SOURCE: AFI

India has expressed interest in managing and developing Bangladesh’s Mongla Port, according to a report by The Economic Times. This move comes as China also seeks influence in the strategically located port.

India already manages ports in Iran (Chabahar) and Myanmar (Sittwe), and securing Mongla would grant them a strategic foothold in the Bay of Bengal. This could potentially counter China’s growing presence in the region and solidify India’s role as a security provider in the Indian Ocean.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent encounter between the Indian Army and terrorists in Kashmir has sparked a significant outburst on social media, especially within the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) region. The focal point of this eruption is the death of the notorious terrorist Rahan Ali. However, the Indian media’s coverage of the event left out a crucial detail that social media users in POK were quick to highlight: Rahan Ali might have been an active member of the Pakistani military, specifically the Special Services Group (SSG) commando unit.

Photographs circulating on social media in POK purportedly show Rahan Ali in an SSG uniform, suggesting his active or previous service with the elite commando unit of the Pakistani military. This revelation has stirred significant controversy and has led to widespread speculation about the Pakistani military’s involvement in insurgent activities within the Indian side of Kashmir. According to some social media handles in POK, Ali might have been a retired SSG commando who had been re-engaged to execute targeted operations against Indian soldiers and Hindu civilians.

SOURCE: AFI

Satellite imagery reveals significant progress in the construction of a second runway at the strategic Leh airbase in Ladakh. This development bolsters India’s military capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Siachen Glacier, amid ongoing tensions with China.

The new runway, estimated to be approximately 2,000 meters long based on satellite imagery, will complement the existing 3,255-meter runway at the Leh airbase. Construction appears to be nearly 40% complete, indicating steady progress.

SOURCE: AFI

Satellite imagery reveals the ongoing construction of the Philippines’ first ever base for BrahMos anti-ship missiles. This development signifies a crucial step in the country’s defense modernization program, particularly in light of regional disputes with China.

The Philippines’ decision to acquire BrahMos missiles in 2022 marked a significant milestone. This $375 million deal, procured under the Philippine Navy’s Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile Acquisition Project, aimed to address the country’s aging military equipment and enhance its ability to defend its territory.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s Training Command is conducting specialized maintenance training for technicians on the new AK-203 assault rifle. This program, held at the Electrical Mechanical Engineering School (EMESchool) in Vadodara, Gujarat, highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense production.

The training equips technicians from the Army, Air Force, and Navy with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the AK-203 effectively. This ensures the weapon’s optimal performance and reliability in the hands of Indian forces.

SOURCE: AFI

For decades, Bangladesh has been a significant purchaser of military equipment from China, relying heavily on Chinese-made hardware to bolster its defense capabilities. However, recent issues with the quality and reliability of these imports have prompted Dhaka to lodge complaints with Beijing. This development raises concerns about the sustainability and dependability of China as a key defense supplier.

The Bangladesh military has reported multiple instances of faulty parts and technical problems across various branches. Notably, the Bangladesh Navy has encountered significant issues with Chinese-supplied vessels. Corvettes, patrol crafts, and onshore patrol vehicles have all shown manufacturing defects and technical challenges. These problems have led to operational difficulties and increased maintenance costs.

SOURCE: AFI

Marking the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, General (Retd.) VP Malik, the former Chief of Army Staff who led the Indian forces during the conflict, addressed a motivational seminar organized by the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

General Malik shed light on the significant difficulties encountered during the war. He revealed that some countries attempted to exploit India’s situation by offering outdated ammunition and used equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s ambitious plan to see significant industrial benefits from the Rafale fighter jet deal with France appears to be faltering. While the government remains tight-lipped on the issue, experts warn of minimal progress on the ground despite demanding the highest ever offset clause, at 50% of the contract value.

Dassault Aviation, the Rafale manufacturer, has reportedly faced penalties for failing to meet offset obligations, similar to other defense contractors. These offsets, meant to boost India’s domestic defense industry, were factored into the final Rafale jet price in 2016. Further highlighting the issue, European missile supplier MBDA was fined in 2021 for delays in fulfilling its offset commitments.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian military is undergoing a significant air defense upgrade, with the indigenously developed Akash air defense system taking center stage. This medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is rapidly replacing the aging SA-3 Goa (SA-11 Gadfly in NATO designation) systems, offering a substantial leap in technological prowess.

One recent example of this transition is evident in Awantipora, Kashmir. A strategically crucial location, Awantipora has witnessed the deployment of an Akash battery, effectively taking over the duties of the older SA-3 system. This move signifies a crucial step towards strengthening India’s air defense posture in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant shift from five years ago, the Indian Army has made remarkable strides in enhancing self-reliance through indigenous procurement. The financial year 2019-20 marked a pivotal moment in this journey when 57 percent of Army contracts were awarded to Indian companies, while 43 percent went to foreign vendors. However, subsequent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the share of contracts with domestic firms, reflecting the government’s robust push for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).

The transformation began gaining momentum in the financial year 2020-21, when the share of contracts with Indian firms surged to 73 percent, reducing the foreign vendors’ share to 27 percent. This trend continued into the 2021-22 financial year, maintaining the same distribution, thereby showcasing a sustained commitment to prioritizing domestic defense manufacturing.