SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based Raghu Vamsi Machine Tools Pvt Ltd has announced its latest endeavor: the development of a larger micro turbojet engine, the Indra RV40. This new project follows the successful creation of the Indra RV25, a fully indigenous micro turbojet engine with a thrust of 240N.

The Indra RV40, weighing only 4.2 kilograms, is designed to generate a thrust of 400N. This significant increase in power output while maintaining a compact size makes it a promising candidate for various applications, especially in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.

SOURCE: AFI

The Russian Navy has docked in the southern Indian port of Kochi. The vessels include the submarine Ufa and the rescue boat Alatau. The visit will include talks with India’s Southern Naval Command, sports competitions and supply replenishment.

The Ufa is a submarine of the Project 636.3 class, also known as the improved Kilo-class. It is the fourth submarine of the series for the Pacific Fleet, launched in November 2019 with the participation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Nikolai Evmenov. The Ufa joined the Russian Navy in 2022.

SOURCE: AFI

In response to China’s plans for a massive hydroelectric project near Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian government has expedited the development of its own colossal dam in the Siang upper valley. The recently announced financial assistance from the Union Cabinet for hydropower projects is primarily intended to support the initial project management of this ambitious endeavor.

The proposed dam serves a threefold purpose: flood management, water flow correction, and power generation as a secondary benefit. NHPC, a state-owned hydropower company, has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) and a project feasibility report (PFR). According to NHPC’s estimates, the dam will have the capacity to generate 10-12 gigawatts (GW) of hydropower, surpassing all existing hydel projects in India. The projected cost is estimated to be around Rs 1 trillion.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s growing nuclear triad is poised for another significant milestone as the country prepares to commission its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), likely to be named INS Aridhaman, in 2025. Based on the design of the Arihant-class, INS Aridhaman is often referred to as S4, its classified designation, and will feature significant enhancements over its predecessors. The submarine, a crucial component of India’s strategic deterrence, will mark a substantial leap in capability, complementing India’s existing sea-based nuclear arsenal.

INS Aridhaman is a stretched variant of the INS Arihant, with an estimated additional displacement of 1,000 tons compared to the earlier Arihant class submarines. The increased displacement enhances the vessel’s capacity to accommodate more Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), providing greater firepower and extending India’s second-strike capability. This improvement will also allow the submarine to stay submerged for longer durations, increasing its survivability during patrols.

SOURCE: AFI

The Serbian YouTube channel RedEffect, known for its reviews and opinions on Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), recently gave its analysis of India’s upcoming Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), designed to replace the T-72 MBTs in the Indian Army. According to RedEffect, India is making notable strides in military hardware development, following the recent launch of its light tank project, with the FRCV showing promising design features and innovations.

The FRCV concept seems to draw inspiration from Russia’s T-14 Armata, but with distinct modifications. One of the standout aspects is the existence of two design options:

SOURCE: AFI

A diplomatic standoff between the United States and Canada over the issue of Khalistan has not only affected India-Canada relations but may also strain India-US ties. The assassination of a Canadian Khalistani terrorist and an assassination attempt on an American terrorist linked to the same movement have intensified tensions. In the Canadian case, India has been directly blamed, but the situation with the US is being handled more discreetly and diplomatically.

The US presented strong evidence regarding the assassination attempt, and India responded by taking action against those responsible, including ex-RAW agent Vikas Yadav, an Indian citizen. Efforts are underway to extradite him, although Indian legal processes will likely take precedence before he faces justice.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant milestone, the Indian Army has overhauled the T-90 Bhishma main battle tanks for the first time within India, marking a crucial step towards reducing its dependence on foreign countries for maintaining its armored fleet. Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the supply of spare parts for the T-72 and T-90 tanks from Russia had been disrupted, severely impacting the Indian Army’s operational readiness. However, the Army has now found a solution by overhauling the T-90 Bhishma tanks domestically, breathing new life into its aging fleet.

For the first time, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inducted an overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank into service after it was refurbished at the 505 Army Base Workshop. This accomplishment signals a major step towards self-reliance in maintaining and upgrading India’s defense capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

French aerospace giant Safran is actively lobbying to jointly work on the development of a 110 kN engine specifically designed for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, with aims to produce a next-generation fifth-generation fighter jet has indicated that the new 110 kN engine could seamlessly integrate into the Tejas MkII platform if India opts to transition away from the F-414 engine. While current discussions focus on local production of the F-414, the prospect of a more powerful engine remains a significant consideration for future enhancements to the Tejas fleet.

