AFI
SOURCE: AFI
Artemon Aerospace, a leading defense technology company, has developed a groundbreaking loitering munition designed for Air Launched Effect (ALE). The ALE, which can be deployed from sonobuoy launchers, offers a coordinated swarm capability for maritime surveillance, threat assessment, and scalable responses to maritime challenges.
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In a significant development aimed at enhancing the durability and performance of small arms in India’s defense arsenal, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a key laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a collaboration with Bengaluru-based SSS Defence. The collaboration is focused on developing and integrating CERAKOTE coating technology for critical small arms components such as barrels, bolts, and receivers.
CERAKOTE is a ceramic-based coating known for its high performance and durability, widely recognized across industries, including defense, for protecting firearms, automotive components, and industrial machinery from wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. In the defense sector, particularly for small arms, the CERAKOTE technology offers significant advantages that can boost the longevity and functionality of weapons.
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A captivating 3D render by Harshal Pal has recently shed light on the size disparity between two significant helicopter projects undertaken by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Armed Forces. The render showcases the LUH (Light Utility Helicopter), a single-engine, 3-ton category helicopter, alongside the upcoming IMRH (Indian Multi Role Helicopter), a 13-ton medium-class helicopter.
The LUH, a product of HAL’s design and manufacturing expertise, is already in Limited Scale production and is set to replace the aging Cheetah and Cheetal helicopters in the Indian Army and Air Force. On the other hand, the IMRH, currently under development, is intended to replace the Russian-supplied Mi-17 class of helicopters, providing a much-needed upgrade to India’s military aviation capabilities.
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In a significant development for the Indian Navy and the broader maritime industry, the Indian Navy has been awarded a patent for a revolutionary Solvent-Free Anticorrosive Epoxy Resin Composition specifically designed for coating applications. This innovation is set to enhance the durability and longevity of naval vessels by providing an advanced protective layer against corrosion, a common and costly issue in marine environments.
The concept for this groundbreaking anticorrosive epoxy paint originated with (then) Captain Nirbhay Bapna, who is now a Rear Admiral, during his tenure as the commanding officer of INS Teg, a Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy. Recognizing the critical need for a more effective and environmentally friendly solution to combat corrosion on naval ships, Capt. Bapna spearheaded efforts to develop a new type of coating that would offer superior protection while also being solvent-free.
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The first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, which successfully completed its maiden flight in March this year, is set to be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of next month. This significant milestone marks a key step forward in the Tejas program, which aims to modernize the IAF’s fighter fleet.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been working diligently to complete the final touches on the Tejas Mk1A, including implementing software advancements requested by the IAF. While the initial batch of jets will be powered by the older Category Be Severed F-404 engines, HAL plans to transition to more powerful engines in future batches.
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In a recent interview with Gaurav Arya, veteran naval officer Rear Admiral K Raja Menon (Retd.) emphasized the critical need for the Indian Navy to expand its nuclear attack submarine fleet. Menon argued that by 2047, India will require a total of 16 nuclear attack submarines capable of operating long-range attack cruise missiles.
Menon highlighted the strategic significance of nuclear attack submarines, particularly in the context of the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, especially the South China Sea. He emphasized that at least four nuclear attack submarines would be necessary to effectively operate in the South China Sea, while the remaining submarines could be deployed in other regions of the Indian Ocean.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently unveiled a modified version of its WhAP 8×8 armored personnel carrier (APC), equipped with a BMP-2 turret and the potent Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). This significant upgrade demonstrates the DRDO’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of India’s indigenous armored vehicle fleet.
The BMP-2 turret, known for its reliability and firepower, provides the WhAP with a substantial increase in offensive capabilities. The turret is armed with a 30mm autocannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, enabling it to effectively engage infantry and light armored vehicles. Additionally, the Konkurs-M ATGM, with its long range and penetration power, significantly bolsters the WhAP’s ability to neutralize enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
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Skyroot Aerospace, a prominent Indian space startup, has announced another significant milestone in its journey towards orbital launch. The company has successfully completed the system-level test of Vikram-1’s pneumatic stage separation system.
