SOURCE: AFI

A high-level delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), headed by Major General Lukwikila Metikwiza Marcel, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, visited Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru yesterday.

The DRC delegation showcased keen interest in BEL’s diverse range of defence products and systems. The Director (Marketing) of BEL provided a comprehensive overview of the company’s capabilities, focusing on products that align with the DRC’s defence requirements.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has arrived in Kuantan, Malaysia, to participate in the bilateral exercise, Udara Shakti 2024. This joint military exercise aims to strengthen the existing ties between the Indian and Malaysian Air Forces, facilitating knowledge sharing on maintenance practices and enhancing operational coordination.

As part of the exercise, the IAF’s formidable Su-30 MKI fighter jets will engage in joint aerial maneuvers with the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Su-30 MKMs. This collaborative platform will provide an opportunity for both air forces to learn from each other’s expertise and refine their combat capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), renowned for its shipbuilding prowess, has emerged as a dominant force in another critical domain: the manufacturing of Bailey Type Portable Steel Bridges.

With a commanding market share of over 60% in India, GRSE has supplied over 5400 of these modular bridges to date.   These bridges, known for their durability, ease of assembly, and reliability, have found extensive use in India’s challenging terrains, especially in border areas. The Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are the primary consumers of these bridges, relying on them for crucial infrastructure in remote and hostile environments.  

SOURCE: AFI

India and Brazil are on the cusp of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the local maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines. This strategic partnership aims to leverage Brazil’s extensive experience in submarine maintenance to bolster India’s naval capabilities.

Recent discussions between a high-level Brazilian delegation, led by the Commander of the Brazilian Navy and the Commander of the Armed Forces, and Vice Admiral Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, centered on this critical aspect of naval cooperation. Brazil’s proven expertise in the domain offers India a unique opportunity to expedite its submarine maintenance capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a display of international cooperation and diplomatic finesse, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, was safely escorted to India amidst escalating unrest in her home country. The aircraft, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules with the call sign AJAX1431, carried Sheikh Hasina from Dhaka to Hindon Air Base near Delhi, under the protective watch of the Indian Air Force.

Over the past few weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed a surge in student-organized protests. Initially peaceful, these demonstrations have tragically turned deadly, necessitating urgent action to ensure the safety of key political figures. Sheikh Hasina, a prominent leader with a significant political legacy, faced heightened risks, prompting a coordinated effort for her evacuation.

SOURCE: AFI

China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has bolstered its arsenal with the YJ-18, a new family of anti-ship cruise missiles designed to challenge regional adversaries. This article delves into the YJ-18’s origins, capabilities, and potential future variants.

The YJ-18’s development timeline remains somewhat murky. While inspired by the Russian 3M-54E Club missile, it’s unclear if its design stems from collaboration or independent engineering. Public mentions surfaced around 2009, with testing concluding in 2013 and official service commencing in 2014.

SOURCE: AFI

South Korea’s ambitious aerospace project, the KF-21 fighter jet, has taken a significant leap forward with the commencement of production announced by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on Wednesday. This milestone signifies a major boost to the country’s defense capabilities and its pursuit of self-reliance in the aviation sector.

The momentous occasion was celebrated at the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the jet’s manufacturer, located in Sacheon, South Korea. The ceremony marked the assembly of the very first production model of the KF-21, a testament to the tireless efforts of engineers and technicians involved in the project.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan has significantly bolstered its aerial surveillance capabilities with the recent acquisition of another Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft. This addition brings the total number of Swedish-made AEWC aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) arsenal to an impressive nine.  

The new Erieye, which entered service alongside other recently acquired assets like J-10C fighter jets and C-130H transport aircraft, is equipped with an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system. This cutting-edge technology grants the aircraft an extended detection range of up to 450 kilometers, providing a crucial advantage in aerial warfare.  

SOURCE: AFI

The upcoming Exercise Tarang Shakti is set to witness the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas in a challenging role. Positioned as part of the Red Team, the aggressor squadron, the Tejas will be tasked with simulating attacks on the friendly forces, the Green Team.

Leveraging its small radar cross-section (RCS) and agile maneuverability, the Tejas is expected to pose a significant challenge to the opposing forces. The aircraft’s compact size and semi- reduced RCS features make it difficult to detect in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat and on radar, except at extremely close distances.

SOURCE: AFI

The burgeoning demand for 155mm artillery shells from European nations has inadvertently propelled India’s private sector into a manufacturing behemoth. Domestic companies, once primarily focused on exporting empty shells, have significantly ramped up production to meet the growing global appetite for this critical munition.

India is poised to witness a quantum leap in its 155mm shell-making capacity, with the private sector alone projected to produce over 3 lakh shells annually by the financial year 2027. This staggering figure excludes the output of public sector undertakings, underscoring the meteoric rise of the domestic industry.

SOURCE: AFI

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to bolster its surveillance capabilities with the procurement of 605 units of 8x30R binoculars. This strategic move aims to equip its personnel with advanced tools for effective monitoring and response.

The new binoculars will provide CISF personnel with enhanced visibility and clarity, enabling them to observe and analyze situations with greater precision. This is expected to significantly improve the force’s ability to detect potential threats and respond effectively to security challenges.

SOURCE: AFI

In a resounding display of naval prowess, INS Shivalik has clinched the coveted RODEO Trophy at the prestigious RIMPAC24 Naval Gunfire Support Competition. The mega-event, which saw the participation of 25 nations, was a fierce battle for supremacy.

INS Shivalik’s victory is a testament to the Indian Navy’s exceptional gunnery skills and precision. The ship demonstrated unparalleled accuracy in delivering ordnance onto the target, outshining its competitors.

SOURCE: AFI

Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a key unit under the Ministry of Defence’s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (AVNL), has successfully met its production target for Mine Protected Vehicles (MPVs). The last batch of 11 MPVs was recently flagged off, marking a significant milestone for the facility.

Known for its role in bolstering the Indian Army’s capabilities, VFJ has consistently demonstrated its commitment to timely delivery of critical military equipment. The MPVs, designed to offer superior protection to soldiers in challenging terrains, are a testament to the manufacturing prowess of the facility.

SOURCE: AFI

The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a premier research arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a tender for investigating the cavitation behavior of an unspecified ‘corvette’ hull. While the specific details of the corvette remain undisclosed, industry experts speculate that this research is likely linked to the Indian Navy’s upcoming Next Generation Corvette (NGC) project.

The NGC program, with an estimated value of Rs. 36,000 crore, saw the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) in late May 2024. The contract is anticipated to be awarded to two shipyards next year, with the leading bidder securing five vessels. The winning design, developed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), is reportedly a 120-meter-long platform.