SOURCE: AFI

The third joint working group (JWG) meeting of the UK-India Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership was recently held at the Portsmouth Naval Base, UK. Co-chaired by Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy and Rajeev Prakash, Joint Secretary Naval Systems, the meeting marked a significant step in the collaboration between the two nations on electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy.

A pivotal moment during the meeting was the signing of a Statement of Intent, affirming both nations’ commitment to jointly design and develop electric propulsion systems tailored to the Indian Navy’s needs, particularly for the new Landing Dock Platforms (LPDs) planned for launch in 2030.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent decision by Bangladesh to relax visa restrictions for Pakistani citizens, specifically eliminating the security clearance requirement, has raised eyebrows among regional analysts. This move, while seemingly innocuous, could signal a significant shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy and security posture.  

The elimination of security clearance suggests a growing level of trust and cooperation between the two nations. It opens the door for increased people-to-people contact, trade, and investment. However, it also raises questions about the potential for deeper security and intelligence cooperation.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Lokesh Machines Limited, has developed the ASMI 9mm Submachine Gun (SMG), an indigenously designed firearm that has not only been adopted by the Indian military and security forces but also holds significant potential for export, particularly into the lucrative US civilian market.

The United States is home to one of the largest civilian firearms markets globally, with a culture deeply entrenched in gun ownership. The market for compact, reliable, and affordable firearms, especially for personal defense and sport shooting, is vast.

SOURCE: AFI

In the early stages of India’s ambitious Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, the United States made a striking proposal: Northrop Grumman offered to move its F-20 Tigershark manufacturing facility to India. This intriguing offer highlighted America’s interest in collaborating with India on defense technologies during the 1980s.

The F-20 Tigershark was a modernized version of the widely used F-5E Tiger II fighter jet. Developed in the late 1970s, the F-20 was designed to be an affordable yet technologically advanced fighter for export, in line with the U.S. administration’s export policies under President Jimmy Carter. These policies aimed to sell advanced but not cutting-edge military aircraft to allies, reducing the risk of top-tier technology falling into Soviet hands.

SOURCE: AFI

In a compelling vision for the future of maritime transportation and rescue operations, Brigadier Arvind Dhananjayan (Retd) has highlighted the potential of hydrofoil craft and Ground Effect Marine Vehicles (GEMVs) to revolutionize how personnel and stores are moved across large distances. These technologies, characterized by their speed, efficiency, and unique tactical advantages, represent a leap forward in military and commercial maritime transport.

Hydrofoil technology offers a transformative approach to maritime mobility. As a hydrofoil craft picks up speed, the hydrofoils beneath the hull lift the vessel out of the water, significantly reducing drag. This allows for higher speeds than traditional maritime crafts. The strategic benefits of such speed and efficiency are particularly evident in military applications, where the rapid deployment of personnel, equipment, or aid is often critical.

SOURCE: AFI

The Trishakti Sappers, the engineering unit of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps headquartered in Sukna near Siliguri, have received national acclaim for their groundbreaking innovation: the Advanced Flood Monitoring System (AFMS). This state-of-the-art system is designed to mitigate the devastating effects of flash floods in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, a region prone to extreme weather events and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

The Trishakti Sappers were honored at Inno Yodha, a national-level event hosted by the Indian Army in Delhi, for their contribution to disaster management and defense preparedness. This recognition underscores the critical importance of the AFMS in safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and military assets in vulnerable regions.

SOURCE: AFI

Global News, a prominent Canadian media outlet, has recently found itself at the center of a social media storm following its publication of an article that accused India of using visa denials to Khalistani supporters as a form of foreign interference. The report has ignited a wave of criticism and mockery from various Indian quarters, both within Canada and back in India.

Global News’ piece suggested that India’s decision to deny or restrict visas to individuals sympathetic to the Khalistani movement was a strategic move to influence Canadian politics and diaspora communities. This narrative has not sat well with many in the Indian community, who have taken to social media to express their discontent.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defence company, has successfully completed the Nasik production line for the much-anticipated LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. The first aircraft rollout from this facility is scheduled for March 2025 .

