SOURCE: AFI

Every year on April 14th, India remembers a significant milestone in its fight for independence – the hoisting of the Indian National Army (INA) flag on Indian soil for the first time. This historic event took place in 1944, during a critical chapter of the freedom struggle.

The year 1944 saw the Imphal Campaign unfold in Manipur. Launched by the Japanese forces in collaboration with the INA, this campaign aimed to liberate India from British rule. The INA, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, played a crucial role in the fight.

SOURCE: AFI

The simmering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted airlines, including Air India, Vistara, and several foreign carriers, to reroute their flights away from Iranian airspace. This strategic maneuver comes in response to the perceived threat of Iran potentially targeting Israel, a situation that US President Joe Biden anticipates could escalate “sooner than later.”

The decision to avoid overflying Iranian airspace marks a precautionary measure taken by airlines in light of the escalating tensions in the region. With the specter of conflict looming, carriers are prioritizing passenger safety and operational security by steering clear of areas deemed high-risk.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent address to students at Sat Paul Mittal School, Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), shared insights into India’s lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan 3. Dr. Somanath emphasized that India’s endeavor to reach the moon wasn’t merely about showcasing technological prowess to the world but was driven by a profound curiosity to study the celestial rocks of our closest celestial neighbor.

India’s journey to the moon represents the culmination of years of dedication and innovation within the country’s space program. Dr. Somanath highlighted the exceptional capabilities of Indian scientists and engineers in developing satellites and rockets, underscoring the nation’s self-reliance in space technology.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aeronautical agency, is aiming for greater self-reliance in the Tejas MkII program. Their latest initiative involves collaborating with Indian private sector companies to develop a crucial component – a retractable inflight refueling probe.

The current Tejas Mk1A variant relies on a fixed inflight refueling probe supplied by Cobham Limited, a British aerospace company. HAL aims to reduce its dependence on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for crucial Tejas MkII components. A domestically developed refueling probe is a significant step in this direction.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious Fleet Support Ships (FSS) program for the Indian Navy has hit a potential snag with the reported exclusion of Turkish participation. Anadolu Shipyard of TAIS, initially expected to collaborate on design and provide key equipment, has seemingly been sidelined.

idrw.org, reached out to Anadolu Shipyard for clarification on their absence from the FSS project. However, the company reportedly declined to comment. Indian media outlets allege the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) harbored concerns about collaborating with a Turkish firm due to Turkey’s political stances. This includes Turkey’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue at the UN and ongoing friction between the two nations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch a unique European mission, Proba-3, designed to create “artificial eclipses” in space. This ambitious project will shed light on the Sun’s mysterious corona, a region typically obscured during natural eclipses.

Proba-3 utilizes two small satellites that will launch together and then gracefully separate to fly in precise formation. Once separated, these satellites will act as a single, virtual telescope with a staggering 144-meter baseline – the distance separating them. This configuration forms a giant solar coronagraph, an instrument specifically designed to study the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere.

SOURCE: AFI

In a fiery speech delivered on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering critique against the INDI bloc, alleging that one of its constituent parties Communist Party of India (Marxist) has pledged to dismantle India’s nuclear weapons arsenal. Speaking at a rally in Rajasthan’s Barmer, PM Modi raised serious concerns over what he described as a “highly concerning declaration against the nation.”

PM Modi’s remarks come amidst escalating tensions and political maneuvering ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, setting the stage for a contentious electoral battle. The specter of national security, particularly India’s nuclear capabilities, has emerged as a focal point in the political discourse, with the Prime Minister taking a strong stance against any perceived threat to the country’s defense posture.

SOURCE: AFI

Armenia’s military is undergoing a modernization effort, specifically in its artillery sector. This follows potential losses of hundreds of guns during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. Two indigenously-developed Indian howitzers, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and the Multi-terrain Artillery Gun (MArG) 155mm / 39 cal – BR, are poised to partially replace Armenia’s aging Soviet-era arsenal.

The Armenian military has traditionally relied on Soviet and Russian-made towed D-20 and D-30 howitzers, alongside self-propelled Akatsiya and Gvozdika variants. Estimates suggest Armenia may have lost a significant portion of these guns, potentially as many as 279, during the 2020 conflict. The ATAGS, designed to replace the Swedish FH77B howitzers previously in Indian service, offers a modern towed solution.

