SOURCE: AFI

The Russian state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has confirmed the participation of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet at the upcoming Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru next month. This announcement reignites speculation about India’s potential renewed interest in the Su-57, following the country’s exit from the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program with Russia back in 2018.

After India withdrew from the FGFA program citing delays and a lack of sufficient expertise, Russia continued the project alone, shouldering the financial burden. The Su-57 made its operational debut in 2020, joining an exclusive club of nations with fifth-generation fighters, alongside the United States and China. To date, approximately 27 Su-57s have been inducted into Russian service, each equipped with advanced weaponry like the hypersonic Vympel R-37 missile.

SOURCE: AFI

The strategic waters of the Indian Ocean are witnessing a significant shift in naval capabilities, particularly in submarine warfare, as the Pakistani Navy is poised to take a lead in possessing more submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems in the near future.

Currently, the Pakistani Navy boasts three Agosta-90B-class submarines, which are equipped with the French-supplied MESMA (Module d’Energie Sous-Marin Autonome) AIP system. These submarines offer enhanced underwater endurance, a critical advantage in modern naval warfare. Adding to this fleet, Pakistan is set to receive eight Hangor-class submarines from China, which will feature the advanced Stirling-powered AIP system, further expanding its underwater strategic capabilities. This means that by the end of the current schedule, Pakistan will have eleven AIP-equipped submarines in operation.

SOURCE: AFI

In an unprecedented celestial event that occurs once every 144 years, the year 2025 marks a significant moment in India’s cultural and spiritual calendar with the MahaKumbh, reflecting the divine interplay of planetary alignments and stellar constellations. This astronomical phenomenon, believed to amplify spiritual energy, coincides with a pivotal moment in India’s maritime history, aligning perfectly with Bharat’s Raksha Sutra for enhancing the Indian Navy’s global maritime security prowess.

January 5, 2025, is not just another day but a cardinal point in India’s maritime journey. The Indian Navy is set to commission three state-of-the-art (SOTA) combat platforms in a grand ceremony at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai (NDMB). This event underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities through indigenous innovation and shipbuilding prowess.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has further solidified its position in the defense sector by securing additional orders valued at Rs. 561 crore since its last announcement on December 23, 2024. These new contracts underscore BEL’s pivotal role in India’s defense modernization efforts.

With these recent acquisitions, BEL’s order book for the current financial year (FY25) now stands at a significant Rs. 10,362 crore. This accumulation not only reflects the growing trust in BEL’s capabilities but also indicates a robust demand for its products within the defense sector.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s recent agreement to procure 26 Rafale M fighters from France marks a significant step not just in bolstering its naval air fleet but also in setting a benchmark for the development of indigenous aircraft like the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). This deal, valued at approximately $7 billion, provides a unique opportunity for the Indian Navy to learn, adapt, and innovate, potentially leading to a domestically developed fighter that could match or even surpass the capabilities of the Rafale M.

With the Rafale M, the Indian Navy gains direct exposure to a state-of-the-art, carrier-capable fighter jet. This acquisition allows naval aviators to understand the operational nuances of a multirole, maritime fighter, providing insights into what is required in terms of performance, durability, and versatility in naval combat scenarios. These operational experiences will be invaluable for setting the performance parameters for the TEDBF.

SOURCE: AFI

In an unexpected turn of events, a Hermes 900 drone, locally known as Drishti 10, which was in the midst of acceptance trials for the Indian Navy, crashed off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat. The incident occurred while the drone was being operated by the vendor, Adani Defence and Aerospace, under circumstances where it lost communication, leading to the crash.

The Hermes 900, or Drishti 10 as it is designated in India, is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufactured by Adani under a license from Israel’s Elbit Systems. This UAV is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and has a significant role in enhancing India’s maritime and border security capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent statement, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has shed light on the next steps for the Zorawar light tank following its high-altitude trials. The trials, conducted in the challenging terrains of India’s northern borders, have been pivotal in assessing the tank’s performance under extreme conditions.

General Dwivedi emphasized that while the tests have been largely successful, the Army has recommended additional improvements and modifications. These suggestions stem from the experiences and data gathered during the trials, aiming to enhance the tank’s capabilities for high-altitude combat scenarios, particularly in regions like Ladakh.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move aimed at expanding its defense exports, India is preparing to officially offer its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, armed with the forthcoming BrahMos-NG anti-ship missiles, to the Indonesian Air Force. This combination deal is poised to address Indonesia’s critical need for enhanced maritime surveillance and defense, given its expansive maritime domain.

