SOURCE: AFI

Abdul Basit, a former Pakistani diplomat who served as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to India, has called for the Pakistan Navy to include nuclear-powered submarines in its fleet. Speaking to ABN News, Basit emphasized the strategic necessity of such acquisitions, particularly in the context of India’s growing capabilities, including its successful test of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant, which completes India’s nuclear triad.

Basit underscored the importance of establishing parity with India’s naval and nuclear capabilities, suggesting that the Pakistan Navy’s current fleet lacks the deterrence power necessary to counterbalance India’s advancements. He argued that the induction of nuclear-powered submarines would not only strengthen Pakistan’s naval posture but also enhance its second-strike capability, which is a critical component of maintaining strategic stability in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has begun deploying the Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform (WhAP) in the Naxal-affected regions of eastern India. Developed jointly by Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the WhAP represents a significant enhancement in mobility, protection, and operational capability for forces operating in some of India’s most challenging environments.

he WhAP is an 8×8 armoured vehicle designed to perform in diverse terrains, including unpaved roads and dense jungles. It can carry up to 12 soldiers, including the driver, and is equipped with advanced features to ensure survivability and operational efficiency.

SOURCE: AFI

The prestigious High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg recently hosted the Argentina Defense Attache on November 27th. The visit aimed to delve into the intricacies of mountain warfare and tactical operations in high-altitude terrain, exploring potential avenues for future collaboration between the Indian and Argentinian armies.

The Argentinian Defense Attache, a seasoned expert in high-altitude warfare, engaged in insightful discussions with HAWS instructors. The conversation centered around modern warfare in mountainous regions, including the nuances of training and tactical operations in such demanding environments.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Former DRDO Chief, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, speaking at the Emerging Technologies in Defence event hosted by the Madras Management Association in Chennai, confirmed that the rollout of the Tejas MkII fighter jet is progressing as planned. According to Dr. Reddy, the rollout is scheduled to take place between September and October 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense aviation program.

The Tejas MkII is the next-generation iteration of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, designed to bridge the gap between the existing Tejas MkI/MkIA variants and India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan has reportedly cleared the procurement of the advanced J-35 fighter jet, with deliveries expected to commence within the next 24 months. This significant development, reported by 24 News HD, underscores a major modernization effort by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The move is seen as a critical step in bolstering Pakistan’s air combat capabilities, with PAF pilots already undergoing training on the platform.

The J-35 is China’s latest 5th-generation stealth fighter, designed as a carrier-based aircraft but adaptable for land-based operations. It incorporates advanced stealth features, modern avionics, and a robust sensor suite, positioning it as a formidable opponent in the skies. Equipped with AESA radar, internal weapons bays, and high maneuverability, the J-35 is expected to enhance the PAF’s ability to conduct a wide range of missions, from air superiority to deep-strike operations.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar recently confirmed a successful test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). While details regarding the missile’s trajectory and specifics were not disclosed, it is widely speculated that the test involved the K-4 SLBM, marking a significant achievement for India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

Reports suggest that the test was conducted from the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, and, for the first time, the missile was tested at its full operational range. The K-4, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a key component of India’s nuclear triad, offering a range of up to 3,500 kilometers.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent reports circulating on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) CATS Warrior Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) has already conducted its maiden flight are inaccurate. HAL has clarified that the development of the 1.1-ton Warrior Loyal Wingman prototype is still in the fabrication stage, with its first flight expected only in the later months of 2025.

The Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, an ambitious project under HAL’s umbrella, aims to develop an advanced Loyal Wingman UCAV designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets like the Tejas and AMCA. Following the successful testing of a 300-kilogram scaled-down model, the full-scale prototype received the green light for fabrication earlier this year.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has confirmed that the long-awaited deal for 26 Rafale M fighter jets is nearing completion and could be finalized within the next two months. This acquisition marks a significant step forward for enhancing the Navy’s air combat capabilities, particularly for its aircraft carrier operations.

The deal is set to include 22 single-seater Rafale M F4 variants specifically tailored for carrier-based operations and four twin-seater Rafale B F4 variants for training purposes. While the Rafale M variants will operate from the Navy’s aircraft carriers, the Rafale B units will be limited to shore-based training missions at the Indian Naval Air Station INS Hansa in Goa, as they are not designed for carrier operations.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant achievement for India’s maritime security, the Indian Navy seized 500 kilograms of crystal meth in the Arabian Sea with the instrumental assistance of the Maritime Spotter Drone supplied by Sagar Defence Engineering. This operation underscores the growing importance of cutting-edge drone technology in safeguarding national waters and combating drug trafficking.

