SOURCE: AFI

Arun Prakash, a former Chief of the Indian Navy, has ignited discussions by proposing a bold idea on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). His suggestion revolves around the potential for India and France to collaborate on naval projects concurrently. Specifically, Prakash advocates for the simultaneous construction of France’s future aircraft carrier, known as PA-NG, in France, and India’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-III (IAC-3) in India.

Prakash’s proposal aims to leverage the strengths of both nations to create a mutually beneficial arrangement. He argues that such collaboration would not only facilitate the acquisition of ship design and construction expertise but also enable the exchange of nuclear design and propulsion technologies. Furthermore, Prakash highlights the potential for work-share opportunities that could enhance cooperation between India and France in the naval domain.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is soaring into the future with the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drone system for inspecting aircraft engines. This innovative technology promises to revolutionize engine maintenance procedures, making them faster, more efficient, and potentially safer.

The new system ditches the traditional, time-consuming manual inspections. Instead, it utilizes a mini or micro drone equipped with high-resolution cameras. These cameras capture detailed images of the engine, focusing on critical components like air intake ducts, exhaust nozzles, turbine blades, and more.

SOURCE: AFI

The induction of Hangor-class submarines by Pakistan, procured from China, has sent ripples through the strategic landscape of the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. This development has the potential to alter the balance of power in the region, particularly vis-à-vis India’s long-held naval dominance. Let’s delve into the possible implications for India.

The Hangor class boasts modern features like Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, allowing them to stay submerged for longer durations. This translates to a more potent underwater threat to Indian surface ships, potentially hindering their free movement in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) released its annual Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023, outlining a year marked by a rise in both space traffic and Isro’s efforts to maneuver its satellites safely.

The report highlights a significant increase in the number of collision avoidance maneuvers (CAMs) conducted by Isro in 2023. This reflects a growing trend in the number of space objects in orbit, with 2023 seeing more launches and on-orbit breakups compared to 2022. While Isro’s high-profile missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 didn’t require specific interventions, the report emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and precise orbital data analysis.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s foray into military transport aviation has seen a rich history, with the Antonov An-12 playing a significant role for a period. However, unlike China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) which pursued license production of the An-12 (known as the Y-8 in China) with great success, India did not.

China’s decision to license-produce the An-12 as the Y-8 proved highly successful. The Y-8 program yielded over 40 variants, demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility and adaptability. This extensive production not only fulfilled China’s military transport needs but also provided a valuable platform for its nascent aviation industry.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian government has introduced the Draft Indian Military Airworthiness Bill 2024, a significant step towards strengthening safety regulations and oversight of military aircraft operations within the country. This bill, expected to be presented in Parliament this year, has sparked discussions and debates among policymakers and aviation experts.

The detailed draft bill is readily available for public scrutiny on the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) website: https://dgaeroqa.gov.in/. This transparency allows for informed discussions and potential public participation in the legislative process.

SOURCE: AFI

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia has taken a leap forward in aerial combat technology with a patent for an air-launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. This marks a significant development in modern warfare strategies.

Unlike traditional drones launched from runways, this UAV deploys from the Su-57’s internal weapon bays, maintaining the fighter’s stealth profile. The drone boasts impressive performance with a turbojet engine propelling it to speeds of approximately 715 km/h (444 mph) and an operational ceiling of 8 kilometers (5 miles).

SOURCE: AFI

India’s recent successful test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) has been hailed as a “big force multiplier” for the country’s missile arsenal, according to a military veteran. This development aligns with India’s push for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) in the defense sector.

The ITCM test, conducted earlier this month off the coast of Odisha, marks a significant stride towards India’s goal of self-sufficiency in missile technology. This domestically developed cruise missile is expected to significantly enhance India’s missile capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian authorities have arrested Inderpal Singh Gaba, a UK national of Afghan Sikh origin, for his alleged involvement in the attacks on the Indian High Commission in London last year. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India claims Gaba’s actions were part of a “larger conspiracy” targeting Indian diplomatic missions.

Gaba, a resident of Hounslow, was arrested by the NIA on Thursday. The agency accuses him of “unlawful activities” during the protests. Gaba’s lawyer, Satvinder Singh, maintains his client’s innocence. According to the defense, Gaba was simply present at the protest on March 22nd, 2023, and did not actively participate.

SOURCE: AFI

The ambitious project to develop India’s own 90-seater turboprop aircraft, the RTA, faces significant financial and market challenges. While the initial development cost is estimated at $2 billion under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), an aviation expert quoted by idrw.org suggests a much steeper climb could be needed.

The long-term viability of the RTA hinges on attracting significant investment beyond the initial development costs. The expert estimates that tax breaks and incentives amounting to $10-15 billion might be necessary to make the aircraft competitive in the Indian market and entice international buyers. This hefty price tag has the Indian government wary of approving the project.

SOURCE: AFI

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has issued a stern warning to countries, including India, against supplying defense equipment to its arch-rival, Armenia. Addressing the issue at an event leading up to COP29 in Baku, Aliyev minced no words as he expressed the gravity of the situation.

“It is a matter of our national security. We cannot sit and wait, seeing how France, India, and Greece are weaponizing Armenia against us and doing it openly, demonstratively,” Aliyev remarked, highlighting the perceived threat posed by the militarization of Armenia with foreign support.

SOURCE: AFI

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a defense sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Defence, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Damen Shipyards Group. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Her Excellency Liesje Schreinemacher, the Netherlands’ Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

This MoU marks a significant step towards collaboration in the development and deployment of electric tugboats (e-Tugs) for Indian ports. Damen Shipyards Group, a renowned Dutch conglomerate with expertise in shipbuilding, engineering, and defense solutions, brings valuable experience to the table.

SOURCE: AFI

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a leading laboratory of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is seeking Indian industry partners for the design and development of critical power systems for their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The EOI focuses on the development of a 50 kVA, 115/200VAC, 400 Hz, Variable Speed Constant Frequency (VSCF) electrical machine for ADE’s UAVs. This system will be a vital component of the aircraft’s power supply, ensuring efficient operation and mission success.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense electronics company, actively participated in the inaugural India-Mozambique Defence Industry Interaction event held on April 25-26 in Maputo, Mozambique. The event served as a platform for Indian government and private defense companies to connect with Mozambican counterparts and explore potential avenues for collaboration.

BEL’s presence at the event proved to be fruitful, attracting a visit from Mozambique’s esteemed Minister of Defence. The Minister, alongside Mr. Anurag Bajpai, India’s Additional Secretary (Defence Production), took a keen interest in BEL’s showcased capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest for self-reliance in defense equipment is commendable. However, recent cases of weapon system trials dragging on for years raise concerns about efficiency and global perception. This article explores the need for time-bound trials and a dedicated audit team to bolster India’s defense development.

The Indian Army’s trials of locally developed weapons often extend for years, casting a shadow on their effectiveness. This creates a sense of “work in progress” for India’s defense capabilities on the world stage. Potential adversaries may perceive delays as a weakness, while allies might question the reliability of such equipment.