SOURCE: AFI

An Indian Navy team is currently in Germany for a crucial evaluation process. Their mission is to assess the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system offered by Germans U-214 submarines for P-75I, India’s next major submarine acquisition program.

An AIP system extends a submarine’s underwater endurance, allowing it to stay submerged for longer durations without needing to surface for air. This significantly enhances a submarine’s stealth and operational capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache helicopter made a safe emergency landing on April 3rd, 2024 during a training mission in Ladakh. The landing resulted in damage to the aircraft due to the challenging terrain and high altitude conditions in the region.

Thankfully, both pilots onboard emerged unharmed and were recovered to the nearest airbase. To investigate the cause of the incident, a Court of Inquiry has been initiated.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-21 fighter jets are making their final hurrah in a major exercise. These legendary aircraft are participating in Gagan Shakti-2024, a pan-India wargame that began on April 1st and continues until April 10th.

This exercise simulates a realistic war environment, allowing the IAF to test its integrated air combat capabilities. For the MiG-21 Bisons, however, Gagan Shakti-2024 marks their last major drill before retirement.

SOURCE: AFI

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has unveiled the first glimpse of the LUPEX rover, designed for a collaborative mission with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

LUPEX, short for Lunar Polar Exploration, aims to unlock the secrets of the Moon’s polar regions. This international venture will see Japan develop and operate both the launch vehicle and the rover itself. India will contribute by developing and operating the lander that will deliver the rover to the lunar surface.

SOURCE: AFI

Lockheed Martin’s recent successful test launch of four Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) has reignited discussions about the potential integration of this weapon system with India’s P-8I fleet. Here’s how LRSAM could revolutionize the capabilities of these potent anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.

The Indian Navy operates a formidable fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, manufactured by Boeing. These multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft are renowned for their Advanced sensors and weapon systems allow them to detect, classify, and track submarines. P-8Is can gather valuable electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT).

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report by TV9 Bharatvarsh claiming the Indian Air Force (IAF) cancelled the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) tender for 114 jets in favor of the locally-developed TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter) was an April Fool’s Day prank.

The prank originated from a YouTube channel that falsely claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the IAF had scrapped the MRFA program, a multi-billion dollar deal to procure 114 fighter jets. The channel alleged the IAF would instead focus on the TEDBF, a naval fighter currently under development.

SOURCE: AFI

In a move sparking geopolitical discussions, China recently renamed 30 locations in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, a region that Beijing claims as part of its territory. Responding to this provocative action, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called upon the Indian government to consider a tit-for-tat response by releasing 60 geographical names to areas administered by China, particularly in Tibetan regions.

Sarma’s statement came during a press conference held in Guwahati, where he emphasized the need for a strong response to China’s unilateral actions. “My request to the government of India is to release 60 geographical names to the Tibetan area administered by China,” Sarma asserted, underlining the principle of reciprocity in international relations.

SOURCE: AFI

Five British doctors and academics specializing in blood cancer have weighed in on the death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a pro-Khalistan activist based in the UK. Khanda passed away at the age of 35 from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-moving blood cancer.

The experts confirm that AML can be a highly aggressive form of cancer, and its rapid onset wouldn’t be consistent with poisoning. This statement contradicts claims made by pro-Khalistan groups in the UK who allege Khanda was poisoned.

SOURCE: AFI

China’s Chengdu Institute of Aviation Industry conducted J-20 fighter jet test flights on the Tibetan Plateau in 2021. While this high-altitude testing served a purpose, it also exposed potential limitations of the J-20 in such environments.

The key challenge lies in the extreme conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. The test flights likely took place at Daocheng Yading Airport, which sits at over 4,000 meters above sea level.

SOURCE: AFI

India has maintained a neutral position on the ongoing war in Ukraine, avoiding direct weapons sales to either side. However, recent reports suggest that Indian-manufactured 155mm artillery shells and propellant charges may be ending up with Ukrainian forces.

Military sources speculate that Slovenia placed an order with Indian defense companies for the shells and propellant charges, which were then transferred to Ukraine.

SOURCE: AFI

India has successfully carried out a night launch of new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile ‘Agni Prime’ from the Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha, marking a boost to the country’s strategic weaponry.

The first pre-induction night launch of the missile with a strike range of 1,000 to 2,000 km was carried out on Wednesday night by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the elite strategic forces command.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is urging caution against media speculation surrounding the recent crash of a Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, addressed the issue during a recent interview with WION.

Chaudhari emphasized that the cause of the crash remains under investigation by a Court of Inquiry. The court is meticulously examining evidence, including materials recovered from the crash site and statements from the pilot. A final report with the definitive cause of the accident has yet to be submitted to the IAF.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) have come under scrutiny following the procurement of Bharath Panther Crash Fire Tenders (CFTs) from a Noida-based MSME firm. Critics online have pointed out the vehicle’s striking resemblance to the Rosenbauer Panther 6×6 CFT manufactured by the Austrian company Rosenbauer International.

The controversy stems from the undeniable similarities between the Bharath Panther and the Rosenbauer Panther. Notably, both vehicles share a 6×6 configuration and are believed to utilize the same Volvo Penta D-16 engine source. These parallels have led many to question whether the Bharath Panther is a genuine indigenous product or simply a rebadged import.

SOURCE: AFI

Ukrainian forces appear to be using Indian-manufactured ERFB-BT 155mm artillery shells, according to a recently emerged picture from the warzone. This sighting reignites discussions about the indirect supply of military equipment to Ukraine despite India’s official neutrality in the conflict.

India’s Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private companies have witnessed a surge in demand for ERFB-BT 155mm shells. Orders exceeding ?2,000 crores have been placed in recent months, with countries in the Middle East and the United States being the major buyers.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards modernizing its combat training regime by incorporating First-Person View (FPV) drones into its curriculum for Agniveer cadets. This development comes amidst a growing global trend of utilizing FPV drones for tactical operations.

FPV drones offer a unique perspective for operators, transmitting a live video feed from a camera mounted on the drone directly to a headset worn by the pilot. This allows for highly maneuverable, close-quarters reconnaissance and targeting capabilities, particularly valuable in urban warfare scenarios.