SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) is set to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit in Murranahalli, Madakasira, Andhra Pradesh. The project, supported by the Andhra Pradesh government, involves a massive investment of ?2,400 crore, reinforcing the state’s position as a hub for defense and aerospace industries.

The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated 1,000 acres of land for the facility, which will focus on the production of gun propellants and the development of an ammunition filling complex. The facility is expected to serve both domestic and export markets, contributing to India’s growing prominence as a defense manufacturing powerhouse under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

SOURCE: AFI

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae program has reached a major milestone by completing 1,000 accident-free flight sorties since its maiden flight in July 2022. This accomplishment highlights the program’s efficiency and safety standards, reflecting the robust developmental and testing protocols implemented by South Korea’s defense industry. The milestone was achieved in just over two years, underscoring the program’s rapid progress and commitment to timelines.

During its developmental phase, the KF-21 has undergone diverse tests, demonstrating exceptional safety, reliability, and performance. These sorties covered structural integrity, avionics systems, aerodynamics, and advanced combat scenarios, ensuring the aircraft is ready for operational deployment. This achievement serves as a testament to South Korea’s engineering excellence and streamlined approach to fighter aircraft development.

SOURCE: AFI

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), celebrated its 63rd Lab Raising Day with grandeur, recognizing significant contributions to India’s aerospace ambitions. Among the honorees was Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW) Limited, lauded for its exceptional work in developing the gearbox module for a 50 kN thrust-class aero engine.

This milestone achievement underscores the synergy between GTRE and Indian industry partners in advancing indigenous aerospace technologies. The gearbox module, a critical component of jet engine systems, demands the highest precision and reliability, as it manages power transfer and operational efficiency in the aero engine. LMW’s success in delivering this module represents a leap forward in the indigenization of complex aeronautical systems.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent viral video clip shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Shahiduzzaman, a Bangladeshi academic and outspoken commentator, has made highly controversial remarks advocating for Bangladesh to procure three squadrons of JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan. In his statement, Dr. Shahiduzzaman boldly compared the JF-17 Thunder, a Chinese-Pakistani co-production, to the American F-35, claiming that the former offers similar advanced capabilities despite its significantly lower price tag.

Dr. Shahiduzzaman, who had earlier gained attention for his proposal to form a nuclear pact with Pakistan to counterbalance India, has stirred the pot again with his recent comments, raising eyebrows among defense analysts and policymakers in both India and Bangladesh.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent military exercise, the newly inducted Dhanush guns showcased their destructive firepower and pinpoint precision in conjunction with other weapon systems. The exercise provided an opportunity for the gun crews to hone their skills and demonstrate their proficiency in operating these advanced artillery systems.

The Dhanush guns, known for their long-range capabilities and accuracy, were integrated seamlessly with other weapon systems, creating a formidable force. The joint exercise allowed the troops to practice coordinated fire missions, simulating real-world combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, has further solidified its presence in India with the inauguration of its HELA facility in Hyderabad. The state-of-the-art facility will be a hub for repairing radar systems, encompassing power systems, cooling systems, IT integration, radar testing, and calibration.

The facility will employ a skilled workforce of 45 expert professionals and 80 field engineers, who will be dedicated to providing top-notch support and maintenance services to Indian customers.

SOURCE: AFI

Alexander Maksichev, Co-Director of BrahMos Aerospace, shared insights regarding the ongoing international interest in the BrahMos missile system during a statement to the Russian news agency TASS. He revealed that discussions are actively taking place with countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding potential contracts for this advanced missile system.

Maksichev noted that these nations are leading the conversations about acquiring the BrahMos missile, which highlights its growing appeal in the global defense market. While he did not disclose specific details about the negotiations, the expressions of interest from these nations indicate a significant step towards expanding the missile’s international footprint.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant step in India’s defense capabilities is underway as a delegation led by D.K. Sunil, the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is currently in Russia. The purpose of this visit is to finalize a deal for the license manufacturing of 240 AL-31FP aero engines, which are crucial for the Su-30MKI fighter jets currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The AL-31FP engine has proven to be a reliable powerplant for the Su-30MKI, which is known for its agility, speed, and advanced avionics. According to sources from HAL, each Su-30MKI aircraft has a lifespan of approximately 6,000 flight hours, necessitating the replacement of engines during their operational lifetime. Specifically, a typical Su-30MKI requires three sets of engines over its service life, making this manufacturing deal of paramount importance to ensure the sustained operational readiness of the fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to enhance India’s defensive capabilities, Astr Defence has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Munitions India Limited (MIL), one of the nation’s leading Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). This collaborative effort aims to co-develop advanced Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Counter-UAV) ammunition specifically designed for hard-kill Counter-UAV systems.

