SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s Southern Command DesertCheetah Air Defence Brigade has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to airspace security by successfully engaging air target imitators in the challenging desert terrain. This achievement marks a critical demonstration of the brigade’s operational readiness, precision, and the advanced capabilities of the Strella Air Defence System.

Conducted in the harsh and rugged landscapes of Southern Command’s desert region, the exercise highlighted the Strella Air Defence System’s adaptability and precision, effectively engaging and neutralizing simulated airborne threats. The exercise proved instrumental in testing the system’s resilience and capability in a high-stakes scenario, underscoring the brigade’s skill in operating under challenging conditions where visibility and range can be compromised by extreme temperatures and sand-laden winds.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s defense sector, Chennai-based TridenTech Engineering Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with a consortium that includes IIT Madras, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Research and Analysis Laboratory (RAL), and BILVA Technologies, has successfully conducted the test firing of an indigenously developed 80mm unguided rocket. This milestone marks a major step forward in indigenous rocket development and sets the stage for further trials and performance validation of this critical defense asset.

TridenTech Engineering Pvt Ltd played an integral role in the project, contributing expertise from the concept and preliminary design stages through detailed manufacturing and final testing. This achievement reflects the strength of a collaborative approach in India’s defense research and development, with each consortium partner bringing specialized knowledge to the table:

SOURCE: AFI

Countries across the globe are facing significant challenges in producing fighter jets due to disruptions in the global supply chain. The ripple effect of these disruptions, caused by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and material shortages, has slowed down production timelines, impacting major aerospace manufacturers. India’s ambitious Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, which involves acquiring 114 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), is now at risk of delays as the supply chain issues affecting the global aerospace industry could prolong the acquisition of imported jets.

Supply chain challenges are plaguing almost every country that produces fighter jets. Global aerospace giants such as the U.S.’s Lockheed Martin, France’s Dassault Aviation, Sweden’s Saab, and the UK’s BAE Systems, among others, have reported delays in the production of fighter jets due to several key factors

SOURCE: AFI

A groundbreaking development in autonomous naval technology was showcased this week as Sagar Defence’s Autonomous Weaponized Boat Swarm (AWBS) was spotted conducting trials in Mumbai waters. This deployment follows the Indian Navy’s approval last year for the acquisition of 12 units of these advanced vessels.

Designed and engineered by Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering, the AWBS boasts a formidable array of capabilities. Equipped with dual cameras for surveillance, day and night radar tracking, and a powerful 12.7 mm SRCG gun, these unmanned boats are capable of neutralizing threats while being easily controlled from a remote station.

SOURCE: AFI

The indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Naval trainer prototype NP5, which successfully completed its maiden flight at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport last year, is being prepared to serve as a crucial testbed for the upcoming Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program.

NP5 will be used to collect valuable data on aircraft carrier take-off and landing procedures, simulating the operations of a larger, 26-ton TEDBF jet. This testing will be instrumental in refining the design and capabilities of the TEDBF, ensuring its optimal performance and safety for naval operations.

SOURCE: AFI

Germany has accorded a special status to India, which will allow for quicker approvals for military purchases, German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann said on Wednesday. He added that the German seller is waiting for the Indian government to complete its decision-making processes regarding the P-75I submarine deal.

The multi-billion dollar deal will be a key topic of discussion during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India this week. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is also scheduled to visit India over the weekend, and the submarine deal is expected to be on the agenda for their meeting as well.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program has garnered significant attention in the global defense community. With a focus on stealth, advanced avionics, and supercruise capabilities, the AMCA is poised to position India among the elite group of countries with indigenous 5th-generation fighter jets. However, as India invests heavily in the development of this next-generation aircraft, the question arises—should India open the doors to other countries to join the AMCA program, following the examples set by South Korea’s KF-21 and Turkey’s Kaan fighter programs?

Both the South Korean KF-21 Boramae and the Turkish Kaan programs have gained traction through international collaboration. The KF-21, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with technological support from Lockheed Martin, benefits from Indonesia as a development partner, which not only shares the financial burden but also positions the KF-21 as an attractive option for future exports. Similarly, Turkey’s Kaan program, spearheaded by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has generated international interest, with countries such as Pakistan reportedly keen on collaboration.

SOURCE: AFI

At Swavlamban 2024, a landmark event showcasing India’s push toward defence self-reliance, one particular exhibit caught attention—the Multi-Utility Long Endurance (MULE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) developed by Pune-based Altair Industrial Technologies Pvt. Ltd for the Indian Navy, this unmanned aerial platform is poised to expand the boundaries of maritime technology and power the Indian Navy’s naval self-reliance mission. As the MULE prepares for its developmental trials, speculation has emerged about the origin of its design, raising important questions about its local development and external influences.

