SOURCE: AFI

India’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jets are gearing up for a long-distance deployment to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Australia. This international aerial combat exercise, held every two years, will take place from July 12 to August 2, 2024, at airbases in Darwin and Tindal, Australia.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent is eager to showcase its skills on the global stage. This year’s Exercise Pitch Black is set to be the largest in its 43-year history, with participation from 20 countries and over 140 aircraft.

SOURCE: AFI

A high-level delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) visited Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru on [Date of Visit]. The delegation was led by His Excellency Major General Lukwikila Metikwiza Marcel, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD), DRC.

During the visit, Mr. Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BEL, received the delegation and held discussions on potential areas of collaboration in the defence sector. Mr. Jain briefed the delegation on BEL’s capabilities and its wide range of defence products and systems.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) hunt for a replacement for its aging AN-32 fleet has reignited Russian offer on it IL-276, a medium-lift transport aircraft offered by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). This comes despite India’s previous withdrawal from the joint development program due to disagreements on engine selection. Last year at Aero India 2023 Russian delegation from Rostec held talks with Indian officials on the possibility of the joint development of the Il-276. Rostec proposed to renew the offer to co-develop the aircraft, and to allow the sale and the assembly of the Il-276 within India.

However, the IL-276 will now face stiff competition from the C-390 Millennium, a Brazilian-made aircraft by Embraer, which fits the bill for IAF. Let’s delve into the key similarities between these two contenders. Both the IL-276 and C-390M fall within the IAF’s specified range of 18 to 30 tonnes carrying capacity. This makes them ideal for transporting troops, cargo, and equipment over medium distances, fulfilling a critical role in military logistics and deployment.

SOURCE: AFI

Faced with the continued refusal of Airbus and Boeing to establish final assembly lines in India, Russia has reignited its efforts to promote local production of its new commercial aircraft, the MC-21 and Il-114-300. This move comes despite India’s national carrier, Indian Airlines, being the biggest single customer for these jets, reflecting the country’s booming aviation market.

While Indian Operators has emerged as the largest single buyer for both aircraft, Airbus and Boeing have yet to commit to final assembly lines in India. Russia, sensing an opportunity, has proposed various options for industrial cooperation:

SOURCE: AFI

India’s efforts towards self-reliance in defense technology take a leap forward with the Uttam AESA radar. This indigenously developed active electronically scanned array radar is set to be integrated not just on the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets but also on a significant portion of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) and Indian Navy’s fighter jet fleet.

The Uttam AESA radar was initially designed for the Tejas Mk1A variant, a crucial upgrade for India’s Light Combat Aircraft program. However, its capabilities have garnered wider interest. The radar will now be integrated on Naval MiG-29K Fighters, These carrier-borne fighters will benefit from the Uttam’s superior detection range and wider scanning angles compared to their current Russian Zhuk-ME radars. This will significantly enhance their situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

Fueled by rising global demand and government support, the Indian shipbuilding industry is setting its sights on a larger share of the global market, with a particular focus on attracting European shipowners.

Leading the charge is Garden Reach Shipbuilders (GRSE), a state-owned shipyard under the Ministry of Defense. Last week, GRSE inked a significant deal with German firm Carsten Rehder for the construction of four multi-purpose vessels, each with a capacity of 7,500 metric tons. This agreement marks a strategic pivot for GRSE, traditionally known for building warships.

SOURCE: AFI

Tamil Nadu is rapidly emerging as a frontrunner in India’s drone ecosystem, attracting established players and nurturing a vibrant startup scene. This growth trajectory is fueled by a combination of existing expertise, strategic initiatives, and a growing emphasis on indigenous manufacturing.

Professor Satya Chakravarthy, founder and CEO of ePlane, a leading electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone startup, highlights Tamil Nadu’s key position in the national drone landscape. The state boasts a growing number of domestic firms entering the drone component space, manufacturing battery packs, motors, propellers, and flight controllers.

SOURCE: AFI

The situation along the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir is already tense, and recent meetings by designated terrorist groups have raised further concerns. Intelligence reports indicate that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) planned attacks targeting the upcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, echoing past violence. However, Indian security forces are said to be prepared to counter such threats.

Another meeting, led by Mufti Abdul Rauf of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), discussed weapon smuggling into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for future attacks. Rauf also reportedly emphasized targeting informants and launching suicide attacks against security forces.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 program was shaken on March 12th by its first-ever crash. The locally produced, single-engine fighter jet went down near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. While the court of inquiry is still ongoing, initial reports point to an engine seizure as the cause of the accident, according to unnamed officials. One official cited an oil pump malfunction as the likely culprit.

The ill-fated aircraft, a relatively new addition to the IAF fleet at just three years old, prompted a swift response. The Indian Air Force grounded all remaining 35 LCA-Tejas Mk1s for a comprehensive inspection. Flights were only resumed after the grounded aircraft received clearance following thorough checks.

SOURCE: AFI

Precision Engineering Systems business vertical of Larsen & Toubro has won a prestigious order for part construction of Two Fleet Support Ships (FSS) from M/s Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), with Indian Navy being the end user of the vessels.

Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for design and construction of Five FSS for the Indian Navy in August 2023. FSS are specialized naval vessels, which provide logistics and material support to the naval task force at sea. With more than 220 meter in length and approx. 45,000 Ton displacement, FSS would be amongst the largest vessels in the Indian Naval Fleet.