SOURCE: AFI

In the annals of space exploration, India’s journey to the stars is a tale of remarkable ambition, ingenuity, and resilience. A recent book sheds light on the lesser-known but crucial contributors to India’s first rocket projects, offering an enriching perspective on the collective effort that powered the nation’s ascent into the space age.

India’s foray into rocketry began in the early 1960s, a time when the nation was still grappling with the challenges of post-independence reconstruction. Amidst this backdrop, a dedicated group of scientists and engineers, often working with limited resources, laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

SOURCE: AFI

The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) plans for the JF-17 fighter jet remain shrouded in some mystery. Earlier this year, the announcement of the JF-17 PFX program sparked speculation about the future of this workhorse aircraft. While details remain unclear, recent developments suggest the PAF is aiming for a significant upgrade.

In November 2023, the PAF inducted the most advanced variant of the JF-17 to date, the Block III. This version boasts improvements in maneuverability, range, and combat capabilities, solidifying the JF-17’s position as a vital part of the PAF’s arsenal.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian space sector is witnessing a surge in private participation, with at least 10 companies expressing interest in building the country’s most powerful rocket, the LVM3. This initiative is driven by NSIL (New Space India Limited), the commercial arm of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).

Last week, companies that purchased the Request for Qualification (RFQ) document attended a pre-bid meeting. NSIL will now shortlist a select few to participate in the bidding process.

SOURCE: AFI

Australia quietly expelled at least four Indian intelligence officers in 2020, according to an investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). These agents, some allegedly posing as diplomats, were found to be targeting sensitive information, raising concerns despite outwardly strong diplomatic ties between Canberra and New Delhi.

The report details Indian efforts to acquire classified data on Australian defense technology, airport security protocols, and trade relations. The spies reportedly cultivated relationships with politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service. They even attempted to obtain information from a public servant regarding security measures at a major airport.

SOURCE: AFI

General (Retd.) MM Naravane, former Chief of the Indian Army, recently expressed concerns about China’s growing influence in Myanmar and its potential impact on India’s northeastern region.

In response to reports of Chinese weapons being supplied to Myanmar coinciding with unrest in India’s northeast, particularly Manipur, Gen. Naravane highlighted China’s strategic maneuvering. He stated that China, with its long shared border with Myanmar, is “fishing in troubled waters” – exploiting instability for its own gain.

SOURCE: AFI

At Eurosatory 2024 in Paris, the future of armored warfare is on full display as leading defense manufacturers unveil cutting-edge tank designs with advanced features and capabilities. Highlighted below are the significant innovations presented by KNDS and Rheinmetall, showcasing the next generation of main battle tanks (MBTs) set to redefine the battlefield.

KNDS: Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking to acquire nine decommissioned Jaguar fighter jets and spare parts from the United Kingdom, according to a report in Tribune India. This move aims to address attrition within the IAF’s Jaguar fleet, which is nearing the end of its operational life.

The IAF has requested five single-seater Jaguar GR-1s and four twin-seat Jaguar T-2s, both variants no longer used by the Royal Air Force (RAF). Additionally, they require a significant number of spare parts, estimated at around 150 different types.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is experiencing a surge in interest for its Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system from European countries. This development comes amidst DRDO’s participation in Eurosatory, the largest international exhibition for land and air-land defense and security, currently ongoing in Paris.

The Pinaka MBRL system, particularly the Pinaka Guided variant with a 90km range, has emerged as a major attraction at the DRDO pavilion. This upsurge in interest coincides with European nations seeking to bolster their arsenals in the wake of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

SOURCE: AFI

The inky blackness of the Arabian Sea was my familiar world back when I served in the Indian Navy. Aboard INS Shalki, a German-designed HDW SSK class submarine, we patrolled silently at a depth of around 50 meters. The usual serenity of the deep was shattered by a sudden spike on the sonar. The rhythmic thrumming of the sub’s engines ceased as the Captain’s calm but firm voice echoed through the control room, “Stop engines. Ascend to periscope depth. Visual confirmation on surface vessels – now!”

