SOURCE: AFI

The Government of India has put forward a significant proposal to establish Emergency Landing Facilities (ELF) on two stretches of national highways in the Nagaon and Baksa districts of Assam. Additionally, two ELF strips are proposed for Rajasthan, reflecting a strategic initiative to enhance emergency preparedness and national security.

Currently, India has seven designated stretches where ELF will be available. Out of these, three ELF airstrips have already been completed, with ongoing work on the remaining four. One of these under-construction ELF strips is located in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, specifically on a section of the Moran Bypass extending to Bogibeel Junction. Upon completion, and if the new proposals are approved, Assam will have three ELF airstrips, significantly bolstering its emergency infrastructure.

SOURCE: AFI

A deepening financial crisis in Pakistan is threatening the country’s air force capabilities, with reports emerging of a halt in F-16 fighter jet repairs due to unpaid debts.

A US-based aeronautical company has suspended the supply of critical spare parts to Pakistan after the nation failed to settle a payment of over $300,000. This has thrown the Pakistani Air Force into turmoil, as it struggles to maintain its fleet of F-16s and complete aircraft under construction.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace giant tasked with delivering the first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of this month, has been forced to postpone the delivery to November as per sources at Hindustan Times

According to Anantha Krishnan M, the delay is primarily attributed to issues with the aircraft’s AESA radar and Digital Flight Control Computer, which require extensive testing. Furthermore, the ELM 2052 AESA radar, a crucial component, is reportedly encountering significant problems.

SOURCE: AFI

Abdul Basit, a retired Pakistani diplomat and former High Commissioner of Pakistan to India, recently made a bold statement regarding the assassination of Ismail Hanniyeh in Tehran. In a pointed remark, Basit suggested that India’s involvement in the assassination “cannot be ruled out,” insinuating a possible motive of returning favors to Israel.

Basit’s assertion hinges on the presence of undercover agents from India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) in Iran. He highlighted this connection by referencing Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national arrested in Iran and later sentenced to death in Pakistan on charges of espionage and terrorism. The mention of Jadhav underscores Basit’s concern about India’s covert operations in the region, particularly in Iran.

SOURCE: AFI

In recent weeks, Indian and Canadian security officials and diplomats have reportedly engaged in multiple secret meetings to discuss the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to address the complex and sensitive nature of Nijjar’s death, which has implications for both nations’ security and diplomatic relations.

According to sources cited by the Hindustan Times, David Vigneault, the former director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), met with a senior Indian intelligence official twice in a third country following India’s Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, has met with Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor, Nathalie G. Drouin, four times this year. These meetings have reportedly been amicable, focusing on the circumstances surrounding Nijjar’s killing in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2022.

SOURCE: AFI

In a historic first, India is set to host its inaugural international air exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti’, commencing on August 6th. A highlight of the event will be the participation of the formidable Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the ‘Warthog’.

The A-10, renowned for its aggressive appearance and devastating firepower, is the U.S. Air Force’s primary close air support aircraft. Its iconic GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun is capable of firing armor-piercing depleted uranium rounds, making it a potent weapon against armored targets.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has successfully conducted a demonstration and trial of the formidable ‘Typhoon’ vehicle at its Transport Battalion in Chandigarh. This event, graced by officials from Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, marks a significant stride in modernizing the force’s fleet.

The Typhoon-K, a versatile and robust vehicle, is designed to be a backbone for logistical support in challenging terrains. Its capabilities extend beyond troop and cargo transportation, serving as a platform for various technical systems and weapons. Available in both 6×6 and 4×4 configurations, the Typhoon boasts exceptional mobility, protection, and firepower.

SOURCE: AFI

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) has taken another step towards self-reliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd. The collaboration aims to develop and manufacture advanced electrical and electronic equipment for both naval and commercial vessels.

This partnership brings together GRSE’s shipbuilding expertise and Medha Servo Drives’ technological prowess in electrical and electronic systems. The joint venture will focus on producing control and monitoring systems, electrical propulsion systems, and power generation and distribution components.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Forge’s Aerospace Division has achieved a significant milestone by being bestowed with the prestigious Supplier Excellence Award as Growth Champion at the Honeywell India Supplier Summit 2024. This recognition underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

The award is a testament to Bharat Forge’s ability to develop cutting-edge technology products that meet the highest industry standards. The company’s collaborative partnership with Honeywell has been instrumental in driving mutual growth and exploring new opportunities.

SOURCE: AFI

A video showcasing the trials of Bharat Forge’s Ultra Light Howitzer-Steel (ULH-S) has taken the internet by storm. The footage, shared widely on X, has generated immense interest in the indigenous artillery system.

Bharat Forge offers the ULH-S in two variants: a 155mm 39 caliber and a 155mm 52 caliber, both weighing in at a compact 8 tons. These impressive specifications make the ULH-S a strong contender for the Indian Army’s upcoming Towed Gun System tender, which seeks a lightweight artillery piece under 15 tons.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian military has significantly enhanced its armored capabilities with the delivery of ten state-of-the-art T-90 Mk-III main battle tanks from Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL). This latest acquisition marks a substantial upgrade to India’s existing fleet of over 1,000 T-90 tanks, which have been in service for several years.

The Mk-III variant boasts advanced features designed to elevate its combat effectiveness. An automatic target tracker, coupled with a digital ballistic computer and thermal imaging sight, provides enhanced accuracy in target engagement, both during daylight and nighttime conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a bid to counter the increasing threat posed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in the Jammu sector, the Indian Army is set to integrate Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) into its anti-terror operations. The decision comes in the wake of a surge in casualties among security forces in recent ambushes orchestrated by SSG-trained militants.

The sUAS are expected to play a crucial role in reconnaissance, providing real-time intelligence on terrorist hideouts and movements. Additionally, these drones could be equipped with small payloads capable of neutralizing threats without endangering human lives.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s air defense capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the integration of the advanced S-400 missile system and the indigenous Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system. According to Air Marshal M Matheswaran (Retd), in an exclusive interview with Sputnik India, the combined strength of these two systems will form a formidable and comprehensive air defense shield.

The S-400, a state-of-the-art Russian-made missile system, is renowned for its long-range capabilities and ability to intercept a wide range of aerial targets, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. When coupled with India’s BMD system, which is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles, the two systems create a layered defense architecture capable of neutralizing threats at multiple altitudes.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chief Financial Officer R Shankar Raman emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of India’s defence infrastructure. Speaking from L&T’s headquarters in Mumbai, Raman underscored the importance of accelerating government programs to enhance the country’s defence capabilities.

“We’ve been constantly lobbying, saying that the government should fast-forward this whole programme,” Raman stated. He highlighted that the current pace of development is insufficient to meet the pressing demands of national security. “Defence infrastructure needs an overhaul, and I think they need capable people to deliver that,” he added, stressing the need for skilled and experienced professionals in executing these critical projects.

SOURCE: AFI

A dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been reported, with a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet successfully intercepted by a Russian R-37M long-range air-to-air missile. According to Russian military sources, the incident occurred as the Ukrainian aircraft was attempting to launch AGM-88B HARM anti-radar missiles against Russian air defense systems.

The MiG-29 was detected by a Russian aircraft equipped with the Irbis-E radar at an astonishing distance of approximately 270 kilometers. The R-37M missile then engaged the target, successfully intercepting it at a range of between 220 and 200 kilometers.