SOURCE: AFI

India’s nuclear deterrent has taken a significant step forward with the induction of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) onto the INS Arighat, the nation’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). While the K-4 boasts a range of 3,500 kilometers, all eyes are now on the upcoming K-5, touted as the “Big Daddy” of Indian SLBMs.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the K-5 is a three-stage solid-propellant SLBM with an estimated range of 5,000-6,000 kilometers. This extended range, combined with a payload capacity of two tonnes, would theoretically enable the K-5 to strike targets as far as 8,000-9,000 kilometers with lesser payload. This capability would bring major cities like Beijing within reach, even while operating in the Indian Ocean region.

SOURCE: AFI

An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter, which made a precautionary landing in Ladakh in April 2024, is being retrieved after a months-long operation. The Boeing Apache helicopter, which landed north of the Khardung La pass, has been dismantled and is being transported by road to Leh.

The rescue mission posed significant challenges due to the high altitude of the landing site, which is around 12,000 feet. Airlifting the helicopter was not feasible due to the altitude and weight constraints of the IAF’s Chinook helicopters.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been a cornerstone of India’s defense strategy, but the absence of dedicated strategic bombers in its fleet has been a notable limitation. This deficiency has restricted the IAF’s ability to strike deep into enemy territory and conduct sustained long-range operations. However, there is a compelling opportunity to address this gap by utilizing existing assets: the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and the indigenously developed Nirbhay Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).

The C-17 is a versatile aircraft capable of transporting troops, equipment, and vehicles over long distances. Its large cargo bay and long range make it an ideal platform for carrying and launching cruise missiles. By integrating Nirbhay into the C-17’s capabilities, the IAF could effectively transform its transport fleet into a strategic strike force.

SOURCE: AFI

Nibe Space Private Limited, a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, has announced a strategic partnership with leading infrastructure, defense companies, and startups in India. The collaboration aims to establish a private Earth observation constellation and a corresponding ground segment to offer a comprehensive range of space-based services.

Through this consortium, Nibe Space will leverage the expertise and resources of its partners to supply equipment, services, skills, systems, and support services necessary for building and operating the constellation. The company plans to lease the constellation to various customers and provide images and analytics as a service.

SOURCE: AFI

The India-U.S. bilateral Army exercise Yudh Abhyas has commenced at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan on September 9, 2024. This year’s exercise is set to feature a wide range of military activities, including live-fire drills and training exercises.

The U.S. Army is participating in the exercise with a contingent that includes Stryker infantry vehicles and the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). The deployment of HIMARS in India marks a significant development, as the U.S. is keen to sell this advanced weapon system to the Indian Army.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been tasked with developing software for the TFX Kaan, a joint venture fifth-generation fighter jet program between Pakistan and Turkey. This development was reported by the Pakistani media outlet BOL News.

Last year, Turkish Deputy Defense Minister Celal Sami Tüfekçi announced that discussions were underway to involve Pakistan in Turkey’s next-generation fighter aircraft (NGFA) program. Tüfekçi revealed that nearly 200 Pakistani engineers were already working on the TFX Kaan project.

SOURCE: AFI

The India-U.S. bilateral Army exercise Yudh Abhyas, currently underway at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan, has witnessed the participation of the A-10C Thunderbolt II, an aircraft from the 25th Fighter Squadron. This marks the first time that an A-10C has joined the Yudh Abhyas exercise, showcasing the growing collaboration between the Indian and U.S. militaries.

The A-10C Thunderbolt II is a specialized aircraft designed for close air support of ground forces. Its unique capabilities, including its slow speed, maneuverability, and powerful weaponry, make it an invaluable asset in providing direct support to troops on the ground.  

SOURCE: AFI

Samir V Kamat, the chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has emphasized the critical role of space in modern warfare. In a recent statement, he highlighted the shift from traditional land, air, and sea domains to a more complex battlefield that includes cyber, information, and space.

Kamat asserted that nations with superiority in these three domains will have a significant advantage in future conflicts. He particularly underscored the importance of space, stating that India must build its expertise and capabilities in this sector to secure a strategic edge.

