SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move to counter China’s growing military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Ministry of Defense and the Indian Air Force are planning to take over three existing airstrips in Uttarakhand and construct a new one in the Spiti area of Himachal Pradesh.

Sources indicate that negotiations are underway to acquire the airstrips at Pithoragarh, Gauchar, and Dharasu in Uttarakhand. Additionally, a feasibility study has been conducted for a new airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti. These expansions aim to enhance India’s aerial capabilities and bolster its defense posture in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with News9 Plus, former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria highlighted a crucial aspect of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program: the development of a new, powerful engine for the AMCA Mk II. Bhadauria stressed that the engine development should be a top priority to avoid delays, considering its critical importance in ensuring the program’s success.

The AMCA program, designed to propel India into the 5th generation fighter jet arena, received Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance earlier this year. This was a major milestone, signaling the government’s commitment to the project and unlocking essential funds to accelerate its development. With the AMCA Mk I expected to feature an upgraded GE F414 engine and the Mk II to incorporate an indigenously developed 110kN thrust engine in collaboration with a foreign aerospace major, Bhadauria highlighted the urgency in addressing this area.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Advanced Materials Limited (TAML) is set to participate in the Indian Army’s prestigious Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program, aimed at replacing the aging fleet of BMP-II Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). As one of the key players in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, Tata plans to offer a cutting-edge solution that leverages its experience in armored vehicles. Central to Tata’s offering will be the integration of the same 600-horsepower (Hp) Cummins engine, paired with the Allison automatic transmission, currently used in its Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP).

The Indian Army has been operating BMP-II vehicles since the 1980s, and while they have seen several upgrades over the years, they are now outdated in terms of protection, firepower, and mobility. The FICV program, which seeks to replace over 2,600 BMP-IIs, is a critical step toward modernizing India’s armored infantry capabilities. The new FICV will be expected to operate across various terrains, from plains and deserts to high-altitude regions like Ladakh, making mobility and versatility essential factors in the design.

SOURCE: AFI

Apollo Micro Systems (AMS), a Hyderabad-based defense and aerospace company, has been declared the Lowest Bidder (L1) for a significant contract valued at Rs. 28.74 crores from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and CNA (OF) Pune, under the aegis of the Indian Navy. The contract is for the supply of Software Defined Universal Homing System (SDUHS) for Heavy Weight Torpedoes, a cutting-edge technology developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Software Defined Universal Homing System is a sophisticated piece of technology designed for heavyweight torpedoes used in naval warfare. Torpedoes are underwater weapons critical for naval operations, and the homing system acts as the “brain” of the torpedo, enabling it to locate and track enemy submarines and surface vessels accurately.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s submarine manufacturing capabilities, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a state-owned shipyard, has successfully indigenized the Battery Loading Trolley for submarines in collaboration with M/s SEC Industries, Hyderabad.

Previously, this crucial equipment, essential for loading submarine batteries in the battery compartment, was imported. However, MDL’s partnership with M/s SEC Industries has led to the development of a domestic solution, ensuring self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign imports.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with News9 Plus, former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria shared his vision for the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the next 20 years, outlining a roadmap that includes a significant shift in the fleet composition. Central to his vision is the eventual retirement of the older Su-30MKI fighter jets, which were first inducted in 2001, and the rise of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk II, India’s indigenous 5.5 generation stealth fighter.

According to idrw.org, the IAF is expected to start retiring nearly 100 Su-30MKIs from around 2045 onwards, focusing on the early variants inducted in the early 2000s. By this time, the AMCA Mk II production will have reached full swing, with at least 4-5 squadrons of the stealth aircraft already operational.

SOURCE: AFI

The Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) in Hyderabad has achieved a significant breakthrough in composite materials technology. They have developed a new fabrication process for creating composite components with exceptional properties, including low density, high insulation capability, and broadband microwave absorption.

The primary application for this composite is as an insulation liner behind airframes. By providing both insulation and radar absorption, it enhances the overall performance and stealth of aircraft.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant leap forward for India’s self-reliance in defense technology, Valdel Advanced Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (VATPL) has successfully developed watertight, gas-tight, and fire-class compliant doors and hatches for Indian Naval vessels. This achievement, backed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Technology Development Fund (TDF), marks a major boost to the nation’s indigenous defense capabilities.  

