SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development towards achieving self-reliance in defense (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), India successfully airdropped an indigenously developed heavy platform during trials. This platform, designed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) and capable of carrying a substantial load of 45,000 pounds, was airdropped from an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 aircraft.

This successful test marks a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in defense equipment and capabilities. The ability to airdrop such heavy platforms significantly enhances the combat capabilities of the IAF’s C-17 fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

In his final opinion piece for “The Print,” retired General MM Naravane raises a critical concern regarding India’s defense procurement strategy. He argues that the pursuit of the “perfect” weapon system, often embodying the “Future Combat Vehicle (FCV)” concept, can lead to delays and ultimately result in acquiring no new equipment at all.

Gen. Naravane highlights the “FCV” program, aimed at replacing aging tanks and personnel carriers, as an example of this “wishful thinking” approach. He warns against focusing on “weapons you wish you had” and emphasizes the need for a more practical and adaptable approach.

SOURCE: AFI

Discontent continues to simmer in Ladakh as a strike gripped Leh district on Wednesday. This action reflects the ongoing deadlock between the central government and representatives of the region over its future status.

Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), representing various social, religious, political, and student groups from both districts, held talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and a sub-committee formed to address their demands.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has successfully concluded the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) stage for its P-75I program, a crucial step in acquiring new conventional submarines.

The project aims to bolster India’s underwater defense capabilities by inducting six new submarines. Two companies emerged as frontrunners after submitting bids:

SOURCE: AFI

Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar has achieved a significant milestone in the field of defense technology with the successful realization and testing of the indigenously designed and developed CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle (Wheeled) at the National Center for Automotive Testing (NCAT), Ahmednagar. The vehicle’s developmental trials, which included rigorous testing of mobility, obstacle crossing, compliance of CBRN instrumentation, area marking, sample collection, and firing trials of RCWS 7.62mm, were executed with commendable precision and efficiency.

CBRN reconnaissance units play a critical role in safeguarding national security by detecting and responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. The successful realization of the CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle underscores VRDE’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the design and development of wheeled combat vehicles.

SOURCE: AFI

India has set an ambitious target to increase its share of the global space economy from 2% to 10% within the next six years, according to Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh.

“While India’s space economy currently stands at $8 billion, our own projections suggest it will multiply significantly by 2040,” Singh said. “However, some international observers, like the recent ADL (Arthur D Little) Report, believe India has the potential to reach $100 billion by 2040.”

SOURCE: AFI

China’s continued increase in defense spending, exceeding 7% for the third consecutive year despite a slowing economy, is raising concerns among its regional rivals, including India. Though still dwarfed by the US military budget, China’s spending now triples that of India, creating a significant disparity in power projection.

The year 2027 is seen as a potential point of inflection, coinciding with the centenary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and raising anxieties about President Xi Jinping’s potential use of military force to bring Taiwan under mainland control, as suggested by assessments from the US Indo-Pacific Command.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia has decided to forgo deploying its most advanced T-14 Armata tanks in the ongoing war against Ukraine, citing high costs according to Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec, a state-owned defense company.

While acknowledging the T-14 Armata’s superior functionality, Chemezov emphasized the financial burden of the tank. He argued that the resources are better allocated towards developing “perhaps cheaper” weapons, suggesting the T-90 tanks as a more cost-effective option for the current conflict.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s aerospace giant, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is reportedly on the verge of signing a massive ?70,000 crore (approximately $8.5 billion) deal with various Indian defense public and private firms. This deal focuses on third-party supplies of parts and subsystems for the upcoming production of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The reported deal signifies a significant push towards self-reliance in India’s defense sector. Companies like NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories), Dynamatic Technologies, Vem Technologies, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and TASL (Tata Advanced Systems Limited) are expected to benefit from this agreement. These companies are known for supplying various crucial aerostructures for the Tejas fighter jet.

SOURCE: AFI

State-owned Munitions India Limited (MIL), India’s leading manufacturer of bombs and explosives, is experiencing a surge in demand from overseas customers, according to a report in The Hindu Business Line. The company has secured export orders valued at ?6,000 crore, to be fulfilled over the next three years.

Gnaneshwar Tyagi, Chief General Manager of the High Energy Projectile Factory at MIL, highlighted the strong international interest in the company’s products. “Everybody wants bombs,” he remarked, while addressing the ‘International Engineering Sourcing Show’ in Coimbatore.

SOURCE: AFI

India and France held a bilateral dialogue in New Delhi on Monday, March 5, 2024, to discuss various security issues, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the military domain, according to an official statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry.

The dialogue covered a wide range of topics related to disarmament and non-proliferation, encompassing nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. Additionally, discussions addressed outer space security, conventional weapons, and multilateral export control regimes.

SOURCE: AFI

Saab, a Swedish defense and security company, officially inaugurated the location of its new Carl-Gustaf® manufacturing facility in Jhajjar, Haryana, India, on Monday. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Jan Thesleff, Sweden’s Ambassador to India, Mats Palmberg, Chairman & Managing Director of Saab India, and Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s Business Area Dynamics.

This marks a significant milestone in Saab’s long-standing collaboration with India, which began in 1976. The new facility, built under the 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route, will be the first of its kind for Carl-Gustaf production.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a major initiative to propel India’s defence sector towards self-reliance and technological prowess. The Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme boasts a dedicated corpus of ?750 crore over a three-year period (2023-24 to 2025-26).

ADITI aims to bridge the gap in critical defence technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. The scheme envisions the development of 30 such technologies by 2025-26. This focus on indigenous innovation aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production.

SOURCE: AFI

Germany’s readiness to supply a range of military assets to India signals a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations. The proposed supply includes a diverse array of equipment, from A400M transport aircraft to spare parts for small arms, reflecting Germany’s commitment to enhancing India’s defense capabilities and fostering strategic partnership.

Among the key offerings from Germany are the A400M transport aircraft and A330 MRTT mid-air refueling aircraft, both renowned for their versatility and operational effectiveness. The A400M, a multi-role military transport aircraft, boasts unparalleled capabilities in airlifting personnel, cargo, and heavy equipment, making it an invaluable asset for India’s defense forces. Similarly, the A330 MRTT serves as a force multiplier by extending the operational range and endurance of fighter aircraft through in-flight refueling, thereby enhancing India’s air superiority and tactical flexibility.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on the brink of a significant technological upgrade with the impending completion of its Advanced Air Force Network (AFNet) by the end of 2024. This state-of-the-art satellite-based digital information grid promises to revolutionize communication and enhance situational awareness across the IAF’s operational hierarchy.

The AFNet represents a quantum leap forward from the antiquated communication systems of the past, particularly the tropo-scatter technology dating back to the 1950s. By leveraging satellite-based connectivity, the AFNet will facilitate real-time exchange of critical data among ground, air, and space assets, empowering decision-makers with unparalleled situational awareness.