The Maritime Spotter Drone, developed by the Indian company Sagar Defence Engineering, played a pivotal role in the successful interception of the narcotics shipment. Its advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities enabled precise monitoring and tracking, providing the Indian Navy with crucial intelligence to execute the operation.

SOURCE: AFI

Spanish shipbuilding giant Navantia has asserted that the S-80 Class submarine it has offered to India under the ambitious Project-75 (I) program is not a diluted export variant but the exact model deployed by the Spanish Navy. This claim strengthens Navantia’s position in India’s hunt for advanced conventional submarines equipped with next-generation capabilities.

The S-80 Class submarine, currently in service with the Spanish Navy, represents a new generation of non-nuclear propulsion submarines, designed for extended missions and high-performance operations. Speaking about its offer to India, Navantia emphasized that the platform will come equipped with all systems identical to those used by Spain, with no major subsystems omitted or downgraded.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent Social media claims by people believed to be Russian accounts that Indian-supplied weapons systems, such as the Pinaka and ATAGS, have underperformed in Armenia’s conditions seem to be part of a broader propaganda effort, fueled by the growing shift in Armenia’s defence procurement towards Indian-made systems. These Russian assertions, which claim that Indian artillery systems cannot perform in Armenia’s terrain, are not only misleading but also lack credibility, especially when one considers the extensive and rigorous testing that these systems have undergone in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth.

Indian defense systems, including the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system and the ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System), have been tested and successfully operated in challenging environments in India, including the Thar Desert and the Himalayan mountain ranges. These are far more demanding conditions than those found in Armenia, where temperatures can vary but do not reach the extremes encountered in these regions.

SOURCE: AFI

Umang Kohli, an Indian Army veteran, recently shared fascinating insights about his experiences with five different tanks during his distinguished career. From driving and firing to commanding some of the most iconic armored vehicles in military history, Kohli’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the evolution of armored warfare.

Vijayant Tank : “Huge and bulky, I could barely change its gear. It was so heavy that it wouldn’t stop even after pressing the brake—you had to stand on it.” The Vijayant, known for its size and ruggedness, posed challenges in maneuverability. Despite these challenges, it held a special place in India’s armored history as a reliable platform during its era.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is hopeful that the upcoming administration in Washington, led by Donald Trump, will adopt a more pragmatic approach to allow India to procure Russian weapons and spare parts. India, one of the largest operators of Russian-origin defense systems, has been grappling with challenges in maintaining its existing inventory due to economic sanctions on the Russian banking system. These sanctions, imposed as part of broader U.S. measures against Russia, have disrupted payment mechanisms and restricted India’s ability to trade freely with Moscow.

The sanctions, particularly on the Russian banking system, have created logistical hurdles for the procurement of critical spare parts and upgrades. These delays threaten the operational readiness of India’s defense forces, forcing the MoD to explore alternatives while lobbying for exemptions or workarounds.

SOURCE: AFI

France has extended two pivotal proposals to India, aiming to deepen defense and technological collaboration. Among these, the most groundbreaking is the offer to co-design, develop, and manufacture an advanced aircraft engine in partnership with Indian entities. This collaboration promises full technology transfer, significant proprietary rights, and the potential to revolutionize India’s aviation industry.

At the heart of this proposal is the transfer of expertise in manufacturing single-crystal turbine blades, a critical component of high-performance aero-engines.

SOURCE: AFI

State-owned Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) has announced a significant breakthrough in the development of Inconel 718, a high-end superalloy critical for advanced aerospace applications. This alloy, considered one of the most challenging materials to manufacture, is pivotal for the development of aero engines and other strategic technologies in India.

Inconel 718 is widely regarded as one of the most difficult alloys to produce, particularly due to its high strength, resistance to extreme temperatures, and demand for stringent quality standards. MIDHANI has successfully developed a version of this alloy with a 325 mm diameter (over 12 inches), achieving exceptional quality standards and minimal defect levels of just 1.2 mm, a remarkable accomplishment in the field of metallurgy.