SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Bharat Shakti Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, Commodore A. Madhavarao (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), revealed the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) exceptional regard for the Astra Mk-I air-to-air missile. Commodore Madhavarao went beyond simply calling it one of the best, instead declaring it the world leader in its class. This news comes alongside confirmation of delivery commencement for the Astra Mk-I to the IAF.

The Astra Mk-I is a testament to India’s indigenous missile development capabilities. This Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missile boasts an impressive range, exceeding four times the speed of sound (Mach 4.5) during flight. Following successful user trials conducted from Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, the Astra-1 is now in full production at BDL.

SOURCE: AFI

China’s naval ambitions took a leap forward with the maiden voyage of its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This marks a significant step in China’s quest to challenge US dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The Fujian, the largest and most advanced Chinese carrier yet, boasts the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for enhanced aircraft operations.

These developments are likely to prompt a response from India, which currently operates two modestly sized carriers. The Fujian’s capabilities could push India to consider building a third carrier, potentially exceeding the 60,000-ton displacement of its current vessels.

SOURCE: AFI

Three Indian nationals – Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karanpreet Singh (28) – stand accused of murdering Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to Intel sources speaking to idrw.org , concerns exist that the Canadian agency handling the case might be pressuring the accused for lighter sentences in exchange for potentially fabricated statements.

The three men have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Intelligence officials allege that a deal might be struck between them and “compromised Canadian Agency officials” to pin the blame on India. This allegation comes amidst heightened tensions between the two nations following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of a possible Indian role in the killing, which India has vehemently denied.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s quest to bolster its underwater defense capabilities with new submarines under Project 75I is progressing steadily. Following successful field evaluation trials (FET) in March, a team is now headed to Spain.

In March 2024, an Indian Naval team visited the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) facility in Germany. There, they conducted FETs of the U-212C/D submarine offered for Project 75I. The results were positive, with the submarine meeting the technical criteria laid out in the Request for Information (RFI) issued earlier.

SOURCE: AFI

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) recently released a video showcasing the high-altitude pseudo-satellite testing conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, India. While the video’s main focus was the high-altitude testing, eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appeared to be three DRDO Stealth SWiFT UCAV prototypes shrouded under a tarpaulin.

The SWiFT (Standing Wave Integrated Fused Thruster) is a crucial prototype, acting as a scaled-down version of the forthcoming Ghatak unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This program signifies a significant stride in India’s development of indigenous combat drones. The SWiFT boasts a weight of just one tonne, while the operational Ghatak UCAV is expected to be a much larger aircraft, weighing in at around 13 tonnes.

SOURCE: AFI

Tonbo Imaging, a leading defense company, recently exhibited its combat-proven and multi-mission tactical imaging systems at the Army Supply Corps (ASC) Command & Control (C&D) event held in Bengaluru, India. Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, GOC-in-C ARTRAC, Shimla of the Indian Army Training Command, was among the attendees who received a firsthand look at Tonbo’s advanced technology.

Tonbo Imaging impressed attendees with a range of weapon-mounted and handheld imaging systems designed for various battlefield applications. Here’s a breakdown of the showcased products:

SOURCE: AFI

Left-Leaning Media Outlet ” The Wire ” has reported that Munitions India Ltd (MIL) was granted was granted in January 2024 by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), underscores the complex nature of dual-use technologies and their significance in military and civilian applications.

MIL, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, has been permitted to export certain products to Israel, with a repeat order application submitted in April 2024. While the approval for the second export is still under consideration by licensing authorities, the initial clearance has brought attention to the classification of these products as ‘dual-use’ items.

SOURCE: AFI

Godrej & Boyce’s business Godrej Aerospace has achieved a significant milestone by developing a high-temperature brazing process crucial for Aero Engine performance, marking a first for India. This innovation aligns with Godrej Aerospace’s commitment to fostering indigenous capabilities within the Indian aerospace sector.

The successful development of this brazing process strengthens India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem by offering a critical capability previously reliant on foreign technologies.

SOURCE: AFI.

Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, alleged that India’s leadership is aware of “multiple threats” emanating from the eastern border. He further claimed that India is planning “diversionary tactics” to divert attention from its internal violence.

Sharif cited what he called “multiple violations of ceasefire by India on a small scale” in the current year, including:

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army is exploring the creation of a specialized unit dedicated to acting as the adversary during military exercises and wargame training. This new unit, referred to as “OPFOR” (Opposing Forces), is currently under discussion and awaits final approval from the Army leadership.

Traditionally, Indian Army exercises have featured designated “blue forces” representing friendly troops and a less-defined opposing force. The proposed OPFOR unit aims to elevate the training experience by providing a more realistic and dynamic portrayal of potential adversaries.

SOURCE: AFI

In the wake of evolving global conflicts and the demonstrated effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare, India should finds ways in exploring innovative ways to enhance its defense capabilities. One of option could be conversion of the Hansa New Generation (HANSA-NG) aircraft into a long-range kamikaze UAV, drawing inspiration from the Ukrainian experience and leveraging extensive technical modifications.

The Ukrainian E-300, a notable example of a kamikaze UAV, has showcased the potential of such platforms in asymmetric warfare scenarios. By converting existing aircraft into unmanned suicide drones, nations can effectively engage targets beyond the reach of conventional weapons while minimizing risk to human operators.

SOURCE: AFI

Submarines have long been an essential component of naval defense strategies worldwide, providing stealth, mobility, and firepower beneath the waves. Among the modern submarines in service, the U-212 and S80 Plus stand out as notable examples of advanced maritime technology. In this article, we’ll delve into the features and capabilities of these two submarines and compare them across various aspects.

The U-212 submarine is a diesel-electric submarine developed by the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. It features a unique design optimized for stealth and agility. The submarine is constructed using non-magnetic materials, making it difficult for magnetic detection systems to detect. Its hull is coated with anechoic tiles to minimize its acoustic signature, further enhancing its stealth capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is set to develop a single-seat variant of its FA-50 light combat aircraft (LCA) in collaboration with both military and civilian sectors. This new iteration, estimated to cost $48 million for initial development, aims to capitalize on the growing market for affordable yet capable fighter jets.

The single-seat FA-50 will shed its rear seat, creating additional internal space for two key improvements. Firstly, the increased volume will allow for more fuel storage, potentially extending the aircraft’s range by 30%. Secondly, this space can be utilized for a ground collision avoidance system (GCAS), enhancing safety during operations.

SOURCE: AFI

Lockheed Martin’s F-21 fighter jet has been making headlines as the American contender in India’s Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal, positioning itself as a formidable option for the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, beneath the flashy marketing and bold claims lies a more nuanced reality that deserves closer scrutiny.

While Lockheed Martin insists that the F-21 is not merely a redesignated F-16, but a significantly enhanced variant, skeptics argue that it falls short of the hype surrounding it. Comparisons to the F-35 a 5th generation stealth fighter, seem exaggerated, with the F-21 positioned as a step below its capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Army intelligence sources have expressed concern over a worrying trend in recent militant attacks in Kashmir. These attacks, characterized by the use of steel-core bullets and well-coordinated “hit-and-run” tactics, have resulted in casualties among Indian security forces.

Military sources claim the insurgents are deploying steel-coated bullets, designed to penetrate the armor of military vehicles. This presents a significant challenge, as it can inflict greater damage and bypass traditional bulletproof protection, especially at close range.