SOURCE: AFI

A viral image capturing India’s Nirbhay cruise missile in action has sparked widespread attention for its impressive sea-skimming capabilities. The image shows the missile flying just 8 meters above the ocean surface, showcasing its ability to avoid detection by warship radars. This demonstration has reinforced Nirbhay’s reputation as a potent asset in India’s defense arsenal, capable of taking out frontline warships while evading sophisticated radar systems.

The sea-skimming maneuver demonstrated by the Nirbhay missile is a crucial feature that makes it highly effective against naval targets. By flying at an extremely low altitude, close to the ocean surface, the missile can avoid detection from enemy warships’ radar systems, which are designed to track threats coming from higher altitudes. This low-altitude flight profile minimizes the missile’s radar cross-section, making it difficult for enemy radars to pick it up until it’s too late to react.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense electronics company, has successfully completed the delivery of 100 Control Centres for the Air Defence Control & Reporting System (Akashteer) to the Indian Army. This significant milestone underscores BEL’s commitment to providing critical national security solutions and its ability to meet stringent timelines.

The Akashteer project, executed by BEL’s Defense Command & Control Systems (DCCS) Strategic Business Unit (SBU), commenced in March 2024 and was completed ahead of schedule. The rapid deployment of the 100 Control Centres, facilitated by the invaluable guidance of the Army Air Defence Corps, showcases BEL’s capability to deliver strategic defense equipment efficiently and effectively.

SOURCE: AFI

Skyroot Aerospace, a leading Indian space startup, has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to launch India’s first privately developed rocket. The company’s Vikram-1 Reaction Control System (RCS) has been successfully flight qualified, paving the way for its maiden flight.

In a series of rigorous tests, Skyroot’s Raman-1 engines were fired in pairs for both positive and negative roll control. A total of 65 pulses were executed, with pulse durations ranging from 60 to 1120 milliseconds. The data collected from these tests confirmed the excellent performance of the module’s propulsion systems and avionics.

SOURCE: AFI

The Drone Federation India (DFI) is set to host its upcoming Drone Shivir under the aegis of the Indian Army and Army Design Bureau. The event, themed “Building an Ecosystem for Design, Development, Manufacturing & Certification of Indigenous Defence UAVs in India,” will bring together key stakeholders from government, users, industry, and academia to drive the vision of a self-reliant drone ecosystem.

The roundtable will focus on addressing the critical challenges and supply chain vulnerabilities hindering the development of an indigenous drone and drone component manufacturing ecosystem in India. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, DFI aims to create a conducive environment for the growth and innovation of the drone industry.

SOURCE: PTI

India has once again underscored its independent foreign policy approach in response to international security dynamics, notably Japan’s recent proposal of an “Asian NATO.” Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, suggested the formation of a strategic military alliance in the region to counter growing threats, particularly from China. However, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, made it clear that India does not share the vision of such a collective defense framework, reaffirming India’s longstanding policy of maintaining strategic autonomy.

In a recent statement, Jaishankar remarked, “We have never been a treaty ally of any country. We don’t have that strategic architecture in mind.” His comments came in response to growing discussions around Japan’s push for a more formalized military alliance among like-minded countries in Asia, modeled after NATO, to counterbalance regional security threats. While India shares common concerns over regional security and the rise of China, Jaishankar’s statement emphasizes the Indian government’s refusal to be drawn into an alliance-based approach.

SOURCE: AFI

Last month, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, joined the Western Fleet in a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities. Now, the focus is on operational readiness as INS Vikrant prepares for a major exercise in the Arabian Sea.

According to the Western Naval Command, this upcoming exercise aims to simulate a real-world two-carrier tactical scenario. INS Vikrant will lead a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), a powerful warship formation typically comprising destroyers, frigates, and submarines working together to secure a specific area.

SOURCE: AFI

Morocco has taken a significant step towards bolstering its military capabilities with the signing of an agreement with the Indian multinational conglomerate, Tata Motors. The agreement paves the way for the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Morocco that will produce the WHAP heavy 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).

In the initial phase, the Moroccan military plans to procure 150 units of the WHAP IFV. However, the long-term goal is to acquire a total of 400 more units of this advanced military vehicle. The WHAP IFV is intended to replace the older French-supplied VAB IFV version and the outdated AML-90/60 vehicles, modernizing the Moroccan military’s armored vehicle fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

Sudarshan Techno Solution Pvt Ltd (STSPL), a leading drone technology company, has introduced a new 1 kg micro UAV designed for counter-insurgency operations and rapid deployment surveillance. This advanced drone offers exceptional capabilities and is well-suited for challenging environments.

