SOURCE: AFI

Saab, the Swedish defense and security company, has proposed its Sea Wasp Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system to the Indian Navy for underwater mine clearance operations. The Sea Wasp, named after the highly venomous box jellyfish, is designed to effectively locate, identify, and neutralize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in challenging underwater environments.

Saab is committed to continuously enhancing the Sea Wasp system to address emerging underwater threats. By collaborating with partners, the company aims to incorporate additional capabilities and technologies to ensure the ROV remains effective and relevant in the evolving maritime security landscape.

SOURCE: AFI

The National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite counter-terrorism force, is set to bolster its arsenal with the acquisition of 100 AK Mod Kits from Bengaluru-based defense manufacturer, SSS Defence. These kits will be used to upgrade existing AK-47 assault rifles, enhancing their capabilities for specialized operations.

The AK-47, a legendary firearm renowned for its reliability and durability, has been a staple in the Indian Armed Forces for decades. Its widespread use ensures that soldiers are well-trained and familiar with its operation, minimizing training costs and time. Additionally, the availability of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition makes it a practical choice for Indian forces.

SOURCE: AFI

The Military Engineering Services (MES) has partnered with MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited) to develop a bulletproof vehicle based on the Isuzu V-Cross platform. This high-end armored vehicle, designed for security and protection, is poised to set new standards in the Indian market.

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, a popular double-cab pickup truck in India, serves as the foundation for this armoured vehicle. The standard four-wheel drive system and robust construction make it an ideal platform for modifications. The base model is currently priced at ?19.68 lakh, and the top-of-the-line variant is available for ?23.74 lakh (on-road Delhi).

SOURCE: AFI

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 11 years in office, the combat strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has reached an alarming low, with only 31 fighter squadrons in service including two Mig-21 Squadrons Such reduced squadron levels were last seen before the 1965 Indo-Pak war, a time when India’s air combat capabilities were significantly less advanced. While the IAF’s sanctioned strength stands at 42 squadrons, this target has not been met since 1996, when the IAF had 41 operational squadrons. Since then, successive governments have struggled to restore the numbers, and the Modi administration has been no exception.

Despite multiple procurement efforts and modernization drives, the IAF’s dwindling fighter fleet is a growing concern for national security, especially given the rising geopolitical tensions in the region. The Modi government’s inability to implement out-of-the-box solutions to replenish the IAF’s combat strength is increasingly seen as a failure in India’s defense strategy, with consequences that could weaken the country’s position in future conflicts.

SOURCE: AFI

One of the most enduring mysteries in Indian aviation history remains the disappearance of an Indian Air Force (IAF) transport aircraft in the Indian Ocean. On March 25, 1986, a brand-new AN-32, purchased from the USSR, vanished without a trace while being ferried from Ukraine to India.

Wing Commander Ulliada Muddappa Bheemaiah and Wing Commander Emelian Augustin Fernandez were at the controls of the AN-32 (serial number K-2729) when it disappeared during the Muscat-Jamnagar leg of its flight. The aircraft was part of a trio of AN-32s being flown to India on that day.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant display of military capability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully intercepted and destroyed a Chinese spy balloon-type target at a high altitude of over 55,000 feet. The incident occurred in the Eastern Air Command’s area of responsibility.

While the specific missile used to down the balloon was not officially disclosed, reports speculate that it was a MICA-IR air-to-air missile. The MICA IR is a versatile weapon designed for modern multi-role combat aircraft, including the Rafale and improved versions of the Mirage 2000-5.

SOURCE: AFI

In an unusual development amidst rising tensions in West Asia, the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi has formally requested access to the Delhi Police’s shooting range for training its security personnel. Sources within the Delhi Police confirmed receipt of the request on September 23rd and stated it is currently under review. This marks the first instance of an embassy seeking permission to utilize this facility.

The Israeli Embassy’s letter, addressed to the security division of Delhi Police, requested the use of the shooting range for practice purposes. Following discussions among senior officers, the request was forwarded to Delhi Police headquarters for a final decision.

SOURCE: AFI

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to face delays in the materialization of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, concerns are growing over whether this long-awaited procurement will ever come to fruition. With time running out, there is increasing pressure on the IAF to rethink its priorities. Instead of waiting for the MRFA tender to proceed, the IAF has an opportunity to collaborate with the Indian Navy’s Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program.

This indigenous project not only offers a viable solution for both services but also aligns with India’s self-reliance goals. Moreover, a closer look at the specifications of the Rafale and TEDBF reveals striking similarities, suggesting that the TEDBF could meet many of the IAF’s requirements at a fraction of the cost and with greater strategic advantages.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s submarine technology, the Secretary of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) jointly inaugurated a cutting-edge Land-Based Submarine Battery Test Facility at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam.

The event was graced by the presence of the Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), the Director of NSTL, and other esteemed scientists from the organization. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test submarine batteries based on lithium-ion technology, a development spearheaded by NSTL.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defense manufacturer, has taken a significant step towards expanding its global footprint with the establishment of a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Inaugurated by India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, on July 11, 2023, this office is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for HAL’s operations and engagements in the wider Southeast Asian region.

This move is not only aimed at promoting HAL’s products but also at enhancing India’s defense cooperation with regional nations, providing a platform for other Indian Defense Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to showcase their capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a display of the strong diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives, newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in India on an Indian Air Force (IAF) civilian airliner. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, notably retains the iconic Air India livery, highlighting an intriguing chapter in its history.

The Airbus A321, which carried President Muizzu to India, was once part of Air India’s fleet but was not sold to the Tata Group when they took over the national carrier. Instead, the aircraft was retained by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to serve as a strategic asset for the IAF’s future Netra MkII Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s Rafale Marine fighter jets are set to receive a significant upgrade with the acquisition of Meteor long-range beyond visual range air-to-air missiles and Astra Mk1A beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. The deal for 26 Rafale M jets is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is a state-of-the-art air-to-air missile with a range of over 150 kilometers. It is capable of engaging targets at high speeds and altitudes, making it a formidable weapon for air defense missions.

SOURCE: AFI

At the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis, Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and Managing Director of Dynamatic Technologies Limited, presented the company’s vision for the development of a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) for India. In his address, Malhoutra emphasized Dynamatic Technologies’ readiness to contribute significantly to the project, citing the company’s extensive experience in manufacturing aircraft fuselages for prominent international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

According to idrw.org, Malhoutra voiced strong support for the RTA initiative, showcasing the confidence that Dynamatic Technologies brings to the table. The company’s involvement in producing fuselage sections for leading aircraft manufacturers has cemented its reputation in the aerospace industry, positioning it as a key player for India’s domestic aviation programs. Malhoutra’s backing of the RTA proposal is a reflection of the company’s ambitions to leverage its aerospace expertise for national projects.

SOURCE: AFI

DroneAcharya, a leading Indian drone technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with American Blast Systems (ABS) to expand its presence in the United States, United Kingdom, and European markets. This collaboration aims to drive growth in the manufacturing and distribution of drones across various sectors, including defense, law enforcement, agriculture, and logistics.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), DroneAcharya and ABS will jointly design and develop drones in Los Angeles. These drones will be specifically tailored for applications such as surveillance, security, and logistics, catering to the diverse needs of the target markets.