SOURCE: AFI

Indian private space company Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a critical milestone in its journey towards its first orbital launch. The company successfully completed the proof pressure test of the Vikram-1 launch vehicle’s Stage-1 hardware, aptly named Kalam-1200.

This 10-meter-long stage, constructed from high-strength carbon fiber, plays a vital role in propelling Vikram-1 during the initial phase of its flight. Kalam-1200 is designed to deliver a powerful thrust of 1200 kN, enabling the rocket to overcome Earth’s gravity and ascend into the less dense atmosphere.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s state-owned Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of advanced materials for the indigenous 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. MIDHANI’s engineers have successfully formulated a special “space-age” titanium alloy named Titan6242S (Ti-6AL-2Sn-4zr-2Mo-0.08Si).

This newly developed titanium alloy boasts an outstanding combination of tensile strength, toughness, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures reaching 565°C. These properties make Titan6242S ideally suited for the high-pressure compressor (HPC) casing of the AMCA’s jet engine, which endures extreme stress and heat during operation.

SOURCE: AFI

India is evaluating the possibility of acquiring Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) for its army. However, the Stryker has a history of both strengths and vulnerabilities that India should consider before making a decision.

Developed under former Army Chief of Staff Eric Shinseki, the Stryker entered service in 2003. Initially praised for its ability to transport troops, its limitations soon became apparent. The armor proved insufficient, and the wheeled design caused maintenance problems due to mud clogging the engine. Additionally, computer systems malfunctioned, and seatbelts were inadequate for troops in combat gear during rollovers.

SOURCE: AFI

The drone era is still young, and the initial shock of a cheap quadcopter taking down a multi-million dollar tank continues to resonate. However, the future of drone combat promises to be far more intricate. Here’s a glimpse into what the next decade might hold:

As electronic warfare evolves, sophisticated jamming and spoofing techniques will become more prevalent. This could potentially shift the balance of power. High-powered microwave weapons could emerge as effective tools for disabling even rudimentary drones, making their cost-effectiveness questionable. In response, military drone manufacturers will likely be forced to abandon commercially available components and develop sturdier drones with hardened electronics, leading to an increase in drone production costs.

SOURCE: AFI

The covert operation undertaken by India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to incorporate the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim into the Indian Union.

For centuries, Sikkim thrived as an independent kingdom nestled in the Himalayas. However, the rise of the British Empire in India gradually eroded its autonomy. By the late 19th century, Sikkim became a British protectorate, though still ruled by its hereditary monarchs, the Chogyals.

SOURCE: AFI

Airbus Defence and Space has confirmed the delivery of two C-295 transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). These aircraft, numbered four and five, departed from the Airbus production facility in Seville, Spain.

This delivery is part of a larger agreement between Airbus and India. The initial 16 C-295s will be manufactured entirely at the Seville facility. Subsequently, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Airbus will oversee production at a new facility in India.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chosen two of its Gaganyaan-trained astronauts for a groundbreaking mission to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year, according to informed sources. This collaborative effort with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is targeted for “no earlier than October 2024,” as per NASA’s website.

Prior to the mission, the astronauts will travel to the United States for specialized ISS training. “While they have undergone general spaceflight training,” an official explained, “much of their Indian training focused on Gaganyaan modules. Familiarization with ISS modules and protocols is essential.”

SOURCE: AFI

China’s latest stealth fighter jet, the J-31B, appears ready to enter military service based on a promotional video released by its developer, Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC).

The FC-31 Gyrfalcon, now officially designated J-31B, is expected to complement the J-20, China’s most advanced operational stealth fighter. The video, posted by state broadcaster CCTV, showcases a computer-generated image of the J-31B featuring a side weapon bay carrying two missiles.

SOURCE: AFI

In a historic landslide victory, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, is poised to usher in a new era in the United Kingdom. Following a decisive win in the general elections on Friday, Starmer is set to succeed Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister. Among the numerous global issues on Starmer’s agenda, a key responsibility will be to repair the strained ties with India, a relationship that has been turbulent due to the Labour Party’s stance on the Kashmir issue.

The origins of this tension date back to September 2019 when, under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, the Labour Party passed an emergency motion calling for international observers to enter Kashmir. This motion demanded the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people and urged Corbyn to meet with the high commissioners of India and Pakistan to facilitate mediation and avert a potential nuclear conflict. India, viewing this as an interference in its internal affairs, strongly opposed the motion, terming it an effort to “pander to vote bank interests.”

SOURCE: AFI

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has initiated consultations with veterans from the Army, Navy, and Air Force regarding the Agnipath recruitment scheme. This follows his recent visits to Agniveer training centers across the three services, where he assessed the scheme’s implementation on the ground.

The move comes amidst ongoing debate surrounding Agnipath. Opposition parties have called for the scheme’s rollback, while concerns have been raised about compensation for Agniveers who die serving the nation.