SOURCE: AFI

In a series of viral videos circulating on social media, retired Bangladeshi defense personnel have made provocative statements directed at India, claiming that they are “battle-ready” and capable of capturing key Indian territories like Kolkata and Assam within four days. These remarks have garnered widespread attention, raising questions about their intent and potential impact on India-Bangladesh relations.

One former soldier asserted that a core group of 5,100 personnel could achieve their stated objectives, especially if 3 million Bangladeshi citizens were to join them. In another video, a retired serviceman claimed that Bangladeshi forces are “better trained” and prepared to defend their country while teaching India a lesson.

SOURCE: AFI

The Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has gained significant traction with recent approvals from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). A Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance is anticipated next year, further solidifying the program’s future. While the TEDBF is primarily designed for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, it presents a compelling case for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to align with the program and reconsider its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets.

The MRFA tender involves acquiring foreign jets, which would cost billions in foreign exchange and come with limited Transfer of Technology (ToT). By procuring a modified TEDBF variant, the IAF could save resources by investing in an indigenous program. With a lighter airframe and reduced landing gear requirements for ground-based operations, the aircraft could be optimized for Air Force roles.

SOURCE: AFI

Zen Technologies Ltd has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AVT Simulation, marking a crucial step in the company’s efforts to expand its operations in the U.S. market. Zen Technologies, known for its defence training and anti-drone solutions, aims to tap into the growing demand for simulation and training systems in defence sectors across the U.S.

The MoU was signed in Florida with AVT Simulation, a prominent provider of customized training systems based in Orlando, Florida. AVT Simulation brings over 25 years of experience in providing advanced training solutions for defense, government, and commercial applications. The collaboration will leverage AVT’s extensive expertise in simulation technologies to help Zen Technologies introduce its products and services to U.S. defense and security agencies, among others.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s pursuit of advanced fifth-generation fighter jets has taken an intriguing turn, with growing discussions around acquiring Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter jet. Russian Media Reports indicate that India is exploring a two-seat variant of the Su-57 under the “Make in India” initiative, which could involve joint development and local production.

According to military analyst Igor Korotchenko, the Su-57 surpasses its American counterpart, the F-35, in critical areas. He also highlighted potential risks associated with American systems, such as vulnerabilities in sensitive technology that could be exploited during conflicts.

SOURCE: AFI

Solar Industries India Ltd, a leading player in the defense and explosives sector, has announced a significant export contract worth ?2,039 crore (approximately $240 million) for the supply of defense products. The deliveries under this agreement will span the next four years, marking a major milestone in the company’s international growth trajectory.

In a regulatory filing, the company stated, “We are pleased to share that our company, Solar Industries India Limited and its subsidiary have received export orders worth ?2,039 crore for the supply of defense products, to be delivered over a period of four years.”

SOURCE: AFI

In his recent opinion piece, retired Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar pilot Vijainder K Thakur highlighted a concerning scenario for India’s aerial defense capabilities by 2030. He predicts that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) could operate two squadrons of J-35A stealth fighters, amounting to approximately 40 aircraft. At the same time, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China, which is currently estimated to have around 200 J-20 stealth fighters, might double its fleet to 400.

In sharp contrast, Thakur notes, the IAF is unlikely to have any stealth fighters operational by 2030. At best, the IAF might place an initial and speculative order for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is still under development.

SOURCE: AFI

Amid ongoing discussions surrounding U.S. offers to India for the sale of F-16 fighter jets and potential future sales of F-35 stealth aircraft, a Russian think tank has raised concerns over possible vulnerabilities in the avionics systems of these American aircraft. The Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT), an independent research organization based in Moscow, issued a warning in an article published on the Russian defense portal Oborona.ru, cautioning that such aircraft might include intentionally inserted “backdoors” within their electronic systems.

According to CAWAT’s director, Igor Korotchenko, these backdoors could be exploited via external signals to disable critical combat functionalities of the aircraft. This would effectively render the fighter jets incapable of executing sorties during critical military operations, particularly in scenarios where the interests of the aircraft’s manufacturer country conflict with those of the buyer.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant milestone for India’s defense and technology ecosystem, Asteria Aerospace has successfully delivered its largest-ever order of AT-15 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) drones to the Indian Army. This achievement aligns with the country’s push for self-reliance under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, emphasizing indigenous production and technological advancement.

