SOURCE: AFI

Aviation enthusiasts were treated to a rare sight during Phase-II of the ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 military exercise. A two-seat MiG-23UB Flogger, bearing registration number MS306, made an appearance, stirring memories of this iconic Cold War-era jet fighter.

The MiG-23’s retirement from active service in the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been a gradual process. The last MiG-23MF variant was phased out in March 2007, followed by the MiG-23BNs in March 2011. However, a limited number of MiG-23UB trainers remained operational for specialized roles.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has received the green light to place orders for the P17B frigates, a follow-on class to the Nilgiri-class frigates currently under construction. As part of the Next Generation series of future frontline surface combatants, the P17B class is expected to significantly enhance the navy’s capabilities. However, the staggering cost of $1.19 billion per ship has raised eyebrows among defense analysts in India.

The P17B frigates are estimated to cost a significant 50% more than their predecessors, the P15B frigates. This substantial increase in price has led to comparisons with the Talwar-class frigates, which could have been acquired in greater numbers for the same cost.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced that its Technology Development Fund (TDF) team will be a prominent participant at the upcoming TarangShakti event. This high-profile gathering is expected to be a showcase for the latest advancements in technology and innovation.

Tarang Shakti offers an unparalleled platform for researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore potential partnerships. The DRDO’s TDF team will be on hand to demonstrate the organization’s groundbreaking research and development initiatives.

SOURCE: AFI

IdeaForge Technology Limited has announced the successful deployment of its advanced Q6 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with the Mangaluru City Police. Procured through the Mangaluru Smart City Corporation Limited, the Q6 UAV represents a significant upgrade in the city’s law enforcement capabilities.

In a press release, Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal expressed his enthusiasm for the new drone system, stating that it has been seamlessly integrated into the city police’s operations. The Q6 UAV is expected to prove invaluable during public gatherings, protests, and city-wide celebrations, providing enhanced situational awareness and surveillance.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with Prashanth Nair and the rest of the Axiom-4 mission crew, have arrived in Houston to begin their rigorous training program. This marks a significant milestone as Shukla prepares to become the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) since Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

The Axiom-4 mission, a privately funded spaceflight, is scheduled to launch later this year. Shukla’s participation in this historic endeavor represents a major breakthrough for India’s space program. As part of the training, the crew will undergo a series of simulations and exercises to prepare for the challenges of spaceflight.

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the DRDO, has announced that the Zorawar Light Tank is on track for Army user trials by the end of the year. The tank, which has successfully completed internal trials, is now poised to undergo rigorous testing in the challenging high-altitude conditions near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) during the upcoming winter months.

The Zorawar Light Tank is a crucial component of India’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities in high-altitude regions. Designed specifically to operate in such demanding environments, the tank is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Army’s operational effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ordinance Development Cell-Ordinance Factory Medak (ODC-OFMK) is at the forefront of developing Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) with significantly enhanced mine blast resistance. In collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Advanced Materials Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI), ODC-OFMK has incorporated innovative materials to bolster the vehicles’ survivability.

CSIR-AMPRI has developed an aluminum hybrid closed-cell foam reinforced with nanomaterials like CNT/Graphene. This advanced material exhibits superior strength (-15-25 MPa) and energy absorption (8-15Mj/m³). Based on extensive testing, it was hypothesized that these foams, when used in sandwich panel configurations, could effectively absorb substantial impact energy, making them ideal for blast mitigation applications.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s military aviation, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) newly inducted C-295 transport aircraft was recently spotted alongside the veteran An-32 aircraft, capturing the attention of defense enthusiasts across the country. This rare visual of the two transport aircraft side by side highlights the evolution of the IAF’s airlift capabilities and marks a new chapter in its modernization efforts.

The C-295, developed by Airbus Defence and Space, has been procured by the IAF to replace the aging fleet of AVRO transport aircraft. With its state-of-the-art design and advanced avionics, the C-295 is expected to serve as a versatile and reliable platform for various transport missions, including tactical airlift, medical evacuation, and disaster relief operations. The aircraft’s short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities make it ideal for operations in remote and austere airfields, enhancing the IAF’s operational flexibility.

SOURCE: AFI

India has unveiled a bold and ambitious 25-year vision plan for its space sector, aiming to elevate the country’s global standing in space exploration. The plan outlines several ambitious goals, including a significant expansion of the space economy, the establishment of a human space station, and a manned mission to the Moon.

S Somanath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has expressed confidence in India’s ability to achieve these ambitious targets. He envisions the size of India’s space economy soaring from the current $9 billion to a remarkable $45 billion within the next decade. The private sector is expected to play a pivotal role in driving this growth, contributing significantly to the development of innovative space technologies and services.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has appointed Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon as the Director General (Aero Cluster), based out of Bengaluru. In addition to her new role, Dr Menon will continue to serve as the Director of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).

Dr Menon’s appointment marks a significant milestone for DRDO, as she becomes the second woman scientist to hold the position of Director General (Aero Cluster). Her expertise in airborne surveillance systems and her extensive experience in various areas of defense research make her a valuable asset to the organization.

SOURCE: AFI

In the wake of a recent accident involving a Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH Mk-III), the Indian Coast Guard has ordered a one-time safety inspection of its entire ALH fleet. The focus of the inspection will be on the flying controls and transmission system. As a precautionary measure, the fleet has been temporarily grounded.

The accident occurred near Porbandar, Gujarat, when the Dhruv helicopter (Tail Number CG 863) plunged nose-down into the Arabian Sea. Initial investigations revealed that the helicopter, which belonged to the Coast Guard’s Porbandar-based 835 Squadron, experienced a critical failure in its flying control system.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has been engaged in a long-standing endeavor to modernize the 9mm pistol, a mainstay of the Indian Armed Forces since the late 1970s. The pistol, a licensed version of the Browning Hi-Power, has been a workhorse for Indian troops, but its reliability issues, particularly stoppages, have been a persistent concern.

Despite these shortcomings, the pistol remains indispensable in counter-insurgency (COIN) operations, where a reliable sidearm is crucial. Recognizing the need for a superior, indigenously produced pistol, the OFB has been working tirelessly to develop a replacement that meets the stringent demands of modern warfare.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant step towards strengthening defense cooperation between India and Tanzania was showcased recently as Lt Gen Pawan Chadha, VSM, GOC Maharashtra Gujarat and Goa Area, witnessed a successful ICV field firing demonstration by Tanzanian Mechanized Infantry Battalion (MIB) personnel.

The Tanzanian troops, currently undergoing a BMP Training Course at the Mechanized Infantry Centre & School (MIC & S) in Ahmednagar, exhibited their impressive ICV firing skills, including missile launches. This demonstration is a testament to the intensive training they have received at the MIC & S and their rapid assimilation of the complex operations of the Infantry Combat Vehicle.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Pavilion at the Egypt International Air Show 2024 showcased a wide range of advanced defense systems, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in the aerospace and defense sector.

Among the notable exhibits were the Astra Mk1 air-to-air missile, the Akash surface-to-air missile system, and scaled models of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas. Additionally, models of the Surface-to-Air Weapon (SAAW) and Helina anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) were also on display.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is set for a significant expansion of its fleet, with the delivery of 12 new warships scheduled over the next 12 months.

These additions, ranging from destroyers and frigates to submarines, corvettes, and survey vessels, will bolster the Navy’s operational capabilities and enhance its maritime presence.