SOURCE: AFI

A debate program aired on Armenian Public TV in late April 2023 sparked discussions regarding potential obstacles hindering the delivery of Indian weaponry to Armenia. Former parliamentarian Gayane Abrahamyan alleged that Russia might be pressuring Iran to block the shipment. This claim, echoed by other sources, raises concerns about the regional dynamics impacting Armenian military modernization efforts.

While Abrahamyan’s claim has been echoed by other sources, it remains unsubstantiated. When questioned in February 2024, Iran’s ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, avoided direct comment. He emphasized Iran’s support for a stronger Armenia and the importance of regional power balance for peace. This implies a willingness to potentially assist Armenia’s military development, but avoids addressing the specific issue of the Indian shipment.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s self-reliance in defense, the government issued a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday for the purchase of a record-breaking 97 domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. This order, valued at a staggering Rs 65,000 crore, marks the largest ever for indigenous military equipment by the Indian government.

HAL, a public sector undertaking, has three months to respond to the tender. Once inducted, these advanced fighter jets are slated to replace the aging MiG-series aircraft – MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-27s – that have either been phased out or are scheduled for imminent retirement, according to news agency ANI. This move aligns with India’s push for self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s indigenously developed Tejas MkII fighter aircraft is poised to mark a significant milestone with its inaugural flight scheduled by the end of 2025. This technologically advanced aircraft, weighing 17.5 tons, represents a leap forward in India’s aerospace capabilities and is expected to play a pivotal role in the country’s defense strategy.

According to the latest media reports, Initial plans for the Tejas MkII envisioned a production run of 108 units. However, recent media reports suggest this number could be increased to 200, reflecting the IAF’s confidence in the program. Production is expected to begin in the early 2030s.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is making strides towards developing a next-generation fighter jet. One of the intriguing features planned for the AMCA is the integration of boarding ladders, similar to those found on the French Rafale M and the American F-35. While seemingly a minor detail, these integrated ladders offer some distinct advantages.

Fifth-generation fighter jets prioritize low radar observability, and anything protruding from the aircraft’s fuselage can increase its radar signature. Traditional, retractable boarding ladders add a bulky element that disrupts the smooth, radar-absorbent contours of the aircraft. Integrating the ladder into the fuselage eliminates this protrusion, maintaining the AMCA’s stealth profile.

SOURCE: AFI

The Bayraktar TB2 drones, hailed as a game-changer in Ukraine’s military arsenal, are facing new challenges as the conflict with Russia evolves. Once lauded for their role in assisting Ukrainian forces in achieving military successes, these Turkish-made drones are now finding their utility limited amid the bolstering of Russian air defenses, according to Ukrainian military officials.

At the outset of the conflict, the Bayraktar TB2 drones were instrumental in providing Ukrainian forces with crucial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Their ability to stay airborne for up to 27 hours allowed for extended monitoring of enemy movements and positions, providing Ukrainian commanders with valuable situational awareness on the battlefield. Additionally, these drones were capable of conducting precision strikes on high-value targets, contributing to Ukrainian efforts to counter Russian advances.

SOURCE: AFI

In a display of remarkable teamwork, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully airlifted an injured Indian Army soldier whose hand had been severed while operating machinery in a forward area. The prompt action ensured the soldier received critical surgery within a vital window, saving his appendage.

According to reports, the incident occurred earlier this week. With only 6-8 hours for a successful reattachment surgery, the IAF swiftly deployed a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft within an hour to transport the soldier to the specialized Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) Hospital in Delhi.

SOURCE: AFI

Stepan Mikoyan’s memoir, “Stepan Mikoyan: Memories of Military Test-flying and Life with the Kremlin’s Elite,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the negotiations surrounding India’s first purchase of MiG-21 fighter jets.

Mikoyan, a test pilot’s son with close ties to the Soviet aviation industry, describes the arrival of the Indian delegation at Kubinka Air Base. Their task was to evaluate the MiG-21 for a potential production license purchase.