The MULE RPA is a cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for a variety of maritime roles, from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to strike missions using its missile armament. With an endurance of 120 minutes and a range of 300 kilometers, it is expected to offer a versatile platform for the Indian Navy, enhancing its capabilities in maritime patrolling, monitoring of adversarial movements, and potential engagement with enemy assets. MULE aims to fill critical gaps in India’s maritime defense ecosystem, particularly as the Indian Navy increases its focus on unmanned platforms.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has recently been spotted for the first time equipped with the ELL-8212/ELL-8222 Self Protection Jamming Pod, in addition to a pair of Astra MkI Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles. This development marks a significant enhancement in the Tejas Mk1A’s defensive and offensive capabilities as it prepares for deployment with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The integration of these systems demonstrates the ongoing modernization of India’s homegrown fighter program to meet the demands of modern aerial warfare.

The ELL-8212 and ELL-8222 Self-Protection Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pods, developed by Israel’s ELTA Systems, are designed to enhance the survivability of fighter jets and other military aircraft by providing robust protection against a wide range of air-to-air (A/A) and surface-to-air (S/A) threats. These threats typically come from radar-guided missile systems, which form a dense and complex challenge for any aircraft in contested airspace.

SOURCE: AFI

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), a leading Indian shipyard, has achieved a significant milestone by indigenously designing and constructing the first-ever Double Lane Portable Steel Bridge in the country. This bridge, featuring a spacious 7.5-meter-wide carriageway, has been supplied to the Border Roads Organization (BRO), a prestigious government agency responsible for developing infrastructure in India’s border areas.

The development of this innovative bridge is a testament to GRSE’s engineering prowess and commitment to supporting the nation’s strategic infrastructure needs. The bridge is designed to be highly portable and can be easily transported and installed in remote and challenging terrains, making it an ideal solution for BRO’s operations in border regions.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, often dubbed the “mother of all defense deals,” saw two of Europe’s premier fighter jets, the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, go head-to-head. Both aircraft showcased exceptional capabilities, with the Eurofighter clearing stringent technical rounds of the IAF, while the Rafale ultimately emerged as the winner due to a combination of factors, notably pricing.

This article will compare the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon in terms of price and capabilities to understand why the Rafale secured the deal and why the Eurofighter, despite its merits, fell short.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has approved the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) plans to transition the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) program from a technology demonstrator (TD) to a full-scale program. The SWiFT, initially conceived as a test platform, will now be developed into a potent 1-ton UCAV, capable of performing mini-bomber roles and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

This decision underscores the IAF’s growing interest in stealth unmanned platforms, which are essential for modern warfare, particularly in contested environments where survivability, precision, and adaptability are critical.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move aimed at modernizing its aging fighter fleet, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has announced plans to procure the Chinese-made FC-31, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet currently under development for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The FC-31 is expected to replace PAF’s aging F-16 MLU-15 fighter jets, with the transition scheduled to begin by 2030. This procurement, to be carried out in multiple phases, marks a strategic shift in Pakistan’s defense posture as it looks to acquire cutting-edge technology to maintain air superiority in the region.

The FC-31 is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet that boasts advanced stealth capabilities, high maneuverability, and the ability to carry a wide array of weapons, making it a formidable platform in the fifth-generation fighter jet category. Originally developed for the PLAN as a deck-based fighter, the FC-31 has undergone significant modifications to meet the operational requirements of the PAF. While primarily designed for carrier-based operations, the air force variant of the FC-31 will be tailored for Pakistan’s specific defense needs.

SOURCE: AFI

Marking a significant breakthrough in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, the Small Arms Factory (SAF) in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has developed a unique metal that meets the stringent GOST (Gosstandart) standards used in Russian weapons like the AK-203 assault rifle. This advancement is a crucial step toward achieving the goal of producing fully indigenous AK-203 rifles, marking a milestone for the country’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The SAF, a key production unit under the Ministry of Defence and part of Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), played a critical role in this achievement. The factory, along with its metal suppliers, worked tirelessly over six months to develop a metal that would meet the demanding specifications required for the AK-203 rifle, a weapon that has become symbolic of India’s efforts to modernize its military with locally produced arms.

SOURCE: AFI

In response to Canada’s persistent non-cooperation with Indian investigative agencies’ requests for information on Khalistani elements settled within its borders, the Indian government is considering a strategic move to share the same list of wanted extremists with the other Five Eyes countries.

Highly placed sources indicate that this action aims to highlight Canada’s uncooperative stance and exert counter-pressure on the North American nation. The Five Eyes nations include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, in addition to Canada.