SOURCE: AFI

Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOCINC) of the Indian Navy, recently visited the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ship Building Yard in Kattupalli, India. During his visit, the Vice Admiral received briefings on the shipyard’s capabilities and its contributions to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He was also updated on the progress of ongoing warship construction projects.

The L&T Kattupalli Shipyard is a vital asset to India’s shipbuilding industry. The shipyard’s expertise and experience play a key role in supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which aims to promote self-reliance in the country’s defense sector.

SOURCE: AFI

Recently, a wave of misinformation has surfaced on social media, alleging that India’s newly commissioned aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, has stability control issues. This disinformation campaign, primarily propagated by accounts affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), leverages a video from INS Vikrant’s second sea trials. In the video, the carrier is seen performing a high-speed stop maneuver.

The video showing INS Vikrant’s high-speed stop trial has been misinterpreted by CCP-affiliated accounts to suggest stability control issues. In reality, the trial is a standard and necessary procedure for any naval vessel. The ship’s controlled stopping during the trial does not indicate any problems but rather confirms its capability to perform critical maneuvers safely.

SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based Abyom SpaceTech has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize space exploration. The company recently announced the successful completion of their “Battleship Engine Testing Series,” marking a crucial step towards developing India’s first reusable rocket.

Abyom SpaceTech conducted an impressive 150+ tests using their innovative Mobile Rocket Engine Testing Facility (METF). This unique mobile platform allows for efficient and flexible engine testing, potentially accelerating the development process.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move reflecting India’s growing prowess in space technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans to source payloads from domestic firms for its upcoming missions. This strategic shift marks a new era of collaboration between ISRO and the private sector, aiming to bolster India’s capabilities in space exploration and satellite development.

The Indian space program, spearheaded by ISRO, has been a beacon of scientific achievement and innovation since its inception. From launching the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) to deploying the Chandrayaan missions to the moon, ISRO has consistently pushed the boundaries of space exploration. The latest initiative to involve domestic firms in payload development signifies ISRO’s intent to foster a robust ecosystem of private space enterprises within India.

SOURCE: AFI

The Gorkha soldiers, renowned for their valor and combat prowess, have long been an integral part of the Indian Army. However, recent geopolitical shifts and evolving socio-political landscapes in Nepal have cast a shadow over this historic recruitment practice. As India grapples with these changes, the future of Gorkha recruitment stands at a crossroads, raising significant questions about tradition, loyalty, and regional diplomacy.

The Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army trace their origins back to the early 19th century, during the British colonial period. The Treaty of Sugauli in 1815 marked the beginning of this enduring relationship, with the British East India Company recruiting Gorkhas from Nepal. Post-independence, India continued this tradition, recognizing the Gorkhas’ exceptional martial qualities and their crucial role in various military engagements, from World War II to the Kargil conflict.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move towards self-reliance in defense equipment, India has signed a deal with Swedish defense major Saab to produce the Carl Gustaf M4 weapon system within the country. This agreement, announced on May 25, 2024, is a major boost to India’s “Make in India” initiative and will equip its armed forces with a next-generation shoulder-launched multi-purpose weapon.

The Carl-Gustaf is a man-portable, multi-role weapon system developed by Swedish defense manufacturer Saab. It is widely acclaimed for its robustness, ease of use, and adaptability to various combat situations.

SOURCE: AFI

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent allegations against India have stirred significant controversy and speculation. Accusing India of involvement in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Trudeau’s claims have raised eyebrows and drawn criticism. However, closer examination suggests that these allegations may serve as a diversion from Nijjar’s own contentious activities and misdeeds. This article delves into the background of Nijjar, the allegations made by Trudeau, and the broader implications of this political maneuvering.

In a dramatic statement, Prime Minister Trudeau accused Indian agents of playing a role in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a prominent figure in the Khalistani separatist movement, was killed in Canada, sparking outrage and concern within certain segments of the Sikh community. Trudeau’s allegations have strained diplomatic relations between Canada and India, prompting discussions about international law, sovereignty, and counterterrorism.

SOURCE: AFI

The Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC), also known as the Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC), captured attention with its innovative design. This compact, lightweight, and robust weapon, boasting a bullpup configuration, offered a glimpse into the future of Indian small arms. However, despite its merits, the JVPC failed to gain widespread adoption within the Indian Army.

