SOURCE: AFI

In the 1980s, the concept of “Make in India” was far from the political and economic mantra it has become today. However, there were significant moves that can be seen as precursors to this modern initiative. One such notable instance was Northrop Grumman’s offer to move the entire manufacturing facility for their F-20 fighter jet to India. This period coincided with India’s nascent Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, making the story of Northrop Grumman’s offer a fascinating chapter in India’s defense history.

During the 1980s, Northrop Grumman proposed to relocate the entire manufacturing facility of their F-20 advanced fighter jet to India. This was an unprecedented offer that promised significant technological transfer, skill development, and economic benefits for India. The establishment of such a facility would have catapulted India’s aerospace industry into a new era, positioning it as a significant player in global defense manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant revelation, it has come to light that US reconnaissance aircraft closely monitored India’s anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test conducted in 2019. This information, initially reported by a civilian aircraft spotter on Twitter, underscores the intricate surveillance capabilities employed by global superpowers during critical defense events.

The Twitter account Aircraft Spots, known for tracking military flights, reported that an RC-135S aircraft of the US Air Force departed from the US military base at Diego Garcia. The spotter stated that the aircraft was on a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India’s ASAT missile test. This test, conducted by India in March 2019, successfully demonstrated its ability to destroy satellites in low Earth orbit, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A Gurugram-based company is making waves by becoming one of the first clients for a revolutionary new satellite imaging service. This service, offered by Albedo, a US-based startup, promises to deliver an unprecedented level of detail – images as sharp as those previously only available to American defense and intelligence agencies.

The key to this breakthrough lies in Clarity, Albedo’s satellite. Unlike traditional satellites, Clarity will operate in a very low Earth orbit (VLEO), significantly closer to Earth than usual. This proximity allows Clarity to capture incredibly high-resolution images, potentially down to 10 centimeters per pixel. For comparison, current commercial providers offer imagery with a resolution of 30 centimeters, which can be further enhanced to 15 centimeters.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent investigative report by The Globe and Mail has brought to light startling allegations surrounding Mr. Dhaliwal, a man reportedly influenced by Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The report, citing an application to remand Mr. Dhaliwal into custody, claims that he told police in a small rural community that he had been sent by Nijjar to target “leaders of sects.” According to the application, Mr. Dhaliwal mentioned working with another militant and planning to retrieve “firearms and ammunition from Pakistan.”

In conversations with two individuals close to Mr. Dhaliwal, The Globe and Mail uncovered details of his fervent support for Khalistan, a movement advocating for a separate Sikh state. Described as gullible and fanatical, Mr. Dhaliwal was reportedly living in the basement of his sister’s Surrey home at the time of his arrest. His sister had sponsored his permanent residency in Canada. These sources also revealed that Mr. Dhaliwal, who maintained a close relationship with Nijjar, was allegedly planning attacks on leaders of Shiv Sena, a far-right Hindu sect associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political party. Leaders of this sect had been targeted several times in Punjab during the same year.

SOURCE : AFI

In a move that further bolsters India’s “Make in India” initiative, Adani Group’s defense arm, Adani Defence & Aerospace, has signed an agreement with Thales Group to manufacture 70mm rockets within the country. This news comes on the heels of a similar agreement signed by Thales last year with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a government-owned enterprise.

Thales announced the partnership on a social media platform “previously known as Twitter” (referencing the platform’s recent name change), highlighting the significance of the deal for both strengthening their commitment to India and expanding their global network of partners.

SOURCE : AFI

The Australian government has inked a significant agreement with the Indian space agency, ISRO. An $18 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, paves the way for an Australian satellite launch aboard an Indian rocket.

The partnership, announced by Australian High Commissioner Philip Green in New Delhi, will see Australian firm Space Machines launch a satellite inspection and observation payload. This mission, slated for 2026, will hold a special place in Australian space history – it will be the largest Australian satellite launched to date, riding aboard ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

SOURCE : AFI

Four Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets have touched down at Andravida Air Base in Greece, marking a significant moment for international military cooperation. Stationed with the 117th Fighter Wing, these jets are gearing up for NATO’s prestigious Ramstein Flag exercise – the first time it will be held outside of Germany.

