AFI
SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s indigenous Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), INS Sumitra, marked its 10th anniversary on September 4, 2024. As a stalwart member of the Sunrise Fleet, INS Sumitra has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Indian Navy, consistently safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Over the past decade, INS Sumitra has undertaken numerous Mission Based Deployments (MBDs) and exercises, demonstrating its versatility and operational capabilities. These missions have aligned with the Government of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), ensuring maritime security and promoting regional cooperation.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Biden administration has sent a clear message to New Delhi: no weapons system or hardware is off the table when it comes to strengthening India’s defence capabilities. In a significant move to demonstrate this commitment, the U.S. government offered India two of its most advanced missile defence systems, the MIM-104 Patriot and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in an attempt to dissuade India from purchasing the Russian S-400 air defence system. Despite the U.S. offer, India went ahead with the S-400 acquisition, a decision that has not deterred the Biden administration from pursuing deeper defence ties with New Delhi.
The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that provides medium-range, high-altitude air defense capabilities against a wide range of threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. The THAAD system, on the other hand, is an advanced anti-ballistic missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight. Both systems are among the most sophisticated and capable in the U.S. defense arsenal, reflecting the seriousness of Washington’s desire to engage India as a strategic defense partner.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Defence Ministry is reportedly considering a deal worth around USD 3.1 billion with US-based General Atomics for the acquisition of an unspecified number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). While the Ministry has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the deal, it is understood that the Cost Negotiation Committee (CNC) has finalized the pricing.
The Defence Ministry is now set to approach the Finance Ministry for expenditure approval before seeking the final nod from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). If the deal is not signed by October 31, the manufacturer has indicated that there could be a price revision.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the verge of selecting an industry partner for the development of an Electro-Magnetic Launch System (EMALS). This advanced technology will be capable of launching projectiles at speeds exceeding Mach 6, revolutionizing how aircraft and other payloads are launched from naval platforms. The EMALS system, which will be compact and designed in a mobile configuration, marks a significant leap in the Indian Navy’s modernization efforts, especially for future aircraft carriers.
DRDO’s Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], which is leading the project, has already made significant strides in developing a scaled technology demonstrator. This demonstrator has successfully launched payloads of up to 400 kg, equivalent to the weight of a UAV, over a short distance of 16 to 18 meters. This achievement proves the viability of the technology and sets the stage for further development.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
As the war in Ukraine rages on, there is an increasing demand for artillery, tank, and mortar shells. To meet this demand, Western countries have been sourcing ammunition from various sources around the world, including India.
One of the most intriguing sources of ammunition for Ukraine has been India, which was likely one of the non-EU suppliers for the Czech ammunition initiative. Photos of Indian-made tankers with high-explosive fragmentation ammunition have become more frequent in Ukraine.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a notable development, Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots flying the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 fighter jets have been seen donning the MSA Gallet LA 100 helmet for the first time. According to sources at idrw.org, a tender to procure these advanced helmets for the Mirage and LCA fleet was floated in 2022, marking a significant upgrade in pilot safety and comfort.
The MSA Gallet LA 100 helmet is specifically designed for jet aircraft pilots performing combat missions or aerobatic flights, where the use of an oxygen supply and an ejection seat is critical. Its lightweight yet durable construction enhances performance in demanding flight conditions while maintaining high levels of protection.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s upcoming generation of ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), the S5 class, is set to significantly bolster the country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. These submarines will feature a substantial increase in the number of launch tubes, accommodating a larger arsenal of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).Both S4 and S4 Star submarines are already on outer docks getting final fitments with S5 design phase nearing end, program is set to get official sanction soon.
The S5 class SSBNs are expected to have 12 or more launch tubes, a significant upgrade from the current Arihant-class submarines, which have only 12 tubes. This increased capacity will allow India to deploy a larger number of K5 and K5 SLBMs, which are currently under development. These missiles are designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads over long distances, providing India with a potent nuclear deterrent.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Lockheed Martin, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and security solutions, is gearing up to host the 10th edition of its India Suppliers Conference in Bengaluru on September 11-12, 2024. This significant event comes just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States later in the month, marking a pivotal moment in India-US defense relations.
