SOURCE: AFI

Aero India 2025 is set to be an unprecedented event in the world of aerospace and defense, with Russia announcing that it will showcase its advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon), at the airshow in Bengaluru. This decision has not only sparked excitement among Indian defense enthusiasts but has also caught the keen interest of American defense officials from Lockheed Martin and Boeing, who are slated to attend the event.

The Su-57, known for its stealth capabilities, supermaneuverability, and advanced avionics, will be on full display, offering a rare opportunity for close observation by international competitors. The presence of the Su-57 prototype is particularly intriguing as it marks one of the few times the aircraft will be seen outside Russian territory, providing a unique chance for analysis and comparison with Western counterparts like the F-35.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent post by a user on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked discussions in defense circles about a potential US offer to sell the advanced AIM-120D3 long-range Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile to non-NATO allies, including India. The AIM-120D3 is touted for its superior capabilities in terms of Maximum Effective Range (DMAX), No-Escape Zone (NEZ), and Missile Achievable Range (MAR), reportedly outstripping China’s PL-15 missile in these aspects.

However, sources close to the AFI and the Indian Defense Research Wing (IDRW) have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such an offer. According to these insiders, the integration of the AIM-120D3 onto non-American jets is a complex endeavor, typically restricted to a select few European aircraft. The sale of the missile as a standalone weapon without accompanying American fighter jets is considered highly unlikely.

SOURCE: AFI

On the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day, Vahagn Afyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to India, was among the distinguished guests at the grand parade organized by the Ministry of Defence. Sharing his experience on his X handle, Ambassador Afyan posted a series of photographs from the event, capturing the essence of India’s military prowess and cultural vibrancy. One particular image that caught significant attention was that of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s newly developed quasi-ballistic missile, Pralay.

The Pralay missile, which made its public debut during the parade, is a testament to India’s advancements in tactical missile technology. It’s designed for battlefield use, capable of delivering a variety of warheads with precision over distances ranging from 150 to 500 kilometers in its standard configuration.

SOURCE: AFI

South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co Ltd, one of the globe’s premier shipbuilders, is actively seeking collaborations in India to expand its shipbuilding and repair operations. This initiative comes as a response to the scarcity of shipbuilding slots in South Korea coupled with a worldwide increase in demand for new ship constructions.

A high-level delegation from Hanwha Ocean, formerly known as Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co Ltd, recently concluded a strategic visit to India. Led by Jin Su Lee, Senior Vice President, the delegation toured several key Indian shipyards, including Pipavav, operated by Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (formerly Reliance Naval and Engineering Ltd), state-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, and L&T Shipbuilding Ltd. Their visit, which spanned ten days, was at the behest of the Indian government and concluded with a significant meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on January 14.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent media report has brought to light the integration of Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Rampage air-to-surface missile onto the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets, marking a significant enhancement in the naval aviation’s strike capabilities.

The Rampage missile, known for its high-speed, long-range, and precision strike capabilities, has been showcased in a photograph where it is mounted on the wing of a MiG-29K, indicating successful integration and testing. This missile, which can be launched from various aircraft platforms, offers the Indian Navy the ability to engage high-value targets from a safe standoff distance, reducing the risk to pilots and aircraft from enemy air defenses.

SOURCE: AFI

BonV Aero, a leading developer of heavy-lift unmanned aerial systems (UAS), has achieved a significant milestone by joining the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) UAS Heavy Lift Capability Framework. This inclusion strengthens its position as a global player in the heavy-lift drone sector and paves the way for international defense collaborations.

The UK MoD’s UAS Heavy Lift Capability Framework is a strategic initiative designed to identify and integrate cutting-edge solutions for military logistics, disaster response, and operational support. By joining this framework, BonV Aero gains access to a platform that facilitates collaboration with the UK defense ecosystem, including the military, private sector innovators, and research institutions.

SOURCE: AFI

As the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, it has announced a significant augmentation of its air defense capabilities around the National Capital Region (NCR). In a move to ensure the safety and security of the airspace during the festivities, the IAF is deploying a range of state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, including the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM).

The MRSAM, developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is capable of neutralizing aerial threats at distances between 70 to 80 kilometers. This system, which was inducted into the IAF in 2021, features advanced radar systems and can engage multiple targets simultaneously, offering a robust shield against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

SOURCE: AFI

The Border Security Force (BSF) plays a critical role in safeguarding India’s extensive and diverse borders, which span rugged mountains, deserts, dense forests, and vast rivers. The challenges of patrolling such varied terrains often demand innovative solutions. One such potential solution is the deployment of powered paragliders (PPGs) for border surveillance and patrolling.

Powered paragliding involves a motorized harness attached to a paraglider wing, allowing the operator to take off, fly, and land with minimal infrastructure. This lightweight, versatile, and cost-effective technology has proven effective in civilian applications such as adventure sports, aerial photography, and even search-and-rescue operations. Its potential for military and paramilitary use, particularly in surveillance and reconnaissance, is increasingly being explored.

SOURCE: AFI

The animated science fiction series Pantheon, released by AMC+ in 2022, has earned widespread acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative on the ethical and existential dilemmas surrounding Uploaded Intelligence (UI). Amidst its global storyline, the series takes an intriguing turn by showcasing critical components of India’s strategic naval capabilities, including the INS Arihant, K-15 Sagarika missile, and INS Kattabomman, reflecting the growing recognition of India’s military prowess in global media.

Set in a near-future world, Pantheon explores the consequences of human consciousness being uploaded into digital realms, turning individuals into “Uploaded Intelligence.” The series follows two teenagers as they uncover the dark realities of this revolutionary technology, which carries immense potential but exacts a heavy human toll.