SOURCE: AFI

A new study by military analyst Roderick Lee of the US Naval War College raises concerns about the academic selection process for Chinese submarine officers. Lee’s paper, published by the China Maritime Studies Institute, highlights a surprising trend: the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Submarine Academy consistently ranks among the lowest in entrance exam scores compared to other PLA institutions.

The report points out that the PLAN Engineering University, which trains submarine technical specialists, sits near the top in terms of average exam scores. This suggests a clear distinction: while engineers receive a rigorous academic selection, submarine commanders, excluding engineers, may be coming from a pool with lower academic performance.

SOURCE: AFI

In 2016, India signed a landmark deal with France to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets for a total of $8.85 billion. Fast forward to 2024, a new debate has ignited within Indian Defence community as the Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to acquire 97 locally-made Tejas Mk1A fighter jets at an estimated cost of $7.80 billion. The central question: can domestic quantity compete with foreign quality?

The Rafale and Tejas Mk1A are undeniably different aircraft. The Rafale, a mediumweight from France, boasts a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 24.5 tons. This translates to a significantly higher weapons carrying capacity, allowing it to carry nearly three times the payload of the Tejas Mk1A, which has a MTOW of 13.5 tons.

SOURCE: AFI

India is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone in its defense indigenization journey – the development and construction of its own conventional diesel submarines under Project-76. This ambitious program marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in underwater warfare capabilities.

India possesses a strong foundation for success in Project-76. The experience gained from designing the hull of the Arihant nuclear submarine program provides invaluable knowledge and expertise that can be directly applied to Project-76.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed a crucial stage in the development of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) weapon system. The system is now ready for Final User Evaluation trials by the Indian Army.

The MPATGM system is equipped for deployment in various conditions, boasting both day and night operation capabilities. Additionally, the missile features top-attack technology, allowing it to strike armored vehicles from above, a critical advantage against heavily armored targets. MPATGM are to be equipped with the Indian Army’s infantry and Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).

SOURCE: AFI

The shine seems to be coming off the F-35 program, with a recent report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) raising concerns about escalating costs and declining aircraft availability.

The report highlights a significant increase in sustainment costs for the F-35 program. From 2018 to 2023, these costs have jumped by a staggering 44%, reaching a whopping $1.58 trillion. This stands in stark contrast to the actual use of the aircraft. The F-35 Joint Program Office reports a 21% reduction in flight hours across the program, indicating less operational utilization.

SOURCE: AFI

India is taking a crucial step towards securing its sensitive government institutions with a new regulation aimed at phasing out Chinese-made surveillance cameras. This move comes amid growing concerns about potential security risks associated with such equipment.

Estimates suggest India has over two million surveillance cameras installed across the country. However, a significant portion, roughly one million, are believed to be manufactured by Chinese companies. These cameras raise national security anxieties due to the potential for data breaches and unauthorized access.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s next-generation Astra Mark II air-to-air missile is reportedly nearing a crucial phase in its development. According to media reports, developmental trials in full configuration will be conducted in the coming months.

The Astra Mark II promises a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Astra Mark I. With an estimated range of 160 kilometers, it boasts a 45% increase compared to the Mark I’s 110 kilometers. This extended reach puts it in the same ballpark as the widely used AIM-120D missile, potentially offering the Indian Air Force a tactical advantage in aerial engagements.

SOURCE: AFI

Argentina has taken a significant step in modernizing its air force with the official signing of a deal to acquire 24 ex-Danish F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Multi-role Lightweight fighters. The signing ceremony was led by Argentinian Minister of Defense Luis Petri.

This move comes after Argentina considered offers for the Indian-made LCA Tejas and the Chinese JF-17. However, the ex-Danish F-16s emerged as the frontrunner due to their attractive price tag – reportedly less than $24 million per unit – which is significantly lower than the cost of new Tejas or JF-17s. This competitive pricing likely played a decisive role in Argentina’s decision.

SOURCE: AFI

The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative has issued a challenge to Indian private sector companies. The goal? Develop a groundbreaking software module for predictive maintenance of critical machinery aboard naval vessels.

This innovative module will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of India’s naval fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s aerospace PSU, has emerged victorious in a new tender for 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. This significant order valued at approximately Rs 65,000 crore prioritizes boosting indigenous content within the aircraft.

The contract stipulates a base level of 65% indigenization for the Tejas Mk1A. However, HAL is ambitiously aiming to surpass this target, pushing the figure to over 70% through internal initiatives. This represents a substantial increase from the 55% indigenization achieved in the 2021 order for the Tejas Mk1A. The Tejas Mk1 itself boasts a 59.7% indigenous content by value and an impressive 75.5% by line replaceable units (LRUs).

SOURCE: AFI

Recent satellite imagery has revealed a new radar installation just north-east of Bangalore, India’s IT hub. This has sparked speculation that it could be the deployment site for the second phase of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program.

The new facility is believed to be intended for housing interceptor missiles specifically designed to protect Bangalore and Hyderabad from ballistic missile attacks. While details remain classified, reports suggest the site may also serve a dual purpose. It could potentially function as a radar testing facility and a training ground for crews operating the existing BMD sites in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, which are responsible for safeguarding New Delhi and Mumbai in the first phase.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s strategic Chabua airbase, a vital installation for the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the Eastern Command, is undergoing a significant modernization program. Recent satellite imagery reveals the extensive renovations underway, showcasing the scale and progress achieved at the site.

These upgrades represent a multi-pronged approach to enhancing the airbase’s capabilities that includes Construction of new underground munition storage facilities signifies an increase in the airbase’s capacity to house weaponry. This bolsters the IAF’s firepower and preparedness in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

India, boasting the world’s largest thorium reserves, is making significant strides in harnessing this potential game-changer for its energy needs. Thorium-rich beaches along the eastern Odisha coastline and Kerala’s sands hold the key to this clean and abundant energy source.

Thorium’s appeal lies in its abundance – exceeding that of uranium – and its minimal environmental impact. Unlike conventional nuclear fuel, thorium doesn’t emit greenhouse gases and produces less radioactive waste. Scientists at India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DoAE) view thorium as a “practically inexhaustible energy source” for the future.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent rumors suggesting the Indian Air Force (IAF) is abandoning the Astra MkII BVR-AAM (Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile) in favor of the Astra MkIII which are inaccurate. Astra MkII for Astra MkIII that are under development will be procured in large numbers when it is ready for production.

The Astra MkII utilizes a cost-efficient dual-pulse motor technology, making it a more economical choice for large-scale procurement. This translates to equipping more fighter jets with this potent missile. ramjet-powered Astra MkIII missile boasts an impressive 350km range, enabling the IAF to neutralize enemy threats from much farther distances. While likely more expensive than the MkII, it provides superior long-range strike capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) prowess receives a significant boost from two indigenously built corvettes – INS Kavaratti and INS Kiltan. But behind these “crowning jewels” lies a crucial piece of Swedish innovation: Saab’s advanced carbon fiber superstructure technology.

Saab’s expertise comes into play with the integration of a carbon fiber composite superstructure onto the vessels’ metallic main hulls.