SOURCE: AFI

The 105th convocation ceremony at the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) on Saturday showcased India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its armed forces. The event offered visitors a glimpse into several homegrown innovations designed to maximize the military’s operational capabilities.

Among the notable technologies on display were the virtual reality-based combat medical care (VR CMC), an augmented reality (AR)-based advanced mannequin system, an autonomous reconnaissance and battlefield surveillance drone, and a voice-controlled robot capable of offline operation.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious space program is set to achieve a significant milestone with the unveiling of the latest design for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS). Building on the initial plans announced in 2019, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has doubled the station’s mass and crew capacity, showcasing a leap in technological prowess and vision for human spaceflight.

The BAS now boasts an overall mass of 52 tons, significantly increased from the initially planned 25 tons. This robust design spans 27 meters in length and 20 meters in width, providing ample space for scientific experiments, habitation, and operations.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant event that underscores India’s strides in indigenous defense technology, the Bhoomi-Poojan ceremony for the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Integration and Testing Facility of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was held with great enthusiasm. The ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including DRDO chief Dr. Samir V. Kamath, L&T Executive Vice President Arun Ramchandani, and other notable guests.

This facility is dedicated to the integration and testing of AIP systems indigenously developed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL) of DRDO, with L&T as the prime industry partner. This collaboration signifies a decade-long association between NMRL and L&T, working together to bring advanced defense technology to fruition.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is currently exploring the potential of the CAMCOPTER S-100 rotary unmanned aerial system (UAS) for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The CAMCOPTER S-100 is a revolutionary UAS developed, designed, and produced by Schiebel, a renowned Austrian company founded in 1951. With a global presence spanning Vienna and Wiener Neustadt (Austria), Manassas (USA), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Shoalhaven (Australia), and Hyderabad (India), Schiebel has carved a niche for itself in the production of high-tech military, commercial, and humanitarian solutions.

SOURCE: AFI

Bangalore-based CNC India, a leader in providing innovative design, fabrication, and integration solutions, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the SAMAR Assessment Certification. This certification signifies CNC India’s strong association with India’s Space and Defence organizations, including ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

The SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation) air defense system is a crucial component of India’s short-range air defense network. Inducted into the Indian Air Force in December 2023, SAMAR boasts the capability to intercept low-flying aerial threats like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and attack helicopters within a range of 12 kilometers and at speeds exceeding Mach 2.5.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian private space company Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a critical milestone in its journey towards its first orbital launch. The company successfully completed the proof pressure test of the Vikram-1 launch vehicle’s Stage-1 hardware, aptly named Kalam-1200.

This 10-meter-long stage, constructed from high-strength carbon fiber, plays a vital role in propelling Vikram-1 during the initial phase of its flight. Kalam-1200 is designed to deliver a powerful thrust of 1200 kN, enabling the rocket to overcome Earth’s gravity and ascend into the less dense atmosphere.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s state-owned Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of advanced materials for the indigenous 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. MIDHANI’s engineers have successfully formulated a special “space-age” titanium alloy named Titan6242S (Ti-6AL-2Sn-4zr-2Mo-0.08Si).

This newly developed titanium alloy boasts an outstanding combination of tensile strength, toughness, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures reaching 565°C. These properties make Titan6242S ideally suited for the high-pressure compressor (HPC) casing of the AMCA’s jet engine, which endures extreme stress and heat during operation.

SOURCE: AFI

India is evaluating the possibility of acquiring Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) for its army. However, the Stryker has a history of both strengths and vulnerabilities that India should consider before making a decision.

Developed under former Army Chief of Staff Eric Shinseki, the Stryker entered service in 2003. Initially praised for its ability to transport troops, its limitations soon became apparent. The armor proved insufficient, and the wheeled design caused maintenance problems due to mud clogging the engine. Additionally, computer systems malfunctioned, and seatbelts were inadequate for troops in combat gear during rollovers.

SOURCE: AFI

The drone era is still young, and the initial shock of a cheap quadcopter taking down a multi-million dollar tank continues to resonate. However, the future of drone combat promises to be far more intricate. Here’s a glimpse into what the next decade might hold:

As electronic warfare evolves, sophisticated jamming and spoofing techniques will become more prevalent. This could potentially shift the balance of power. High-powered microwave weapons could emerge as effective tools for disabling even rudimentary drones, making their cost-effectiveness questionable. In response, military drone manufacturers will likely be forced to abandon commercially available components and develop sturdier drones with hardened electronics, leading to an increase in drone production costs.

SOURCE: AFI

The covert operation undertaken by India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to incorporate the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim into the Indian Union.

For centuries, Sikkim thrived as an independent kingdom nestled in the Himalayas. However, the rise of the British Empire in India gradually eroded its autonomy. By the late 19th century, Sikkim became a British protectorate, though still ruled by its hereditary monarchs, the Chogyals.

SOURCE: AFI

Airbus Defence and Space has confirmed the delivery of two C-295 transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). These aircraft, numbered four and five, departed from the Airbus production facility in Seville, Spain.

This delivery is part of a larger agreement between Airbus and India. The initial 16 C-295s will be manufactured entirely at the Seville facility. Subsequently, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Airbus will oversee production at a new facility in India.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chosen two of its Gaganyaan-trained astronauts for a groundbreaking mission to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year, according to informed sources. This collaborative effort with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is targeted for “no earlier than October 2024,” as per NASA’s website.

Prior to the mission, the astronauts will travel to the United States for specialized ISS training. “While they have undergone general spaceflight training,” an official explained, “much of their Indian training focused on Gaganyaan modules. Familiarization with ISS modules and protocols is essential.”

SOURCE: AFI

China’s latest stealth fighter jet, the J-31B, appears ready to enter military service based on a promotional video released by its developer, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).

The FC-31 Gyrfalcon, now officially designated J-31B, is expected to complement the J-20, China’s most advanced operational stealth fighter. The video, posted by state broadcaster CCTV, showcases a computer-generated image of the J-31B featuring a side weapon bay carrying two missiles.

SOURCE: AFI

In a historic landslide victory, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, is poised to usher in a new era in the United Kingdom. Following a decisive win in the general elections on Friday, Starmer is set to succeed Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister. Among the numerous global issues on Starmer’s agenda, a key responsibility will be to repair the strained ties with India, a relationship that has been turbulent due to the Labour Party’s stance on the Kashmir issue.

The origins of this tension date back to September 2019 when, under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour Party passed an emergency motion calling for international observers to enter Kashmir. This motion demanded the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people and urged Corbyn to meet with the high commissioners of India and Pakistan to facilitate mediation and avert a potential nuclear conflict. India, viewing this as an interference in its internal affairs, strongly opposed the motion, terming it an effort to “pander to vote bank interests.”

SOURCE: AFI

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has initiated consultations with veterans from the Army, Navy, and Air Force regarding the Agnipath recruitment scheme. This follows his recent visits to Agniveer training centers across the three services, where he assessed the scheme’s implementation on the ground.

The move comes amidst ongoing debate surrounding Agnipath. Opposition parties have called for the scheme’s rollback, while concerns have been raised about compensation for Agniveers who die serving the nation.