SOURCE: AFI

India demonstrated the devastating effectiveness of its Su-30 MKI and BrahMos-A missile combination, showcasing a capability that could shift the balance of power for Su-30 operators facing Chinese-made air defense systems. In recent operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully employed this deadly duo to penetrate and cripple advanced Chinese air defenses, including systems like the HQ-9 and HQ-16, which are widely exported to nations aligned with Beijing. This development has sparked interest among Su-30 operators globally, particularly those in strategic rivalry with China, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The BrahMos-A, an air-launched variant of the Indo-Russian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, has been integrated with India’s fleet of over 260 Su-30 MKI jets since 2019. With a range of 290 km (extendable to 450 km in upgraded variants), a speed of Mach 2.8, and a 200–300 kg warhead, the BrahMos-A is designed for precision strikes against high-value targets. Its low-altitude flight profile, sea-skimming capability, and terminal maneuverability make it exceptionally difficult for air defense systems to intercept. During the recent LAC operations, IAF Su-30s launched BrahMos-A missiles to neutralize Chinese radar installations and surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, effectively blinding and disarming their air defenses.

SOURCE: AFI

An image of a Chinese J-10CE fighter jet surfaced online, adorned with kill marks that raised eyebrows and triggered a wave of online ridicule, particularly from Indian netizens. The jet, reportedly photographed during an airshow, bore markings claiming the downing of three French Rafale jets, one Indian Su-30MKI, one Mig-29, and an Israeli Heron-TP drone—a tally that many have dismissed as blatant propaganda.

The J-10CE, an export variant of China’s single-engine J-10 fighter, has struggled to find buyers in the global market, with Pakistan being its largest and virtually only significant export customer. The aircraft’s kill marks, painted prominently on its front fuselage, appear to be an attempt to boost its image and drum up interest in a platform that has seen lackluster sales in recent years based on PAF claims that still has not provided any evidence. However, the claims have been met with widespread skepticism and mockery, especially in India, where the depicted kills include aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.

SOURCE: AFI

On May 17, 2025, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) designating a no-fly zone around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Andaman Sea, signaling preparations for a likely missile test. The NOTAM, released by the Tri-Service Theatre Command, specifies the restricted area as a corridor stretching 510 km in length, with the test window scheduled between 23 May 2025 at 01:30 UTC and 24 May 2025 at 04:30 UTC.

The designated area, marked in the NOTAM map, extends from the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into the Andaman Sea, suggesting a maritime or aerial launch platform. Given the geographical layout and the involvement of the Tri-Service Theatre Command, experts speculate that the test could involve a missile launch from a warship or aircraft, potentially testing India’s growing capabilities in long-range precision strike systems.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, strategically located near the Malacca Strait—a critical maritime chokepoint—have often served as a testing ground for India’s missile programs. The 510 km range of the no-fly zone indicates a significant test, possibly involving a cruise missile like the BrahMos or a developmental ballistic missile system.

SOURCE: AFI

The Royal Moroccan Army has embarked on a significant modernization effort, widely adopting the Kavro MKH/ACH-7 combat helmet, a cutting-edge ballistic protection system manufactured by Kanpur-based MKU Limited of India. This advanced helmet, hailed for its lightweight design, enhanced ballistic protection, and compatibility with modern accessories, marks a milestone in India-Morocco defense cooperation and underscores the growing global reach of India’s Make in India initiative.

The Kavro MKH/ACH-7, an Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), is engineered using MKU’s proprietary Macromatrix technology, which combines smart materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver uniform protection across the helmet’s compound curves. Weighing approximately 1.2–1.4 kg, the helmet is significantly lighter than traditional models like the PASGT or older Moroccan M51 TTA and M78 F1 helmets, reducing fatigue during extended missions. Its bolt-free design eliminates weak points, ensuring Level IIIA protection against 9mm rounds, high-velocity fragments, and blunt impacts, with a Behind Helmet Blunt Trauma (BHBT) deformation of less than 16mm, minimizing concussion risks.

SOURCE: AFI

War Thunder, the acclaimed military vehicle combat MMO, continues to expand its roster of iconic aircraft with the introduction of the HF-24 Marut, India’s first indigenous jet fighter, in the “Spirit of the Tempest” update. Gaijin Entertainment’s latest event brings this historic aircraft to the skies, offering players a chance to pilot a unique piece of aviation history.

The HF-24 Marut, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the 1960s, was a bold step for India’s nascent aerospace industry. Designed by a team led by German engineer Kurt Tank, the Marut was intended as a multirole fighter capable of ground attack and air superiority missions. Powered by two Bristol Siddeley Orpheus 703 turbojet engines, the aircraft could reach speeds of up to 1,112 km/h (Mach 0.9) and was armed with four 30mm ADEN cannons, complemented by a payload of rockets and bombs. Despite its innovative design, the Marut faced challenges due to underpowered engines and limited production, with only 147 units built. Its combat record includes service in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, where it excelled in ground attack roles.