This achievement marks a major boost to India’s indigenous defense capabilities. Previously, these critical components were sourced from external suppliers. Now, with Valdel AT’s innovation, India takes a significant step towards self-sufficiency in this essential area.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent inflammatory video, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a known Khalistani terrorist and the General Counsel of the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), made controversial remarks, claiming that the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh is “the territory of China.” In his latest rant, Pannun urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to reclaim the northeastern Indian state, calling for immediate military action. “Now is the time to order the Chinese army to take Arunachal Pradesh back,” Pannun declared, stirring controversy and outrage in India.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has long been a vocal proponent of Khalistan, a separatist movement seeking the creation of an independent Sikh state. His organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), has been at the forefront of pushing for the secession of Punjab from India, which has led to his designation as a terrorist by the Indian government in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

SOURCE: AFI

The use of armed drones and Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) in contemporary conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, has significantly reshaped the battlefield landscape. These unmanned systems have demonstrated their ability to overcome traditional anti-aircraft defenses and even advanced Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. The success of drones in penetrating air defenses highlights the urgent need for developing innovative strategies to counter these evolving threats. As future conflicts will likely see a surge in the use of armed drones and RPVs, defense forces worldwide must adapt and prepare. For India, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), presents a promising solution for countering drone threats.

Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have underscored the transformational impact of armed drones on warfare. These drones, often small and agile, have been able to evade traditional defense systems and deliver precision strikes on high-value targets. RPVs are increasingly being used for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and airstrikes, rendering them a vital component of modern warfare.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent footage of China’s ZTQ-15 light tanks reveals a significant upgrade in their protection systems, as the tanks are now equipped with large, cage-like “grills” that cover the front, sides, top, and rear of the vehicle. This extensive protection extends to critical components such as the engine, transmission compartments, and partially the external fuel tanks. These enhancements come at a time when India is increasing its focus on kamikaze drones and loitering ammunition, possibly signaling that China is responding to this emerging threat along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The ZTQ-15, also known as the Type 15, is designed for operations in rugged terrain like mountains and jungles, making it particularly suited for deployment in areas like the LAC, where the landscape poses significant challenges for heavier armored vehicles. First showcased publicly in 2016, this light tank features a 105mm gun capable of firing both traditional rounds and guided missiles, giving it substantial firepower despite its relatively lighter design compared to main battle tanks.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in partnership with Edgewood Ventures LLC, USA, and Edgewood Technologies Private Limited, Bangalore, India, has established HAL-Edgewood Technologies Private Limited (HETL). This joint venture company is dedicated to developing cutting-edge Mission Computers for Military Aviation and Aircraft.

HETL’s focus lies in the design, development, manufacture, and promotion of high-tech projects and products within the fields of electronics, software, hardware, and aeronautical systems. The company’s expertise extends to aviation, aerospace, and satellite projects, ensuring the development of advanced solutions for critical military applications.

SOURCE: AFI

3rdiTech, a leading provider of custom chips and imaging solutions, has achieved a significant milestone with its award of the Army Design Bureau’s Award of Excellence for its low-light imaging sensors. This recognition underscores the company’s expertise in developing innovative and high-performance solutions for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications.

3rdiTech specializes in crafting application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) tailored to meet the specific requirements of ISR systems. Their products find applications in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and defense, with collaborations spanning from the military to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

SOURCE: AFI

India is at a critical juncture in its aerospace development with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to develop a fifth-generation indigenous fighter jet. The project demands advanced technology, especially in propulsion systems. While India has successfully partnered with General Electric to procure the GE F-414 engines for its Tejas Mk2 and initial AMCA prototypes, a long-term solution for an indigenous engine for the AMCA is still lacking.

In this context, India might have missed a significant opportunity by not negotiating with Russia for the local development of a low-thrust variant of the AL-51F1 engine, formerly known as the “Izdelie 30”, which powers Russia’s Su-57 Felon fighter jets. The AL-51F1 engine has been hailed as a technological marvel, offering unprecedented capabilities that could have been adapted for India’s next-generation fighter jets.

SOURCE: AFI

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the third phase of India’s Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission, a critical step toward enhancing the country’s land and maritime domain awareness. This initiative, aimed at both civilian and military applications, will significantly bolster India’s surveillance capabilities, allowing for greater monitoring of both domestic and international activities across land and sea borders.

The ambitious proposal involves the launch of at least 52 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). These satellites will serve a wide array of surveillance functions, including monitoring enemy movements and tracking infrastructure developments in regions of strategic interest to India. The total cost for this extensive surveillance program stands at ?26,968 crore.