SOURCE : AFI

The introduction of Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs) into the India-Pakistan equation has injected a potent dose of anxiety into the already tense relationship. Experts like American security analyst Peter R. Lavoy argue that Pakistan’s vaguely defined “red lines” – economic and domestic destabilization – create an opening for them to initiate low-level conventional attacks against India.

The core concern is that TNWs lower the threshold for nuclear use in a region already bristling with nuclear weapons. Pakistan’s ambiguous red lines offer them a pretext to potentially initiate limited attacks, gambling on a measured Indian response. This creates an unstable environment where a conventional skirmish could spiral into a full-blown nuclear war, especially given Pakistan’s unsaid First Use doctrine.

SOURCE: AFI

While the C-130J Super Hercules is a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF) today, there was another workhorse that served for decades before it – the Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar. The C-119, also known as the C-119G Packet in IAF service, wasn’t the sleek jet we see today. Nicknamed the “Flying Boxcar” for its boxy fuselage, it was a rugged and reliable transport aircraft. The IAF was among the first to adopt the C-119, utilizing it for various critical tasks.

This versatile aircraft wasn’t just for cargo. The C-119 could transport troops, equipment, and even drop them by parachute using its rear clamshell doors. This capability proved invaluable in the early years of the IAF.

SOURCE: AFI

According to Bloomberg, India and Russia might be revisiting the idea of jointly developing a 5th generation fighter jet. This potential rekindling of discussions comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first bilateral visit to Russia since his third term win, later this month.

The initial collaboration, under the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, envisioned a joint effort to build a two-seater variant based on Russia’s Su-57 jet. However, India pulled out of the project in 2018 due to concerns about the Su-57’s capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan has reportedly integrated its nuclear-capable Ra’ad-I cruise missile with the JF-17 fighter jet, according to a recent analysis by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). The Ra’ad, first tested in 2007, is Pakistan’s sole air-launched cruise missile with a potential nuclear capability. The U.S. Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) designated it as a “dual-capable system” in 2017, meaning it can be equipped with either conventional or nuclear warheads.

The FAS report analyzed images of a JF-17 Thunder Block II from rehearsals for the 2023 Pakistan Day Parade. This marked the first public observation of the fighter jet carrying the Ra’ad-I missile.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report by the American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM) reveals a significant shift in India’s defence export landscape. The report says that India’s defence exports in FY 2022-23 witnessed a tenfold jump compared to five years ago, reaching a total of $1.6 billion.

The US has emerged as India’s leading defence export partner, capturing over 50% of the market share. This comes on the heels of NSA Jake Sullivan’s visit to India, potentially indicating a strengthening partnership between the two nations in the defence sector.

SOURCE: AFI

An Indonesian Air Force delegation, led by Air Vice Marshal Minggit Tribowo, visited New Delhi today for discussions with representatives from India’s defense sector. The delegation interacted with officers from Defence Production India, headed by JS (Naval Systems) Rajeev Prakash, alongside officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and Zen Technologies.

During the visit, Mr. Prakash showcased the manufacturing prowess of the Indian defense industry to the Indonesian delegation. This follows recent developments indicating a growing defense partnership between the two nations.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Forge Ltd. announced the successful participation of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), at Eurosatory 2024. Held in Paris, France, Eurosatory is a premier global defense and security exhibition that attracts leading industry players.

KSSL leveraged this prestigious platform to showcase its capabilities and extensive product portfolio. Beyond being a renowned manufacturer of 155mm Artillery, KSSL impressed attendees with its offerings of various types of artillery shells ranging from 70mm to 155mm, 120mm mortar bodies, and even incendiary shells, including the M107.

SOURCE: AFI

As India’s geopolitical and strategic ambitions continue to grow, the need for a robust and versatile air transport capability for the Indian Air Force (IAF) becomes ever more critical. One potential avenue for enhancing this capability is the development of a domestic equivalent to China’s Xian Y-20A transport aircraft. Such an aircraft could serve as a modern replacement for the ageing Ilyushin IL-76 fleet, which has been a mainstay of the IAF’s strategic airlift capacity for decades.

