SOURCE: AFI

A recent development in the Tejas Mk-1A program has revealed that the maiden flight of the LA 5033 series aircraft, which took place in late March, was powered by a Category B engine rather than the anticipated new F404-IN20 engine. These Category B engines are reserve units that may have been used previously or remained unused from earlier GE supply contracts for the Tejas series.

Despite this, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) remains optimistic about delivering the aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) before the Independence Day deadline on August 15th. The company asserts that most of the mandated trials for the new equipment integrated into the aircraft have been successfully completed.

SOURCE: AFI

The era of the formidable submarine INS Sindhudhvaj, which served the Indian Navy with distinction for 35 years, is drawing to a close. The Russian-built vessel, part of the Sindhughosh class based on the Kilo-class submarine, was decommissioned in 2022 and has now arrived at the Azhikkal shipbuilding and repair centre of Steel Industrials Kerala Limited (SILK) for dismantling.

This marks a significant milestone for SILK, as it is the first time a naval submarine is being dismantled in South India. The company, under the leadership of chairman Muhammad Iqbal and managing director T G Ullas Kumar, has secured the contract from Sithara Traders, a Visakhapatnam-based private firm that purchased the submarine.

SOURCE: AFI

The ambitious project of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to establish a missile launch center at Junput in East Medinipur district has hit a roadblock due to local opposition. Work on the center, which was initiated in July, has been abruptly halted following protests from fishermen and local residents.

The project, similar to the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha, is crucial for India’s missile development program. However, the local community has raised concerns over potential environmental impact, livelihood disruptions, and lack of transparency. Fishermen, in particular, are apprehensive about the restrictions imposed on their activities during missile tests.

SOURCE: AFI

A landmark agreement was inked today between the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) and a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) comprising MIDHANI Group, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, PTC Industries Limited, and Yantra India Limited. The collaboration aims to establish a state-of-the-art Defence Testing Infrastructure (DTI) within the Lucknow node of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC).

The momentous signing ceremony took place at Lok Bhawan, Lucknow, under the esteemed presence of Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh; CEO of UPEIDA; and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, C&MD of MIDHANI Group.

SOURCE: AFI

The Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, has accused China of displaying hegemonic ambitions through its actions in Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. He pointed to the recent renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh by China and the ongoing tensions in Ladakh as clear indicators of Beijing’s aggressive posture.

Tsering’s comments came in the wake of the US passing the Resolve Tibet Act, which challenges China’s long-held claim that no nation recognizes Tibetan independence. The Tibetan leader believes this act significantly undermines China’s narrative on Tibet.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced a significant step forward in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF Mk-2. The company has signed an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), expanding its role in the program.

Under the revised MoU, HAL will be responsible for completing the LCA AF Mk-2 development and securing operational clearance during the Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) Phase-3. This crucial phase of the project is valued at a substantial Rs. 2970.00 Crores, including a Foreign Exchange component of Rs. 285.00 Crores.

SOURCE: AFI

Redon Systems Private Limited announced a major milestone in the development of its Canister Launched Loitering Munition, Achuk. Successfully tested at an altitude exceeding 4500 meters in Leh, under the watchful eye of the Northern Command, Indian Army, Achuk has demonstrated unparalleled capabilities in high-altitude environments.

Designed with an impressive endurance of 50+ minutes and a payload capacity of 1.5 kg (available in HE and HEAT variants), Achuk stands out as a potentially unique loitering munition capable of operating in such extreme conditions. The rigorous trials conducted between 3500 to 4600 meters showcased Achuk’s exceptional performance and robustness.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards bolstering India’s air defense prowess, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has embarked on the development of a cutting-edge technology: the Distributed Aperture System-HD (DAS-HD).

The Instruments Research and Development Establishment (LRDE), a premier DRDO lab, is spearheading the DAS-HD project. Issuing tenders for development signifies a critical milestone towards equipping future Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets with this game-changing system.