SOURCE: AFI

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) today witnessed a historic moment as two new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Watercraft were launched for the Indian Navy. The vessels, named INS MULKI and INS MALPE, were launched by Smt Vijaya Srinivas, wife of Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command.

These vessels are designed to conduct anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, mine-laying, sub-surface surveillance, and search and rescue missions. They are equipped with a range of weapons, including lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine warfare rockets, a close-in weapon system, and remote-controlled guns.

SOURCE: AFI

Not many will remember but In 2010, the Indian Navy was considering the Lockheed Martin F-35 for its future aircraft carrier fighter requirements, a move that generated significant interest. At the time, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of Business Development for India, Orville Prins, confirmed the company’s intent to respond to the Indian Navy’s Request for Information (RFI) with two F-35 variants: the STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing) F-35B and the carrier-based F-35C.

While the F-35B initially appeared a more logical replacement for India’s aging Sea Harrier jump jets due to its vertical landing capability, the possibility of using the F-35C, designed for steam catapult launches, was also explored. Lockheed Martin conducted simulations and analyses to evaluate the F-35C’s capability to take off from India’s ski-jump carriers without needing a catapult system.

SOURCE: AFI

The YouTube channel “Grim Reapers,” known for its detailed Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) simulations, recently carried out a fascinating scenario exploring how the Philippines’ new Indo-Russian BrahMos anti-ship missile batteries might fare against China’s navy in a hypothetical conflict. The simulation, titled “Philippines Brahmos Missile Batteries vs US & Chinese Carrier Groups (WarGames 241) | DCS,” tested the effectiveness of the BrahMos missiles in a series of strikes against both Chinese and US carrier groups, providing an insightful look at the potential combat outcomes.

The scenario begins by testing the BrahMos missile batteries against a Chinese naval fleet. In the first attempt, a single BrahMos missile was launched toward a Chinese Type 052D destroyer. The warship responded by launching its HQ-9B interceptor missile. The result was an interception success for the Chinese, as the BrahMos missile was neutralized before reaching its target.

SOURCE: AFI

A Thane-based spacetech startup, InspeCity, has showcased its innovative robotic arm at the National Space Day Celebrations at DRDO. This robotic arm is designed to address the growing problem of space debris, which includes defunct satellites and other debris orbiting Earth.

As businesses like SpaceX continue to launch thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit, the risk of collisions and further debris generation is escalating. InspeCity is capitalizing on this opportunity by developing technologies for in-space repairs and controlled de-orbiting of satellites.

SOURCE: AFI

Chennai, Tamil Nadu will host the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s 92nd Raising Day celebrations on October 8, 2024. This marks the third time the event is held outside Delhi, following previous celebrations in Chandigarh and Prayagraj.

The festivities will commence at 7:45 AM with a grand parade and fly-past at a designated location in Chennai. Afterward, the city will witness a captivating airshow over Marina Beach. This spectacular display will showcase the IAF’s frontline fighter jets, including the Rafale, Sukhoi, and Tejas, providing a glimpse into the country’s advanced aviation capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Despite significant modernization efforts, the Indian Army continues to face a strategic challenge in terms of long-range multiple rocket launcher systems (MRLS) compared to its regional rivals. While the Indian Army has made strides in acquiring and developing advanced weaponry, its current capabilities fall short of those possessed by countries like China and Pakistan.

One of the primary concerns is the range disparity. The Indian Army’s Pinaka MRLS, equipped with guided rockets, has a maximum range of approximately 90 kilometers. In contrast, China’s 370mm guided rockets boast a maximum range of 300 kilometers. This significant difference in range could potentially limit the Indian Army’s ability to effectively target key enemy infrastructure and military assets from a safe distance.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia’s ambitious project to establish a nuclear power station on the Moon has garnered significant interest from both India and China. This revelation was made by Alexey Likhachev, the head of Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear energy corporation.

According to a report by TASS, Likhachev stated that China and India are keen to collaborate on creating this groundbreaking lunar energy solution. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, he emphasized the potential of a lunar nuclear power plant with an energy capacity of up to half a megawatt.