SOURCE: AFI

Recent developments in India’s visa policy targeting Canadian citizens with links to Khalistani organizations have reignited discussions about long-standing visa issues between India and Canada. This move by India has brought to light the parallel practices by Canada, which have been in place for years, specifically targeting retired Indian security personnel.

For the last few years, Canada has maintained stringent visa policies for former members of the Indian Police, Army, and paramilitary forces. Notably, individuals who have served with the Punjab Police are almost automatically denied visas, even for tourism purposes. This policy extends to former members of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Rifles, where applicants are interrogated about their deployment areas during their service. Similarly, ex-Army personnel are questioned if they were stationed in sensitive regions like Punjab, Assam, or Kashmir.

SOURCE: AFI

Jean-Marc Budin, Senior Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, and India at Thales, has announced a significant investment in India’s burgeoning aviation sector. A multi-million euro project is underway to establish an advanced Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Gurgaon, near the Delhi airport, with completion expected by 2025. This facility is designed to enhance service efficiency for key Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo, providing state-of-the-art maintenance solutions for avionics systems.

“Thales is committed to supporting India in preparing for the impending large-scale aviation sector growth and transformation,” Budin stated, highlighting the strategic importance of this investment. The MRO will serve as a hub for maintaining and upgrading avionics, ensuring the operational efficiency of India’s rapidly expanding airline fleets.

SOURCE: AFI

Suprabal Janasewashree General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, is currently on an official visit to India. As part of his itinerary, he toured two premier defense manufacturing facilities in Pune—Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge Limited—both renowned for their contributions to cutting-edge military technology.

During his visit, General Sigdel lauded the role of TASL and Bharat Forge in advancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. Both companies are key players in the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign defense imports by fostering indigenous production. He praised their efforts in bolstering India’s defense self-reliance and expressed admiration for their state-of-the-art facilities and innovative technologies.

SOURCE: AFI

As India navigates the complex landscape of military aviation, the choice between the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 has become a focal point, especially with President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to New Delhi for the 23rd annual India-Russia bilateral summit. The recent advocacy by Russian state media, particularly through Sputnik India’s tweets, has positioned the Su-57 as not only a tactical choice but a strategic one for India’s defense needs.

The Su-57, Russia’s answer to fifth-generation fighter technology, has been promoted for its versatility, being a multi-role fighter capable of air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare. Posts found on X highlight its ability to integrate stealth with superior speed and maneuverability, suggesting it might offer a balanced approach to combat scenarios India might face.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Forge Ltd, a global leader in metal forming and a key player in the automotive and defense sectors, has announced its strategic acquisition of a 25% equity stake in Edgelab SpA, an Italian firm renowned for its expertise in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This move marks a significant expansion into the realm of marine robotics for Bharat Forge, with potential implications for both civilian and defense applications.

Edgelab SpA has carved a niche in the underwater technology sector, specializing in the design and production of high-tech AUVs. The company’s offerings span a broad spectrum of applications, including scientific research, marine archaeology, undersea and offshore operations, professional underwater services, and port security. This acquisition aligns with Bharat Forge’s vision to diversify its technological portfolio and strengthen its global presence in specialized manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, India’s Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) in Kanpur has started producing pilot parachutes specifically designed for the indigenous Tejas fighter jet. This development not only underscores India’s growing capability in aerospace technology but also highlights a breakthrough in cost efficiency.

The parachutes from OPF are notably priced at ?8 lakh each, which is nearly half the cost of their imported counterparts. This pricing does not come at the expense of quality; the parachutes are engineered to meet international standards for reliability and strength. This cost-effectiveness is a boon for the Indian Air Force, allowing for significant savings while ensuring the security and safety of its pilots.

SOURCE: AFI

In a historic ceremony at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal near Hyderabad, the first batch of officers for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) newly established Weapon Systems Branch was commissioned. This event took place during the Combined Graduation Parade on Saturday, where 204 cadets, including 26 women from the flying and ground duty streams, were sworn in as flying officers. The parade was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff.

The Weapon Systems Branch officers undergo a rigorous two-stage training program. The first stage is conducted at the AFA, providing foundational knowledge and skills. Following this, the cadets move to the newly established Weapon Systems School at Begumpet, also near Hyderabad, for specialized training tailored to the branch’s unique roles. According to Air Chief Marshal Choudhari, this branch is designed to manage four distinct streams:

SOURCE: AFI

India is poised to become part of an exclusive club of nations with quantum satellite capabilities, aiming to fortify its communication networks against cyber threats and hacking. This significant step forward is under the umbrella of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which underscores India’s commitment to pioneering in quantum technology.

Traditional communication through optical fibers faces limitations due to the energy loss of photons over distances greater than 100-250 kilometers, necessitating the deployment of trusted node boxes approximately every 150 kilometers. This not only escalates costs but also hampers the scalability and practicality of secure communication networks.