The Ilyushin IL-76, introduced into the IAF in the mid-1980s, has served as a reliable workhorse for heavy airlift duties. However, with technological advancements and increasing demands on air transport, the IL-76 is showing its age. Issues such as maintenance challenges, fuel inefficiency, and limited payload capacity highlight the need for a more modern solution.

SOURCE: AFI

India and the US are joining forces to develop next-generation artificial intelligence for military applications. This collaboration includes the launch of a groundbreaking AI multi-domain situational awareness product, jointly created by American defense contractor General Atomics (GA-ASI) and Indian firm 114AI.

The new product is designed to support joint all-domain command and control, providing military operators with a crucial advantage in complex situations. According to GA-ASI, the capabilities demonstrated by the 114AI team suggest this technology will be a game-changer for military operations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is taking a significant step forward in its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology development program. As reported by The Times of India (TOI), ISRO plans to utilize a modified Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket to launch RLVs for orbital re-entry demonstration missions in the next phase of testing.

The key modification to the GSLV involves replacing its powerful cryogenic upper stage with a modified version of the PS4 stage, the last stage of the PSLV rocket. This switch is driven by the weight of the RLVs being tested. With an expected weight of 3.5 to 4 tons, the RLVs don’t require the massive energy output of the GSLV’s cryogenic stage.

SOURCE: AFI

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, has warned Indian companies of the serious consequences they face if they violate global sanctions imposed on Russia. This warning comes after Japan sanctioned Bengaluru-based Si2 Microsystems, an electronics equipment designer and manufacturer, for allegedly helping Russia circumvent sanctions related to the Ukraine war.

Si2 Microsystems’ troubles don’t end with Japan. The company was previously sanctioned by the European Union in February 2024 and the US in November 2023, with both accusing it of supporting Russia’s military and defense sectors.

SOURCE: AFI

French aircraft giant Dassault Aviation SA is strengthening its ties with India’s aerospace industry. The company has begun sourcing titanium parts from Indian companies for the production of Rafale fighter jets, a move that signifies a broader effort to expand its supply chain and potentially reduce reliance on traditional sources.

This strategic collaboration benefits both parties. Dassault gains access to a potentially reliable and cost-effective source of high-quality titanium parts, crucial for the construction of its advanced fighter jets. Indian companies, on the other hand, secure valuable partnerships with a leading player in the aerospace sector, fostering technological advancements and growth in their domestic industry.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards self-reliance in defense capabilities, India has developed SEBEX 2, a new explosive material certified by the Indian Navy. This innovation by Economic Explosives Limited, a subsidiary of Solar Industries, is reported to be twice as powerful as TNT (trinitrotoluene), making it one of the strongest non-nuclear explosives globally.

SEBEX 2 holds the potential to revolutionize the destructive power of bombs and artillery shells without increasing their weight. This translates to enhanced potency and efficiency of weaponry, according to officials. The high-melting explosive composition is designed to inflict greater damage on targets through blast and fragmentation effects, making it ideal for warheads, aerial bombs, and artillery shells.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian security forces have been put on high alert following the escape of 19 prisoners, including a “dreaded militant commander,” from a jail in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK) on Sunday night.

Among the escapees is Ghazi Shehzad, a terror suspect with alleged ties to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Da’wah, led by Hafiz Saeed. Shehzad was reportedly earlier active in Jammu and Kashmir before his arrest for involvement in militancy. Some reports suggest he may have been exchanged as part of a prisoner swap.

SOURCE: AFI

The Punjab Government has formally submitted an application to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking the grant of parole to NSA detainee Amritpal Singh. The request is intended to facilitate Singh’s oath-taking as the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Khadoor Sahib.

Rajdev Singh Khalsa, an ex-MP and spokesperson for Amritpal Singh, announced that an application had been initially moved to the Amritsar District Magistrate (DM). Given that the case under the National Security Act (NSA) was registered in Amritsar, the DM subsequently forwarded the application to the Punjab Home Secretary, who then directed it to the Lok Sabha Speaker.