SOURCE: AFI

The Indian-developed Tapas drone program has reached a turning point, with the Indian Navy recently placing an order for four TAPAS-BH-201 drones. This development comes amidst a backdrop of both progress and setbacks for the project.

Drawing inspiration from the American MQ-9 Reaper, DRDO initiated the Tapas program in 2010. The drone’s maiden flight occurred in 2016. With a length of 31 feet, a wingspan of 67 feet, and a weight of 1,800 kg, the Tapas boasts a payload capacity of 350 kg and an impressive endurance exceeding 24 hours.

SOURCE: AFI

A common misconception suggests China’s DF-21D missiles pose an immediate threat to Indian aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This article dismantles this myth by examining the challenges China would face in such a scenario.

Targeting a moving aircraft carrier requires real-time data. While China has satellites, their data transmission isn’t instantaneous. Even with the fastest processing times, there’s a gap between data acquisition and relaying it to launch platforms. Additionally, satellite data itself has inherent errors in tracking targets and their own positions.

SOURCE: AFI

A new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a leading arms control think tank, has challenged a long-held assumption about India’s nuclear arsenal. The report suggests that India may have begun a practice known as “mating” – storing nuclear warheads with their delivery systems (missiles or bombers) during peacetime.

Mating nuclear warheads with delivery systems significantly reduces the warning time before a potential nuclear launch. This can heighten tensions and increase the risk of accidental or unauthorized use of nuclear weapons. Traditionally, both India and China were believed to keep their warheads separate from launchers during peacetime, providing some buffer in case of a crisis.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest to explore a cobalt-rich underwater mountain in the Indian Ocean has encountered a hurdle. The Afanasy Nikitin Seamount, located east of the Maldives and central to the Indian Ocean, is believed to hold significant reserves of cobalt, a vital mineral for electric vehicles and batteries.

In January, India approached the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Jamaica, seeking approval to explore the region. Established in 1994, the ISA, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, regulates economic activities on the seabed beyond national jurisdictions.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s visa issuance to Chinese nationals has witnessed a dramatic drop since the 2020 Galwan border conflict. This policy shift, driven by national economic security concerns, comes amid ongoing trade imbalances.

Prior to the Galwan clash and the pandemic, India granted roughly 200,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2019. However, a reevaluation of Chinese investments in India led to a drastic decrease, with only 2,000 visas issued in 2024. Over the past eight months, the number has slightly inched up to 1,500, primarily catering to the electronics industry’s needs.

SOURCE: AFI

On March 27, 2019, India surprised the world with the announcement of Mission Shakti, a successful anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that a ballistic missile interceptor, the Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark-II (PDV MK-II), developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), destroyed an Indian Microsat-R satellite in low Earth orbit.

Mission Shakti wasn’t impulsive. The targeted satellite, launched weeks prior at a deliberately low altitude, hinted at a controlled debris creation strategy. The small size of the satellite and the intercept method (hit-to-kill) further supported this intention.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based Si2 Microsystems Private Limited is facing sanctions from Japan over accusations of supplying advanced technology to Russia’s defense sector. The Japanese government alleges that Si2 Microsystems provided sensitive semiconductors and systems specifically designed for military electronics applications.

Si2 Microsystems reportedly specializes in miniaturization techniques using a three-dimensional system-in-package (SiP) approach. This technology is believed to have aided the Indian defense industry in achieving self-sufficiency in manufacturing electronic subsystems and systems critical for missiles, radars, and other weapon platforms.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s space agency, ISRO, is all set for the third and final developmental flight of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), designated SSLV-D3. The launch is scheduled for NET (Not Earlier Than) July 10th, 2024, marking a significant milestone towards making SSLV fully operational.

SSLV is a cost-effective launch vehicle specifically designed for mini, micro, and nano satellites. Built for industry production, it caters to the growing demand for a launch-on-demand platform for these smaller satellites. The vehicle boasts a unique three-stage configuration. The first three stages utilize solid propulsion, while the terminal stage employs a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) for precise orbital insertion.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia and India are poised for closer military cooperation following Moscow’s approval of a draft agreement outlining procedures for the mutual deployment of troops, warships, and aircraft. This development signifies a significant step towards bolstering Eurasian security, according to analysts.

The agreement is expected to expedite logistical processes for joint military exercises between the two nations. This could include smoother troop movements, quicker clearances for military hardware, and simplified administrative procedures, leading to more efficient and effective joint operations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is gearing up for crucial trials in Spain to evaluate critical equipment for its Project 75 India, aimed at acquiring six advanced submarines. This news comes courtesy of Spanish shipyard Navantia, a key partner in the project.

The focus of these trials lies on Navantia’s innovative Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, a technology that significantly enhances underwater endurance for submarines. Notably, Navantia successfully completed land-based trials of the system in 2023, simulating demanding real-world conditions.