The new 110 kN engine is projected to enter production around 2033-34, aligning closely with the timeline for the Tejas MkII, which is expected to commence production in 2029-2030. This parallel timeline presents an intriguing possibility for India, as the IAF considers its options for engine configurations in future aircraft.

SOURCE: AFI

Vikram Rai, Chief Executive of GE Aerospace South Asia, announced that the company is set to begin manufacturing the F414 jet engine in India soon. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit on Monday, Rai confirmed that the engines, which will power the Tejas MkII fighter jet, will be produced in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a facility in Bangalore.

This development comes as India seeks to boost its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities while reducing its dependence on foreign military imports. HAL and GE are expected to finalize a deal for 99 F414 engines by the end of 2024, with production anticipated to start in the next three years. The first deliveries are expected to occur by late 2027 or early 2028.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian port authorities have redoubled their efforts to monitor maritime traffic passing through Indian waters following a surge in military-grade consignments originating from China and destined for Pakistan’s strategic entities. These shipments pose a significant threat to regional security, and Indian agencies are working tirelessly to prevent their entry into the country.

While the risk has escalated in regions like the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, Indian authorities remain vigilant about potential threats closer to home. Despite numerous seizures and sanctions imposed on alleged state-supported entities and shell companies, suspected clandestine proliferation activities have continued in recent months.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defense Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is developing cutting-edge solar thermal warming technology aimed at providing reliable heating solutions for soldiers stationed in extreme weather conditions. This solar thermal heating system is designed to combat the harsh winter conditions in high-altitude regions such as Ladakh, where temperatures can drop as low as -40°C.

The core of this system is based on solar thermal technology, which captures solar energy and transfers it to a heat transfer fluid. The fluid, which is a specially formulated mix of water and organic materials, can operate effectively even in temperatures as low as -40°C. Once the fluid absorbs the heat, it is stored in insulated tanks. The system then regulates the indoor temperature automatically based on sensor inputs, ensuring a stable and comfortable environment for the soldiers.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has showcased a novel application for its robotic dogs developed by ARCVENTURES. In recent operations, these canine-inspired robots were observed carrying ammunition boxes to forward soldiers engaged in active firing.

This innovative use of robotic dogs aligns with the Indian Army’s growing interest in exploring the potential of robotics and artificial intelligence for various military roles. By utilizing robotic dogs for resupply missions, the Army can reduce the risk to human soldiers and improve the efficiency of logistics operations.

SOURCE: AFI

India plans to begin laying the groundwork for the development of a 6th-generation air superiority fighter that will replace the older batches of the Su-30MKI fighter jets, beginning in the mid-2040s. This ambitious plan aims to ensure India’s air dominance for decades to come as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to phase out its ageing fleet of Su-30MKIs, the backbone of its current combat force.

The Su-30MKI fleet, which was introduced in the early 2000s, remains a critical asset for the IAF. However, with technological advancements and evolving global threats, the older batches of these aircraft will become increasingly outdated by the mid-2040s, necessitating a replacement. India’s plan for a 6th generation fighter will bridge the gap between the IAF’s current fleet and the future demands of modern warfare.

SOURCE: AFI

The Uttar Pradesh Police Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has awarded a contract for 1,228 units of the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 submachine gun (SMG) to Vinveli Automated Systems Private Limited. Valued at ?87,984,000, this deal comes with a unit price of ?78,000 per SMG. While the decision appears straightforward, it highlights a significant moment for India’s defense manufacturing sector, as the indigenous ASMI 9mm machine pistol developed by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) came in second during the tender process.

The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1, manufactured by ?eská Zbrojovka (CZ) of the Czech Republic, has garnered a global reputation for its reliability, compact design, and modularity. It is chambered for the widely used 9x19mm Parabellum round, making it suitable for various tactical roles, particularly in counterterrorism and urban warfare. The weapon’s lightweight construction, high accuracy, and adaptability to different operational requirements make it a preferred choice among several law enforcement and military forces worldwide.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has finally taken a significant step towards improving the protection of its T-90 tanks by equipping them with a more robust and well-designed cope cage. This protective screen is designed to shield the tank’s turret from various threats, including drones, loitering munitions, and other aerial attacks.

The newly introduced cope cage features a metal grid on top and a wavy metal covering with alternating ridges. This design provides enhanced protection against incoming threats. Additionally, the sides of the cage can be covered with mesh to further safeguard the tank from side-turret attacks.