SOURCE: AFI

In a surprising revelation, an Indian Army study has found that Agniveers, recruited under the controversial Agnipath scheme, have significantly outperformed their predecessors in military academic examinations conducted during the training period. The study, which analyzed data from two batches inducted over the past two years, indicates a 30% performance advantage for the Agniveers.

The findings directly contradict the criticisms leveled by opposition parties and some veterans who questioned the scheme’s effectiveness. The report further underscores the Agniveers’ aptitude for technological absorption and their high levels of motivation, asserting their operational readiness.

SOURCE: AFI

A pivotal stride in India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing was initiated in 1977-78 with the commencement of the Gun Carriage Project. This ambitious undertaking aimed to develop an indigenous prototype for the 105 mm Field Gun ‘IFG MK-II’, excluding the barrel and recoil system.

The project, a collaborative effort between the Gun Carriage Factory and the Armour Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), marked a significant step towards India’s capability to produce advanced artillery systems indigenously. The development of the gun carriage, a crucial component of the field gun, was a complex endeavor requiring expertise in engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant milestone was achieved for India’s indigenous defense capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s first 5.5 generation stealth fighter, is scheduled for induction by 2035.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat expressed confidence in the project, stating that India is on the cusp of joining a select group of nations capable of developing such advanced aircraft. The AMCA, a testament to India’s growing aerospace prowess, was showcased as a scale model at the Defence Aviation Exposition IDAX 2024 during the Tarang Shakti exercise in Tamil Nadu’s Sulur.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the chosen partner for the production of F-414 engines in India, has initiated the groundwork for a new engine factory. The company has identified a suitable land parcel in Bengaluru to house the upcoming manufacturing facility.

HAL aims to have the facility fully operational within two years of the finalization of the F-414 deal. Once operational, the factory will be responsible for manufacturing 99 F-414 engines for the Tejas MkII program, with deliveries commencing within three years.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) has made a strong presence at the prestigious Tarang Shakti 2024, showcasing its cutting-edge aerospace capabilities at the Sulur Air Force Station.

The company’s display highlighted a range of advanced products, including the C-295 model, a testament to its growing capabilities in aircraft manufacturing. Additionally, TASL showcased its expertise in Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) technology, a critical area for future aviation advancements.

SOURCE: AFI

In a testament to the deep-rooted strategic partnership between India and France, a unique opportunity has emerged for French pilots to experience firsthand the capabilities of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft. As part of the ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, a select group of French air force personnel have been given the chance to fly in both the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and the indigenously developed HAL Tejas.

This unprecedented exchange allows French pilots to gain valuable insights into the operational characteristics and strengths of these aircraft, contributing to the overall enhancement of their tactical acumen. The experience is also expected to foster deeper cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces.

SOURCE: AFI

A retired Indian Army Lieutenant Colonel, J.S. Sodhi, has advocated for Russia as the ideal partner for a joint venture to develop an advanced light tank for the Indian Army. In an interview with Sputnik India, Sodhi highlighted the Sprut-SD technology, which includes turret gun stabilization, as a game-changer in light tank capabilities.

The former officer emphasized Russia’s history of willingly transferring critical defense technology without imposing conditions, contrasting this approach with the perceived reluctance of the United States to share such technology.

SOURCE: AFI

India appears to have quietly retired its nuclear-capable Dhanush ballistic missile system, a significant development in the country’s nuclear posture. For years, the Dhanush, a ship-launched variant of the Prithvi missile, was deployed on two specially modified Sukanya-class offshore patrol vessels, INS Subhadra and INS Suvarna.

Satellite imagery and open-source intelligence have revealed that the distinctive missile stabilizer platforms once present on these vessels have been removed. This, coupled with the absence of official statements about the Dhanush system since 2019, strongly suggests that the system has been decommissioned.

SOURCE: AFI

On the second day of the Army 2024 International Military-Technical Forum in Russia, Mr. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, was given a comprehensive briefing on the BRAHMOS weapon system. The briefing was conducted by Mr. Alexander Maksichev, Joint Managing Director, and Mr. Praveen Pathak, Director (Marketing Promotion & Export) at BrahMos Aerospace, at the BrahMos pavilion, where the supersonic cruise missile was showcased in various configurations.

During the briefing, Mr. Maksichev and Mr. Pathak highlighted the recent achievements and progress of the BRAHMOS weapon system, which continues to be a cornerstone of India’s defense capabilities. The supersonic cruise missile, co-developed by India and Russia, is known for its precision strike capabilities and versatility across multiple platforms, including land, sea, and air.

SOURCE: AFI

Sagar Defence Engineering is thrilled to have been selected to participate in the iDEX Startup and Innovation Showcase under INDUSX in Delhi. This prestigious event, focused on fostering a robust defense innovation ecosystem, provided a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies developed by startups and MSMEs.

Our CEO, Mr. Lakshay Dang, and VP Business Development, Mr. Amit Singla, had the distinct honor of engaging with Ms. Isabel Casillas Guzman, the 27th Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), along with esteemed Indian officials Shri Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (Defence Production), Shri Vivek Virmani, PO(G), COO of DIO, and Capt Roy Joseph PD/DIO. This international platform offered invaluable opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and gaining crucial guidance and support.

SOURCE: AFI

Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited, a leading cybersecurity firm, recently welcomed a high-level delegation from the Nacional de Investigação Criminal (SERNIC) of the Republic of Mozambique. Mr. Abubakar Abdul Azize Bin Abudou and Mr. Armando Francisco Billa Serviço visited the company’s Chennai headquarters for a comprehensive overview of its cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.

The visit provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the shared challenges faced by nations worldwide. The delegation expressed keen interest in Big Bang Boom Solutions’ innovative projects, recognizing the potential for collaboration to enhance Mozambique’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s state-owned National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has recently unveiled an indigenous kamikaze drone, a significant advancement in the country’s defense technology. According to a report by NDTV, this drone is equipped with a home-built engine, enabling it to cover a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers.

The kamikaze drone, a crucial addition to India’s unmanned aerial capabilities, measures approximately 2.8 meters in length with a wingspan of 3.5 meters. Weighing around 120 kilograms, it can carry an explosive payload of 25 kilograms. The drone is powered by a 30 HP Wankel engine, which allows it to maintain a maximum speed of 180 kilometers per hour while flying continuously for up to 1,000 kilometers.

SOURCE: AFI

The ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise at Sulur Airbase has witnessed a unique camaraderie between the French and Indian Air Forces. French Rafale pilots, participating in the multinational air combat exercise, have expressed their admiration for the indigenous Indian Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA).

Several French pilots have drawn parallels between the Tejas and the Mirage 2000, highlighting the agile maneuverability and impressive performance of the smaller fighter jet. The LCA, despite its size, has proven to be a formidable opponent in simulated combat scenarios, showcasing its capabilities alongside larger and more advanced fighters.  

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly leaning away from acquiring heavy category fighter jets, similar to its existing Su-30MKI, for its upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This preference could significantly impact Boeing’s bid for the F-15EX, a heavy fighter, in this competition.

The IAF’s reluctance towards heavy fighters stems from several operational and economic considerations.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s defence exports have witnessed a commendable rise in recent years, with the government setting an ambitious target of ?35,000 crore by FY25. While the nation has managed to achieve ?21,000 crore in FY24, concerns linger about the sustainability of this growth trajectory.

A significant portion of the recent export surge can be attributed to the pressing needs of countries like Armenia and Ukraine, which have faced geopolitical challenges. While these orders have provided a much-needed boost to the domestic defence industry, experts caution that relying heavily on such short-term demands could hinder long-term growth prospects.