SOURCE: AFI

: India has issued notifications for a naval firing exercise in the Bay of Bengal region, spanning from August 17 to September 1, 2024. This development has drawn significant attention due to the concurrent presence of China’s research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, operating in close proximity to the designated naval firing zone.

The Indian Navy’s planned exercise is a routine operation aimed at enhancing combat readiness and operational capabilities. However, the overlap in the operational areas of the Indian Navy and the Chinese research vessel has raised eyebrows. While Beijing maintains that its vessel is engaged in scientific research, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the situation.

SOURCE: AFI

The Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its artillery capabilities by collaborating with private vendors for the development of the 155mm Towed Gun System (TGS). In July 2024, AWEIL released an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the selection of a strategic partner for a long-term collaboration agreement. This agreement aims to facilitate the co-development and co-production of the TGS, with leading contenders such as Tata and L&T at the forefront of this collaboration.

As part of the TGS program, AWEIL is expected to offer its Dhanush 155×52 Towed Gun System. This system is an upgraded version of the Dhanush 155×45 Calibre Gun, which faced significant delays and quality control issues during its development. The earlier program was delayed by four years due to these challenges, and AWEIL is keen to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

SOURCE: AFI

Big Bang Boom Solutions, a Chennai-based technology firm, is on the cusp of a major breakthrough in defense technology. The company is in advanced negotiations with a UK-based company for the export of its innovative ‘See-Through Armor’ (STA) system, designed to provide tank crews with a 360-degree view of their surroundings.

The STA system, also known as the 360 Active Battle Interface, is a revolutionary technology that utilizes multiple RGB and thermal cameras strategically placed around the armored vehicle. This advanced setup offers tank crews a comprehensive, real-time view of their environment, including an 8x digital zoom capability, through a Heads-Up Display (HUD). The system boasts impressive detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) ranges for both humans and vehicles, ensuring superior situational awareness.

SOURCE: AFI

MRF, a leading tyre manufacturer in India, has unveiled its latest innovation, the ‘Aero-Muscle’ tyre, specifically designed for the upcoming Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2. The tyre was showcased during the recent ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise at Sulur Airbase.

The LCA Tejas Mk2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, featuring increased size and power. To complement these advancements, MRF has developed a tyre that is not only larger but also exceptionally robust. The ‘Aero-Muscle’ tyre is engineered to withstand the heightened speeds, loads, and demanding operational conditions of the LCA Mk2.

SOURCE: AFI

Boeing is intensifying its focus on India, aiming to transform the country into a pivotal hub for research, development, and supply chain operations. The American aerospace giant is seeking to bolster its presence in the country through strategic partnerships, increased sourcing, and expanded maintenance and training capabilities.

A recent substantial investment in a Bengaluru technology center underscores Boeing’s commitment to India. This facility will focus on developing advanced cabin products and digital solutions, catering to the needs of both Boeing and Airbus operators.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s naval modernization as INS Tushil, the first of two stealth frigates being built for the Indian Navy by Russia, departed Baltiysk for sea trials.

As part of a USD 2.5 billion deal, approximately 200 Indian Navy personnel are currently in Russia to oversee the acceptance trials of this advanced warship. Christened ‘Tushil’, meaning ‘shield’ in Sanskrit, the frigate is expected to join the Indian Navy by mid-September if all trials are successful.

SOURCE: AFI

The certification process for the upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is in its final stages. According to the latest update, the crucial milestone is expected to be achieved within the next month. Once certified, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) can resume deliveries of the advanced fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The first Tejas Mk1A took to the skies in March this year, initiating a rigorous series of certification trials encompassing new systems, radar, and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). The successful completion of these tests is a significant step forward for the indigenous fighter program.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant stride in India’s defense indigenization has been marked with the successful development and trials of the ASMI 9mm machine pistol. The brainchild of DRDO ARDE Lab Scientist Dr. Bhupinder Singh in collaboration with Col Prasad, the ASMI has cleared rigorous testing by the Army, Navy, and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Two domestic companies, SAF Kanpur and Lokesh Machines, Hyderabad, have been entrusted with the production of the ASMI. A substantial initial order for 550 units has been placed by the Indian Army’s Northern Command, underscoring the confidence reposed in the weapon.

SOURCE: AFI

Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd. has received a significant boost to its order book with its associate company, Controp-Paras Technologies Pvt Ltd, securing a substantial order worth Rs 305 crore from Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

The contract entails the manufacturing and supply of 244 units of the advanced Sight-25 HD Electro-Optics (EO) System. This cutting-edge technology is set to enhance the capabilities of L&T’s Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) program, a critical component of India’s naval defense infrastructure.

SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ATL) has reached a significant milestone with its contribution to the EOS-8 satellite, successfully launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). This marks the 100th satellite in which the company has played a crucial role.

The successful launch of EOS-8 underscores ISRO’s growing prowess in small satellite launches and its commitment to expanding commercial satellite launch services. The Earth observation satellite is designed to gather valuable data for applications such as agriculture, forestry, water resource management, and disaster response.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has issued a significant ?6,500 crore tender for the procurement of 400 155/52 calibre Indigenous Design Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) Towed Gun Systems (TGS). This move marks a crucial step in bolstering India’s artillery firepower with advanced and indigenously produced weaponry.

Leading Indian defense companies, including Bharat Forge, Adani Defence, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and state-owned Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), have received tender documents and are expected to submit their bids soon.

SOURCE: AFI

India is positioning itself as a global powerhouse in ammunition manufacturing, with the potential to capture a significant share of the growing global market, according to a new report by FICCI and KPMG.

The AMMO India 2024 report underscores the burgeoning opportunities in the ammunition sector, driven by increased global military spending, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and rising insurgency concerns. The global ammunition market is projected to reach a substantial Rs 1,84,092 crores (US$ 22 billion) by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 3.95%.  

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in developing the next generation of anti-tank weaponry. In a recent interview, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat confirmed the ongoing development of the Nag Mk II, an advanced anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).

The Nag Mk II is poised to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Nag. It is designed to be a lightweight, all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch missile, offering enhanced capabilities to combat modern armored threats.

SOURCE: AFI

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) declaring a no-fly zone over a 365km area from August 22 to 23, 2024, indicating an impending missile test. While the specific details of the missile remain undisclosed, the extensive area covered by the NOTAM has sparked speculation about the type of missile to be tested.

The possibility of an air-to-air missile system being tested is one of the primary theories, given the relatively smaller area often associated with such tests. However, the larger size of the restricted airspace has also led to speculation about a potential surface-to-surface missile system being evaluated.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant milestone was achieved in India’s space sector as ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced the successful completion of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) development process. The agency is now set to transfer this crucial technology to Indian industries, marking a pioneering step in the country’s space journey.

Speaking to reporters post the successful launch of the SSLV, Somanath emphasized that this is the first time such advanced technology is being shared with the private sector in India. The move is expected to bolster the capabilities of Indian industries, enabling them to build smaller rockets and contribute substantially to the nation’s burgeoning space economy.