SOURCE: AFI

A groundbreaking algorithm developed by Rishabh Bhattacharya, a third-year engineering student at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH), has caught the attention of the Indian Navy. This innovative solution, aimed at detecting and tracking flying objects such as helicopters, aeroplanes, drones, UAVs, and birds, could soon become an integral part of naval operations.

Rishabh’s algorithm was showcased at a nationwide competition hosted by the Indian Navy under the banner of “Swavalamban 2024,” an event dedicated to fostering innovation and self-reliance in defense technology. His work not only won him the first prize but also a cash award of Rs 3 lakh.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s defence maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector is on the verge of a significant transformation, driven by strategic partnerships between global aerospace giants and domestic firms. Over the next five years, the sector is set to establish itself as a regional hub for military aviation maintenance, supported by policy reforms, a maturing industrial ecosystem, and an increasing reliance on indigenous capabilities.

The partnerships between global leaders like Lockheed Martin and Boeing with Indian companies such as Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) are pivotal. These collaborations aim to create state-of-the-art MRO facilities that cater to both domestic and regional needs. The focus is not just on servicing Indian defence platforms but also on attracting international clients from the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, leveraging India’s cost-effectiveness and skilled workforce.

SOURCE: AFI

Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited’s (AVNL) Medak unit has marked a significant milestone in its production quality assurance by successfully conducting flotation trials for the Sarath Infantry Combat Vehicle. This event highlights the unit’s dedication to delivering top-tier military hardware, specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern combat environments.

The trials, held at Ordnance Factory Medak, involved rigorous testing to verify the Sarath vehicle’s amphibious capabilities. The vehicle was observed navigating through water bodies, showcasing its ability to float and move effectively across water surfaces. This capability is vital for military operations where troops might need to cross rivers or other water obstacles without the need for bridges or ferries, thus maintaining the momentum of an advance or retreat.

SOURCE: AFI

On November 29th and 30th, 2024, the Chinese and Russian air forces conducted joint patrols over the Sea of Japan and nearby regions. However, the operations did not go as planned, and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) exposed some startling inefficiencies in China’s military aviation capabilities. These events have underscored serious shortcomings in China’s military technology and strategy.

On the first day, a Chinese H-6N strategic bomber flew to the Sea of Japan to rendezvous with Russian forces. Typically, escort fighter jets accompany such missions for protection. However, China’s J-16 fighters escorting the bomber turned back after crossing the Tsushima Strait—about 900 kilometers from the Chinese mainland—leaving the bomber to continue alone.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has successfully delivered the first batch of 40 Tactical Access Switch (TAS) systems. This delivery is part of a larger contract to supply 100 systems, underlining TASL’s pivotal role in advancing India’s defence infrastructure.

The Tactical Access Switch is not just another piece of equipment; it’s a next-generation communication node designed to integrate and streamline voice, video, and data communications from the infantry level right up to Army Headquarters. This device is crucial for modern warfare, where real-time, reliable communication can mean the difference between success and failure on the battlefield.

SOURCE: AFI

India has achieved another significant milestone in defense technology with the successful final experimental test of the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion-based missile system. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this cutting-edge technology is set to propel India’s capabilities in developing long-range air-to-air missiles.

The final test demonstrated the SFDR system’s flawless performance, achieving all mission objectives with precision. The test validated the missile’s propulsion system, guidance mechanism, and aerodynamic design under realistic conditions. The results confirm that the technology is now ready for integration into advanced missile systems, marking a major step toward self-reliance in high-performance missile technology.

SOURCE: AFI

India, as a rising global power, faces complex geopolitical challenges that demand robust military capabilities. Major General S B Asthana, addressing the potential acquisition of Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter, emphasized the necessity of state-of-the-art combat equipment for the Indian Armed Forces.

“For any country, an ideal composition of military equipment should include 30% state-of-the-art systems, 60% current-generation equipment, and only 10% obsolete inventory,” Maj Gen stated. This balanced approach ensures operational readiness while fostering technological upgrades.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant statement aimed at modernizing its aerial capabilities, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has expressed the force’s commitment to upgrading its fleet. Addressing the media, he stated, “We’re devotedly trying to acquire multirole combat aircrafts and attack helicopters,” signaling a strategic shift towards enhancing both offensive and defensive air operations.