This achievement marks a crucial step forward as the startup prepares for its maiden orbital launch. The pneumatic stage separation system, a unique and innovative design, utilizes pressurized gas actuation instead of traditional pyrotechnics. This approach ensures a smoother and more predictable separation process during flight, minimizing the risk of damage to the spacecraft.
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The rapid advancements in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft technologies have necessitated the establishment of specialized infrastructure to accommodate their operational demands. These aircraft, distinct from traditional fixed-wing and rotorcraft, require innovative solutions in terms of takeoff, landing, and overall ground support. The development of vertiports—dedicated hubs for VTOL operations—alongside enhancements to STOL facilities is essential to safely integrate these vehicles into both urban and rural environments.
This Advisory Circular (AC) has been issued to provide comprehensive guidance on the design, planning, and operation of vertiports and related infrastructure. It aims to ensure the safe and efficient incorporation of VTOL and STOL aircraft into India’s civil aviation network. The document serves as a resource for all stakeholders, including urban planners, airport authorities, aviation service providers, and infrastructure developers, enabling a smooth transition to these unconventional aircraft platforms.
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Nautical Wings Aerospace, a pioneering company in electric propulsion technology for the aviation industry, has successfully raised its pre-Series A funding round from Venture Catalysts and 1Crowd. The undisclosed amount will be utilized to fuel the company’s growth and accelerate its mission to revolutionize the aviation sector.
The fresh capital infusion will enable Nautical Wings Aerospace to expand its research and development efforts, assemble a team of skilled engineers, and scale its operations to meet the increasing global demand for electric propulsion solutions in aviation.
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The Krushna Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), developed by Jaipur-based Club First Robotics, has emerged as a game-changing asset for the Indian Army in providing combat fire support. Designed with advanced features and tailored for military use, the Krushna UGV is a robust, versatile, and powerful platform that plays a critical role in modern warfare scenarios. The vehicle’s “Make in India” status further enhances its importance, showcasing India’s ability to design and produce indigenous defense technology.
The Krushna UGV is packed with impressive features that ensure its effectiveness in combat support roles. It is particularly well-suited for operating in rugged terrains and difficult combat environments, offering both agility and power. Some of the most notable features include:
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A piece of India’s aviation history has been preserved for public display. An iconic MiG-21 fighter jet, painted in its original camouflaged livery, has been installed near Chandigarh. The aircraft, which once belonged to Squadron No. 26, is a MiG-21 Bis variant equipped with a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) on its tail fin.
The MiG-21, affectionately known as the “Fishbed,” was a mainstay of the Indian Air Force for decades. Its versatility, speed, and maneuverability made it a formidable adversary in the skies. This particular MiG-21 Bis likely served during the late 20th century, a time when the aircraft played a crucial role in India’s defense.
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TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has announced plans to establish an Aircraft Modification, Conversion, Completion, and MRO Project. This ambitious project aims to provide a comprehensive range of services for both commercial and defense customers, including aircraft completions, modifications, conversions, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).
The scope of the project extends to various aspects of aircraft maintenance, encompassing activities under Part 145 of a suitable airworthiness authority. This includes subsystem testing, repairs, engine testing, ground power runs, and the installation of aircraft systems such as APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) and landing gear.
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he Armenian Air Force, operating a small fleet of four Su-30SM fighter jets, has expressed its desire to receive training for its pilots and ground crew from the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Su-30SM is a specialized version of the Su-30MKI, designed for the Russian Air Force and export markets.
As the largest operator of the Su-30MKI fleet globally, the IAF possesses extensive expertise in handling and maintaining this advanced fighter aircraft. Given the relatively small size of the Armenian Air Force, the country is keen to leverage India’s infrastructure and manpower to train its future pilots.
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Artemon Aerospace, a leading Indian aerospace company, has announced a strategic partnership with Munitions India Limited (MIL) to develop cutting-edge loitering munition solutions for the Indian Armed Forces. This collaboration is a significant step towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat, the government’s vision of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Speaking about the partnership, Sushil Ghule, Director of Artemon Aerospace, emphasized the potential of this collaboration to deliver a game-changing loitering munition solution. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two companies paves the way for a “legacy of reliability combined with par excellence technology” for the Indian Armed Forces.
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