SOURCE: AFI

Zen Technologies, a frontrunner in anti-drone technology, is confident in its future, according to company officials. In a recent statement, they acknowledged the presence of global competition but emphasized the positive reception their systems are receiving from potential customers.

Zen Technologies highlighted ongoing discussions with several countries interested in their anti-drone systems. This indicates a strong international demand for their technology. However, they also recognize that some customers may have specific needs that necessitate exploring alternative solutions.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based Kadet Defence Systems (KDS) has unveiled a new line of Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM) designed for the Indian Armed Forces.

KDS has committed to delivering over 50 LAM units by the end of 2024. These advanced weapon systems were developed under a unique DCPP (Defence Capability Planning Committee) model, indicating collaboration with the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

SOURCE: AFI

The Philippines sees the acquisition of BrahMos cruise missiles from India as a significant boost to its national security, according to Philippine Ambassador Josel Francisco Ignacio. Ambassador Ignacio hailed the BrahMos missiles as a source of “credible deterrence” and a “milestone” for the Philippines. This highlights the importance the Philippines places on this new capability.

The Ambassador further emphasized that the acquisition is a “recognition of India’s Defense Industry, defence capability.” This signifies a growing trust and partnership between the two nations in the defense sector.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is set to gain a new weapon in its arsenal – an anti-AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) missile based on the DRDO-developed STAR missile. This indigenous missile boasts an impressive range of 300 kilometers, significantly bolstering the Tejas’s ability to counter airborne threats.

The air-to-air variant of the STAR missile is specifically designed to neutralize slow-moving, high-value aerial platforms like AWACS aircraft, aerial refuelers, and airborne jammers. These platforms play a crucial role in enemy air operations, providing critical intelligence and support. By equipping the Tejas Mk1A with this anti-AWACS capability, India can potentially disrupt enemy air tactics and gain a significant advantage in air combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to equip its upgraded Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft with the highly potent HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missile system. This integration, currently underway by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), will significantly enhance the Tejas’ ground attack capabilities.

India placed an order for an unspecified number of HAMMER kits from French manufacturer Safran in 2021. These kits are specifically designed for the Mk1A variant of the Tejas LCA. The HAMMER system boasts a modular design, allowing it to be equipped with various guidance units and carry different types of ordnance. This versatility enables the Tejas Mk1A to engage a wide range of ground targets, including fortified bunkers, with pinpoint accuracy from extended stand-off ranges of up to 70 kilometers.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s military is reportedly accelerating its acquisition of hundreds of advanced mobile artillery systems from China, potentially giving them a tactical edge over India. These mobile gun systems (MGS), known as SH-15 155mm systems, are mounted on truck platforms, offering greater mobility and faster deployment compared to traditional towed artillery.

This ‘shoot and scoot’ tactic allows artillery units to fire a barrage of shells at targets and then relocate swiftly, minimizing the risk of retaliation. The Indian Army, on the other hand, is facing delays in procuring similar equipment due to the lengthy bureaucratic processes of the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD).

SOURCE: AFI

New Space Research & Technologies (NRT), a leading Indian aerospace and defense R&D company, has announced a partnership with Forge for the O.C-9.0 Challenge – High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) MK1. Known for pioneering advanced technologies for critical aerospace and defense missions, NRT is one of India’s fastest-growing companies in this sector. Their focus lies on Next-Generation Missions and Technologies (NGM&T), pushing the boundaries of innovation.

NRT possesses unique expertise in MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming). This technology allows manned fighter aircraft to act as central hubs, coordinating and synchronizing fleets of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and uncrewed combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). This significantly enhances the capabilities of multi-mission air combat assets.

SOURCE: AFI

Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, has begun supplying the Armado, a newly designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), to the Indian armed forces. This marks a significant milestone for MDS, with deliveries exceeding 719 vehicles in the current financial year (FY24) – the highest annual total for the company including the ALSV, Markshman, and Mrap models.

The Armado is designed for versatility and can adapt to various operational needs. It boasts ballistic protection of up to B7 Stanag Level II, making it suitable for counter-terrorism operations, patrolling conflict zones, and supporting special forces. Its capabilities extend to carrying ammunition, functioning as a reconnaissance vehicle, and patrolling borders. The Armado’s design enables it to navigate challenging terrains, from open fields to deserts.

SOURCE: AFI

BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, is setting its sights on Southeast Asia to expand its market for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, according to a report by Jane’s.

The report states that BrahMos Aerospace has offered the BrahMos missile to three Southeast Asian nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The company is currently engaged in talks with all three countries, aiming to finalize potential deals.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defense Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) has reached a significant milestone in India’s aerospace capabilities by successfully developing liquid Ramjet fuel for advanced air-breathing engines.

The successful testing of the newly developed fuel at the Ramjet Test bed at the Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) on May 8, 2024, demonstrates its compatibility and efficacy in powering air-breathing engines. This validation paves the way for further advancements in aerospace propulsion systems and opens up new possibilities for the development of next-generation defense technologies.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s defense sector is poised for a significant expansion as the government unveils ambitious targets aimed at bolstering domestic production and increasing exports in the coming years. With a focus on enhancing self-reliance and promoting indigenous manufacturing, these targets underscore India’s commitment to strengthening its defense industrial base and positioning itself as a major player in the global arms market.

The government’s roadmap for the defense sector outlines a series of ambitious goals to be achieved by 2028-29. Chief among these is the aim to increase India’s annual defense production nearly threefold, reaching Rs 3 lakh crore. This substantial increase reflects the government’s determination to ramp up domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports for critical defense equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

Earlier this year, MKU Limited and Vegvisir joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership poised to revolutionize the Indian defence market. This collaboration opens the door for Vegvisir’s innovative Situational Awareness System to make its mark in India, offering advanced capabilities to enhance the operational effectiveness of armoured vehicle crews.

Vegvisir’s Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System (MRSAS) represents a paradigm shift in how armoured vehicle personnel perceive and interact with their surroundings. By providing a comprehensive understanding of both immediate and distant environments, Vegvisir empowers crews with unparalleled situational awareness, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is inching closer to India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. As part of their preparations, they are planning a series of integrated air-drop tests (IADTs) to validate the crucial parachute system.

Pre-mission trials for the first IADT have begun at the Sriharikota spaceport. Both the simulated crew module and the Indian Air Force’s Chinook aircraft, tasked with carrying the module to the drop altitude, have arrived at the site.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China reportedly visited the headquarters of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) in Yizhuang, Beijing, according to sources. These sources suggest that discussions during the visit centered on acquiring additional J-10C fighter jets and furthering bilateral cooperation in the defense sector.

This development comes after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) acquired an initial batch of 25 J-10CE fighter jets, likely a response to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) acquisition of 36 Rafale jets from France.

SOURCE: AFI

Amidst the fervor of India’s Lok Sabha elections in 2024, a new dimension has emerged in the geopolitical landscape, as the Russian Foreign Ministry accuses the United States of making unfounded accusations aimed at destabilizing India. Maria Zakharova, the Ministry’s spokesperson, has condemned Washington’s purported lack of understanding of India’s national mentality and history, labeling the accusations as disrespectful to India as a nation and a state.

Zakharova’s remarks come at a critical juncture when tensions between India and the US have been simmering over allegations of religious freedom violations in the South Asian nation. The Russian spokesperson has unequivocally stated that the motives behind these accusations are far from benign. Instead, she contends that Washington’s intent is to disrupt the internal political equilibrium of India, particularly during the Lok Sabha elections, with the ultimate goal of complicating the electoral process.