One of the key highlights of this modernization drive is the potential acquisition of the Chinese Chengdu J-10C multirole fighter aircraft. According to sources, the BAF is considering purchasing 16 J-10C jets in the first phase. This move is seen as a strategic effort to replace the aging F-7MB squadron, which has been a mainstay of the BAF’s fleet but is now nearing the end of its operational life.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards enhancing its maritime capabilities, the Indian Navy is poised to commission “INS Nirdeshak”, the second vessel of the Sandhayak-class survey ships, on December 18, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. This event marks another milestone in India’s push towards self-reliance in naval technology and operations.

The commissioning of INS Nirdeshak will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command. Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, is scheduled to preside over the ceremony, symbolizing the government’s commitment to bolstering naval strength. The event will also be attended by senior naval officers and representatives from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the shipyard responsible for its construction.

SOURCE: AFI

In a humanitarian gesture, the Russian government has begun the process of granting permanent residency (PR) to the family of Tejpal Singh, an Indian national who lost his life fighting for the Russian army in the conflict in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on March 12, 2024. This move acknowledges the sacrifice made by Singh, offering support and a new beginning for his grieving family.

Parminder Kaur, the widow of Tejpal Singh, confirmed that she has already been granted permanent residency. She further stated that the rest of her family, including her children and Tejpal’s parents, will receive their PR status upon arrival in Russia. This development was shared with the media following her recent three-month stay in Moscow, aimed at navigating the bureaucratic processes associated with her husband’s service and death.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been spearheading an ambitious project known as “Project Kusha,” aimed at developing an indigenous long-range air defence system. This initiative could revolutionize not only India’s national security architecture but also position India as a key player in the global defence export market.

Project Kusha, also referred to as Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS), is designed to create a multi-layered air defence network capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, including stealth fighters, aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and even precision-guided munitions. This system is envisioned to operate effectively over distances up to 350 km, with the potential to intercept even high-speed, low-radar cross-section targets.

SOURCE: AFI

India is on the brink of a monumental milestone in its naval capabilities with the nearing completion of INS Varsha, a state-of-the-art underground base designed to house nuclear submarines. Strategically located near the coastal village of Rambilli in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 70 km from the Visakhapatnam naval base, this facility is expected to become operational within the next two years.

The need for a stealthy and secure base for nuclear-powered submarines has long been a strategic priority for India. The second phase of Project Varsha, initially delayed due to forest-land acquisition issues since 2010, received a significant boost in 2018 when the Modi government addressed these challenges and expedited its construction.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent diplomatic engagement, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged Russia to accelerate the delivery of the last two units of the S-400 Triumf air defense missile systems. This move comes as Russia has already completed the supply of the first three regiments, but the delivery of the remaining units has been delayed due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

The S-400 Triumf, known by NATO as the SA-21 Growler, stands as one of the most formidable air defense systems globally. This Russian-developed, long-range, road-mobile surface-to-air missile system became operational in 2007 and is often compared to the US Patriot system. Its capabilities extend beyond just engaging aerial threats; it’s also equipped for surface-to-surface operations, offering a versatile strategic asset to any military force.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru: SAAB, the Swedish aerospace and defence giant, has expressed an optimistic outlook on the burgeoning opportunities within India’s defence industry. This sentiment was underscored during the unveiling of the Full Scale Replica (FSR) of its state-of-the-art single-engine Gripen E fighter aircraft at the pre-Aero Show event in Bengaluru. Kent Åke Molin, Head of the Gripen for India Programme, articulated SAAB’s commitment to not just selling aircraft but to fostering a robust technological partnership with India.

Since responding to the Indian government’s Request for Information (RFI) in 2018 for the Indian Air Force’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement, SAAB has been actively positioning itself as a key player. The Gripen E, with its advanced capabilities, is among eight contenders vying for this significant contract, which could redefine India’s air combat strategy.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the construction of two advanced Russian frigates, dubbed as Frigates 9 and 10, will commence at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in India. This development was confirmed by Ilya Samarin, CEO of Russia’s Yantar Shipyard, in a recent interview with RT. The project is slated to conclude by the end of 2027, marking a new chapter in the Indo-Russian defence cooperation.

The initiative to build these frigates in India is part of a broader collaboration between the two nations under the ‘Make in India’ programme, aimed at fostering indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports. The strategic partnership with Russia in naval construction not only enhances India’s maritime capabilities but also exemplifies the deepening of bilateral defence ties.