SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to ramp up production of the AL-31 FP engines for the Su-30MKI fighter jets. A fresh order for approximately 230 engines is expected to be placed in the coming days, with deliveries scheduled over the next few years.

The AL-31 FP engine is the powerhouse of the Su-30MKI, and the IAF’s entire fleet of these twin-engine fighters relies on this crucial component. With a total requirement of around 950 engines, this order is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term operational readiness of the IAF’s backbone fighter fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

India has achieved a significant milestone in its technological advancement with the successful development of large cryopumping technology. This indigenous capability is set to revolutionize various sectors, including space research, nuclear science, and semiconductor manufacturing. This work has been done at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, under the Dept. of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Achieving and maintaining high to ultra-high vacuum conditions is crucial for several critical applications. However, until recently, India relied heavily on imports for large cryopumps, essential components in vacuum systems. Recognizing the strategic importance of this technology, domestic efforts were initiated to bridge this gap.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army is in the process of phasing out its fleet of Mahindra Rakshak armored vehicles, replacing them with the more advanced Mahindra Armored Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV). This strategic move comes after years of service and concerns raised about the Rakshak’s capabilities.

Initially introduced in 2005 with an order for 200 vehicles, the Rakshak, based on the Mahindra Commander jeep, gained popularity within the Indian Army and other security forces. A subsequent order for 800 units was placed in 2009, highlighting its demand. However, the vehicle’s performance came under scrutiny, with a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in 2008 criticizing its underpowered nature and the consequent risk it posed to soldiers.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Advanced Systems, a subsidiary of Tata Sons, is on the cusp of securing a substantial order for over 100 wheeled armored vehicle platforms from the Indian Army. According to industry sources, the Indian Army is poised to issue a Request for Information (RFI) in the near future, marking a significant step towards finalizing the deal.

Developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the 8×8 wheeled armored platform represents a crucial advancement in India’s indigenous defense capabilities. This joint venture underscores the growing partnership between the private sector and the government in bolstering the nation’s military might.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move to bolster its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, Pakistan has reportedly purchased Supercam drones from Russia. The acquisition of these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) marks a significant enhancement of Pakistan’s aerial monitoring capabilities, enabling a broad range of military and civil applications.

The Supercam S350 is one of Russia’s flagship unmanned aircraft systems, designed for aerial photography, video monitoring, and a host of other critical missions. One of the standout features of the Supercam S350 is its endurance in the air. It can remain airborne for up to 7 hours, making it a formidable tool for extended surveillance operations. Additionally, the drone can transmit information over long distances, ensuring that real-time data reaches command centers without delay.

SOURCE: AFI

A Sukhoi fighter jet experienced a hard landing at Pune Airport on Wednesday, causing significant disruptions to flight schedules. The incident occurred during a routine training exercise when the aircraft abruptly descended from a height of eight to ten feet while attempting to land.

The unexpected impact caused the airport authorities to temporarily close the runway for inspection. As a result, several passenger flights were delayed, and some were diverted to alternative airports. The runway was reopened approximately an hour later after Air Force officials confirmed its safety.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik has successfully completed its participation in the prestigious RIMPAC 2024 exercise and has arrived in Guam, an island territory of the United States, for an operational turnaround. The Eastern Naval Command announced this development in an official release on Thursday.

The deployment of INS Shivalik to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean is part of the Indian Navy’s broader strategy to enhance its operational reach and presence in the region. The ship’s participation in RIMPAC, the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise, provided a valuable platform for the Indian Navy to interact with and learn from other leading naval forces.

SOURCE: AFI

In recognition of his extraordinary courage and exceptional flying skills, Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane VM has been awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra. His heroic actions during a life-threatening situation on 24th July 2023 while piloting a Jaguar fighter aircraft have been hailed as a testament to his dedication, composure, and expertise.

