SOURCE: AFI

Just days before the recent NATO summit in Washington, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held its annual meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. This gathering of leaders from the world’s largest regional organization saw the addition of Belarus to the bloc.

Established in 2001 by China and Russia, the SCO’s initial focus was on security and economic matters in Central Asia. However, amidst intensifying global competition and strained relations with the West, China and Russia are increasingly portraying the SCO as a counterweight to the US-led international order.

SOURCE : AFI

The Indian Navy has recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) for an advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that can be launched from undersea platforms. This initiative, known as the Underwater-Launched Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (ULAUV) project, aims to enhance the Navy’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as mine-countermeasures (MCM) deception operations.

The RFI, released on 1 July, outlines the primary functions the ULAUV must perform. These include detecting both surface and subsurface targets and relaying target information to another underwater platform using an acoustic communication link. The vehicle should be capable of recording acoustic and visual data of targets for thorough analysis. Additionally, it must feature homing capabilities to detect the distress frequency of disabled underwater platforms, indicating a role in rescuing distressed submarines.

SOURCE: AFI

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in India is pioneering a revolutionary engine concept called “flat rating” for the GTX engine. This concept addresses a critical challenge faced by modern high-pressure ratio engines – a rapid decline in thrust with increasing compressor inlet temperature (T1). This effect is particularly pronounced in bypass engines, where thrust loss worsens with a higher bypass ratio.

The flat rating concept tackles this issue by employing a “variable cycle” approach. It dynamically adjusts the maximum cycle temperature to maintain optimal dry thrust even under varying flight conditions. This concept is gaining traction in the design of combat aircraft engines, specifically for achieving sustained supersonic cruise at high altitudes.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), a leading Indian defense public sector undertaking (PSU), has secured a significant export order worth €25.75 million. This win marks a major milestone for India’s defense exports and BEL’s growing international presence.

Thales Reliance Defence Systems (TRDS), a joint venture between Reliance Aerostructure Limited and Thales India Private Limited, entrusted BEL with the manufacture and supply of Transmit Receive (TR) modules. These modules play a vital role in the functioning of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, a key technology in modern fighter jets.

SOURCE : AFI

Pakistan’s top military official, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, recently visited Ankara, Turkey, in a move highlighting the growing defense ties between the two nations.

General Mirza met with key Turkish defense officials, including Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Chief of General Staff General Metin Gurak, and Land Forces Commander General Selcuk Baytaktaroglu. A key topic of discussion was reportedly the potential acquisition of Turkish F-16 fighter jets.

SOURCE: AFI

Several air forces are looking to offload their Mirage 2000 fighter jets, and India, a recent Rafale acquirer, finds itself as a potential buyer. But are these used Mirages a good deal, or could India be becoming a dumping ground for outdated jets?

Developed by Dassault Aviation in the late 1970s, the Mirage 2000 was designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern aerial warfare. It quickly became a favorite among pilots and military strategists for its exceptional performance, ease of maintenance, and adaptability to various combat scenarios. The aircraft’s delta wing design and powerful SNECMA M53 engine allowed it to achieve impressive speeds and maneuverability, making it a formidable opponent in dogfights and a reliable asset in strike missions.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s indigenous defense program achieved a major milestone on May 2nd, 2024, with the successful flight testing of the New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile (NGARM), also known as RudraM-I. This air-to-ground weapon system, launched from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet, hit its target with pinpoint accuracy, achieving a miss distance of a mere 5 meters.

The test, conducted at the Chandan Range in Rajasthan, saw the RudraM-I achieve a direct hit on its target, demonstrating exceptional accuracy with a miss distance of a mere 5 meters. This accomplishment validated the missile’s entire mission profile and its ability to neutralize enemy targets with pinpoint precision.

SOURCE: AFI

NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) has successfully conducted a groundbreaking test of a long-range SatCom link designed for Command, Control, Communication, Computing & Intelligence (C4I) functions of a drone swarm. This pioneering mission marks a significant milestone in the development of advanced drone communication systems.

The test demonstrated robust BLOS connectivity between a drone swarm and a satellite communication network, extending to a remote ground control station (GCS). This SatCom network ensures reliable connectivity across the globe, with the exception of polar regions.

SOURCE: AFI

Tamil Nadu is embarking on an ambitious mission to become a major player in the global space industry. With the launch complex in Kulasekarapattinam poised for completion within two years, the state government is drafting the Tamil Nadu Space Industrial Policy 2024 to create a robust space ecosystem.

The policy takes inspiration from Florida’s Space Coast, aiming to establish “Space Bays” across four districts – Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Virudhunagar. These designated zones will foster the development of space-related businesses, fostering innovation and collaboration.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian soldiers displayed immense courage in a deadly ambush on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. Despite facing heavy gunfire from terrorists, the 22 Garhwal Rifles regiment fought back fiercely, unleashing over 5,000 rounds to defend themselves and prevent further casualties.

The attack unfolded when heavily armed terrorists ambushed an army patrol consisting of two trucks. A grenade was hurled, followed by indiscriminate firing on the vehicles around 3:30 pm. The attack, which occurred near Badnota village, tragically resulted in the deaths of five army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer, with five others injured.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s successful test-firing of the Rudram-1 marks a significant milestone in the country’s development of advanced defense technologies. This first indigenous anti-radiation missile, created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), bolsters India’s self-reliance in critical defense equipment.

The Rudram-1 integrates seamlessly with IAF’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, transforming them into powerful launch platforms. Equipped with a sophisticated navigation system (INS-GPS) and a Passive Homing Head, the missile offers precise targeting of enemy radar and communication systems. This capability is crucial for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions, allowing the IAF to neutralize threats from extended ranges and establish air superiority.

SOURCE: AFI

Tensions rise as Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) ramps up its air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) capabilities. This development comes amidst concerns that the Indian Air Force (IAF) might be falling behind in this crucial area.

The PAF’s primary focus seems to be the KaGeM V3, a mini ALCM jointly developed with Turkey’s Baykar. This missile, similar to Baykar’s KEMANKE? 2, offers a potential range of 200 km and the ability to be launched from platforms like the Bayraktar Ak?nc? drone. This significantly bolsters the PAF’s long-range strike capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

The Tejas, India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft, is a symbol of technological prowess. But its final form wasn’t the only contender! Back in the mid-80s, when the program was taking shape at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), internet users have unearthed some fascinating alternate designs that never saw the light of day.

The first design that grabs attention is the cranked-arrow delta wing. This configuration, featuring a curved wingtip, bears an uncanny resemblance to the F-16XL. The F-16XL, an experimental variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, was known for its excellent maneuverability. Did the ADA design team envision similar agility for the Tejas?

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission is offering fresh insights into the Moon’s southern high-latitude region, thanks to data analysis from the Pragyan rover.

The findings, presented earlier this year at a scientific conference, reveal new details about the distribution and origin of rock fragments on the lunar surface. This significantly advances our understanding of lunar geology.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s quest for six next-generation submarines is nearing a critical juncture. After completing Field Evaluation Trials (FET) on both contenders, the S-80 offered by Navantia (Spain) and the T-214 by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) (Germany), the program is set to enter the selection and negotiation stage.

The Indian Navy will meticulously analyze the performance data from the FETs to select the submarine that best meets its operational requirements. This selection will pave the way for price negotiations with the chosen vendor.