SOURCE: AFI

As the retirement of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, the current Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), approaches on 31 May, the race to fill this crucial position has intensified. Unless Dr. Kamat is granted an extension, his tenure will conclude, making way for a new appointee. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which has the final say in the appointment, is poised to make a decision soon after the election results are declared on 4 June.

The DRDO Chairman holds a pivotal role in steering India’s defense research and development. The organization is instrumental in developing defense technologies and systems critical for national security. This includes everything from advanced missile systems and combat aircraft to cutting-edge electronic warfare technologies and cybersecurity solutions. The chairman’s leadership is essential for maintaining the momentum of ongoing projects and ensuring that new initiatives align with the strategic goals of the nation.

SOURCE: AFI

Pro-Khalistani supporters faced a major embarrassment today in San Francisco after spending a significant amount of time preparing for a protest outside the Russian Embassy. Arriving with signs advocating violence against India, they were met with the unexpected reality – the Russian consulate had shut down five years ago.

This comical turn of events has sparked widespread mockery online, with many highlighting the incompetence of the organizers. Pro-Khalistani groups had reportedly been gearing up for this protest for an entire week, showcasing a complete lack of basic research or awareness regarding the status of the Russian consulate.

SOURCE: AFI

Following the reported success of Israel’s Arrow defense systems in repelling a recent Iranian missile and drone attack, the technology is attracting renewed interest from potential buyers. However, this comes with echoes of a past roadblock for India.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the developer of Arrow systems, has seen a surge in interest from countries seeking to bolster their missile defense capabilities. IAI’s CEO attributes this to the system’s apparent effectiveness in thwarting a major attack.

SOURCE: AFI

Competence Exports Private Limited (CEPL), a company based in Hajipur, Bihar, is carving a niche for itself in the international market. They’re achieving this by catering to two distinct segments: safety shoes for the demanding needs of the Russian army and fashionable footwear for European markets.

Shiv Kumar Roy, General Manager of CEPL, explains their vision: “We established our Hajipur facility in 2018, focusing on generating local employment. Here, we manufacture safety shoes specifically designed for export to Russia. These shoes prioritize lightweight construction, slip resistance, and the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.”

SOURCE: AFI

On May 18, 1974, the ground shook in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan, India. A successful nuclear detonation marked India’s entry into the world’s most exclusive club – the nations possessing nuclear weapons. Codenamed “Smiling Buddha” in a deliberate irony, the test was a calculated move by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government.

Facing declining popularity, Gandhi seized the opportunity to rally the nation. The timing of the test, coinciding with the birthday of Buddha, a symbol of peace, further emphasized India’s stated goal of using nuclear power for peaceful purposes only. However, the international community remained skeptical.

SOURCE: AFI

IIT Madras is taking innovation to new heights with its incubator program. A startup based at the institute, ePlane Company, is developing India’s first electric flying taxi, showcasing the growing potential of Indian incubators to nurture groundbreaking ideas.

This exciting project isn’t just a local development – it’s a sign of India’s rising status as a global innovation hub. With ambitious incubators like IIT Madras at the forefront, the country is shedding the image of lacking homegrown innovators.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has set its sights on a March 2026 rollout for the first prototype of the LCA Mk-2 fighter jet, as confirmed during their Q4 FY2023-24 earnings conference call. This news comes amidst earlier estimations suggesting a 2025 maiden flight.

Previously, Prabhulla Chandran VK, director of avionics and weapon systems at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which oversees the LCA Mk-2 design, had indicated a possible 2025 maiden flight with an American engine. However, HAL’s revised target suggests a slight delay, pushing the rollout to March 2026.

SOURCE: AFI

The Maldives’ recent decision to replace Indian Dornier aircraft and helicopters with Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones has raised strategic and operational concerns. Despite the allure of advanced drone technology, the Indian Dornier aircraft offer capabilities that drones cannot match.