The conference will be inaugurated by Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, and Christopher W. Hodges, the US Consul General in Chennai. Their presence underscores the diplomatic importance of this event and its potential to strengthen bilateral ties.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Army has inaugurated its first on-site 3D-printed construction at the Military Hospital in Jhansi Cantonment. This innovative project, a joint endeavor by the Military Engineer Services (MES), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, and Simpliforge Creations, represents a significant leap forward in the Army’s technological advancements.
The 3D-printed construction technology offers several advantages, particularly in addressing the logistical challenges posed by remote and inaccessible areas. By eliminating the need to transport large quantities of building materials to construction sites, this technology can significantly reduce construction time and costs. Additionally, 3D printing allows for greater adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, making it a valuable tool for infrastructure development in challenging terrains.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, a significant multilateral air exercise held in India, showcased the impressive capabilities of participating fighter jets, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Indian Su-30MKI. A video that has gone viral captures a thrilling moment during the exercise, where a Typhoon and an Su-30MKI engaged in a simulated dogfight.
In the video, the Eurofighter is seen maneuvering aggressively in an attempt to achieve a radar lock on the Su-30MKI, a critical step in simulated air-to-air engagements. However, the Indian Su-30MKI swiftly executes a tight right-hand turn, evading the Typhoon’s lock-on attempt with impressive agility. This visual demonstration of the Su-30MKI’s supermaneuverability highlights the aircraft’s prowess in close-combat situations, known as within visual range (WVR) dogfights.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s nuclear deterrent has taken a significant step forward with the induction of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) onto the INS Arighat, the nation’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). While the K-4 boasts a range of 3,500 kilometers, all eyes are now on the upcoming K-5, touted as the “Big Daddy” of Indian SLBMs.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the K-5 is a three-stage solid-propellant SLBM with an estimated range of 5,000-6,000 kilometers. This extended range, combined with a payload capacity of two tonnes, would theoretically enable the K-5 to strike targets as far as 8,000-9,000 kilometers with lesser payload. This capability would bring major cities like Beijing within reach, even while operating in the Indian Ocean region.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter, which made a precautionary landing in Ladakh in April 2024, is being retrieved after a months-long operation. The Boeing Apache helicopter, which landed north of the Khardung La pass, has been dismantled and is being transported by road to Leh.
The rescue mission posed significant challenges due to the high altitude of the landing site, which is around 12,000 feet. Airlifting the helicopter was not feasible due to the altitude and weight constraints of the IAF’s Chinook helicopters.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been a cornerstone of India’s defense strategy, but the absence of dedicated strategic bombers in its fleet has been a notable limitation. This deficiency has restricted the IAF’s ability to strike deep into enemy territory and conduct sustained long-range operations. However, there is a compelling opportunity to address this gap by utilizing existing assets: the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and the indigenously developed Nirbhay Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).
The C-17 is a versatile aircraft capable of transporting troops, equipment, and vehicles over long distances. Its large cargo bay and long range make it an ideal platform for carrying and launching cruise missiles. By integrating Nirbhay into the C-17’s capabilities, the IAF could effectively transform its transport fleet into a strategic strike force.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Nibe Space Private Limited, a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, has announced a strategic partnership with leading infrastructure, defense companies, and startups in India. The collaboration aims to establish a private Earth observation constellation and a corresponding ground segment to offer a comprehensive range of space-based services.
Through this consortium, Nibe Space will leverage the expertise and resources of its partners to supply equipment, services, skills, systems, and support services necessary for building and operating the constellation. The company plans to lease the constellation to various customers and provide images and analytics as a service.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The India-U.S. bilateral Army exercise Yudh Abhyas has commenced at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan on September 9, 2024. This year’s exercise is set to feature a wide range of military activities, including live-fire drills and training exercises.
The U.S. Army is participating in the exercise with a contingent that includes Stryker infantry vehicles and the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). The deployment of HIMARS in India marks a significant development, as the U.S. is keen to sell this advanced weapon system to the Indian Army.
Continue reading