One of the primary reasons for the JVPC’s limited success lies in its unique 5.56 x 30mm ammunition. This caliber, developed specifically for the JVPC, deviated from the standard 5.56 x 45mm NATO round used by the Indian Army and its allies. This difference in ammunition posed logistical challenges. Supplying and maintaining a separate ammunition stock specifically for the JVPC would have added complexity to military operations.

SOURCE: AFI

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir achieved a significant victory on Tuesday, eliminating Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Basit Dar in an encounter within the Kulgam district. Dar, a resident of Redwani in Kulgam who had been missing since 2021, was reportedly involved with the terror outfit LeT and its frontal organization, The Resistance Front (TRF).

Officials confirmed Dar’s identity and revealed a Rs 10 lakh bounty placed on him by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a registered case. Notably, crucial intel regarding Dar’s movement came from local residents, highlighting their cooperation with security forces in maintaining peace in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

China has unveiled a new light tank that promises to revolutionize modern armored warfare. This advanced vehicle boasts a mass of less than 40 tons and incorporates a host of cutting-edge technologies, including a two-man crew in a hull capsule, an unmanned turret with a 105mm gun and automatic loading mechanism, hydropneumatic suspension, and a hybrid drive with silent watch capability.

Additionally, the tank features modular armor, a new hard-kill Active Protection System (APS) with AESA radars, a drone jammer, and a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) on the turret roof to counter UAV threats. While many have speculated about the future of tank design, China appears to be taking concrete steps toward mass production of this next-generation vehicle. This development has significant implications for India’s own armored vehicle programs, including Project Zorawar, which aims to produce a 25-ton light tank.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s decision for Project-75I submarines sparked debate, with some arguing for a Vertical Launch System (VLS) integration for sub-sonic cruise missiles like BrahMos and Nirbhay. Traditional missile tubes require submarines to surface for launch, compromising stealth. VLS allows submerged launches, maintaining discretion.

Traditional launchers require surfacing to launch missiles, compromising a submarine’s stealth. VLS allows submerged launches, maintaining discretion. VLS enables launching multiple missiles in quick succession, overwhelming defenses or saturating targets. VLS offers a wider range of launch angles, allowing for attacks from various positions and over land obstacles.

SOURCE: AFI

Zen Technologies, a leader in military simulation and training solutions, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation – the Combat Readiness Score (CRS). This first-of-its-kind system promises to revolutionize military training by leveraging data to optimize unit performance and maximize effectiveness.

Traditionally, military training data has been voluminous but often lacked clear direction. The CRS system changes this by transforming raw data into actionable insights. Zen’s technology gathers information from various training exercises, including simulations, live-fire drills, and field maneuvers. The CRS then analyzes this data to generate a comprehensive score that reflects a unit’s overall combat readiness.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to bolster healthcare hygiene, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred its cutting-edge anti-microbial technology to three prominent textile manufacturers: Mafatlal Industries Ltd, Merite Exports Ltd, and Sunil Industries Ltd. This initiative aims to enhance the production of anti-microbial hospital linen, addressing the critical need for improved infection control in healthcare settings.

The DRDO’s anti-microbial technology, developed at its premier Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), is designed to inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This technology is particularly crucial for hospital environments, where the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is a persistent concern. By integrating this technology into hospital linen, DRDO aims to significantly reduce the incidence of infections transmitted through contaminated textiles.

SOURCE: AFI

In the evolving landscape of modern warfare, the integration of advanced combat transportation and firepower is critical for maintaining a competitive edge. The recent advancements in these areas underscore the importance of agility, precision, and rapid response in military operations. This article explores the significant developments in combat transportation and firepower, their strategic implications, and the challenges faced by military forces in adapting to these advancements.

Combat transportation has undergone a transformation with the introduction of innovative technologies designed to enhance mobility and operational effectiveness. Modern military forces require versatile transportation solutions that can navigate diverse terrains and deliver troops and equipment swiftly and safely to the frontlines.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Forge, a leading Pune-based manufacturer, is experiencing a significant surge in its defense business. The company is now poised to become a major supplier of artillery systems, armored vehicles, and towed guns, catering to both the Indian government and international customers.

Bharat Forge’s defense business witnessed a stellar performance in FY24, with revenues reaching an all-time high of ?1,561 crore. This represents a remarkable fourfold increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The company’s success is further underscored by new orders valued at ?4,494 crore and an executable order book standing at ?5,192 crore at the close of FY24.