The crew responded with practiced efficiency. The silence was broken only by the gentle hum as the submarine rose towards the surface. With periscopes raised, the officers peered into the moonlit water above.

SOURCE: AFI

Retired Pakistani Brigadier Amir Hamza was shot and killed by unknown gunmen in Punjab province on Monday, according to Indian news outlet Times of India. Indian counter-terrorism agencies believed Hamza, a key Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operative, played a significant role in the 2018 Sunjwan army camp attack in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

The 2018 Sunjwan attack on an Indian army camp resulted in the deaths of six soldiers and injuries to over a dozen more. Hamza’s death marks the second killing of a Pakistani individual allegedly involved in the attack.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent flurry of “visiting sessions and meetings” between civilian and military leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Korea has intensified speculation about a potential partnership for the KF-21 “Boramae” fighter jet program. This development could present an interesting opportunity for India’s own 5th generation fighter program, the AMCA.

The KF-21 “Boramae” is currently classified as a 4.5 generation fighter due to its lack of an internal weapons bay, a key feature of true 5th generation aircraft. While a Block III variant with an internal bay is planned for the 2030s, this timeframe coincides with the expected introduction of India’s AMCA MkI, a true 5th generation fighter from the outset.

SOURCE: AFI

Armenia signed a contract with France on June 18, 2024, for the procurement of Caesar 155/52 truck-mounted guns manufactured by KNDS (Nexter). This acquisition will complement Armenia’s existing artillery portfolio, which includes towed 155/52 ATAGS guns procured from India and mounted MArG 155/39 guns, also of Indian origin.

While the DRDO MGS (Indian-developed Mobile Gun System) based on ATAGS is still undergoing developmental trials, Armenia’s experience with the towed variant of the same gun and potential for fleet commonality failed to influence this decision. The Caesar guns offer several advantages over towed artillery, including increased mobility, faster deployment times, and improved survivability. They are also compatible with NATO-standard 155mm ammunition, which Armenia is likely to increasingly rely on as it diversifies its military suppliers.

SOURCE: AFI

In a move that has sent ripples through the Indian defense sector, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) acquired a 1.44% stake in Paras Defence and Space Technologies (PDST) on Friday, June 14th, 2024. This information was revealed through NSE bulk deal data, signifying a strategic investment by the sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates.

Paras Defence and Space Technologies, a private sector company, has been making significant strides in the domestic defense market. The company focuses on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of a wide range of defense and space engineering products and solutions. This acquisition by ADIA highlights the growing potential of Paras Defence and underscores the attractiveness of the Indian defense sector for foreign investors.

SOURCE: AFI

Vehicle Factory Jabalpur (VFJ), a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has successfully completed and dispatched an order of 800 Stallion MKIV military vehicles to the Indian Army. The accomplishment comes within the stipulated delivery timeframe as per the contract.

This achievement highlights VFJ’s dedication to fulfilling its role as a provider of military mobility solutions. The press release emphasizes VFJ’s commitment to exceeding expectations by delivering on schedule and maintaining the highest quality standards. VFJ aims to set new benchmarks in productivity and quality within the Indian defence manufacturing sector.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Naval Station Karanja houses a vital unit – INS Tunir. Established with a humble beginning, managing just two missiles – the P-15 and RZ-61 – INS Tunir has evolved into a powerhouse, servicing a diverse arsenal of over 12 missile types.

INS Tunir’s inventory boasts a remarkable range, encompassing missiles from the 1980s like the P-Series to the modern-day Kashmir SAM and beyond. To adapt to ever-evolving ordnance storage and handling regulations set by the Storage and Transport of Explosive Committee (STEC), the unit has undergone significant infrastructural upgrades. This proactive approach ensures INS Tunir’s readiness for the planned induction of advanced missiles like BrahMos, LRASHM, MRSAM, and more.