Wagner Group forces somewhere in the Malian desert. While this event itself drew international attention, what particularly caught the eye of many Indian defense enthusiasts was the striking resemblance of the truck chassis used in the decoy to the TATA 6×6 Heavy Mobility Vehicle (HMV), an Indian-built platform. This raised curiosity about possible connections between Tata Motors and Russian air defense systems, and a closer look reveals a history of collaboration between the two.

The connection between Tata Motors and Russian air defense technology is not new. In October-November 2013, at the Kapustin Yar range of the Russian Ministry of Defense, a variant of the Tor-M2KM Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system was tested on the chassis of a Tata Motors 6×6 vehicle. These tests were designed to assess the platform’s performance under Russian military standards, and the results were impressive. The Tor-M2KM, mounted on the Tata vehicle, successfully demonstrated its ability to engage air targets at a range of 15 km and handle fast-moving targets flying at speeds of 700 m/s. It also showcased its capability to neutralize targets with a heading parameter greater than 6 km at distances of up to 12 km.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent barrage of Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel has underscored the critical need for India to bolster its missile defense capabilities. The Iranian aggression has demonstrated that even a relatively small nation can pose a significant threat to a technologically advanced country using a large number of inexpensive missiles.

India, with its vast industrial base and densely populated cities, is particularly vulnerable to such attacks. While the country has invested in Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems, these systems may be overwhelmed by a large-scale missile attack. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement for low-cost, high-tech interceptor missiles that can be developed and deployed in a shorter timeframe.

SOURCE: AFI

India will receive the remaining two squadrons of the advanced S-400 air defense missile system by the end of 2025, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF). In a press conference ahead of the 92nd Air Force Day, Singh attributed the delay in delivery to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized that the S-400 is a complex system that requires all components to be delivered for effective operation.

The S-400, capable of targeting threats up to 400 kilometers, is a significant addition to India’s air defense capabilities. It has been deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan to bolster national security.