SOURCE: AFI

A photo circulating online shows a soldier, reportedly from the Indian Army’s 9 PARA SF, posing with a captured Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) winter jacket somewhere along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The image has ignited a debate about the legitimacy of taking such trophies and potential breaches of protocol.

The origin of the jacket is unclear. Some reports claim it was captured from defeated PLA soldiers during a recent Operation Snow Leopard. Others suggest it might be a souvenir from routine border patrols, where unofficial exchanges of cigarettes, liquor, or even personal items occasionally occur. However, swapping military-issued uniforms or jackets is highly unlikely due to regulations and ownership by the respective governments.

SOURCE: AFI

India has issued a notification establishing a no-fly zone over a vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal, spanning approximately 940 kilometers, from July 20 to 24, 2024. This move strongly indicates an impending missile test, marking a significant development in the country’s defense capabilities.

The extensive area designated for the missile test suggests a long-range weapon system is likely to be involved. While official details remain undisclosed, the nature of the test and the chosen location point towards a potential ship-launched missile, possibly a BrahMos or a sub-sonic cruise missile.

SOURCE: AFI

Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of indigenous fused silica radomes for missile applications. The laboratory has successfully mastered the Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) technology to manufacture these critical components with high yield and desired properties.

Radomes, the protective enclosures for radar antennas, play a crucial role in the performance of missiles. Fused silica is the preferred material for radomes due to its exceptional electromagnetic and mechanical properties, as well as its resistance to thermal shock. DMRL’s breakthrough lies in developing a cost-effective and efficient process to produce these radomes using indigenously available raw materials.

SOURCE: AFI

Ordnance Equipment Factory Hazratpur (OEFH) is proud to announce its emergence as a leader in drone technology with the establishment of a state-of-the-art Surveillance Drone Manufacturing Unit. This facility marks a significant stride towards self-reliance in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for the nation.

Designed with precision, reliability, and advanced performance in mind, OEFH’s drones are set to redefine surveillance capabilities. With an impressive flight time of up to 40 hours, these drones offer unparalleled endurance for extended missions. Capable of carrying payloads up to 6 kg, they are equipped to handle diverse surveillance equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent Department of Defense press briefing, Pakistani journalist Jahanzaib Ali raised eyebrows with a provocative question regarding the potential involvement of foreign governments in an alleged assassination plot against former US President Donald Trump. The query was met with a cautious response from Pentagon Press Secretary, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, who redirected the question to the FBI and Secret Service for further information.

Maj. Gen. Ryder stated, “I would point you to Secretary Austin’s statement over the weekend condemning the violence as absolutely no place in a democracy as it relates to that attempt. For any questions on the investigation, you will have to refer to the FBI and Secret Service.” His response underscored the gravity of the situation while simultaneously distancing the Department of Defense from the specifics of the ongoing investigation.

SOURCE: AFI

A high-level Mongolian Defence delegation, headed by His Excellency Major General Ganbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff, Mongolian Armed Forces, paid a visit to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)’s Ghaziabad unit today. The delegation was given a comprehensive overview of the facility’s manufacturing capabilities and showcased its cutting-edge product range.

During the visit, the Mongolian delegation expressed keen interest in BEL’s expertise in various defense electronics domains. They were particularly impressed by the company’s indigenous capabilities in producing advanced electronic systems for military applications. BEL officials highlighted the company’s commitment to technology innovation and its role in strengthening India’s defense ecosystem.

SOURCE: AFI

A small Delhi-based firm, Velmenni, is at the forefront of India’s defence innovation, having been awarded the prestigious Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) grant. The company is developing a groundbreaking wireless communication system using Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) technology to establish secure and efficient communication between submarines and control centers.

The iDEX program, initiated by the Ministry of Defence, seeks to bolster India’s defence ecosystem by supporting innovative technologies. Velmenni’s Li-Fi solution has emerged as a game-changer, addressing a critical challenge faced by the Indian Navy.