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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Advanced Defence Establishment (ADE) is on a roll. Following the successful development of the land-based Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) and its predecessor, the ITCM, ADE is now setting its sights on a naval variant.
The next chapter in the LRLACM story is the development of a ship-launched version. This sea-based missile will be integrated with a frontline warship to undergo further developmental trials. Fortunately, DRDO has already developed the Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM) cells required for the LRLACM program, paving the way for seamless integration.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In its ambitious bid to modernize and expand its aerial combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire 114 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) from the global market. Among the contenders, The Boeing Company’s F-15EX Eagle-II stands out as a highly capable and advanced option. This aircraft offers cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance metrics, making it a strong candidate for the IAF’s MRCA program.
Boeing’s confidence in the F-15EX making the final cut stems from significant improvements and its impressive capabilities compared to previous offerings. During the last MRCA selection process, Boeing had proposed the F-18 E/F fighter jets, which did not progress past the technical evaluation rounds. However, with the F-15EX, Boeing is optimistic about a different outcome.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant leap forward for drone defense technology, RattanIndia Enterprises’ step-down subsidiary, Throttle Aerospace Systems, has announced the commencement of trials for its indigenously developed anti-drone platform, The Defender. This state-of-the-art system leverages vision-based techniques and powerful artificial intelligence to actively track and neutralize rogue drones, marking a crucial advancement in safeguarding against aerial threats.
The Defender is specifically designed to address the increasing threats posed by unauthorized drones. Utilizing non-lethal methods, it captures rogue drones using a net, ensuring minimal collateral damage. The platform is augmented by advanced AI capabilities, which enhance its efficiency and precision in tracking and neutralizing targets.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The P17 Alpha Project, involving the construction of three advanced warships for the Indian Navy, has progressed significantly. All three vessels have been successfully launched, and construction is underway at a steady pace as per Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE).
While all three ships have already been launched, construction continues at a steady pace. The first ship boasts an impressive 70% physical progress, while the second and third ships are at 60% and 47% completion, respectively.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that India’s nuclear arsenal has surpassed Pakistan’s for the first time. This development reignites discussions about India’s nuclear posture and future plans.
India’s nuclear stockpile currently stands at over 172 warheads, edging out Pakistan’s estimated 170. Factors contributing to this rise include the successful test of the Agni-5 MkII missile with Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) and the expansion of the Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (Keltron), a public sector undertaking, has secured a significant order worth ?97 crore from the Indian Navy. This contract involves the manufacturing of various critical defense electronics equipment for the Navy’s underwater operations.
Keltron will leverage its diverse manufacturing capabilities to fulfill this order. The Keltron Equipment Complex at Karakulam, Keltron Controls at Aroor, and the subsidiary company Keltron Electro Ceramics Limited will all be involved in the production process.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Paris-based technology giant Dassault Systèmes announced on Monday its ambitious plan to generate $1 billion in revenue from the Indian market by 2027. The company’s CEO, Pascal Daloz, emphasized India’s rapid growth and significant potential in the realm of virtual twins and simulation technologies.
Pascal Daloz highlighted the strategic importance of India in Dassault Systèmes’ global business operations. “India is a fast-growing market for virtual twins, and in the virtual world, we can simulate and evaluate the impact of our actions before making them real,” Daloz stated. This focus aligns with the increasing demand for advanced simulation and modeling technologies across various sectors in India.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy has joined forces with global exhibitor Messe Stuttgart India to enhance its nationwide logistics infrastructure. This collaboration aims to provide the Navy with cutting-edge solutions to optimize its operational and strategic capabilities.
According to a statement released by Messe Stuttgart India, the Indian Navy will initiate a tendering process. This process will allow them to connect with leading organizations showcasing logistics infrastructure solutions at upcoming events. Through careful evaluation, the Navy will be able to adopt the most suitable solutions to address its specific needs.
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