With the rise of drone technology and its increasing use for both recreational and malicious purposes, the need for effective countermeasures has become paramount. Drones can pose significant threats to security, privacy, and critical infrastructure. In response to this emerging challenge, Astr Defence and MIL are committed to developing innovative solutions to neutralize these threats efficiently.

SOURCE: AFI

India and Egypt’s strategic partnership continues to deepen, with a significant milestone marked by the arrival of an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent in Egypt. The IAF contingent, comprising three Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, two C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft, and one IL-78 aerial refueling tanker, along with 57 personnel, landed at Cairo West Airbase on November 26, 2024.

The IAF’s participation in the 8th Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP) scheduled from November 26 to December 27, 2024, underscores the growing defense cooperation between the two nations. This joint military exercise aims to enhance interoperability, tactical skills, and strategic understanding between the Indian and Egyptian Air Forces.

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and former Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has hailed India’s groundbreaking achievement in developing and testing its first long-range hypersonic missile. Speaking on the sidelines of a defense event, Dr. Reddy revealed critical insights into this cutting-edge weapon system, describing it as a “game changer” in global missile technology.

Dr. Reddy clarified that the missile, tested successfully earlier this month, is not a conventional hypersonic cruise missile. Instead, it represents a novel hybrid design that combines the characteristics of both ballistic and cruise missiles. “This missile is launched like a ballistic missile and then transitions to cruise mode. No one in the world has it,” he emphasized.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s RTA-90 (Regional Transport Aircraft) program, envisioned as a domestically developed 90-seater regional aircraft, represents a critical step toward self-reliance in the aviation sector. However, the development of such a platform requires expertise in design, manufacturing, and certification processes, areas where India’s civil aviation industry is still maturing. In this context, partnering with Embraer, a global leader in regional aviation, could be a game-changer for the RTA-90 program.

Embraer has decades of experience designing and manufacturing regional jets, including its popular E-Jet family, which has become a staple in the global regional aviation market. This expertise would provide invaluable insights into the RTA-90’s design and engineering processes, particularly in areas like aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development highlighting the challenges of intellectual property (IP) rights protection, Chennai-based Zuppa Geo Navigation Technology has accused Chinese firms of infringing upon its autopilot technology. The company has urged the Indian government to act against imports from these Chinese entities to safeguard domestic innovation.

Zuppa Geo Navigation Technology, a pioneer in advanced navigation systems and drone technology, has written to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), seeking a ban on imports from Chinese firms allegedly involved in IP violations. The company claims that its patented autopilot technology has been infringed upon by two major Chinese companies JIYI Robot, a Shanghai-based firm exporting autopilots to India and CUAV, another Chinese company accused of supplying autopilot systems that allegedly violate Zuppa Geo’s copyright.

SOURCE: AFI

For the first time in its history, the Indian Army has integrated civil helicopters into its logistics framework to bolster troop support, cargo delivery, and casualty evacuation in remote and inaccessible regions. This strategic partnership with Himalayan Heli Services marks a transformative shift in how the Army sustains operations in challenging terrains, particularly in the harsh winter months.

As per Army sources, the contract focuses on providing helicopter support to maintain winter cut-off posts along India’s Northern and Western borders. Over the course of a year, these civil helicopters will play a pivotal role in sustaining 16 remote posts in the Jammu region throughout the year. 28 posts in Kashmir and Ladakh during a critical 150-day period next year, when extreme snow and ice render traditional logistics routes impassable.

SOURCE: AFI

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier research and development laboratory under DRDO, has recently sent back a defective Long Range Electro-Optic (LREO) system, the IAI Tamam, to its Israeli manufacturer. This decision was taken after the unit encountered technical difficulties during flight trials.

The LREO system is a critical component of various UAV platforms, providing essential intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The unit’s malfunction has temporarily impacted the operational readiness of these platforms.