Indonesia, with the world’s sixth-largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) spanning over 6 million square kilometers, places a high priority on safeguarding its maritime sovereignty against violations. The integration of the LCA Tejas, a lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft, with the BrahMos-NG, a miniaturized version of the renowned BrahMos missile, offers a potent solution for monitoring and defending these vast waters.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s air force is on the cusp of a significant enhancement, with advanced discussions underway with Turkey to establish a production facility for the fifth-generation stealth aircraft, TAI Kaan, within the country. This move signifies a strategic leap in Pakistan’s defense capabilities, aiming to produce a local variant of this cutting-edge stealth jet.

The initiative comes at a time when Pakistan is also in talks to acquire 40 Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter jets from China, intended to modernize its air fleet by replacing aging F-16s and French Mirage fighters. According to a Turkish media report, the discussions with Turkey extend beyond mere exports, focusing on joint development ventures, including helicopters, which underscores a commitment to deepening defense technology collaboration and industrial partnerships.

SOURCE: AFI

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key research organization under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has confirmed significant advancements in its Dry Kaveri Engine, which boasts 75% commonality with the original Kaveri engine. The improvements made in the Dry Kaveri have addressed many of the challenges faced by the Kaveri, ensuring its readiness for future defence applications, including the development of cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

One of the key highlights of the Dry Kaveri Engine is the substantial progress made in overcoming the previous limitations faced by the Kaveri engine. GTRE has confirmed that all the major issues of the original Kaveri engine have been rectified in its dry variant, making it a more reliable and efficient propulsion system. Dry Kaveri has been subjected to rigorous testing, and according to GTRE, the engine has performed admirably, showcasing its capability to meet the demanding requirements of future defence platforms.

SOURCE: AFI

The latest iteration of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CATS Warrior, showcased as a full-scale demonstrator, has introduced several significant modifications aimed at enhancing performance and stealth capabilities. These changes reflect HAL’s commitment to advancing India’s indigenous drone technology, particularly for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) needs.

One of the most apparent alterations in the new CATS Warrior model is the redesign of the air intake. The earlier designs featured a more angular, stealth-focused intake, which has now been replaced with a smoother, curved design. This change appears to slightly compromise the stealth aspect, as the engine might be more visible than in previous models, potentially increasing radar cross-section. However, this redesign is not without its benefits.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent development on social media, particularly on the platform X (formerly Twitter), handles believed to be backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have initiated a misinformation campaign targeting India. Among the claims made by these accounts is a particularly bold assertion that “Bangladesh has reclaimed 1,008 km² of territory occupied by India during recent border clashes.”

This claim, which lacks any substantiation from official sources or independent verification, is part of a broader strategy to spread disinformation and stir up anti-India sentiment. The narrative being pushed suggests a scenario of territorial shifts following supposed border skirmishes, an event that has not been reported or confirmed by any credible news outlet or governmental body from India, Bangladesh, or international observers.

SOURCE: AFI

Astr Defence, an emerging name in India’s defense manufacturing sector, has announced that the production of its latest product, the Phantom pistol, is now in full swing. This compact firearm, which comes equipped with an innovative red dot sight, marks a significant step forward in providing Indian civilians with high-quality, home-grown self-defense options.

The Phantom pistol has been designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, offering a sleek profile that does not compromise on capacity or accuracy. The inclusion of a factory-calibrated red dot sight is particularly noteworthy as it positions the Phantom as India’s first pistol with such a feature, enhancing shooting precision and reducing the time needed for target acquisition.

SOURCE: AFI

Air Marshal M. Matheswaran, a retired senior official who has been instrumental in India’s defense acquisitions, including the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program and negotiations for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) with Russia, has shared strategic insights on bolstering India’s indigenous fighter jet capabilities. Matheswaran emphasizes the need for a “risk-sharing” partner to support the development of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and enhance the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2.

In a detailed discussion with the EurAsian Times, Matheswaran highlighted, “We must choose a partner. We need a risk-sharing partner for AMCA and someone who can fill gaps in the development of LCA Mk2. Companies like Saab might be ready to take the mantle.” This statement points towards a collaborative approach where foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) could play a crucial role in advancing India’s aerospace industry through technology transfer and shared development responsibilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant diplomatic visit to France, attending the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris on February 10-11, 2025. This visit marks a pivotal moment not only for India’s engagement in global technological discourse but also for its strategic defense collaborations.

France, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron, is hosting this summit with the aim of fostering an international conversation on AI’s role in shaping the future. The summit will focus on leveraging AI to drive beneficial outcomes in social, economic, and environmental spheres. With PM Modi’s participation, India underscores its commitment to being at the forefront of AI innovation and governance, aligning with global powers like the US, China, and various Gulf states. This summit is expected to explore themes such as public interest in AI, the future of work, innovation, culture, trust, and global AI governance, with a particular emphasis on mitigating issues like misinformation and misuse of AI technologies.