The micro UAV can fly at altitudes of up to 4,500 meters above sea level, providing a wide range of operational flexibility. With an endurance of 45-50 minutes and an operational range of 5-7 kilometers, it can effectively gather intelligence and monitor areas of interest. The drone can operate in both tethered and non-tethered modes, offering versatility in deployment.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s private sector has emerged as a key player in the country’s burgeoning defence export industry, with the BrahMos missile leading the charge in meeting global demand. According to Harpreet Sidhu, an analyst at GlobalData Aerospace, the private sector’s contributions to the development and export of advanced weapons platforms have significantly boosted India’s position as a major defence exporter.

The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, has garnered significant international interest. Its impressive capabilities and long-range capabilities have made it a sought-after weapon system. The missile’s success has not only boosted India’s defence exports but has also showcased the country’s technological prowess in the global market.

SOURCE: AFI

Hamza Azhar Salam, founder and editor of The Pakistan Daily, recently spoke to the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD) about Azerbaijan’s recent acquisition of Chinese JF-17C (Block-III) jets. Salam expressed confidence that these jets, equipped with PL-15E air-to-air missiles, would provide Azerbaijan with a significant air superiority advantage over Armenia’s Su-30SM fighter jets.

The JF-17C’s advanced AESA radar and PL-15E missiles, with a range of 145 kilometers, are expected to play a crucial role in neutralizing any aerial threats posed by Armenia. Salam highlighted the potential for Azerbaijan to dominate the airspace and maintain a strategic advantage.

SOURCE: AFI

China has conducted surface-to-air missile tests on the Karakoram Plateau, close to the border with India. These tests, reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), took place even as diplomatic talks between the two countries were ongoing.

The missile tests involved successfully intercepting a subsonic cruise missile at an altitude of over 17,000 feet. China’s state media highlighted the test as a demonstration of its military prowess, showcasing its ability to neutralize advanced missiles that India might possess.

SOURCE: AFI

Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur, in a recent column, has raised a crucial concern about India’s “Atmanirbharta” (Self-Reliant India) campaign. While commendable in its intention to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, it should not come at the cost of compromising the fighting potential of the Indian armed forces.

The Vice Chief’s statement highlights a recurring issue in India’s defense sector: the tendency of research and development agencies to overpromise and underdeliver. The delays in the supply of Tejas Mk1A fighters and Apache helicopters are stark examples of this trend.

SOURCE: AFI

Controp-Paras Technologies Private Limited, an associate company of Paras Defence and Space Technologies, has secured a significant order valued at approximately Rs 305 crore (excluding taxes) from Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T). The order involves the manufacturing and supply of 244 units of the Sight-25HD Electro-Optics (EO) System, which will be integrated into L&T’s Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) program.

The Sight-25HD EO System is a high-performance targeting sight designed for installation on various vehicles and weapon stations. It offers a comprehensive suite of EO/IR sensors to effectively address diverse operational challenges and ensure accurate target acquisition and engagement.

SOURCE: AFI

In a bid to meet its ambitious net-zero targets, India is planning to build a large fleet of small nuclear reactors (SNRs) to power hard-to-decarbonize industries like steel and cement. These reactors, a redesigned version of India’s 220-MW pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR), are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of these energy-intensive sectors.

The initiative, driven by requests from domestic heavy industries, aims to provide a clean and reliable energy source for sectors that have struggled to decarbonize. Anil Kakodkar, former chairman and current member of India’s Atomic Energy Commission, highlighted the growing interest from industry players in having captive nuclear power plants. “Sensitivity about carbon emissions has gone up,” he stated, “and companies whose emissions are hard to abate are particularly conscious of it, because it’s going to hurt them if they cannot bring down the carbon footprint of their products.”

SOURCE: AFI

India is close to finalizing a major defense deal with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. These jets are intended to operate from India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant. While the exact price of the deal has not been officially disclosed, media reports suggest that the pricing will be based on the Rafale jets previously procured for the Indian Air Force (IAF), adjusted for inflation.

In 2016, India signed a deal with France’s Dassault Aviation for 36 Rafale fighter jets for the IAF. The contracted price for those jets averaged out to €91.7 million (Rs 686 crore) per aircraft. This included 28 single-seat fighters priced at €91.07 million (Rs 681 crore) each and eight twin-seat fighters priced at €94 million (Rs 703 crore) per aircraft. The total cost of this deal amounted to €3.3 billion for the 36 “bare-bones” aircraft.