On 24th July 2023, Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane, posted to a fighter squadron, was conducting a sortie on a Jaguar fighter aircraft. During the flight, he encountered an unprecedented and critical situation when both the Oil 1 and Oil 2 failure warnings activated simultaneously. This malfunction indicated a severe issue in the oil system, necessitating the immediate shutdown of both engines to prevent their imminent seizure. Such a scenario had never occurred before, and no established procedures existed for dealing with this type of failure.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent article, the Global Times, a mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, dismissed a report by the Voice of America (VOA) on India’s newly unveiled light tank as an attempt to sow discord between the two Asian giants.

The Chinese state-run media outlet claimed that the VOA had exaggerated the capabilities of India’s new tank, portraying it as a potential rival to China’s Type 15 light tank. However, Chinese experts countered that China has already deployed the Type 15 since 2019, while India’s tank is still under development and won’t be operational until at least 2027.

SOURCE: AFI

In 2020, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had explored the possibility of bolstering its fleet of MiG-29 supersonic fighter jets by ordering 21 additional airframes from Russia. This move was aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities, adding to the three MiG-29 squadrons already in service. The plan initially involved procuring 19 single-seater and 2 twin-seater MiG-29 airframes that had been in storage, awaiting assembly due to undisclosed reasons.

An IAF evaluation team assessed the stored airframes and found them to be in good condition, despite their extended period in storage. Although these jets were bare-bones and required a complete assembly of equipment, the cost quoted for the procurement was considered reasonable. However, a more comprehensive analysis led to a shift in perspective within the IAF.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Motors have showcased a significantly upgraded version of their Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8. The second-generation vehicle boasts a refined design and incorporates advanced features for enhanced operational capabilities.

A standout feature of the new WhAP is the inclusion of cutting-edge night vision equipment, enabling effective operations under low-light conditions. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with robust chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection measures, safeguarding the crew in hazardous environments.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has recently received 96 ATOR N1200 Specialist Mobility Vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its logistical and operational capabilities. Manufactured by JSW Gecko, a subsidiary of the JSW Group, these vehicles are part of a larger Rs 250 crore contract secured earlier this year. The ATOR N1200 vehicles, which have also been showcased during the 2024 Republic Day Parade, are now under evaluation for potential civilian use in India.

The ATOR N1200 is an advanced amphibious extreme mobility vehicle, designed to operate in challenging terrains. Based on the SHERP N1200, a renowned vehicle known for its robustness and versatility, the ATOR N1200 has been indigenously adapted to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army. This adaptation has been made possible through a strategic partnership between Copato Ltd of the United Kingdom and JSW Defence and JSW Gecko.

SOURCE: AFI

Air Commodore (Retd) Zia Ul Haque Shamsi recently stated that Pakistan’s acquisition of a fifth-generation fighter jet would provide the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) with a significant edge over India for the next 12 to 14 years. According to Shamsi, India is unlikely to acquire similar capabilities within this period, giving Pakistan a strategic advantage in the region.

Earlier this year, the PAF Chief announced that Pakistan would be acquiring Chinese-made FC-31 stealth fighter jets, also known as the J-31, from China. The FC-31 is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter designed to compete with similar aircraft, such as the F-35 and other advanced platforms. This acquisition marks a significant upgrade for the PAF, as it seeks to modernize its fleet and enhance its air combat capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Mumbai-based Aman Aviation & Aerospace Solutions has made history by securing a contract to perform Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services on the Nepalese Army’s Mi-17 helicopters. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for India’s aerospace industry, as it is the first time an Indian MRO company has been entrusted with such a crucial task for Russian-made military helicopters.

The contract is a testament to India’s growing expertise and capabilities in the aerospace sector. It also signals a new era of regional cooperation and trust in Indian technical prowess.

SOURCE: AFI

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, has expressed immense pride in the development of the DRDO-Mahindra Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8. In a social media post, he highlighted the vehicle’s capabilities, including its amphibious nature, optimized engine performance for high-altitude operations, and advanced CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protection measures.

The WhAP is designed to accommodate a crew of 8+3 with provisions for weapons. Mahindra emphasized the vehicle’s impressive performance both on land and water, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to challenging terrains.