In a statement, Asteria Aerospace emphasized the importance of the AT-15 delivery, showcasing its dedication to equipping India’s defense forces with advanced, homegrown surveillance solutions. The AT-15 drones, designed for high-altitude performance and robust operational capabilities, are expected to bolster the Indian Army’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in diverse and challenging terrains.

SOURCE: AFI

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian joint venture renowned for its supersonic cruise missile systems, is grappling with internal turmoil as a leadership dispute threatens to disrupt its critical operations. The controversy revolves around the appointment of Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a decision now under legal scrutiny at the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Hyderabad.

The crisis emerged after Dr. Sivasubramanyam Nambi Naidu, a senior scientist, challenged Dr. Joshi’s appointment, alleging that the selection process disregarded his seniority and experience. Dr. Naidu filed a petition with the CAT on November 19, naming both the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Dr. Joshi as respondents.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance the survivability and combat capabilities of its fleet of 260 Su-30MKI fighters by equipping them with the Advanced Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) Pods. This upgrade represents a significant leap in indigenous electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, ensuring that the Su-30MKI remains effective against evolving threats in contested airspaces.

The ASPJ pod is specifically configured for installation on the wingtip stations (Stations 11 & 12) of the Su-30MKI. It is available in left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) configurations and is always deployed as a set to ensure comprehensive coverage and functionality.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) faced a significant challenge in recent years: the gradual phasing out of its fleet of Jaguar strike fighters. While the decision was inevitable due to the aircraft’s age and the need for modernization, it presented a missed opportunity to leverage indigenous capabilities and extend the service life of this formidable platform.

The Jaguar, a joint Anglo-French venture, has been a stalwart of the IAF for decades. Its impressive performance, coupled with its ability to carry a wide range of weapons, made it a valuable asset in various roles, including ground attack and reconnaissance. However, the aging fleet, coupled with the lack of spare parts and maintenance challenges, necessitated its eventual retirement.

SOURCE: AFI

Dynamatic Technologies Limited recently hosted the Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Configuration Management Workshop, bringing together key members from the Dynamatic and Airbus A220 teams. This collaborative event focused on change management, engineering alignment, and ensuring seamless synchronization with customer expectations. The workshop demonstrated a unified approach to driving efficiency, improving governance models, and streamlining workflows in aerospace manufacturing and engineering processes.

The workshop highlighted the synergistic partnership between Dynamatic Technologies and Airbus, showcasing their shared commitment to innovation and excellence. By leveraging the expertise of SMEs and aligning with the needs of the Airbus A220 program, Dynamatic continues to solidify its position as a trusted aerospace supplier.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant stride in Indo-French defense collaboration, the inaugural FRIND-X event, organized by the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) and the Agence de l’Innovation de Défense (AID), commenced in Paris today. This two-day event, aligned with the ambitious Horizon 2047 vision and the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap, brings together a diverse array of stakeholders from both nations.

FRIND-X serves as a platform for defense startups, investors, incubators, accelerators, and universities from India and France to connect, collaborate, and explore opportunities for joint ventures. The event aims to foster innovation, technology transfer, and co-development of cutting-edge defense technologies.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s advancements in aerospace technology have garnered global attention, with organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) leading the charge in their respective domains. While GTRE focuses on developing indigenous jet engines, including the Kaveri engine, ISRO’s unparalleled expertise in propulsion systems, cryogenics, and high-temperature materials makes it a strong candidate to act as a consultant in GTRE’s ongoing projects.

ISRO’s successes, such as the CE-20 cryogenic engine powering the GSLV Mk III and the Vikas engine used in PSLV and GSLV launches, demonstrate its mastery over propulsion systems. These engines exhibit exceptional reliability, efficiency, and resilience, which could inspire novel approaches in jet engine development.

SOURCE: AFI

Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, has confirmed a significant development in India’s ambitious SSN (Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine) program. The Indian Navy has convened the first meeting with stakeholders and suppliers, marking a critical milestone in this strategic defense project.

The meeting brought together representatives from both the private and public sectors, highlighting the collaborative approach the Indian Navy is adopting for this multi-billion-dollar initiative. Several companies that played pivotal roles in the SSBN (Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine) program have expressed their commitment to contributing to the SSN project.