SOURCE: AFI

Security forces in Chhattisgarh have killed four Maoists in separate encounters that took place on Friday and Saturday in the Bastar region. This brings the total number of Maoists killed in the state so far this year to 50, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

This figure represents more than double the number of Maoist fatalities recorded in 2023, which stood at 24. It also surpasses the total number of Maoist deaths reported since 2020. Looking back, security forces killed 30 Maoists in 2022, 47 in 2021, 36 in 2020, and 65 in 2019.

SOURCE: AFI

The mighty Himalayas, along the Ladakh sector of the India-China border, have witnessed a new guardian emerge – the upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This potent aircraft has carved a niche for itself thanks to its exceptional performance at high altitudes, proving to be a crucial asset in this strategically sensitive region.

High-altitude environments pose a significant challenge for fighter jets. Thin air reduces engine thrust, impacting payload capacity and maneuverability. However, the MiG-29UPG excels in these conditions due to its impressive Thrust-to-Weight Ratio (TWR of 1.09).

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report from China claims their J-20 fifth-generation fighter jet dominated an Indian Rafale jet in a simulated combat exercise. While this news has been met with fanfare in Chinese media, military analysts urge caution in interpreting such results.

A pilot from China’s Eastern Theater Command’s Wang Hai Air Group reportedly boasted of defeating 17 Rafale jets flown by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during a simulated air combat exercise. This news has been widely reported in Chinese media, highlighting the J-20’s supposed technological edge.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making a strategic move towards modernization by acquiring advanced CNC machines from DMG and Hermle. This investment in cutting-edge technology has the potential to be a game-changer for the Indian aerospace manufacturing sector.

These state-of-the-art machines boast superior precision and faster turnaround times compared to older equipment. This translates to better quality aircraft components and potentially shorter production cycles.

SOURCE: AFI

Lt. Gen. (Retd) Khalid Kidwai, former Advisor to Pakistan’s National Command Authority, has provided insights into Pakistan’s nuclear strategy, emphasizing its comprehensive approach to deterrence. In his remarks, he highlights Pakistan’s readiness to employ various targeting strategies and its possession of a diverse range of nuclear weapons.

Kidwai asserts that Pakistan’s nuclear strategy extends beyond conventional notions of deterrence. Notably, he emphasizes the adoption of both Counter Value (CV) and Counter City’s (CC) targeting strategies. This approach underscores Pakistan’s intent to target not only strategic assets but also urban centers within India, thereby amplifying the deterrent effect.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF), boasting the second-largest fleet of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft globally, might be exploring new avenues for these versatile transport planes. This follows news of the US Air Force (USAF) developing the C-17 for potential combat roles beyond traditional cargo transport.

The USAF is spearheading the “Rapid Dragon” project, which investigates the feasibility of deploying C-17s for offensive missions. This involves using these heavy-lift aircraft to drop air-launched cruise missiles against targets. This capability could prove valuable in scenarios where the USAF faces adversaries with advanced air defense systems.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army announced a strategic shift in the operations of its Army Design Bureau (ADB). In a move aimed at fostering more responsive and regionally-specific weapon development, the ADB will now establish specialized cells at various command headquarters across the country.

Previously, the ADB, established in 2016, functioned solely from its headquarters in Delhi. This centralized approach is being revamped to leverage the expertise and experience of personnel stationed across diverse operational terrains.

SOURCE: AFI

A wave of criticism has washed over Indian social media, targeting the perceived hypocrisy of the US administration regarding free speech. This follows revelations that former CIA Director Mike Pompeo allegedly planned to kidnap or kill Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, after the organization published sensitive documents in 2010.

The news of Pompeo’s alleged plan has reignited outrage in India concerning WikiLeaks’ treatment by the US. Many Indian social media users point out that WikiLeaks’ publications exposed large-scale US government surveillance programs, sparking concerns about privacy and government overreach. They question why revealing such information would warrant such an extreme reaction from the US, particularly when it involved potential violations of US citizens’ rights.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious program to develop the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) reportedly faces an unexpected hurdle – cost. According to India-today media reports, the program’s proposal for Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance, seeking approval for a budget of nearly ?15,000 crore, had encountered opposition.

Sources suggest this resistance came from multiple fronts, including a section within the Indian Armed Forces itself. Concerns reportedly revolve around the program’s high financial demands.

SOURCE: AFI

In a positive development for India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has confirmed the successful completion of the AMCA’s Critical Design Review (CDR). This crucial stage signifies the finalization of the aircraft’s design, paving the way for its physical realization.

With the design phase behind them, the ADA can now focus on manufacturing the AMCA. The exciting news is that metal cutting, the initial step in the manufacturing process, has already begun. This signifies a significant leap forward in the AMCA program timeline.

SOURCE: AFI

China’s space ambitions took a step forward with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) reportedly patenting a design for a super heavy-lift launch vehicle strikingly similar to SpaceX’s Starship.

This new Chinese launch vehicle, envisioned as part of the Long March 9 family, would utilize clusters of 26 reusable engines for its first stage, mirroring the architecture of SpaceX’s Super Heavy booster. The design details were previously presented by officials from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the nation’s primary space contractor.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program is taking a significant step towards self-reliance. Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has confirmed that HAL will transition from the Israeli ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to the indigenously developed Uttam AESA radar starting with the 41st Mk1A unit.

This marks a major milestone in India’s quest for self-sufficiency in critical defense technologies. The Uttam AESA radar, developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), has successfully completed over 125 flight tests on the Tejas Mk1 aircraft, with a few more tests remaining. Importantly, the radar has already received production clearance, paving the way for its integration into future Mk1A jets.

SOURCE: AFI

The much-anticipated first flight of the Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet has a target date. Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), recently spoke with Anantha Krishnan M of Tarmak Media House, revealing a projected timeframe for the maiden flight.

According to Dr. Jadhav, the Tejas Mk-2’s first flight is now expected to occur sometime between September and October of 2025. This news comes after previous delays in the program’s timeline.

SOURCE: AFI

In the murky world of clandestine operations and covert strategies, the recent revelation surrounding the killing of Riyaz Ahmed, a prominent Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, has once again brought to light the intricate maneuvers of intelligence agencies. According to reports from British daily newspaper- Guardian News, Ahmed’s demise in September last year was allegedly orchestrated by RAW, India’s external intelligence agency, utilizing a tactic straight from the Islamist playbook – branding him an infidel.

The modus operandi, as per Pakistani authorities, unveils a chilling narrative of manipulation and radicalization. The alleged assassin, Muhammad Abdullah, a 20-year-old from Lahore, purportedly fell prey to the siren call of extremism through a Telegram channel believed to be frequented by individuals seeking to join the ranks of the Islamic State (IS). Unbeknownst to him, this virtual sanctuary had been infiltrated by RAW agents, casting a web of deceit that ultimately led to Ahmed’s demise.

SOURCE: AFI

A social media post featuring US and UK soldiers alongside the British Defence Advisor in Islamabad, Pakistan has been generating controversy. The image, reportedly taken in Pakistan-occupied territory claimed by India, has drawn criticism and sparked a temporary suspension of the Defence Advisor’s account.

The specific details surrounding the photo and the reason for the account suspension remain unclear. However, the location of the picture has become a major point of contention.