SOURCE: AFI

Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a significant milestone, successfully completing pressure tests on three critical stages of their launch vehicle in just three months! This rapid progress signifies not only their technical prowess but also their growing momentum towards their first orbital launch.

Pressure testing is a crucial step in rocket development. It simulates the immense pressure these stages will experience during launch, ensuring they can withstand the intense forces involved. Completing these tests flawlessly on all three stages within a short timeframe demonstrates Skyroot’s commitment to quality and efficiency.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report submitted to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister has shed light on a stark reality: 11 villages nestled near the Indo-China border have remained deserted since the 1962 war. The report, a stark reminder of the lingering effects of conflict, has prompted suggestions for reviving these forgotten settlements.

These villages, scattered across Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts, stand eerily empty, devoid of civilian residents. Only army and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) personnel maintain a presence, guarding the sensitive frontier.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest for self-reliance in advanced fighter jet technology takes a crucial step forward with a new project focused on afterburners. This project, funded by the Aeronautical Research and Development Board (ARDB), delves into the complexities of afterburner operation, a critical component for the indigenously developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

An afterburner is essentially a device that injects extra fuel into the hot exhaust of a jet engine, allowing for a significant increase in thrust. This translates to enhanced power and maneuverability for fighter jets, particularly during high-speed maneuvers and combat situations. The successful operation of the afterburner is vital for the Indian Air Force and Navy, as it directly impacts the performance of their aircraft.

SOURCE: AFI

The Cockerill 3105 turret, developed by John Cockerill Defense, is a modular and lethality-focused weapon system designed to equip modern armored vehicles. Currently integrated into the DRDO’s Zorawar Light Main Battle Tank, developed with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the 3105 turret offers a potent combination of firepower, crew protection, and advanced technology.

The Cockerill 3105 prioritizes reliability and efficiency. It utilizes mature, in-production components, minimizing technical risks and accelerating deployment timelines for combat vehicles.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army recently held a grand “Know Your Army” Weapon and Equipment Display at the Kargil Helipad, marking a prelude to the upcoming celebrations of the Rajat Jayanti of Kargil Vijay Diwas. This event served as a platform to showcase the military’s strength and equipment to the public.

Coinciding with the Army’s display, The Indian Air Force (IAF) also has deployed its recently inducted Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) air defense system in the Ladakh region, close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s historic Gaganyaan mission, the nation’s first human spaceflight, will rely on a critical piece of indigenously manufactured technology: the special “drouge parachute” system. Developed by the Ordnance Equipment Factory, Hazratpur, these parachutes will play a vital role in ensuring the safe return of the three-member crew.

The parachutes are not a single unit, but a sophisticated four-part system designed for a controlled descent. With a total of 28 sets planned, 12 have already been delivered to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with the remaining 16 scheduled to arrive by August 2024.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army is set to receive a revolutionary new fighting machine: the Zorawar light tank. This innovative vehicle, jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), boasts a world-first feature – an integrated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for enhanced reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities.

Designed specifically for excelling in high-altitude terrains like Ladakh, the Zorawar is a nimble and powerful light tank. Weighing in at 25 tonnes, it offers superior maneuverability compared to heavier main battle tanks. This agility is crucial for navigating the challenging mountainous regions.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent delays in the supply of F404 engines for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program by GE have reignited discussions about alternative engine options. While some have questioned if the Klimov RD-33 engine from Russia could have served as a viable backup plan, historical context reveals that the RD-33 was never a serious contender for the Tejas program.

The RD-33 engine, first used in the MiG-29A aircraft, has a well-documented history of safety issues. These included a high rate of engine flameouts in its early days, along with poor serviceability records. Furthermore, in the mid-1990s, the RD-33 lacked certification for single-engine operation, a critical requirement for the Tejas.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s Southern Command has unveiled a resourceful solution for mine clearance: an improvised tractor equipped with a mine clearing roller system. This “jugaad,” a Hindi term for an ingenious solution, demonstrates the Army’s adaptability and commitment to protecting its personnel.

The mine clearing roller system acts as a protective device, detonating landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) before they can harm military vehicles. This crucial safeguard empowers troops to navigate forward operating bases (FOBs) and logistic routes with greater confidence, minimizing casualties and ensuring the smooth flow of supplies.

SOURCE: AFI

While the world watches the ongoing war in Ukraine, a lesser-known story is unfolding in Hajipur, Bihar. Here, a shoe manufacturing unit is churning out footwear that’s not just gaining international acclaim but is also the trusted companion of Russian soldiers braving harsh conditions.

Competence Exports Pvt Ltd., established in 2018 with the aim of generating local employment, has become India’s largest exporter of safety shoes to Russia. Their shoes are specifically designed to withstand extreme weather, making them ideal for the battlefield or snowy terrains.

SOURCE: AFI

In an unexpected and controversial development, a local digital news network in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has conducted an interview with Shamsher Khan, a high-ranking commander of Hizbul Mujahideen. This organization is designated as a terrorist group by the European Union, India, Canada, and the United States.

The interview, uploaded by JK Bol, features Shamsher Khan discussing the organization’s past acts of terrorism and outlining their future sinister intentions. During the interview, the commander emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s Prime Minister declaring Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen militant, as a hero at the United Nations. He also remarked that their objective was to “actively confront the Indian Army and prevent them from being at ease.”

SOURCE: AFI

US engine manufacturer, GE Aerospace, has acknowledged delays in supplying F404 engines for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A program. The company attributes the setbacks to ongoing supply chain challenges within the aerospace industry.

In a statement, a GE Aerospace spokesperson confirmed they are collaborating with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run defense contractor, and their suppliers to address the constraints and expedite the delivery of F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A project.

SOURCE: AFI

Thane-based Avyaya Aerospace India Pvt Ltd is poised to revolutionize Indian defense capabilities with its next-generation swarm drone technology. By the end of 2025, the company aims to present these advanced drones to the Indian Army, marking a significant leap in the country’s military prowess.

Avyaya Aerospace stands at the cutting edge of swarm drone development. These drones will operate cooperatively, enabling them to undertake a wide range of missions critical for defense, disaster management, and extensive surveillance.

SOURCE : AFI

Bharat Karnad, an emeritus professor in National Security Studies at the Centre for Policy Research in Delhi, has recently voiced critical insights regarding India’s current air force strategy in his latest column. A respected national security expert, Karnad offers a comprehensive analysis of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities and the strategic decisions influencing its future.

Karnad argues that India lacks both symmetric and asymmetric force advantages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. He contends that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) could quickly rectify this imbalance by deploying a significant number of aircraft from mainland bases. Despite this, Karnad believes that the current IAF aircraft mix can effectively counter large numbers of Chinese aircraft operating from Tibetan plateau bases for the time being. This is primarily due to the altitude handicap faced by Chinese planes, which struggle with the fuel load-weapon load dilemma when taking off from high-altitude bases—an issue that IAF aircraft launching from the plains do not encounter.

SOURCE : AFI

In May 2024, significant updates have been made to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Open General Export Licenses (OGELs) for exporting munitions list items, as announced by the Department of Defence Production (DDP). These modifications aim to streamline defence exports and support India’s Defence Export Strategy.

The SOP for defence exports has been revised to be more business-friendly, facilitating easier compliance for exporters. These changes are part of a broader initiative to simplify regulatory processes and promote the ease of doing business in the defence sector. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the new SOP is expected to encourage more companies to engage in defence exports.