SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s Northern Command recently showcased its unwavering resolve in a field firing exercise conducted under harsh winter conditions. The exercise, which involved the use of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and rocket launchers, was a testament to the soldiers’ ability to operate effectively in extreme environments.

A video shared by the Army on social media platform X (platform name can’t be specified) depicted the soldiers braving the freezing temperatures as they engaged in precision firing of ATGMs, mortars, and rocket launchers. This exercise served as a critical training opportunity, sharpening their skills to achieve the ultimate goal of “One Missile, One Tank” accuracy.

SOURCE: AFI

The reflector dish, a key component of the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) mission, has taken an unexpected journey. Teams identified potential overheating issues with the 12-meter reflector, prompting its return to the United States for a special coating application.

The large, gold-plated mesh reflector, provided by NASA, is designed to focus radar signals for the mission. However, recent tests conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) indicated the reflector might experience higher-than-expected temperatures during flight. To prevent potential deployment failure due to heat, a special coating is being applied to reflect solar radiation and keep temperatures under control.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) recently released a video highlighting its modernization efforts under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The video included a glimpse of the Chinese FC-31, a fifth-generation fighter jet, confirming Pakistan’s plans for acquisition.

Reports suggest Pakistan’s ambitions go beyond mere purchase. The plan, some sources claim, involves joint production of the FC-31 within Pakistan with Chinese support before the 2030s. This could potentially utilize the existing PAC facility currently manufacturing JF-17 fighters for the PAF.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s Western Command, spearheaded by its valiant Vajra Air Defence Warriors, recently conducted a successful live-fire exercise involving the Akash missile system. This exercise served to demonstrate and validate the system’s effectiveness against modern aerial threats.

The live firing focused on simulating real-world scenarios, specifically honing the ability to engage Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and standoff weapons with pinpoint accuracy. This exercise underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in air defense capabilities, as UAVs and standoff weapons have become increasingly prevalent on the modern battlefield.

SOURCE: AFI

China has unveiled a new heavy attack helicopter design, signifying its growing ambitions in the attack helicopter domain. The helicopter bears a resemblance to the well-established AH-64 Apache, raising questions about potential inspiration and capabilities.

The new Chinese helicopter shares some visual similarities with the American AH-64 Apache, particularly in its overall layout and tandem cockpit configuration. This has led to speculation that the Chinese design might draw upon aspects of the Apache, but the extent of this influence remains unclear.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army is set to acquire a new weapon system designed to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of its mechanized infantry and armored units. The program focuses on procuring Canister-Launched Anti-Armour Loiter Munition (CALM) systems, offering several key advantages.

According to a recent procurement notice, the Indian Army aims to integrate CALM systems onto various platforms including T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP-2 armored vehicles, mortar carriers, and reconnaissance vehicles. This integration will provide a vital remote-controlled attack capability, allowing troops to engage targets beyond their visual range.

SOURCE: AFI

Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer, has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of their flagship border patrol surveillance drone – Trishul. This innovative offering promises to empower security forces with unparalleled monitoring and analysis capabilities.

Equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, Trishul goes beyond basic visual monitoring. High-definition cameras, infrared for low-light conditions, LiDAR for 3D mapping, and radar provide a wealth of data for improved decision-making:

SOURCE: AFI

The official account of the Pakistan Air Force, DGPR (AIR FORCE), recently released a video clip featuring Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M). The clip generated significant buzz as it depicted ACM Sidhu in the cockpit of a newly acquired J-10CE combat aircraft.

But that’s not all. The video also offered a glimpse of the much-anticipated Chinese FC-31, a fifth-generation fighter jet. This inclusion is seen as a strong indication of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s commitment to spearheading the modernization drive of the Pakistan Air Force.

SOURCE: AFI

Saab, the Swedish aerospace and defense company, has secured a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to conduct conceptual studies for the country’s future fighter aircraft. This project, spanning 2024-2025, marks a significant step towards ensuring Sweden’s air superiority in the coming decades.

The program will explore cutting-edge technologies crucial for future air combat. Artificial intelligence, networked warfare integration, unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced sensors, and stealth capabilities are all on the agenda. This research will culminate in the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet designed to replace current models like the Gripen and the Eurofighter by 2035.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has heightened its surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) following the entry of a new Chinese satellite and missile tracking ship. This latest addition brings the total number of such Chinese vessels in the IOR to four, raising concerns for Indian security officials.

The Indian Navy utilizes a multi-pronged approach to monitor these Chinese “research” vessels, even when they attempt to evade detection by turning off their transponders. This includes deploying P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and warships.

SOURCE: AFI

The arrival of Yuan Wang 03, a Chinese government-linked satellite and missile tracking vessel, in the Indian Ocean has sparked concerns in India. This development coincides with India’s planned missile test, raising questions about China’s intentions.

While Yuan Wang 03 has garnered significant attention, it’s important to note that it’s not the only Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. Visual data reveals that at least four other Chinese “research” vessels are currently operating in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has shed light on a critical moment in recent geopolitical history, highlighting the perilous tensions between India and Pakistan following a series of escalatory events in the wake of a terrorist attack in Kashmir. In his recollection, Pompeo underscores the gravity of the situation and the pivotal role played by diplomatic intervention in preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.

Pompeo recalls a period of heightened distrust and animosity between the two South Asian neighbors, particularly in the aftermath of an Islamist terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of forty Indian citizens. The attack, which occurred on February 14, served as a catalyst for a sequence of events that brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a full-scale conflict.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for its grand war exercise, ‘Gagan Shakti,’ scheduled from April 1 to 10. This large-scale drill, touted as the biggest since Vayu Shakti, aims to comprehensively test the IAF’s war preparedness and firing capabilities.

Spanning across various locations in India, Gagan Shakti will witness a display of the IAF’s aerial prowess at the Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer. Additionally, the exercise will be conducted in Bhuj (Gujarat), Ladakh, the western front, the northeast front in Arunachal Pradesh, and other key areas.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu have retrieved a Chinese HM2000 profiling float, according to a video that went viral on Instagram nearly two weeks ago. The HM2000 is an autonomous instrument developed by Qingdao Hisun Ocean Equipment Corporation specifically for oceanographic profiling.

Equipped with an SBE41 or SBE41CP CTD sensor, the HM2000 is capable of collecting data on conductivity, temperature, and depth. These floats have previously been used in studies of the western Pacific Ocean’s circulation patterns.

SOURCE: AFI

The skies are about to get a whole lot more high-tech. The United States Air Force (USAF) is developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet, a sixth-generation marvel designed to replace the legendary F-22 Raptor in the 2030s.

The NGAD program is ambitious, aiming to deliver a “family of systems” that goes beyond just a single aircraft. This family is expected to include a crewed fighter jet, the centerpiece, alongside unmanned collaborative combat aircraft (loyal wingmen) for manned-unmanned teaming. Imagine a fighter jet with its own robotic backup, enhancing its capabilities tenfold.