SOURCE: AFI

Commodore Anil Jai Singh, a seasoned naval veteran and Vice President of the Indian Maritime Foundation, has expressed his disappointment over the recent decision to limit India’s nuclear submarine program to just two vessels. He argues that a program encompassing six submarines, built in tranches of two or three, would have provided numerous benefits to the Indian Navy and the domestic defense industry.

By opting for a smaller program, the Indian Navy may face challenges in maintaining operational readiness and sustaining a credible deterrent posture. A fleet of six submarines would have offered greater flexibility and resilience, allowing for routine maintenance and upgrades without compromising operational capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based aerospace startup, BluJ Aero, has made significant strides in India’s aviation sector by successfully conducting the first full-scale live flight demonstration of its electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. The historic event took place at the Nadergul airfield on Friday.

The prototype, touted as India’s largest privately built aircraft, showcases the potential of indigenous innovation in the field of advanced air mobility. BluJ’s vision is to revolutionize regional air travel by providing faster, more affordable, and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent development that has raised eyebrows, an Islamabad-based think tank, closely tied to Pakistan’s National Security Division (NSD), has contracted a Washington-based lobbying firm for a hefty sum of Rs 41.61 crore ($1.5 million). This move is seen as a desperate attempt by Pakistan to galvanize international support for the Kashmir issue, particularly in Western countries.

This strategic decision comes in the wake of growing global attention to the Khalistan movement, which has been emboldened by support from certain Western nations, including Canada and the United States. As the Khalistani diaspora intensifies its efforts to destabilize India, Pakistan appears to be capitalizing on this opportunity to push its own agenda.

SOURCE: AFI

The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has successfully breathed new life into the On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) of the MiG-29 fighter aircraft. This critical system, essential for providing pilots with a continuous supply of oxygen at high altitudes, was rejuvenated through a pioneering process developed by CSIR-NCL scientists.

The Indian Navy, recognizing the diminishing efficiency of the MiG-29’s OBOGS units due to prolonged exposure to moisture, approached CSIR-NCL in November 2023. The zeolite material, the heart of the OBOGS system, was losing its ability to selectively adsorb nitrogen and produce pure oxygen.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Suno Digital, Ex-Commodore Sajid Mehmood Shehzad HI(M) of the Pakistani Navy has stated that the navy has no plans to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching nuclear-equipped warhead missiles. According to Shehzad, the same capabilities can be achieved using conventional submarines equipped with tactical nuclear weapons.

The Pakistani Navy has long been known for its Babur cruise missiles, which can be launched from submarines. These missiles have the potential to be equipped with tactical nuclear weapons, providing the navy with a significant deterrent capability without the need for nuclear-powered submarines.

SOURCE: AFI

Veda Aeronautics (P) Limited, a leading technology company based in Noida, has made significant strides in the development of advanced fire control systems (FCS). Their flagship product, the AGS-30 FCS, showcases their expertise in electro-optical technologies and their commitment to providing high-performance solutions for military applications.

Veda Aeronautics’ deep understanding of electro-optical technologies enables them to design and manufacture customized sensors, lasers, and optical systems that deliver exceptional situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities. These components form the backbone of the AGS-30 FCS, ensuring accurate and reliable performance in demanding combat environments.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), in collaboration with a leading Korean fuel cell technology firm and Indian industry partner, Lotus Wireless Private Limited, has introduced a groundbreaking range of hydrogen fuel cells designed to power Indian waters.

These state-of-the-art fuel cells, ranging from 250 kW to 2 MW, are fully class-certified and scalable up to 2 MW. This innovative technology is poised to revolutionize the Indian maritime sector by powering vessels such as ferries and tugs.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent images of India’s Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) have confirmed the integration of the latest Scorpius-SPJ (Self-Protection Jammer) ELL-8222SB, a sophisticated Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pod developed by ELTA. This advanced airborne self-protection system, ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2022, marks a significant leap in the ECM capabilities of the Tejas Mk1A. It is designed to detect and counter modern Air-to-Air (A/A) and Surface-to-Air (S/A) threats, which are increasingly prominent in high-intensity combat environments.

The Scorpius-SPJ is an airborne self-protection ECM system that leverages Staring Multibeam AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology, a breakthrough in electronic warfare (EW) technology. Unlike conventional AESA systems that scan sequentially, this “staring” technology allows the Scorpius-SPJ to generate hundreds of highly concentrated beams in all directions simultaneously. This capability enables the system to detect, track, and jam multiple threats at once across a wide spectrum, ensuring unparalleled electronic warfare (EW) superiority.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently expanded its arsenal of smart munitions with the induction of the Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER), a U.S.-built weapon system. Following the integration of Israeli SPICE bombs and French AASM HAMMER, the JDAM-ER adds to the IAF’s growing repertoire of precision-guided munitions. While the JDAM might be the oldest and simplest of these systems, its low cost and effectiveness have made it a widely used tool in modern warfare.

