SOURCE: AFI

A Sukhoi fighter jet experienced a hard landing at Pune Airport on Wednesday, causing significant disruptions to flight schedules. The incident occurred during a routine training exercise when the aircraft abruptly descended from a height of eight to ten feet while attempting to land.

The unexpected impact caused the airport authorities to temporarily close the runway for inspection. As a result, several passenger flights were delayed, and some were diverted to alternative airports. The runway was reopened approximately an hour later after Air Force officials confirmed its safety.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik has successfully completed its participation in the prestigious RIMPAC 2024 exercise and has arrived in Guam, an island territory of the United States, for an operational turnaround. The Eastern Naval Command announced this development in an official release on Thursday.

The deployment of INS Shivalik to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean is part of the Indian Navy’s broader strategy to enhance its operational reach and presence in the region. The ship’s participation in RIMPAC, the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise, provided a valuable platform for the Indian Navy to interact with and learn from other leading naval forces.

SOURCE: AFI

In recognition of his extraordinary courage and exceptional flying skills, Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane VM has been awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra. His heroic actions during a life-threatening situation on 24th July 2023 while piloting a Jaguar fighter aircraft have been hailed as a testament to his dedication, composure, and expertise.

On 24th July 2023, Wing Commander Vernon Desmond Keane, posted to a fighter squadron, was conducting a sortie on a Jaguar fighter aircraft. During the flight, he encountered an unprecedented and critical situation when both the Oil 1 and Oil 2 failure warnings activated simultaneously. This malfunction indicated a severe issue in the oil system, necessitating the immediate shutdown of both engines to prevent their imminent seizure. Such a scenario had never occurred before, and no established procedures existed for dealing with this type of failure.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent article, the Global Times, a mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, dismissed a report by the Voice of America (VOA) on India’s newly unveiled light tank as an attempt to sow discord between the two Asian giants.

The Chinese state-run media outlet claimed that the VOA had exaggerated the capabilities of India’s new tank, portraying it as a potential rival to China’s Type 15 light tank. However, Chinese experts countered that China has already deployed the Type 15 since 2019, while India’s tank is still under development and won’t be operational until at least 2027.

SOURCE: AFI

In 2020, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had explored the possibility of bolstering its fleet of MiG-29 supersonic fighter jets by ordering 21 additional airframes from Russia. This move was aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities, adding to the three MiG-29 squadrons already in service. The plan initially involved procuring 19 single-seater and 2 twin-seater MiG-29 airframes that had been in storage, awaiting assembly due to undisclosed reasons.

An IAF evaluation team assessed the stored airframes and found them to be in good condition, despite their extended period in storage. Although these jets were bare-bones and required a complete assembly of equipment, the cost quoted for the procurement was considered reasonable. However, a more comprehensive analysis led to a shift in perspective within the IAF.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Motors have showcased a significantly upgraded version of their Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8. The second-generation vehicle boasts a refined design and incorporates advanced features for enhanced operational capabilities.

A standout feature of the new WhAP is the inclusion of cutting-edge night vision equipment, enabling effective operations under low-light conditions. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with robust chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection measures, safeguarding the crew in hazardous environments.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has recently received 96 ATOR N1200 Specialist Mobility Vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its logistical and operational capabilities. Manufactured by JSW Gecko, a subsidiary of the JSW Group, these vehicles are part of a larger Rs 250 crore contract secured earlier this year. The ATOR N1200 vehicles, which have also been showcased during the 2024 Republic Day Parade, are now under evaluation for potential civilian use in India.

The ATOR N1200 is an advanced amphibious extreme mobility vehicle, designed to operate in challenging terrains. Based on the SHERP N1200, a renowned vehicle known for its robustness and versatility, the ATOR N1200 has been indigenously adapted to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army. This adaptation has been made possible through a strategic partnership between Copato Ltd of the United Kingdom and JSW Defence and JSW Gecko.

SOURCE: AFI

Air Commodore (Retd) Zia Ul Haque Shamsi recently stated that Pakistan’s acquisition of a fifth-generation fighter jet would provide the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) with a significant edge over India for the next 12 to 14 years. According to Shamsi, India is unlikely to acquire similar capabilities within this period, giving Pakistan a strategic advantage in the region.

Earlier this year, the PAF Chief announced that Pakistan would be acquiring Chinese-made FC-31 stealth fighter jets, also known as the J-31, from China. The FC-31 is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter designed to compete with similar aircraft, such as the F-35 and other advanced platforms. This acquisition marks a significant upgrade for the PAF, as it seeks to modernize its fleet and enhance its air combat capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Mumbai-based Aman Aviation & Aerospace Solutions has made history by securing a contract to perform Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services on the Nepalese Army’s Mi-17 helicopters. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for India’s aerospace industry, as it is the first time an Indian MRO company has been entrusted with such a crucial task for Russian-made military helicopters.

The contract is a testament to India’s growing expertise and capabilities in the aerospace sector. It also signals a new era of regional cooperation and trust in Indian technical prowess.

SOURCE: AFI

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, has expressed immense pride in the development of the DRDO-Mahindra Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8. In a social media post, he highlighted the vehicle’s capabilities, including its amphibious nature, optimized engine performance for high-altitude operations, and advanced CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protection measures.

The WhAP is designed to accommodate a crew of 8+3 with provisions for weapons. Mahindra emphasized the vehicle’s impressive performance both on land and water, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to challenging terrains.

SOURCE: AFI

In a surprising revelation, an Indian Army study has found that Agniveers, recruited under the controversial Agnipath scheme, have significantly outperformed their predecessors in military academic examinations conducted during the training period. The study, which analyzed data from two batches inducted over the past two years, indicates a 30% performance advantage for the Agniveers.

The findings directly contradict the criticisms leveled by opposition parties and some veterans who questioned the scheme’s effectiveness. The report further underscores the Agniveers’ aptitude for technological absorption and their high levels of motivation, asserting their operational readiness.

SOURCE: AFI

A pivotal stride in India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing was initiated in 1977-78 with the commencement of the Gun Carriage Project. This ambitious undertaking aimed to develop an indigenous prototype for the 105 mm Field Gun ‘IFG MK-II’, excluding the barrel and recoil system.

The project, a collaborative effort between the Gun Carriage Factory and the Armour Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), marked a significant step towards India’s capability to produce advanced artillery systems indigenously. The development of the gun carriage, a crucial component of the field gun, was a complex endeavor requiring expertise in engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant milestone was achieved for India’s indigenous defense capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s first 5.5 generation stealth fighter, is scheduled for induction by 2035.

DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat expressed confidence in the project, stating that India is on the cusp of joining a select group of nations capable of developing such advanced aircraft. The AMCA, a testament to India’s growing aerospace prowess, was showcased as a scale model at the Defence Aviation Exposition IDAX 2024 during the Tarang Shakti exercise in Tamil Nadu’s Sulur.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the chosen partner for the production of F-414 engines in India, has initiated the groundwork for a new engine factory. The company has identified a suitable land parcel in Bengaluru to house the upcoming manufacturing facility.

HAL aims to have the facility fully operational within two years of the finalization of the F-414 deal. Once operational, the factory will be responsible for manufacturing 99 F-414 engines for the Tejas MkII program, with deliveries commencing within three years.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) has made a strong presence at the prestigious Tarang Shakti 2024, showcasing its cutting-edge aerospace capabilities at the Sulur Air Force Station.

The company’s display highlighted a range of advanced products, including the C-295 model, a testament to its growing capabilities in aircraft manufacturing. Additionally, TASL showcased its expertise in Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) technology, a critical area for future aviation advancements.