SOURCE: AFI

India’s Agnipath scheme, designed to recruit soldiers for a four-year term, is undergoing revisions based on feedback from senior army officers. Discussions are underway to extend the minimum service tenure for Agniveers (recruits) to seven or eight years. Additionally, proposals include retaining a larger portion of the force, with a target of 60-70% transitioned into permanent positions.

These recommendations are part of an ongoing review of the Agnipath scheme, which has been in place for a few months. Feedback is being collected from formations and senior officers to assess the scheme’s impact on operational efficiency. The goal is to ensure Agniveer recruitment doesn’t lead to functional issues within the army.

SOURCE: AFI

On June 8, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport witnessed a near-miss incident involving Air India flight AI657 and IndiGo flight 6E5053. This incident highlights a critical lapse in air traffic control coordination, leading to a dangerous reduction in the separation between the two aircraft. The incident occurred when AI657 was cleared for departure from Runway 27 at the same time 6E5053 was cleared to land on the same runway.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data provided granular details about the proximity of the two aircraft. According to Flightradar24, the closest point of approach was just 1,671 feet—a dangerously low margin for aircraft safety. This analysis is based on detailed ADS-B data that offers a high-resolution account of the positions and movements of both flights.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s defense procurement, the T4 rifle, developed jointly by Jindal Defence and Brazilian firm Taurus Arms, has successfully passed a series of rigorous trials. This achievement brings the T4 rifle one step closer to being selected in a massive bid to supply 425,000 rifles to the Indian armed forces, marking a crucial milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military equipment.

The T4 rifle underwent extensive testing under various conditions to evaluate its performance, reliability, and durability. These trials are part of the Indian Army’s stringent evaluation process to ensure that any new weapon system meets the highest standards of operational readiness and effectiveness. The successful completion of these trials is a testament to the rifle’s robust design and advanced features, making it a strong contender in the large-scale procurement process.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host its biggest-ever multinational exercise, “Tarang Shakti 2024,” this August in Jodhpur. Skies above the city will witness the roar of fighter jets from some of the most advanced air forces around the world.

This exercise marks a significant milestone for Indian-German defense cooperation. IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari’s recent visit to Germany and his sortie in a Eurofighter Typhoon underscore the strong ties between the two nations. The German Air Force itself confirmed participation with their Eurofighter jets via a social media post .

SOURCE: AFI

In a historic achievement for India’s burgeoning space sector, Saraniya Periaswamy and Umamaheswari K have emerged as pivotal figures in the successful launch of the world’s first rocket equipped with a 3D-printed engine. This remarkable milestone, achieved by Agnikul Cosmos, was executed from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) launch facility in Sriharikota on May 30. The mission’s success underscores the increasing impact of women in the field of space exploration in India.

The path to this groundbreaking launch was fraught with challenges. Agnikul Cosmos, a Chennai-based startup, had to abort the mission four times in the preceding months due to various technical issues. However, the perseverance and expertise of the team, led by Periaswamy and Umamaheswari, ensured that these setbacks were only temporary.

SOURCE: AFI

Garuda Aerospace Pvt Ltd., a leading Indian drone tech startup, proudly announces the grand opening of its first exclusive drone showroom in Chennai! This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step forward for the drone industry in India.

Driven by the visionary leadership of CEO Agnishwar Jayaprakash and the esteemed Dr. R Velraj from Anna University, the showroom transcends mere product display. It’s a portal to the future of aerial innovation.

SOURCE: AFI

Group Captain MJA Vinod (retired Indian Air Force) recounted his experience evaluating the Eurofighter Typhoon in X Post (Formerly Twitter). This evaluation, conducted before the induction of the Rafale, involved both flying the Typhoon and engaging it in simulated combat.

While acknowledging the “neat” towed decoy system of the Typhoon, Group Captain Vinod reportedly expressed reservations about its overall performance.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to manufacture 12 Su-30MKI multirole fighter jets following a recent order. These jets will bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet.

The Su-30MKI is built under license from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, with a per-unit cost of $70.3 million for HAL production. This is significantly higher than the $42.15 million price tag for a Russian-built model, according to a senior IAF official.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report by the Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW) claims a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 fighter jet crashed on June 5th, 2024. However, this incident has not been acknowledged by the PAF, any Pakistani media outlets, or Martin-Baker, the manufacturer of the aircraft’s ejection seat.

The alleged crash, if confirmed, would be the fifth known incident involving a JF-17. While social media videos purporting to show the crash have circulated, there’s no official confirmation. This silence extends to Martin-Baker, the manufacturer of the JF-17’s ejection seats. Their “EJECTION NOTICES” section, which typically acknowledges successful seat use, has no mention of this event.

SOURCE: AFI

In 2017, the Indian Air Force (IAF) set its sights on acquiring armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), specifically the General Atomics Predator C Avenger. This potential deal, estimated at a staggering $8 billion, involved 80 to 100 Avenger drones for the IAF.

The request came during the Trump administration, following a productive meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump in June 2017. Interestingly, this meeting also saw the US approve the sale of 22 unarmed Guardian drones to India, bolstering the Indian Navy’s surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.

SOURCE: AFI

Celebrating six decades of providing scientific advice to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organized a seminar on Knowledge Management on June 7th, 2024.

The seminar was graced by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of Air Staff. Air Marshal Dixit not only commended DRDO’s contributions to national security but also actively participated in discussions on capturing, sharing, and managing tacit knowledge within the defence sector.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet is on the cusp of a significant transformation with a comprehensive safety upgrade slated for completion by the end of the month.

The Dhruv ALH, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a versatile helicopter used extensively by the Indian Armed Forces for a variety of missions, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and troop transport. However, recent incidents and safety concerns have highlighted the need for critical upgrades to ensure the fleet’s continued effectiveness and safety.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move to bolster India’s energy portfolio and ensure a sustainable energy future, NTPC Ltd, India’s largest power utility, has announced its ambitious plan to achieve 10 GW of nuclear power generation capacity. This initiative will be spearheaded by a newly established subsidiary, NTPC Green Energy Ltd. This development underscores NTPC’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and contributing to India’s clean energy goals.

NTPC’s foray into nuclear energy is part of its broader strategy to expand its renewable and clean energy footprint. Currently, the company predominantly relies on coal-based power generation. However, with growing concerns over climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, NTPC is increasingly shifting its focus towards greener alternatives. The goal of achieving 10 GW of nuclear capacity aligns with India’s national energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) interplanetary mission to Venus, “Shukrayaan-1,” is facing a temporary setback. While the mission plan is finalized, it requires approval from the incoming Indian government, which is currently being formed following the recent national elections.

ISRO chairman S. Somanath confirmed this information during a media interaction last month. He explained that the elections caused a delay in the approval process, and the new government is expected to take up the matter soon.

SOURCE: AFI

GalaxEye, a revolutionary space tech startup incubated at IIT Madras, is set to enthrall attendees at IPGF2024 with their groundbreaking hybrid sensor technology. The event takes place on June 11-12, and GalaxEye invites you to visit their booth (#38) to experience the future of space-based Earth observation.

GalaxEye takes center stage at IPGF2024 showcasing the world’s first-ever SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) + EO (Electro-Optical) satellite. This innovative offering promises unparalleled Earth observation capabilities, making it a game-changer for various industries.