SOURCE: AFI

India’s military is making a strong push towards self-reliance in defense production, with a particular focus on ammunition. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande highlighted this strategic shift during a recent address.

General Pande revealed that the Indian Army’s ammunition inventory currently boasts 175 variants. Notably, 134 of these variants are produced indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and public sector defense companies (DPSUs). This indigenous production is being further bolstered by the onboarding of private companies.

SOURCE: AFI

Dhruva Space, a Hyderabad-based company pioneering full-stack space engineering solutions, has successfully secured ?123 crore in its Series A funding round. This marks a significant milestone for Dhruva Space, propelling them towards their goal of becoming a major player in the Indian space industry.

The funding round saw participation from a distinguished group of investors, including the Indian Angel Network Alpha Fund, Blue Ashva Capital, Silverneedle Ventures, BIG Global Investment JSC (BITEXCO Group), IvyCap Ventures, Mumbai Angels, and Blume Founders Fund. Dhruva Space expresses their deep gratitude to the investment community for their belief in the company’s vision.

SOURCE: AFI

In recent years, India has emerged as a frontrunner in developing counter-drone technologies. This rise can be attributed to a confluence of factors, with the 2021 drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station serving as a stark wake-up call.

The 2021 drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station, the first of its kind in Indian airspace, exposed a vulnerability in India’s defense system. This incident served as a catalyst, prompting significant investments in research and development (R&D) for counter-drone technologies.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised for a critical milestone in its ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program – the integrated airdrop test of the crew module. As reported by ISRO chairman S Somanath, the test is scheduled for launch from Sriharikota on April 24. This crucial experiment aims to validate the functionality of the crew module and its critical components, particularly the parachute system, ensuring a safe return for future astronauts.

This upcoming test marks the second major milestone following the successful TV-D1 mission conducted last year on October 21st. The TV-D1 mission focused on demonstrating the spacecraft’s Crew Escape System’s abort capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

India has issued new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) previously issued for May 1, 2024 to May 3,2024. This NOTAM restricts airspace over a 985-kilometer area, hinting at a possible ballistic missile test.

It’s important to note that due to the secrecy surrounding military activities, the exact nature of the test cannot be definitively confirmed from this information alone. However, the designated airspace closure is a strong indicator of a potential ballistic missile launch.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled a new name for its highly anticipated Next-Gen Launch Vehicle (NGLV) program – Surya, the Sanskrit word for Sun. This powerful new launch vehicle promises to revolutionize India’s spacefaring capabilities.

Surya will be propelled by a game-changing LOX-Methane engine, the LME 1000. This engine boasts the ability to deliver a staggering 32 tons of payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), nearly triple the capacity of ISRO’s current workhorses.

SOURCE: AFI

Local Kashmiri media reported that a drone-like object was discovered near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Balakote sector of Mendhar, Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Officials stated that around 3:15 am, the object was spotted fallen and damaged near the fence, ahead of Government High School Dharati in the Balakote Sector.

An examination of the debris by experts at idrw.org, suggests it might be a landing gear component potentially belonging to an Israeli Searcher Mk II UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). India acquired Searcher Mk II UAVs sometime after 2000.

SOURCE: AFI

According to a report in the Chinese state-affiliated media outlet Global Times, a naval expert has downplayed the threat posed by BrahMos missiles recently acquired by the Philippines. Wang Yunfei, the expert, is quoted as saying that these missiles are primarily used against weaker targets and would be overwhelmed by China’s superior arsenal in a potential conflict.

The BrahMos missile is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. The Philippines’ acquisition of these missiles has been seen as a move to bolster its coastal defenses in the disputed South China Sea.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for a significant milestone in its development of airbreathing propulsion technology. In the next two months, ISRO plans to conduct a scramjet engine test with a targeted flight duration exceeding 300 seconds. This extended test marks a major step forward from ISRO’s previous scramjet experiment.

Spearheading this crucial test is Dr. V Narayanan, Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). LPSC, a key center within ISRO, plays a vital role in developing and producing advanced propulsion systems for India’s space vehicles.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has cast doubt on the reliability of Chinese weaponry in real-world conflicts. The report, released on March 10, 2024, highlights that nearly 99% of the 300 missiles and drones shot down by Israel, with backing from the US and UK, were based on Chinese military technology. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Chinese arms in high-intensity warfare.

The report also points towards a decline in Chinese arms exports. SIPRI notes a 23% drop in Chinese arms sales to Sub-Saharan African nations between 2019 and 2023. This decrease is attributed, in part, to quality control issues plaguing Chinese weapons systems. While China remains the primary arms supplier to Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 19% of the region’s total imports, these recent trends suggest a shift in buyer preferences.

SOURCE: AFI

Vietnam has reportedly shown interest in the Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) developed by India’s Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). These anti-surface warfare corvettes are designed for the Indian Navy and will be equipped with advanced stealth features and powerful weaponry.

The NGMVs are designed to be agile and stealthy, with a low radar cross-section (RCS) to minimize detection. They will also incorporate advanced technology to reduce infrared, acoustic, and magnetic signatures, making them difficult to track by enemies.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s recent delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines marks a significant development in its defense export ambitions. This move not only bolsters the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities but also presents India with an opportunity to promote the BrahMos missile to other countries facing tensions with China.

Several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. Equipping these countries with the BrahMos can act as a deterrent against Chinese aggression, potentially creating a strategic counterweight in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

Debak Das, an assistant professor at the University of Denver, has drawn attention to India’s successful test of an Agni-V ballistic missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology on March 11, 2024, codenamed Mission Divyastra.

While this development signifies a significant leap in India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities, China is likely to maintain a numerical and qualitative advantage in nuclear weapons delivery.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up for another round of developmental tests for its Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). This round will focus on engaging targets within a shorter range, a crucial step towards user trials.

In February 2024, DRDO successfully conducted two test flights of the VSHORADS missile against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at its upper operational limit of 6 kilometers. These tests validated the system’s capabilities for engaging distant threats.

SOURCE: AFI

The United States’ decision to supply 500 AIM-120C AMRAAM variants to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in 2005 has been a subject of debate, particularly concerning its purpose and potential implications for regional security.

The AIM-120C Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is a sophisticated weapon system designed for air combat engagements. Its procurement by the PAF, intended for use on their F-16 fleet, has been interpreted by some as a strategic move aimed at countering India’s airborne early warning and control systems (AWACS) and flight refueling aircraft that United States Administration were very well aware.