SOURCE: AFI

Chinese Air Force off late has been deploying its J-20 stealth fighter close to Indian border for last 3 years and increasing presence of the jet confirms that the PLAAF has been receiving large numbers of J-20 off late. IAF’s best bet is on the Dassault Rafale fighter jets when it comes to taking on J-20 stealth fighters. This analysis delves into the stealth features of the J-20 and Rafale and examines why the Rafale stands out as the best option for the Indian Air Force (IAF) until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) becomes operational.

The Chengdu J-20, developed by China, is often classified as a fifth-generation stealth fighter. It incorporates advanced stealth technology to minimize its radar cross-section (RCS), making it difficult to detect and track.

SOURCE: AFI

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is poised for a significant leap in water jet propulsion technology, thanks to a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kongsberg Finland. This collaboration holds immense potential for the “Make in India” initiative and future Indian naval and coast guard vessels.

Presently, most high-speed Indian Navy and Coast Guard ships rely on imported water jet propulsion systems. With the “Make in India” initiative gaining traction, increasing domestic production of crucial marine equipment is essential. Water jets, being extensively used in these vessels, become a prime target for indigenous development.

SOURCE: AFI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is poised to undertake significant reforms within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), an entity pivotal to India’s defense capabilities. The proposed changes aim to address longstanding issues of inefficiency and talent acquisition but come with the risk of compromising the organization’s autonomy.

One of the most notable aspects of the reform plan is the increased micro-management of DRDO’s programs by both military and government officials. This shift from autonomy to more direct oversight could streamline decision-making processes and ensure closer alignment with national defense priorities. However, it also raises concerns about potential bureaucratic red tape and the stifling of innovative initiatives within the organization.

SOURCE: AFI

In the precarious landscape of nuclear deterrence, India’s longstanding commitment to a “No First Use” (NFU) policy offers a glimmer of hope. This policy, enshrined in India’s nuclear doctrine, deserves wider recognition and global support.

India’s NFU policy unequivocally declares that it will only retaliate with nuclear weapons in response to a first strike by another nuclear-armed nation or a large-scale chemical or biological attack. This doctrine emphasizes restraint and proportionality in the face of potential nuclear threats.

SOURCE: AFI

A mechanic from Kerala, Jayesh, has been awarded a patent for his innovative design of a twin magazine rifle. This invention has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Indian defence sector.

Jayesh’s design modifies the standard single magazine rifle used by security forces and the military. Currently, soldiers must reload manually once their magazine is empty during combat. This critical process can waste valuable time and leave soldiers vulnerable.

SOURCE: AFI

Yesterday, videos circulating on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have sparked rumors of a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet crash. Despite the widespread speculation and visual evidence, the PAF has not issued any confirmation or statement regarding the incident, nor has any Pakistani media outlet reported on the alleged crash.

The videos, which have quickly gone viral, purportedly show a fighter jet descending rapidly before crashing. According to various sources, the pilot successfully bailed out, as indicated by the Squadron Patch, suggesting a safe ejection. The fighter jet in question has been identified as belonging to PAF’s No. 14 Squadron, also known as the “Tail Choppers.” This squadron is a part of the PAF’s Central Air Command and is known for its expertise in air superiority missions.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has revealed details about the Trishna mission, a collaborative effort with the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales). Trishna, which translates to “thirst” in Hindi, is a aptly named satellite designed to address water and food security concerns in the face of climate change.

While a specific launch date remains undisclosed, ISRO has outlined the mission’s objectives and technical specifications. Trishna will be equipped with a Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) payload provided by CNES and a Visible-Near Infra-Red-ShortWave Infra-Red (VNIR-SWIR) payload built by ISRO. This combination will enable high spatial and temporal resolution monitoring of Earth’s surface temperature, emissivity, and biophysical variables.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Naval Station (INS) Rajali recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) infrastructure, significantly bolstering its operational capabilities. This new system, installed by M/s Mahindra Telephony, incorporates a Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR) for enhanced functionality.

The ASR acts as the eyes of the air traffic control system, providing a comprehensive picture of air traffic in the vicinity of INS Rajali. Prior to this upgrade, air traffic controllers relied solely on primary radar signals.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has become the first public sector undertaking (PSU) in Bangalore to incorporate electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet. The company has leased 32 Tata Express electric cars from a travel agency to replace diesel-powered vehicles previously used by senior officials for daily commuting.

This initiative by BEL aligns with Bangalore’s growing focus on promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions. The city has witnessed a rise in EV adoption in recent times, and BEL’s decision serves as a positive example for other organizations to follow suit.

SOURCE: AFI

Unearthed archival footage sheds light on a pivotal moment for both the Indian Army and the Russian T-90 tank program. In 1999, the Uralvagonzavod factory in Russia faced a period of significant difficulty. However, a crucial contract with India for the T-90S tank would become a lifeline for the program.

In 1997, India expressed interest in acquiring the T-90S tank. However, their requirements were specific. They sought a tank equipped with a powerful 1,000-horsepower engine and a thermal imaging sight for enhanced battlefield awareness during night operations. Unfortunately, the base T-90S model offered by Russia at the time lacked these features.