SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to address the state’s growing electricity demand, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has initiated discussions to establish the state’s first nuclear power plant. The project aims to generate 440 megawatts of power through two units, each with a capacity of 220 megawatts.

A high-level KSEB delegation met with officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in Mumbai to explore the feasibility of the project. The state government is eyeing potential locations such as Athirappally in Thrissur and Cheemeni in Kasaragod for the plant.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant setback for India’s indigenous fighter jet program, General Electric (GE) has drastically reduced its engine deliveries to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The American aerospace giant was contracted to supply 99 F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft in 2021, with deliveries scheduled to commence from late August 2023. However, recent developments indicate a substantial shortfall in the promised supply.

Instead of the anticipated 16 engines, GE is set to deliver only two F404-IN20 engines in September. This represents a shortfall of nearly 14 engines for the year, casting a shadow over the production timeline of the Tejas fighter.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is intensifying its efforts to develop the Astra Mk2 air-to-air missile. A crucial step in this process involves the procurement of composite propellent casting for the missile’s dual pulse rocket motor, along with the necessary hardware assembly.

Concurrently, another batch of Astra Mk2 missiles is undergoing fabrication for rigorous testing. This underscores DRDO’s commitment to refining the missile’s capabilities. The organization is aiming to conduct comprehensive full configuration testing later this year, a significant milestone before the missile is offered for user trials.

SOURCE: AFI

In a remarkable yet lesser-known episode, when Pakistani Air Force (PAF) F-16s launched volleys of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles at a lone Indian Sukhoi-30MKI, callsign “Avenger-1,” a pair of upgraded MiG-29UPG multi-role fighter jets swiftly took off from Adampur Airbase. Their mission: intercept the F-16s hovering near the Line of Control (LOC). The MiG-29UPG jets, reaching supersonic speeds, flew towards the sector, prompting the F-16s to retreat upon detecting the approaching Indian aircraft.

Recognizing the strategic importance of the MiG-29UPG, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has, for the first time, deployed five of these aircraft to Exercise Eastern Bridge in Oman, held from October 17-26, 2019. This exercise aims to provide valuable exposure to the Royal Air Force of Oman’s F-16 Block 50 aircraft. The decision follows the IAF’s acquisition of 21 additional MiG-29s from Russia, all upgraded with new engines, radar, and avionics, making them as capable as the PAF’s F-16 Block 52 variants.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, has arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia, to participate in the grand Russian Navy Day celebrations. However, closer inspection of the warship has revealed intriguing details about its recent operational history. Clear drone kill marks, absent in earlier photographs, are now visible on the ship’s hull.

This discovery has ignited speculation about the frigate’s involvement in intense maritime operations. Earlier this year, India deployed a significant naval force to the Red Sea to counter the growing threat of piracy and drone attacks. The region has been under siege by the Houthi rebels, who have employed Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones to target commercial vessels. The drone’s kill figure on the warship, particularly its distinctive cropped delta-wing shape, with a central fuselage blending, aligns with the design of the Shahed-136 drones.

SOURCE: AFI

US-based amphibious aircraft manufacturer, Mallard Enterprises, has announced significant interest in its seaplanes from the Indian market, with several letters of intent (LOIs) signed at the Farnborough Airshow.

The most substantial order came from Mehair, a prominent Indian seaplane operator, which expressed its intent to purchase 50 of Mallard’s hull-based amphibious ME-1A aircraft. Mehair, with a history dating back to 2011, is a seasoned player in the Indian seaplane industry, having previously operated under a government scheme for regional airport development. The company is poised to resume operations in November 2024, focusing on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Gujarat.

SOURCE: AFI

A high-level delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), led by His Excellency Maj Lukwikila Metikwizaa Marcel, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, recently visited the facilities of Troop Comforts Ltd (TCL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Government of India.

The visit aimed to explore potential business opportunities in the defence sectors of both nations. During the visit, Sh Rajeev Sharma, General Manager of Operations at TCL, showcased the company’s state-of-the-art products.

SOURCE: AFI

The second Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST) between India and Cambodia concluded successfully in Hyderabad on July 26, 2024. The five-day engagement focused on enhancing military cooperation between the two nations.

During the talks, both sides explored avenues for expanding training collaborations, conducting tailored courses for Cambodian Army personnel in India, and deploying Indian experts to assist in demining operations. Capacity building through military hardware was also a key topic of discussion.

SOURCE: AFI

The late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat emphasized the strategic necessity of purchasing 114 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in smaller batches. This approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with technological obsolescence and the high procurement costs inherent in a single, large-scale order. However, this method presents its own set of challenges, particularly concerning cost inflation over time due to material and manpower expenses.

Currently, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) produced the Su-30MKI at a flyaway cost of around $62 million per aircraft. This figure is approximately $22 million higher than the cost of Su-30 jets supplied directly by Russia. Despite producing over 272 jets through batch orders, India has not achieved the cost savings one might expect from local production. Instead, the economies of scale have favored Russian production, where higher output volumes result in lower per-unit costs.

SOURCE: AFI

Philippine Ambassador to India, Josel F. Ignacio, has underscored the pivotal role of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in bolstering the Philippines’ defense capabilities. In a recent statement, the ambassador emphasized that the acquisition of BrahMos significantly enhances the country’s credible deterrence.

The Philippines’ decision to procure the BrahMos missile reflects its growing strategic partnership with India. This acquisition signifies a major step forward in strengthening the Philippines’ military might and ensuring its territorial integrity.

SOURCE: AFI

An Indian startup is poised to disrupt the drone industry with its innovative electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Incubated at IIT Madras, ePlane is developing a multi-copter drone capable of carrying both cargo and passengers, promising to revolutionize urban transportation.

With a compact size of 3×3 meters, the ePlane can transport payloads of 35 to 50 kilograms, reaching altitudes of up to 400 feet and covering distances of 50 kilometers. The company has secured a substantial $5 million in funding to propel its vision of making flying as commonplace as driving.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s defense sector by successfully upgrading the aging THD-1955 radar system. This technological advancement is a testament to the nation’s growing self-reliance in defense technology, aligning perfectly with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

The upgraded radar, christened THD 2.0, was inaugurated by Air Marshal V Rajashekhar and Mr. Anoop Rai. The core of the upgrade lies in the indigenously developed digitized radar receiver and transmitter sections, crafted by BEL. This technological leap has not only breathed new life into the decades-old radar but has also extended its operational life by an impressive 10 to 15 years.

SOURCE: AFI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has proposed the establishment of the third defense corridor in the country within Assam. This proposal was put forward to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who responded positively to the idea.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that he discussed the defense corridor issue in detail with the Defense Minister. Currently, India has two defense corridors located in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The establishment of a third corridor in Assam would be a significant development for the state’s defense production capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A groundbreaking discovery in the heart of India’s “cold desert” could redefine the quest for extraterrestrial life. Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) have unearthed magnetofossils – remnants of magnetic bacteria – embedded within rock varnish layers of Ladakh.

This remarkable find, detailed in the journal Planetary and Space Science, suggests that life can flourish in the most extreme conditions. Rock varnish, a dark, mineral-rich coating on rocks, is commonly found in arid, cold regions. While previously considered inorganic, this research indicates a significant biological component.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to bolster the country’s burgeoning space sector, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has granted permission to a domestic firm to establish a satellite ground station. This facility will be instrumental in tracking, communicating with, and monitoring satellites.

Commonly referred to as an earth station, a satellite ground station is crucial for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) operations. These stations track the satellite’s position, send commands for satellite maneuvers, assess its overall health, and download collected data.