SOURCE: AFI

In a recent video that has sent ripples through the defense community, India’s homegrown light tank, the Zorawar, has made a stunning appearance. For the first time, the tank showcased its unique spaced armor configuration, a design feature that could potentially revolutionize tank protection. Additionally, the video demonstrated the tank’s remarkable speed, surpassing the capabilities of typical main battle tanks.

The most striking aspect of the new footage is the Zorawar’s exposed spaced armor slots. This design, where armor plates are mounted at a distance from the main hull, has been proven effective in defeating kinetic energy penetrators. By creating a void between the two armor layers, the impact energy of an incoming projectile is dissipated, reducing its ability to penetrate. While the absence of the actual armor plates in the video might raise questions, it could be indicative of testing or prototype stages.

SOURCE: AFI

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, led a high-level delegation to the BrahMos Pavilion at the 10th International Military-Technical Forum “Army 2024,” held at the Patriot Expo in Russia. The distinguished visitor was welcomed by Mr. Alexander Maksichev, Joint Managing Director (JMD) of BrahMos Aerospace, and Mr. Praveen Pathak, Director (Marketing Promotion & Export).

During the visit, General Giang was provided with a comprehensive overview of the various variants of the formidable supersonic BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia. The BrahMos missile system, known for its precision and speed, has been a game-changer in modern warfare, offering land, sea, and air-launched capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s largest shipbuilding facility by capacity, is poised for a remarkable resurgence. Under the stewardship of Swan Energy Ltd, the shipyard, which had been dormant for nearly five years following the collapse of RNAVAL, is now gearing up for a grand revival.

A significant milestone is imminent with the dry docking of an Indian Coast Guard ship this month. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the shipyard, which boasts an impressive 662-meter dry dock, the largest in India and among the world’s top.

SOURCE: AFI

The indigenous prowess of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was on full display as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand soared through the skies above the Sulur Airbase during the ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise. This international air exercise, which commenced on August 6, 2024, has provided a platform for showcasing India’s advanced aviation capabilities.

The LCH Prachand, a formidable attack helicopter indigenously developed, has been a key participant in the exercise. Its presence underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The helicopter’s exceptional maneuverability and lethal firepower have made it a potent asset for the IAF, capable of operating effectively in diverse terrains and challenging weather conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

Navi Mumbai is set to take a significant step towards becoming a major aviation hub as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares for its first trial aircraft landing next month.

The Indian Air Force will be conducting the trial run using a C-130J transport aircraft and a Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet. This crucial exercise will test the airport’s infrastructure and systems before it officially opens to commercial flights in March 2025.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s indigenous supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, is rapidly gaining global recognition. Following the successful sale to the Philippines, the joint venture between India and Russia, BrahMos Aerospace, is currently engaged in negotiations with at least four other countries for the acquisition of this potent weapon system.

Southeast Asian nations, Indonesia and Vietnam, have expressed keen interest in the BrahMos missile, recognizing its strategic value in bolstering their maritime capabilities. Additionally, the Middle Eastern powerhouses, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are also in discussions to procure the missile.

SOURCE: AFI

Data Patterns (India) Ltd has achieved a significant milestone by successfully developing two critical components for the upgrade of the Naval Dornier 228 aircraft. The company has engineered a state-of-the-art Maritime Patrol Radar and a cutting-edge SIGINT EW suite, both integral to the aircraft’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Impressively, these crucial systems were developed in a remarkably short timeframe of less than a year, showcasing the company’s technical expertise and efficiency. The components are currently undergoing rigorous flight trials to ensure optimal performance.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian space startup, EtherealX, has successfully secured $5 million in seed funding to propel its ambitious project of developing fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicles. The startup is set to revolutionize the space industry with its flagship vehicle, the Razor Crest Mk-1, designed to deliver impressive payloads into orbit.

In its fully reusable configuration, the Razor Crest Mk-1 is capable of transporting 8 tons into low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle’s versatility extends to expendable and partially reusable modes, enabling it to carry over 24.8 tons and 22.8 tons, respectively, to LEO. EtherealX’s aspirations reach even further, as the company aims to deliver payloads to geostationary transfer and trans-lunar injection orbits.

SOURCE: AFI

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk II, an ambitious upgrade of India’s indigenous fighter jet, has been plagued by a series of delays since its inception. While the project has seen some progress, the timeline for its development has consistently slipped, raising concerns about its eventual operational capability.

The initial optimism surrounding the LCA Mk II was evident in early 2021 when the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) chief predicted a rollout by August of that year. However, this timeline was quickly pushed back to 2022. By November 2021, the Conceptual Design Review (CDR) was completed, indicating a step forward, but the subsequent months witnessed further delays.

SOURCE: AFI

India is on the cusp of finalizing a significant deal with the United States for the acquisition of GE 414 jet engines. The agreement, expected to be inked in the coming months, will mark a crucial milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet program.

General Electric has already submitted its bid for the engines, and negotiations on technology transfer are in advanced stages. The deal is anticipated to include an unprecedented 80% technology transfer, a substantial leap from previous agreements. This will significantly bolster India’s capabilities in jet engine manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) has successfully developed a second-generation Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) specifically designed for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) operations. This cutting-edge platform boasts a range of enhancements, including amphibious capabilities, a compact design, reduced weight, optimized engine performance for high-altitude conditions, and reinforced protection measures.

The new WhAP is equipped to carry a crew of eight personnel, along with three additional members, and can be armed for combat operations. The vehicle’s amphibious nature significantly expands its operational scope, enabling it to traverse water bodies with ease. The compact design and reduced weight enhance maneuverability and transportability.

SOURCE: AFI

The Border Security Force (BSF) has raised an alarm over the increasing sophistication of drones being used to smuggle weapons and drugs across the India-Pakistan border. According to Inspector-General of BSF (Punjab Frontier) Atul Fulzele, the newer drone models have become smaller, quieter, and capable of flying at higher altitudes, making them significantly harder to detect.

In a press briefing on Friday, Fulzele revealed that the BSF had intercepted 137 drones since January 1, seizing 28 weapons, including pistols and AK rifles, along with 160.28 kg of heroin. He emphasized that while land smuggling has become negligible, drone-based smuggling has emerged as the primary method for infiltrating contraband.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant gesture underscoring the deepening maritime relations between India and the United Kingdom, Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord & Chief of Naval Staff of the Royal Navy, paid a visit to the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS Tabar, during her stay in London, UK. The visit highlighted the growing cooperation and camaraderie between the two navies, which play pivotal roles in maintaining maritime security across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Captain MR Harish, the Commanding Officer of INS Tabar, warmly welcomed Admiral Key aboard the ship. During the visit, Captain Harish provided an extensive overview of INS Tabar’s capabilities, emphasizing the advanced technology and operational readiness that make her a formidable asset in the Indian Navy’s fleet. He also discussed the broader objectives of INS Tabar’s Operational Deployment, which aims to foster closer ties with partner navies, including the Royal Navy, through joint exercises, port visits, and professional exchanges.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk II is set to take flight by March 2026. This timeline was confirmed during a high-level review meeting held at DRDO Bhawan, attended by top officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The rollout of the LCA Mk II is scheduled for post-August 2025, followed by nearly three years of intensive developmental flight testing. The aircraft is expected to achieve Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by the end of 2029, paving the way for production commencement in 2030 and deliveries from 2032 onwards.