SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking development, the Indian Army is reportedly testing the use of cargo drones as short-range air ambulances to swiftly evacuate injured soldiers from the battlefield. A viral image circulating on social media shows a drone carrying a stretcher, believed to contain a dummy, being transported across a simulated battlefield.

The potential of drone technology for medical evacuation is immense. Drones can access remote and inaccessible terrains where traditional ambulances struggle to reach, significantly reducing response times and potentially saving lives. Additionally, drones can operate in hazardous environments, minimizing risks to rescue personnel.  

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in India’s quest for technological self-reliance with the development of its stealth wing technology demonstrator, SWiFT.

This unassuming prototype, resembling the formidable US B-2 Bomber, is the precursor to the much-anticipated Ghatak unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).   A recent breakthrough came with the successful flight trial of SWiFT in a tailless configuration, placing India in a select group of nations mastering this complex technology. The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the DRDO lab behind SWiFT, has demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by creating a single-lift surface aircraft without conventional wings, tail, or fuselage.  

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Sukhoi-30MKI has showcased its formidable capabilities at Exercise Pitch Black, with the deployment of the advanced Astra Mk 2 air-to-air missile and the Nirbhay air-launched cruise missile (ALCM).

This marks a significant milestone for both weapon systems, confirming their operational readiness on the Sukhoi-30MKI. The Astra Mk 2, a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile with an impressive range of 160 kilometers, has been under development for several years. Its integration onto the Su-30MKI significantly enhances the aircraft’s air-to-air combat capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Astra Microwave, a leading Hyderabad-based company, has achieved a significant milestone in radar technology by successfully executing the Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU) of the Ship Borne Radar (SBR). This cutting-edge 6-meter S-band radar, known as the Long Range Multi-Function Radar (LRMFR), is set to replace the existing MFSTAR radar systems on Indian naval vessels. The LRMFR will handle a range of crucial tasks, from target tracking to fire control for Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD).

The standout feature of the LRMFR is its antenna, boasting a diameter of 6 meters and a surface area of 36 square meters. This makes it four times larger than the Israeli radars currently installed on Indian frigates and destroyers. The implications of this advancement are significant for the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a shocking and violent incident, a man identified as an agent of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was reportedly set on fire by a mob in Canada. Sources informed CNN-News18 on Saturday that the victim, Rahat Rao, runs a forex business in the Surrey Central area and belongs to the Canadian-Pakistani community.

The incident occurred when a person visited Rao’s office for a routine money exchange transaction. According to reports, the visitor then set Rao on fire before fleeing the scene. The motive behind this brutal act remains under investigation.

SOURCE: AFI

A judge at the Bombay High Court recently made a controversial remark while hearing a plea by Khaled Gomaeai Mohammad Hasan, who is challenging a “Leave India Notice” issued to him by police in Maharashtra. Hasan, a Yemeni national, pleaded for protection from forcible deportation, arguing that returning to Yemen would pose a severe threat to his and his family’s lives, as reported by Indian legal website Live Law.

Yemen has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since 2014, when Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s north, forcing the government into exile. Hasan arrived in India on a student visa in March 2014, followed by his wife in 2015. After their visas expired, the couple obtained refugee cards from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Despite this, they received a police notice in February this year, ordering them to leave India.

SOURCE: AFI

Redon Systems, a leading player in the Indian drone technology sector, has announced a strategic partnership with Munitions India Limited (MIL) to develop advanced munitions for its barrel-launched loitering munition, “Achuk”.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The partnership will focus on developing various types of high-explosive (HE) and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) munitions to equip the “Achuk” with the firepower needed to engage targets with precision and effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based ASMOS HET Technologies, a leading manufacturer of wiring harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Germany’s Deutsche Aircraft. The collaboration focuses on the specialized design and development of an Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the cutting-edge D328eco regional aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft is committed to revolutionizing regional aviation with the D328eco, a state-of-the-art aircraft designed to offer unparalleled efficiency and comfort. SASMOS HET’s expertise in EWIS will be instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of electrical systems within the aircraft, contributing to its overall performance and reliability.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s INS Tabar, a formidable Talwar-class frigate, has once again made headlines, this time for its impressive combat record. Recent images of the warship have revealed a striking addition to its hull: a ship kill patch positioned just below the RBU-6000 rocket launcher. This is in addition to the two Shahed drone kill markings the vessel already proudly displays.

These markings are a testament to the frigate’s combat prowess and the Indian Navy’s growing capabilities. The ship kill patch is a rare distinction, symbolizing a successful engagement that resulted in the sinking of an enemy vessel. While specific details about the incident remain undisclosed, it underscores the Indian Navy’s readiness and ability to protect national interests.

SOURCE: AFI

A cyber espionage group with alleged ties to India has significantly broadened its target scope, shifting focus from regional adversaries to critical maritime infrastructure worldwide. Known by various monikers including SideWinder, Razor Tiger, and Rattlesnake, the group has historically been linked to cyberattacks on Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Nepal.  

Recent investigations by BlackBerry cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a new campaign targeting maritime facilities in countries as far afield as Egypt, indicating a dramatic expansion of the group’s ambitions. The tactics remain consistent with previous operations, with spear-phishing attacks centered around fabricated official documents. However, the content of these documents has evolved to focus on maritime-related topics, such as employment terminations and salary reductions within specific port authorities, including the Port of Alexandria.  

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s recent move to train its pilots on the Chinese-made FC-31 stealth fighter jet marks a significant escalation in the ongoing arms race between India and Pakistan. With the potential to become the first operator of this advanced aircraft outside China, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is poised to gain a substantial technological edge over its Indian counterpart.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been investing heavily in the development of its indigenous 5th generation fighter, the AMCA.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant overhaul of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is underway, with the government set to make final decisions on several contentious recommendations proposed by a high-powered expert committee.

The committee, led by Prof. K Vijay Raghavan, has suggested a comprehensive restructuring of DRDO, including the consolidation of its 41 labs into 10 national labs, and the establishment of five national test facilities. Additionally, the creation of a new Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation (DDSTI) to replace the existing Department of Defence R&D is being considered.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest for a robust, mine-protected infantry mobility vehicle has thrown up an intriguing contest between the indigenous Kalyani M4 and the Russian-made Kamaz Typhoon. With the Indian Army and even the ITBP showing interest in the latter, it’s time to delve into a comparative analysis of these two formidable contenders.

The Kalyani M4, a product of the Kalyani-Paramount partnership, is a derivative of the South African Mbombe 4. On the other hand, Kamaz has joined hands with AWEIL for the Indian production of the Typhoon. A comparative analysis of the two vehicles reveals distinct strengths and weaknesses:

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s tank warfare capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a microclimate system for the Arjun tank. This cutting-edge technology is aimed at enhancing the comfort and efficiency of tank crews operating in extreme weather conditions.

The microclimate system is designed to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the tank’s crew compartment, providing a stable and optimal environment for the crew. This is particularly crucial in India, where the armed forces often operate in diverse terrains with varying climatic conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious nuclear energy program has reached a significant milestone with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) granting approval to load nuclear fuel into the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. This green light paves the way for initiating a controlled chain reaction, marking a crucial step towards India’s self-reliance in atomic energy.

The PFBR, India’s most advanced and complex nuclear reactor, is poised to harness the potential of plutonium as a fuel source. More importantly, this development signifies the country’s progress in utilizing thorium as an alternative fuel, a resource India possesses in abundance. Unlike uranium, which has limited reserves, thorium offers a virtually inexhaustible energy source with the potential to power the nation for centuries.