SOURCE: AFI

Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Heron TP medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), leased to the Indian Army (IA), were recently tracked flying over the Kashmir region on websites like Flightradar24.

These Heron TPs were previously reported to be leased from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2020 for potential deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) bordering China in the Himalayas. The lease aimed to bolster India’s surveillance capabilities amidst ongoing border tensions.

SOURCE : AFI

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has reported that India’s nuclear arsenal stands at approximately 172 warheads as of January 2024, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year. This figure places India ahead of Pakistan for the first time since both nations conducted nuclear tests in 1998. The margin, however, is narrow – a mere two warheads.

Pakistani media outlets have contested SIPRI’s assessment. Historically, Western estimates, including those from SIPRI and the International Panel on Fissile Materials (IPFM), have placed Pakistan slightly ahead in terms of nuclear warhead stockpiles. These estimates rely heavily on satellite imagery analysis of uranium enrichment and plutonium production facilities, along with operational data. However, the specific methodologies employed by these institutions remain largely undisclosed, raising questions about the exactness of their figures.

SOURCE : AFI

nion Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting at North Block to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and to assess the preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which is set to begin on June 29. The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, among others.

During the meeting, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) highlighted its proposal to create 659 posts for their Mountain Battalions. The CRPF emphasized the necessity of this initiative, stating that over time, terrorist activities have shifted from urban areas to the forests at higher altitudes. A senior official explained, “After monitoring their regular activities, it has been observed that over a period, they have moved from urban areas to the terrain of forests at higher reaches. Since they are changing their modus operandi, security establishments also have to reinvigorate their plans as per the current scenario.”

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jets have successfully completed their participation in Exercise Red Flag in the United States and returned to India on June 26, 2024. This deployment marked a significant milestone for the IAF, showcasing its growing prowess and international cooperation.

The Red Flag exercise is a renowned aerial combat training program known for its challenging scenarios and realistic simulations. The IAF’s participation in this prestigious event signifies its commitment to maintaining peak combat readiness and sharpening its skills against top global adversaries.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a two-phase launch strategy for its upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission, aimed at returning lunar samples to Earth. This ambitious endeavor marks a significant step forward in India’s space exploration program.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath revealed on Wednesday that Chandrayaan-4 will not be a single launch but rather a meticulously planned two-part mission. The spacecraft will be divided into separate modules, each launched individually. Once in orbit, these modules will be meticulously assembled to form the complete Chandrayaan-4 spacecraft before its journey to the Moon.

SOURCE: AFI

Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), a Hyderabad-based engineering giant, has emerged victorious in its bid to construct two new 700 MW electrical reactors at Kaiga in Karnataka. This win marks MEIL’s entry into the nuclear power sector and comes at a crucial time for India’s energy goals.

The contract, awarded by the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), signifies a significant step towards India’s ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030. Nuclear power plays a vital role in this strategy, offering a clean and reliable source of energy.

SOURCE: AFI

Tensions between Pakistan and India flared again on Wednesday after Balochistan’s Home Minister, Ziaullah Langau, accused India’s intelligence agency, RAW, of funding and supporting militant groups operating in the province.

During a press conference in Quetta, Langau claimed RAW is the “single investor” behind the banned outfits, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He asserted that these groups are responsible for terror attacks and kidnappings plaguing the restive Balochistan province.

SOURCE: AFI

In the 1980s, the concept of “Make in India” was far from the political and economic mantra it has become today. However, there were significant moves that can be seen as precursors to this modern initiative. One such notable instance was Northrop Grumman’s offer to move the entire manufacturing facility for their F-20 fighter jet to India. This period coincided with India’s nascent Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, making the story of Northrop Grumman’s offer a fascinating chapter in India’s defense history.

During the 1980s, Northrop Grumman proposed to relocate the entire manufacturing facility of their F-20 advanced fighter jet to India. This was an unprecedented offer that promised significant technological transfer, skill development, and economic benefits for India. The establishment of such a facility would have catapulted India’s aerospace industry into a new era, positioning it as a significant player in global defense manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant revelation, it has come to light that US reconnaissance aircraft closely monitored India’s anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test conducted in 2019. This information, initially reported by a civilian aircraft spotter on Twitter, underscores the intricate surveillance capabilities employed by global superpowers during critical defense events.

The Twitter account Aircraft Spots, known for tracking military flights, reported that an RC-135S aircraft of the US Air Force departed from the US military base at Diego Garcia. The spotter stated that the aircraft was on a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India’s ASAT missile test. This test, conducted by India in March 2019, successfully demonstrated its ability to destroy satellites in low Earth orbit, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A Gurugram-based company is making waves by becoming one of the first clients for a revolutionary new satellite imaging service. This service, offered by Albedo, a US-based startup, promises to deliver an unprecedented level of detail – images as sharp as those previously only available to American defense and intelligence agencies.

The key to this breakthrough lies in Clarity, Albedo’s satellite. Unlike traditional satellites, Clarity will operate in a very low Earth orbit (VLEO), significantly closer to Earth than usual. This proximity allows Clarity to capture incredibly high-resolution images, potentially down to 10 centimeters per pixel. For comparison, current commercial providers offer imagery with a resolution of 30 centimeters, which can be further enhanced to 15 centimeters.