SOURCE: AFI

According to a report by Intelligence Online, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has recently again made a case in Washington for the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets. This isn’t the first time Bangladesh has sought these American aircraft; a similar plea was made back in 1999, highlighting a persistent interest in bolstering its air capabilities with U.S. technology.

In 1999, the United States declined Bangladesh’s request to purchase F-16s, a decision influenced by geopolitical considerations and concerns over regional stability. Fast forward to the current scenario, the U.S. is once again showing reluctance. Last time, the American hesitation stemmed from Bangladesh’s move to procure Russian MiG-29 jets. State Department officials back then had expressed concerns about this deal, that they have held several discussions with Bangladeshi officials to voice these worries.

SOURCE: AFI

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is on the cusp of a significant milestone in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas MkII with the operationalization of its Iron Bird test facility. This facility, set to be up and running in the next few months, is crucial for ensuring the aircraft’s systems are thoroughly tested before its maiden flight.

The Iron Bird, as the name implies, is a full-scale mock-up of the Tejas MkII where every aspect of the aircraft’s functionality can be simulated and tested. This test rig is specifically designed to evaluate the aircraft’s Flight Control System (FCS) in both open and closed loop modes, with or without a pilot in the loop. This setup includes a comprehensive array of subsystems such as the cockpit, avionics suite, external visual simulation, and all Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) of the Integrated Flight Control System (IFCS), all interfacing with the central Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC).

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant revelation made on Thursday, S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), highlighted a critical gap in India’s aerospace industry – the lack of sufficient aerodynamic testing facilities. Speaking at the SAROD 2024 event organized by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Somanath stressed the urgent need for substantial investment to bolster India’s capabilities in this area.

Somanath pointed out that many essential tests, including jet simulations, have been conducted outside India due to inadequate local facilities, stating, “Many of the testing, including jet simulations, could not be achieved with sufficient confidence in India.” This reliance on foreign facilities for aerodynamic testing has been a bottleneck for Indian aerospace development, particularly for projects under the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

SOURCE: AFI

The Ministry of Defence has awarded a ?13,500 crore contract to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 additional Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). These aircraft will replace fighters lost in crashes and accidents over the years, maintaining the IAF’s operational readiness.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI, a cornerstone of the IAF’s fighter fleet, has a sanctioned strength of 272 aircraft. Currently, 260 are in active service, spread across 13 operational squadrons and technical establishments such as the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). The new contract ensures the fleet remains robust and operationally effective, with deliveries expected to be completed within the next few years.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent depiction of Canadian Hindus as extremists in Season 8, Episode 7 of the TV show S.W.A.T. is both troubling and irresponsible. By distorting historical realities and perpetuating harmful stereotypes, the episode trivializes the complex issue of Khalistani terrorism and unfairly maligns the Hindu community.

A particularly egregious element of the episode is its description of the Air India Flight 182 bombing—the deadliest act of aviation terrorism before 9/11—as “allegedly” carried out by Khalistanis. This contradicts well-documented evidence implicating Khalistani extremists in the 1985 bombing, which claimed 329 lives. The Canadian government’s own inquiry confirmed their role, leaving no room for ambiguity. By casting doubt on this established fact, the show not only disrespects the victims but also trivializes a dark chapter in history.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s defense technology ecosystem, Astra Microwave Products Limited, in collaboration with Rafael Comsys Private Limited, has secured a ?255.88 crore order from the Ministry of Defence. The order, announced on December 13, 2024, involves the procurement of 93 additional sets of Software Defined Radios (SDR) Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) with A kits, SBC 2 cards, and Network-Centric Operations applications for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The Su-30 MKI is the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and this upgrade underscores the emphasis on enhancing its operational capabilities. The SDR systems, central to modern network-centric warfare, will enable seamless communication, data sharing, and operational coordination between fighter aircraft and ground-based command centers. These radios are integral to ensuring secure and reliable connectivity, a critical requirement in contemporary aerial combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

The negotiations between the Pakistani military and China regarding the strategic port of Gwadar have hit a significant roadblock. At the heart of the deadlock is Pakistan’s demand for nuclear second-strike capabilities from Beijing, a request that has not only stalled discussions but also highlighted the tensions in the Sino-Pakistani relationship.

Pakistan sought to leverage the strategic location of Gwadar Port, a key asset within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to secure advanced nuclear capabilities. A second-strike capability would significantly enhance Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence by ensuring the capacity to retaliate even after a devastating first strike, using nuclear-armed submarines or missiles in hardened silos. This capability is pivotal in modern nuclear strategy, aiming to dissuade potential aggressors by ensuring the certainty of counter-strike.