SOURCE: AFI

Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, registered and located in India, has produced and transferred 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of Defence. The founders of the enterprise from the Russian side are ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC and the Kalashnikov Group (both are subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation).

The Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifle is a version of the AK-200 rifle chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge used in the Indian Army. The weapon has the traditional advantages of Kalashnikov assault rifles: reliability and ease of maintenance.

SOURCE: AFI

Aditya Ramanathan, a research analyst with the Takshashila Institution, has provided insights into the findings of the 2024 Yearbook released by the Swedish think tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The yearbook highlights the global increase in nuclear arsenals, including those of India. Ramanathan, an expert on India’s strategic affairs and foreign policy, delves into the implications of these developments.

“We don’t actually know the exact size of India’s nuclear arsenal, but most studies place it in the range of 150-200 warheads,” says Ramanathan. He suggests that any increase in India’s nuclear arsenal is likely a direct response to China’s military advancements. “India has to be concerned about ensuring that enough of its own nuclear forces can survive a Chinese first strike and inflict unacceptable damage in retaliation. To that end, I think India’s response is cautious and well-reasoned.”

SOURCE: AFI

Pro-Khalistani organizations have recently urged the incoming U.K. government, anticipated to be led by Labour leader Keir Starmer, to back a controversial “Sikh Manifesto.” This manifesto, which has been the subject of significant criticism, includes statements on geopolitics and hate crimes that have sparked debate among political candidates and the public.

The manifesto outlines ten demands, most notably advocating for the “application of self-determination to the Sikhs.” This phrase is widely interpreted as support for the ongoing campaign for a Sikh ethnostate in the Punjab region, spanning parts of India and Pakistan.

SOURCE: AFI

Gajinder Singh, a wanted terrorist and co-founder of the radical outfit Dal Khalsa, passed away from a heart attack at a hospital in Pakistan. He was 74 years old.

Singh was a fugitive for his role in the 1981 hijacking of an Indian Airlines (IA) flight. The plane, carrying over 110 passengers and crew, was diverted to Lahore and used to make demands for the release of Sikh extremists.

SOURCE: AFI

Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has set its sights on enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities with a proposed 6×6 Mine-Protected Vehicle (MPV). This new variant was revealed in the form of a scaled model at the recent 9th International Police Expo and 8th Homeland Security Expo.

The proposed 6×6 MPV leverages the success of VFJ’s existing 4×4 MPVs currently in production for the Indian Army.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ability to evade AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles fired by Pakistani F-16s during past conflicts can be attributed, in part, to their familiarity with the aircraft. This knowledge comes from various avenues of military cooperation.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) regularly participates in Joint Military Training (JMT) exercises with the IAF at Air Force Station Kalaikunda. These exercises see the RSAF deploy F-16s, providing the IAF pilots with valuable exposure to the aircraft’s capabilities and potential tactics.

SOURCE: AFI

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has become a proving ground for modern warfare technologies, particularly the use of robotics and unmanned systems. As the war rages on, both sides have increasingly relied on autonomous systems, drones, and robotic vehicles to gain tactical advantages.

This shift towards robotic warfare is not only reshaping the battlefield but also highlighting the urgent need for countries like India to upgrade their offensive firepower.

SOURCE: AFI

Zen Technologies made a strong showing at the recently concluded 9th International Police Expo and the 8th India Homeland Security Expo 2024 (co-located with the 5th Drone International Expo 2024). The company showcased a range of innovative training solutions designed to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and security personnel.

Zen Technologies’ presence at the expo highlighted their commitment to providing cutting-edge training solutions for modern security challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the key products showcased:

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to showcase its indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) weapon system at the upcoming Land Forces 2024 International Land Defence Exhibition. The event will be held from September 11th to 13th, 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia.

The QRSAM is a state-of-the-art missile system manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This short-range air defense solution is designed to provide mobile protection for mechanized forces against aerial threats on the battlefield.

SOURCE: AFI

The seas are witnessing a surge in the development of massive aircraft carriers, often dubbed “supercarriers.” The United States currently reigns supreme with the USS Gerald R. Ford, a behemoth displacing over 100,000 tons and measuring over 1,000 feet in length.

China, a relative newcomer to the supercarrier game, has launched its own contender – the Fujian. Though slightly smaller than the Ford, displacing around 80,000 tons, it possesses notable features like domestically-developed electromagnetic launch and arrestor gear.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian government is taking concrete steps to stimulate the domestic private space sector. In a recent interview, Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (In-Space), outlined a range of incentives aimed at attracting private players and fostering growth in the industry.

A key initiative is the establishment of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model specifically for Earth Observation (EO) satellites. This model will involve government co-funding the launch of 12 EO satellites undertaken by private companies. The specific details regarding the funding breakdown haven’t been disclosed yet.

SOURCE: AFI

The 9th International Police Expo 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, saw the unveiling of an impressive new addition to India’s defense and security vehicles by the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL). VFJ showcased an advanced Armoured Ambulance Prototype Vehicle, which is designed to provide enhanced protection and mobility in hostile environments.

The highlight of VFJ’s display was the unveiling of their new Armoured Ambulance Prototype vehicle. This 4×4 ambulance is designed to provide critical medical care in hostile environments while ensuring the safety of medical personnel and patients.

SOURCE: AFI

You’re right, India was indeed the world’s biggest operator of the MiG-21, surpassing even the Soviet Union itself. The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted a staggering 874 MiG-21s, forming the backbone of its fleet for decades that all started in 1963 when handful were inducted.

In the 1980s and 1990s, MiG-21s comprised over 60% of the IAF’s fighting strength. The first batch arrived in 1963, and the IAF continued to induct variants throughout the Cold War. The MiG-21 was a demanding aircraft to fly, known for its challenging handling characteristics and unforgiving nature. This, coupled with extensive use, likely contributed to the high accident rate.

SOURCE : AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief recently advocated for international collaboration to develop a 6th generation jet engine. This engine is envisioned to power not only the 5th generation AMCA fighter jet but also future 6th generation aircraft. Three potential partners have emerged: French Safran, British Rolls-Royce, and American GE.

Among these contenders, Rolls-Royce stands out for its involvement in the Team Tempest program – a dedicated initiative to develop a 6th generation fighter jet. This involvement signifies their advanced research and expertise in 6th generation engine technology.

SOURCE: AFI

The French Air and Space Force is poised for a prominent role in the Indo-Pacific region this summer, participating in two key deployments that demonstrate its rapid response capabilities and unwavering commitment to the area.

The deployments will see France dispatch its crown jewel, the Rafale fighter jets, alongside A400M Atlas transport aircraft and A330 MRTT Phénix tanker aircraft. This impressive display of aerial power is intended to highlight France’s ability to project airpower swiftly across vast distances.