SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army, with its robust fleet of T-90 tanks, stands at a critical juncture where adopting innovative tactics and upgrades could significantly enhance its combat effectiveness. Recent developments in Russia’s own handling of the T-90 tanks present valuable lessons and opportunities for India. Russia has replaced the traditional cope cage on its T-90M tanks with two armor plates, a tactical shift that aims to improve protection and operational efficiency. This move provides a compelling case for the Indian Army to consider similar adaptations for its T-90 fleet.

The cope cage, initially introduced as an added layer of protection against anti-tank missiles and drones, has now been replaced by two armor plates on the Russian T-90M tanks. This modification stems from a continuous evaluation of battlefield performance and the evolving nature of threats. The armor plates offer improved protection, particularly against modern anti-tank munitions, while also addressing the weight and mobility concerns associated with the cope cage.

SOURCE: AFI

The skies over Yemen seem to be raining Reapers, with the recent downing (or crash) of the sixth American MQ-9 Reaper drone by the Houthi rebels. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness and vulnerability of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly in light of India’s planned procurement of 31 MQ-9 Reapers for a hefty $3 billion.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have been remarkably successful in downing American Reapers. This latest incident marks the sixth such event in just over a year, raising concerns about the drone’s survivability in contested airspace. The Houthis are believed to be using increasingly sophisticated Iranian-supplied air defense systems, posing a significant threat to these multi-million dollar machines.

SOURCE: AFI

In an intricate display of strategic maneuvering, Indian Rafale jets have been making notable pit stops in Egypt and Greece on their return journey from the United States. This carefully planned route not only underscores India’s expanding global military outreach but also highlights its efforts to fortify ties with key geopolitical allies.

India’s Rafale jets, renowned for their cutting-edge technology and combat prowess, embarked on a mission to the United States for an air exercise. The return route, however, took a deliberate detour, involving layovers in Egypt and Greece. These stops are far from mere logistical necessities; they carry significant strategic and diplomatic implications.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s frontline destroyer, INS Mysore, part of the Eastern Fleet, celebrated its Silver Jubilee on June 2nd, marking 25 years of distinguished service to the nation.

The second ship of the indigenously designed and built Delhi class destroyers, Mysore, has played a vital role in the Indian Navy. The ship has participated in numerous critical missions and operations, earning a reputation for yeoman service.

SOURCE: AFI

Turkey’s successful launch of a Bayraktar TB3 drone from a land-based ski-jump platform has sparked interest in the potential for similar operations with India’s Archer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Both the TB3 and Archer belong to the Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV class, offering reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities for military applications.

Turkey’s achievement demonstrates the feasibility of launching medium-sized drones from aircraft carriers using a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system. This technique utilizes a ski-jump ramp to propel the aircraft for takeoff, a method employed by some carriers that lack the powerful catapults needed for conventional launches.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to provide critical equipment for the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project. The agreement, valued at ?1,173.42 crore (approximately $147 million USD), signifies a significant development in the construction of these advanced warships.

Under the terms of the contract, HAL will manufacture and supply six sets of LM2500 Gas Turbines (GT) along with their corresponding Gas Turbine Auxiliaries (GTAE). Additionally, the contract includes the provision of spare parts and tools necessary for the operation and maintenance of these systems.

SOURCE: AFI

The AUKUS nations (Australia, United Kingdom, and United States) are taking a significant step forward in maritime cooperation with the deployment of a new “trilateral algorithm” for their Boeing P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft.

All three AUKUS countries operate the P-8, a powerful maritime patrol aircraft manufactured by Boeing. The US has the largest fleet with 120 aircraft, followed by Australia with 12, and the UK with 9. A crucial component of the P-8’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities is its use of sonobuoys. These expendable sensors are dropped into the water to detect and track submarines.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent violence in Manipur, India, has sparked concerns in neighboring Bangladesh, with a senior Awami League official drawing a connection to a potential US plot for regional destabilization.

Squadron Leader (Retd.) Sadrul Ahmed Khan, a member of the Bangladesh Awami League’s Finance and Planning Affairs Sub-Committee, views the Manipur clashes as a “wake-up call” for the sub-region. He emphasizes the potential for such violence to spill over and destabilize neighboring countries.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development in Indo-Canadian relations, India has decided to restore diplomatic immunity to the managing director of the Saskatchewan India office. This move comes after a period of heightened tensions that saw the departure of several officials from India in October. The managing director, who will be returning to their post, will enjoy diplomatic immunity but will not hold the status of an accredited Canadian diplomat, according to a senior Indian official.

The recent diplomatic strain between India and Canada has been a matter of concern for both nations. The departure of officials in October marked a low point in bilateral relations, underscoring the challenges that lay in the path of diplomatic and economic cooperation. The reasons for the diplomatic fallout were multifaceted, involving both political disagreements and broader geopolitical dynamics.

SOURCE: AFI

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is set to implement stricter measures on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) based on the recommendations of the The nine-member Vijay Raghavan Panel report. This move comes in response to concerns about delays in crucial defense projects.

A key finding of the panel highlights that a significant portion of the delays plaguing DRDO projects – an estimated 60% – can be attributed to internal inefficiencies within the organization. This suggests a need for streamlining processes and improving internal project management.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Ministry of Defence is taking stricter measures to ensure responsible manufacturing and export practices within the country’s growing defense sector. This move comes in response to concerns about certain defense equipment potentially reaching unauthorized users.

The ministry is implementing tighter monitoring procedures for defense equipment manufactured in India. This likely involves stricter quality control checks, supply chain audits, and inspections of production facilities. The goal is to ensure that all equipment meets the required specifications and adheres to ethical sourcing practices.

SOURCE: AFI

A Bangladeshi military exercise has turned sour after an accident involving a Chinese-made Type-59G tank and Pakistani ammunition. The incident, which occurred on May 5, 2024, has sparked blame games between all three parties.

The information available suggests that a Bangladeshi tank regiment was conducting a live-fire exercise when an unspecified malfunction occurred. This resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to at least two others. The Bangladeshi military has not released the cause of the accident.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based space tech startup Pixxel is gearing up for a landmark year. The company is on track to launch a constellation of six satellites in 2024, utilizing rockets from both the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This ambitious project signifies Pixxel’s commitment to establishing a robust hyperspectral imaging network.

Pixxel plans to utilize a two-pronged launch strategy, leveraging the capabilities of both the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This strategic approach allows Pixxel to benefit from the reliability of ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the flexibility offered by SpaceX’s rideshare missions. The final decision on launch provider will depend on the readiness of the satellites and the availability of launch windows.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent development, eight Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jets arrived at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska for a joint combat simulation exercise. This deployment has drawn the attention of military analysts, with many believing it to be a veiled response to the ongoing tensions between India and China.

The simulated air combat scenario reportedly pits the Rafale against the American F-35 stealth fighter, acting as a stand-in for the Chinese J-20. This simulated matchup provides a valuable training opportunity for Indian pilots, allowing them to gain insights into the capabilities of the J-20, a fighter jet frequently deployed by China along the disputed Sino-Indian border.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore witnessed a significant development in US-India defense relations. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the “very strong relations” between the two nations and announced progress on a collaborative project – the co-production of fighter jet engines and armored vehicles.

As part of this initiative, India will be receiving 80% of the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the advanced F414 engine, which will be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. This engine is set to power the Tejas MkII program, a key component of India’s indigenous defense modernization efforts.