The JDAM transforms “dumb bombs” into precision-guided munitions by attaching a tail section equipped with an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance unit. These modifications allow for highly accurate bombing, even in adverse weather conditions, by guiding bombs to their target using satellite signals. The tail fins also provide extended range, with JDAM-equipped bombs reaching distances of over 70 kilometers.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), a leading Indian defense manufacturer, is making waves with its Amogha-III, a third-generation, fire-and-forget man-portable anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). After successful field firing in 2023, the Amogha-III is now generating considerable international interest.  

While the Amogha-III awaits final user trials by the Indian Army, BDL has proactively begun marketing the missile to countries seeking advanced anti-tank solutions. Recent efforts have yielded promising leads, with talks in “an advanced stage” with two or three potential buyers, according to BDL officials speaking to idrw.org. Whether these discussions translate into firm orders remains to be seen, but the positive international response is a clear indication of the Amogha-III’s capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent revelation by Twitter user Rishav Gupta has shed light on a little-known joint venture between India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) in the mid-1990s. The two companies had teamed up to co-develop a 100-seater regional airliner, dubbed the “Asian Express.”

The project, which also involved South Korea and later Airbus, aimed to create a competitive regional aircraft to cater to the growing demand for air travel in Asia. However, despite initial enthusiasm, the project was ultimately shelved due to a lack of market demand.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, selected as the mission pilot for the highly anticipated Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS), has reached a significant milestone in his preparation for spaceflight. Training alongside fellow crew members at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Shukla has undergone intensive preparation focused on mastering the essential skills for safely navigating entry and exit procedures to and from the ISS.

The training, conducted in the Harmony mockup facility, emphasized critical techniques in ingress and egress—vital skills that will enable Shukla and his team to effectively manage the docking and undocking processes. These procedures are crucial to ensuring the crew’s safe arrival at, and eventual departure from, the ISS.

SOURCE: AFI

The delivery of SCALP air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) to Ukraine by the United Kingdom and France marked a critical point in Ukraine’s defense strategy. The SCALP, a long-range, precision-guided missile, has bolstered Ukraine’s capabilities to hit key logistical and military targets, disrupting Russian supply chains and impacting strategic installations. For India, the conflict in Ukraine highlights the importance of indigenously developed cruise missiles, especially given the limited availability of SCALP missiles within the Indian Air Force’s current arsenal, solely operational on 36 Rafale jets.

The SCALP, known for its long-range and accuracy, has provided Ukraine with an effective standoff weapon. Since its induction in July 2023, Ukraine has leveraged the SCALP to target crucial infrastructure like bridges, hindering the logistics supply chain vital to Russian ground operations. The missile’s performance on the battlefield places it alongside other critical systems such as the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), loitering munitions, and surface-to-air missile systems, all of which have been vital to Ukraine’s counteroffensive. The addition of SCALP missiles highlights how long-range strike capabilities can shape the battlefield by allowing nations to strike deeply into enemy territory while minimizing risk to their assets.

SOURCE: AFI

GlobalData’s report, “Global Submarine Market Analysis and Forecast to 2033,” says that India is projected to spend approximately $31.6 billion on submarine procurement over the next ten years.  Of this investment, 30.5% will be allocated to the Project-77 nuclear attack submarines (SSNs) that were recently cleared and will see the indigenous construction of two nuclear attack submarines.

The Project-77 SSNs are expected to be built at the Naval Dockyard in Cochin and will be armed with conventional-tipped missiles. They are expected to be operational by 2030. The remaining 69.5% of India’s submarine procurement budget will be spent on conventional submarines. India is currently Planning to build three more Kalvari class conventional submarines at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai and also Six more conventional submarines under Project-75Iwhere German TKMS is leading These submarines are expected to be operational by 2032.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Suno Digital, Ex-Commodore Sajid Mehmood Shehzad HI(M) of the Pakistani Navy has proposed a controversial change to the name of the Indian Ocean. Shehzad argues that the ocean should be renamed either the Arabian Ocean or the African Ocean, claiming that India is not the sole dominant power in the region.

Shehzad points out that numerous African countries have coastlines on the Indian Ocean, and several Arabian countries are also situated close to its waters. Despite the existence of the Arabian Sea, which is already named after the Arabian region, Shehzad maintains that the Indian Ocean’s name is outdated and inaccurate.