The Maldives, seeking to diversify its strategic partnerships, has opted for a new security approach. This includes acquiring defense equipment from China and Turkey. However, experts believe the chosen replacements may not be optimal for the Maldives’ specific requirements.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian military is poised to embrace a revolutionary technology – High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) – that promises to transform its surveillance capabilities. These long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer significant advantages over traditional aircraft and satellites, making them a game-changer for border security and maritime domain awareness.

Leading the charge is the Indian Navy, which has already signed a contract with NewSpace Research & Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for the development of HAPs specifically designed for monitoring the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These next-generation platforms boast an impressive 60-day airborne endurance, a stark contrast to the limited flight times of conventional aircraft and drones.

SOURCE: AFI

Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos has postponed its much-anticipated test launch of the “Agnibaan SOrTeD” (Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator) mission once again. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, reserving airspace for the launch window from May 28th, 2024, to June 25th, 2024, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

This delay comes after multiple previous postponements due to technical issues. The SOrTeD mission, though lasting only two minutes from launch to splashdown, holds immense significance as a potential stepping stone for the next generation of Indian satellite launchers.

SOURCE: AFI

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is fast-tracking its venture into electric air taxis with a target to launch by 2026. The airline, under the parent company InterGlobe Enterprises, has partnered with California-based Archer Aviation to bring 200 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft to India. These aircraft, valued at $1 billion, aim to revolutionize urban mobility by significantly reducing travel times in congested cities. Recent visits by IndiGo’s leadership to Archer’s headquarters underscore their commitment to this innovative project.

IndiGo and Archer’s collaboration includes the development of ‘Midnight,’ a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed for quick, successive flights with minimal charge time. This initiative not only promises to alleviate urban congestion but also marks a significant step toward sustainable aviation.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s strategic vision has long included the development of a formidable naval presence to secure its vast maritime interests. Central to this vision is the construction of a third aircraft carrier, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-3 (IAC-3), a proposed 65,000-tonne behemoth capable of housing 54 fighters. As India debates the specifics of IAC-3, the idea of making it nuclear-powered and equipping it with electromagnetic catapults has emerged as a crucial consideration. Here are the compelling reasons why India should proceed with a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

One of the most significant advantages of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is its virtually unlimited operational range and endurance. Unlike conventional carriers that require frequent refueling, a nuclear-powered vessel can operate for years without refueling. This capability is particularly vital for India, given its extensive coastline and the need to project power across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). A nuclear-powered carrier would ensure sustained maritime presence, enhancing India’s ability to conduct prolonged operations far from its shores.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence sector has gained momentum, with both DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and private companies advocating for a more efficient system. A key area of focus is user trials – the process by which the Indian Armed Forces evaluate indigenously developed defence equipment.

DRDO and private entities have jointly urged the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to implement time-bound user trials. This streamlined approach aims to expedite the evaluation process, reducing delays that can hinder the induction of new technologies into the armed forces.

SOURCE: AFI

India is taking a significant step towards reforming its military structure with the theaterisation of its armed forces. This long-awaited initiative, gaining momentum under the current government, aims to create a more unified and efficient defense apparatus.

The theaterisation plan comes nearly a decade after China implemented a similar restructuring of its People’s Liberation Army. India’s theaterisation initiative signifies its commitment to modernizing its military and enhancing its response capabilities in the face of evolving security threats.

SOURCE: AFI

In a concerning development, former heads of India’s intelligence agencies, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and National Investigation Agency (NIA), have been placed under Z category security cover due to perceived threats from Khalistani groups operating from Canada and the United States. The decision to provide heightened security to Samant Goel and Dinkar Gupta comes in response to specific threat perception reports indicating a direct threat from these terror outfits, prompting the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to step in and ensure the safety of these former top officials.

Recent intelligence assessments have highlighted an alarming trend of heightened activity among pro-Khalistani entities, particularly in North America. These groups, known for their radical ideologies and propensity for violence, have reportedly been targeting prominent figures associated with Indian security and intelligence apparatus.