SOURCE: AFI

he Indian Coast Guard Headquarters (ICG HQ) announced a significant contract signing with M/s Elcome Integrated Systems Pvt. Ltd. The agreement entails the procurement of 28 Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) communication consoles for 28 Maritime Rescue Sub Centres (MRSC) spread across the Indian coastline.

This initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing the Indian Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities within the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). The GMDSS consoles will provide ICG personnel with a state-of-the-art communication system specifically designed for maritime emergencies.

SOURCE: AFI

Emmanuel Marios Economou and Nikos K. Kyriazis, academics from the University of Thessaly in Greece, have sparked debate with their recent proposal. They advocate for Greece to acquire the BrahMos cruise missile system, developed jointly by India and Russia, for deployment in the Eastern Aegean islands.

The proposal centers on deterring Turkish ambitions in the Aegean Sea. The article, while not explicitly mentioning Turkey’s claims on the islands, highlights the potential of BrahMos to create a “denial and prohibition of maritime access” for the Turkish navy. The authors see this as a way to counter Turkish expansionist policies like the “Blue Homeland” doctrine and a disputed maritime agreement with Libya.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has provided an update on the 25 kN Hindustan Turbofan Engine (HTFE-25), revealing that two core engines have been produced and are currently undergoing development trials. However, this information remains consistent with reports from the past 3-4 years, raising concerns about the program’s progress.

HAL initially set a target of 2025 for completing the engine’s development. Given the lack of significant advancement, achieving this goal seems unlikely.

SOURCE: AFI

Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMPL) has secured a significant order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of a Precision Approach Radar (PAR) system. The contract value stands at ?56 crore and includes a comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) spanning 10 years.

This acquisition by HAL bolsters India’s air traffic management infrastructure with a state-of-the-art PAR system. The radar plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient landing of aircraft during adverse weather conditions or low visibility.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force, marking a significant development in the growing partnership between the two nations. The aircraft arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on board Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport planes.

This delivery follows a recent agreement between Guyana and India. The High Commission of India in Guyana, in a social media post on platform X, highlighted the visit of an Indian Air Force team to deliver the aircraft. The post reads, “High Commissioner welcomed IAF team visiting Guyana to deliver the HAL-228 aircraft as part of Line of Credit from India to Guyana,” further adding, “A new chapter in the India-Guyana partnership begins.”

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent Hindustan Times column, Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd.), a former Chief of the Naval Staff, called for an expedited development program for the K-series of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). These missiles, designed to be equipped with Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), would significantly enhance India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Admiral Prakash emphasizes the growing importance of a robust underwater leg for India’s nuclear triad – a deterrent system encompassing land-based ballistic missiles, airborne nuclear bombs, and sea-launched ballistic missiles. SLBMs offer a distinct advantage due to their mobility and stealth, making them a critical factor in maintaining credible deterrence.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has taken a major step forward in modernizing its communication infrastructure by issuing a Project Sanction Order (PSO) to two vendors for the design and development of prototypes for the Tactical Communication System (TCS).

The TCS is set to replace the existing Army Radio Engineering Network (AREN) and will boast significantly enhanced capabilities. It will be able to handle the complex communication requirements of Tactical Command Control, Communication & Intelligence Systems, providing the Indian Army with a critical advantage in the field.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a trial run of a new emergency landing/take-off strip for fighter aircraft in Bijbehara, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. This marks a significant development for the region’s security infrastructure.

The construction of this 3.5-kilometer emergency landing strip strengthens the IAF’s operational flexibility in the strategically important region. Previously, fighter jets operating in the area had limited options for emergency landings in case of technical malfunctions or adverse weather conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a move likely to inflame tensions, China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs announced the renaming of 30 locations along the disputed border with India, according to the South China Morning Post.

These “standardized” names apply to areas within Arunachal Pradesh, a state which China refers to as “Zangnan” and claims as part of its Tibetan autonomous region. India has consistently rejected China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, considering it an integral part of its territory. This latest move by China is seen as an attempt to bolster its territorial claims through name standardization.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent statement, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, underscored the imperative of maintaining a collaborative stance between the United States and India in the investigation of the thwarted assassination attempt against India-designated terrorist, Pannun.

Central to Ambassador Garcetti’s discourse was the notion of avoiding the establishment of a ‘red line’ in the joint investigation process. By steering clear of arbitrary boundaries, both nations aim to facilitate an exhaustive inquiry that upholds the principles of justice and accountability.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s military is setting its sights on Mumbai as the potential location for the country’s first-ever “tri-service common defense station,” according to reports by The Indian Express. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster unity and collaboration among the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force (IAF) in preparation for the establishment of integrated theater commands.

The creation of a tri-service station in Mumbai signifies a significant step towards enhanced interoperability between the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. This unified station would house facilities for all three services, including logistics, infrastructure, repair and maintenance units, and supply depots. By co-locating resources and personnel, the station would foster closer collaboration and streamline operations.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent RTI application filed by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai has reignited the debate surrounding the Katchatheevu island dispute between India and Sri Lanka. Documents obtained through the application shed light on India’s evolving approach to the issue, raising questions about sovereignty and strategic considerations.

Katchatheevu is a small, uninhabited island of approximately 285 acres located in the Palk Strait, a narrow waterway separating India and Sri Lanka. Despite its modest size, the island holds strategic importance due to its location within rich fishing grounds.

SOURCE: AFI

In a move to significantly enhance its shipbuilding capabilities, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) announced a major infrastructure upgradation contract signed on March 30, 2024, with Larsen & Toubro Geostructure (L&T Geostructure). This initiative underscores HSL’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the maritime industry.

This strategic contract focuses on bolstering HSL’s capacity to handle ongoing Fleet Support Ship projects as well as future endeavors, including the construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). The 20-month project will see the shipyard undergo a significant infrastructure upgrade.

SOURCE: AFI

Military enthusiasts are abuzz after a clear image of China’s long-rumored Z-21 attack helicopter recently surfaced online. The photo provides the first detailed look at the aircraft, sparking debate about its design influences and potential capabilities.

While some design elements resemble the existing Chinese Z-10 attack helicopter, the Z-21 appears to share a greater number of features with Russia’s Mi-28 attack chopper. This has led to speculation about possible collaboration between China and Russia on the Z-21 project.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has submitted its explanation to the Delhi High Court regarding the accidental firing of a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile into Pakistan in March 2022. This incident, attributed to human error during routine maintenance, has sparked legal action and highlighted the potential dangers of such mishaps.

According to the IAF’s report, the accidental launch occurred due to a crucial oversight. The BrahMos missile’s combat connectors remained attached to the junction box, bypassing critical safety protocols. This technical error resulted in the unintended firing of the missile.