The third production line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was inaugurated in 2023 by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane at HAL’s Nashik facility. This move aimed to accelerate the production of LCA Tejas Mk1A jets, a more advanced variant of the original LCA Tejas.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has secured additional orders worth Rs. 634 Crores since its last disclosure on November 8, 2024.

These significant orders encompass a wide range of defense and civilian products and services, including:

SOURCE: AFI

An Indian Army officer has successfully developed the KHARGA Kamikaze Drone, an innovative and cost-effective aerial system tailored for modern battlefield requirements. Priced at approximately ?30,000 per unit, this lightweight, easily fabricated drone is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations as well as precision kamikaze strikes against enemy forces.

The KHARGA Kamikaze Drone features a minimalistic design that emphasizes affordability and ease of production. Constructed from materials resembling cardboard, the drone is not only lightweight but also simple to manufacture in large quantities, making it ideal for rapid deployment during conflict scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

The advanced capabilities of American fighter jets such as the F-35, F-16, and F/A-18 Super Hornet make them attractive options for air forces around the world. However, the persistent rumors and concerns about the inclusion of a “kill switch” or backdoor in these jets raise critical questions about sovereignty and operational independence. For India, which values its strategic autonomy, these concerns should be carefully considered when evaluating U.S. fighters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.

A “kill switch” refers to a feature or backdoor mechanism, often software-based, that allows the manufacturer or supplying nation to disable or degrade the performance of a weapon system remotely. While officially unacknowledged by the U.S., multiple incidents and the increasing complexity of software-reliant defense platforms have fueled speculation about its existence in American-made military equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for naval firing exercises scheduled to take place in the Bay of Bengal on December 18 and 19, 2024. The designated area for these operations extends up to 800 km, a range indicative of a potential missile test. Speculation points to either the BrahMos-ER (Extended Range) supersonic cruise missile or the ITCM (Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile) being tested from a naval warship for the first time.

The NOTAM outlines an 800 km range for the designated area, signaling a significant operational test involving advanced naval weaponry. The timeframe and location suggest preparations for validating the performance of critical missile systems under realistic maritime conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a development that has raised concerns over regional security, a Bangladeshi Bayraktar TB2 UAV has been spotted near the Indian state of Meghalaya, with reports indicating that the UAV is likely operating from Air Base Bashar in Dhaka. The UAV, identified by its transponder code TB2R1071, is the same drone that was previously observed near West Bengal, further intensifying regional surveillance activities.

The presence of the Bayraktar TB2 near the Indian border is part of a growing pattern of UAV deployment by Bangladesh, with the Bayraktar TB2 being a Turkish-made medium-altitude, long-endurance drone. The sighting of this drone in Meghalaya follows its previous sightings near West Bengal, as reported by AFI (Aerospace and Defence India).

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has made significant strides in military technology with the development of the NABH AI system. This innovative system, the brainchild of Colonel Prashant Thakur, is designed to accurately identify aircraft within a matter of seconds.

The NABH AI system operates by capturing images of aircraft and feeding them into an advanced AI program. This program, trained on a vast database of aircraft models, analyzes the image and identifies the specific aircraft within 6-8 seconds.

SOURCE: AFI

Colonel Vikas Chaturvedi, a visionary officer in the Indian Army, has spearheaded the development of the Baaz Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), a formidable weapon capable of revolutionizing modern warfare. This indigenous drone, equipped with the ability to fire rocket launchers, is a first for the Indian Army, significantly enhancing its firepower and operational capabilities.

The Baaz UAS, a versatile platform, is designed to carry a wide range of payloads, including small arms, automatic grenade launchers, mortar bombs, and explosives. This makes it suitable for various military applications, such as anti-tank operations, bunker destruction, targeting administrative areas, ammunition dumps, and command and control centers. Additionally, it can be employed in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, as well as for logistical support in forward areas.