You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it!
Archives

AFI

SOURCE: AFI

Star Aerospace, a leading Indian aerospace company, has secured a contract worth ?18 crore to supply 2000 upgraded kits for the Indian Army’s INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG). The upgrade kits will enhance the capabilities of the INSAS LMG, making it more effective for modern combat operations.

The modification/upgradation system offered by Star Aerospace includes several key features:

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has inducted a new technological marvel into its ranks: unmanned robotic dogs. These sturdy, steel-made machines, officially named MULES (Multi-Utility Legged Equipment), are designed to assist troops in various tasks, from surveillance to combat support.

The MULES, which resemble real-life dogs in appearance, are equipped with a range of advanced features. They can carry heavy payloads, including surveillance equipment, small arms, sensors, and even thermal imaging cameras that provide clear images in low-light conditions. Their ability to climb stairs and navigate challenging terrain makes them ideal for reconnaissance missions, especially in urban environments or mountainous regions.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

The future of the DRDO’s Arjun main battle tank (MBT) program hangs in the balance as the Indian Army prioritizes the development of the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV). With limited orders and ongoing challenges, the Arjun program, which has spanned over three decades, may soon be deemed a failure.

The FRCV is set to supersede the Arjun MBT, signaling a shift in the Indian Army’s modernization plans. The Arjun program has faced setbacks, including a shortfall in orders from the Indian Army. Despite initial expectations of 500 units to make the program financially viable, the current order tally stands at less than 250 tanks. This shortfall has cast a shadow over the program’s future.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

The recent commissioning of the INS Arighaat, India’s fifth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), marks a significant milestone in the country’s strategic Indo-Pacific framework. According to former Indian naval officer Commodore C Uday Bhaskar, the development is particularly noteworthy given China’s “creeping assertiveness” along its border with India.

India joins an elite club of nations, including the United States, Russia, Britain, France, and China, that possess nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Bhaskar emphasized that neighboring nations will be keenly observing India’s progress, especially considering the country’s growing domestic defense manufacturing and hi-tech design capabilities. Pakistan, in particular, is likely to monitor India’s expanding naval power closely.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

Image Credit Harshal Pal (@HarshalPal5)

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) decision to not assign a new combat aircraft design project to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) immediately after the HF-24 program proved to be a significant misstep. This lack of foresight led to a gradual erosion of design expertise within HAL, a critical asset for the nation’s defense industry.

The HAL design bureau, which had demonstrated its capabilities with the HF-24, was left with little to no design work following the project’s completion. As a result, valuable experience and knowledge were lost, hindering the organization’s ability to contribute meaningfully to future aircraft development efforts.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

A new image, circulating on Chinese social media, has ignited speculation about the progress of the FC-31/J-31 stealth fighter program. The image appears to show a J-31 prototype during a test flight, with a prominent Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) visible in its chin.

The rapid development of the J-31 program suggests that China is making significant strides in its 5th-generation fighter technology. The inclusion of the EOTS, a crucial component for advanced targeting and reconnaissance, further underscores the aircraft’s capabilities.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

A rare image has surfaced online, showcasing an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21BIS fighter jet equipped with French-manufactured Matra R550 Magic 2 air-to-air missiles. This pairing is a testament to the IAF’s diverse inventory and its historical ties with various international defense suppliers.

The Matra R550 Magic 2 is a short-range, infrared homing air-to-air missile that was primarily developed for the French Air Force and Navy. Renowned for its highly effective infrared homing guidance system, the Magic 2 is capable of targeting heat-emitting sources, such as jet engines.

Continue reading

SOURCE: PTI

India on Friday successfully test-fired the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) for the second consecutive day from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on the Odisha coast, defence sources said.