Since their arrival last Thursday, the Indian Rafales haven’t wasted any time. On Saturday, they conducted their inaugural joint training session alongside Greek Rafales and Mirage 2000-5s from the 114th Fighter Wing’s 335th and 336th Squadrons. Exclusive photos captured by Stamatis Pitta for Enikos offer a glimpse of three of the Indian jets participating in these joint maneuvers.

SOURCE: AFI

Bangladesh has agreed to boost its purchases of Indian-developed weapon systems in a move seen as a diversification of its military suppliers. This decision comes after Bangladesh faced logistical challenges due to spare parts shortages and low availability of its existing weaponry, much of which was previously acquired from China.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2010 and 2020, China dominated Bangladesh’s arms imports, accounting for a whopping 72% of the total value. Russia followed at a distant second with 12%, with the remaining 16% coming from various other nations. This latest agreement signals a significant shift in Bangladesh’s military procurement strategy.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Palakkad and Mandi have joined forces to create a state-of-the-art underwater robotic vehicle (URV) capable of diving up to 300 meters deep. This collaborative project, funded by the National Mission of Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) under the Central Department of Science and Technology, marks a significant stride in India’s marine exploration capabilities.

The IITs have put the URV through its paces with comprehensive testing in various settings. Initial trials were conducted at depths of 30 meters within simulated marine environments. Subsequently, real-world testing took place in lakes and dam reservoirs, with invaluable support provided by the Indian Navy. These tests have validated the URV’s performance and capabilities in diverse underwater conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

Boeing’s recent unveiling of the REVOLVER launcher system has sent ripples through the defense world. This innovative system, designed to fit within the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, has the potential to transform this workhorse cargo plane into a formidable hypersonic missile carrier.

The key to REVOLVER’s transformative ability lies in its dual-drum design and electromagnetic catapult mechanism. This allows for the rapid launch of up to 12 Boeing X-51A Waverider hypersonic cruise missiles, each capable of exceeding Mach 5 speeds. This combination of speed and precision significantly enhances the aerial strike capabilities of any nation that possesses it.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a modernization drive, with a gradual shift away from older Russian fighter jets towards indigenous alternatives. This strategic move is set to see the Su-30MKI remain the mainstay of the IAF’s fighter fleet for decades to come.

The IAF is bidding farewell to its veteran MiG-21Bis fighters. Two squadrons are scheduled for retirement by 2025. These will be replaced by the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The MiG-29UPG fleet, while receiving a service life extension until 2035, will eventually be phased out as well. These MiG-29UPG squadrons are expected to be transitioned to the more advanced Tejas MkII fighter jets.

SOURCE: AFI

Lobsang Sangay, the Sikyong (political leader) of the Tibetan government-in- exile, expressed skepticism about China’s plans to deploy Tibetan recruits in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Indian border.

Sangay believes that Tibetan soldiers forced to join the PLA would likely defect to the Indian side due to their cultural and ethnic ties with India. He questioned the level of trust PLA officers would have in Tibetan troops, especially those coerced into service.

SOURCE: AFI

The Korean War (1950-1953) was a brutal conflict, but amidst the fighting emerged a powerful image of compassion. This photograph depicts two Indian soldiers gently carrying a weeping Chinese prisoner-of-war (POW) towards an exchange point in Panmunjom, North Korea.

While not directly involved in the fighting, India played a significant role in the Korean War through its participation in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping effort.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army is gearing up to deploy its first batch of robotic MULES (Multi-Utility Legged Equipment) – dog-shaped machines designed for surveillance and logistics in challenging terrain.

According to sources within the defense establishment, a September 2023 emergency procurement order secured 100 of these robotic companions. A pre-dispatch inspection of the first 25 MULES has been completed, paving the way for their imminent induction into the Army.

SOURCE: AFI

An Indo-Russian company’s vendor, M/s BSS Material from Amethi, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court contesting its exclusion from the bidding process for a massive ?12,000 crore contract to supply close-quarter battle carbines to the Indian Army.

The crux of the petition revolves around alleged “ambiguity” in the bidding process. M/s BSS Material claims the technical evaluation committee (TEC) mistakenly considered their financials instead of those of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), IRRPL.