A statement from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) confirmed that both tests on September 12 and 13 were successful. “In both the tests, the missile successfully intercepted a high-speed low altitude aerial target mimicking sea skimming aerial target,” the statement said. For safety reasons, the Balasore district administration temporarily relocated 3,100 residents from six villages within 2.5 km radius of ITR Launch Pad 3.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari of the Indian Air Force (IAF) emphasized the urgent need to ramp up the production capabilities for India’s home-grown fighter jet, like Tejas MkII, to meet the IAF’s increasing demand. Speaking on Thursday, Chaudhari highlighted the importance of expanding assembly lines and called for greater collaboration with the private sector.

“The way forward is to diversify the production lines, have more public-private partnerships or joint ventures with private partners to establish multiple production lines. This is the way to catch up with our requirement,” Chaudhari stated.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to significantly advance its missile program with a comprehensive testing schedule slated for next month. According to sources, the DRDO will conduct trials for a diverse range of missile systems, encompassing both conventional and strategic weapons. This ambitious initiative marks a pivotal milestone in India’s efforts to bolster its defence capabilities and achieve self-reliance in the sector.

The upcoming tests will not only refine the performance of existing missile systems but also pave the way for the introduction of new-generation technologies. This strategic focus aligns with India’s commitment to strengthening its defence posture in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. The DRDO is now actively engaged in developing cutting-edge missiles to address emerging threats in both land and maritime domains.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

Air Chief Marshal VK Chaudhuri has called for a swift resolution to the ongoing delays in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Indian Air Force (IAF), grappling with a critical shortage of fighter jets, is eagerly awaiting the delivery of additional Tejas fighters to bolster its combat capabilities.

Addressing the media following the conclusion of the multinational exercise Tarang Shakti, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhuri emphasized the urgent need to establish diversified production lines to bridge the growing gap in the supply of Tejas jets. He underscored the industry’s responsibility in finding innovative solutions to ramp up production and ensure timely delivery of the aircraft.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, is currently on an important visit to India. During his trip, he will receive a first-hand demonstration of India’s indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jet as well as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) facility in Bengaluru. This visit comes at a time when the Brazilian Air Force is actively looking to modernize its fleet, and the collaboration between India and Brazil in the defense sector is poised to expand significantly.

One of the key highlights of the Brazilian Air Force’s visit is their interest in acquiring new helicopters for various roles. Brazil has a requirement for 24 helicopters, which could include a new squadron specifically for operations in the Amazon region and for flood relief missions. Given Brazil’s vast and diverse terrain, a versatile fleet of helicopters is crucial for the country’s military operations, especially for conducting search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, and providing relief during natural disasters.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a test launch of a Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from a missile test facility off the Odisha coast on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Developed indigenously by DRDO, the VL-SRSAM is a sophisticated air defense system designed to intercept and neutralize aerial threats such as aircraft and drones. The missile is equipped with advanced technology, including a solid propellant rocket motor and a highly maneuverable flight control system.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

ATR, the French turboprop aircraft manufacturer, is exploring the possibility of setting up an assembly line in India following the government’s decision to extend the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for another ten years. The regional connectivity scheme, which provides subsidies to airlines operating flights to remote areas, presents a significant opportunity for ATR to expand its presence in the Indian market.

According to Alexis Vidal, ATR’s chief commercial officer, the company is closely evaluating the potential benefits of establishing an assembly line in India. Such a move would not only allow ATR to better serve the growing Indian market but also create jobs and contribute to the country’s aerospace industry.

Continue reading

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based startup SpaceFields Pvt. Ltd., incubated at the esteemed Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has made significant strides in aerospace technology by successfully unveiling and hot-firing India’s inaugural AeroSpike Rocket Engine. This groundbreaking achievement marks a pivotal moment for the Indian space industry as the country ventures into advanced propulsion systems.

The static-test campaign for the 168mm rocket motor was conducted at the Propulsion test facility at IISc Challakere. Upon ignition, the engine exhibited initial chuffing, which was quickly followed by a stable and steady-state combustion phase. The rocket motor utilized a high-performance HTPB-based composite propellant, demonstrating its capability to deliver substantial thrust and impulse.

Continue reading



error: <b>Alert: </b>Content selection is disabled!!