SOURCE: AFI

In a recent diplomatic maneuver, Pakistan has reportedly approached the United States with a proposition aimed at de-escalating regional tensions through missile program controls. According to posts found on X, Pakistan has offered to halt its own missile development in exchange for the U.S. persuading India to do the same.

Pakistan’s proposal suggests a mutual cessation of missile development programs between India and Pakistan, with the United States acting as a mediator or facilitator. This would theoretically result in a reduction of offensive capabilities on both sides, potentially stabilizing the region.

SOURCE: AFI

The landscape of counter-drone technology in India has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past five years. When the Indian Army first began acquiring anti-drone guns, the cost per unit was prohibitively high at around ?50 lakh, with very limited suppliers in the market. Today, the scenario has changed significantly, with dozens of Indian manufacturers offering advanced solutions at prices as low as ?8 lakh per unit.

Five years ago, counter-drone systems were a niche technology. Most suppliers in India were either reliant on imported systems or functioned as assemblers, assembling components sourced from abroad with minimal local value addition.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant advancement for India’s indigenous defense capabilities, state-run aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to conduct the first live firing test of the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) next month. This milestone will utilize the advanced ELTA Systems’ ELM 2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR) for guidance, marking a step forward from the previous tests which used the older ELM 2032 radar.

The Astra Mk1, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents India’s effort to achieve self-reliance in missile technology, particularly for air superiority roles. The missile is designed to engage and neutralize aerial threats at long ranges, providing the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a formidable weapon in its arsenal.

SOURCE: AFI

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has recently clarified a significant discrepancy regarding the range capabilities of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). Contrary to earlier claims by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of a range between 30-40 km, the committee’s report confirms that the missile’s actual strike range extends up to 80 km.

Developed specifically for the Indian Navy, the VLSRSAM is designed to counter various aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including challenging low-altitude sea-skimming targets. This missile system leverages vertical launch technology, providing a swift and effective response capability to naval threats.

SOURCE: AFI

The Centre for Advanced Systems (CAS) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently hosted a significant workshop on hypersonics to celebrate a major achievement: the completion of 1,000 tests in its Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT). Held on Saturday, the event was not only a testament to India’s progress in hypersonic technology but also a platform for experts to discuss the future of aerospace research.

Led by Dr. Sivasubramaniam Nambi Naidu, a distinguished scientist (DS) and Director of CAS, the workshop gathered scientists, researchers, and innovators to delve into the complexities and advancements of hypersonic testing.

SOURCE: AFI

OrbitAID Aerospace, an innovative Indian space startup focused on satellite refueling, has crossed a significant milestone by successfully testing its patented Standard Interface for Docking and Refueling (SIDRP) during a zero-gravity flight in Florida. This test is a pivotal moment in the journey towards on-orbit satellite servicing, showcasing the technology’s readiness for actual space operations.

The test was conducted within the unique conditions of a Zero-G flight, where the aircraft follows a parabolic flight path to simulate microgravity. This allowed OrbitAID to assess SIDRP’s functionality in conditions that closely mimic those found in space. The founders, Sakthikumar R, CEO, and Nikhil Balasubramanian, COO, were hands-on during the flight, ensuring the test’s success. Their presence underscored the importance of this validation for OrbitAID’s vision of sustainable space operations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) heralds India’s entry into the elite club of nations developing advanced fighter jets, positioning it as a 5.5 generation fighter. But what exactly defines a 5.5 generation fighter, and how does the AMCA aim to surpass contemporary 5th generation aircraft?

The concept of a 5.5 generation fighter jet is not universally standardized but is generally understood as an aircraft that builds upon the foundational capabilities of 5th generation fighters while integrating emerging technologies that hint at 6th generation traits.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent discussion, Air Marshal Anil Khosla underscored the multifaceted considerations India must navigate in pursuit of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. He highlighted key decision-making factors including life cycle cost, transfer of technology, alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, delivery schedules, aircraft performance, and compatibility with existing Indian systems and weaponry.

India’s journey towards securing a fifth-generation fighter jet is complex, primarily because only three nations—China, the United States, and Russia—currently possess such technology. With Chinese jets being off-limits due to geopolitical tensions, India’s options are narrowed down to the American F-35 Lightning II and the Russian Su-57.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant display of India’s Indigenous defence capabilities during a Video by Bharat-Shakti viewers are treated to a rare showcase of the High Power Microwave (HPM) System developed by the Microwave Tube Research and Development Centre (MTRDC), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This event not only highlighted the technological prowess of DRDO but also shed light on a weapon system that could redefine modern warfare.

The HPM System is designed to disrupt, disable, or destroy electronic systems from a distance by emitting high-intensity microwave pulses. These pulses can interfere with the circuitry of drones, missiles, and various electronic devices, rendering them inoperable without causing physical destruction.

SOURCE: AFI

India has announced its intentions to begin the New Year with a significant display of its military capabilities by issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a long-range missile test in the Bay of Bengal/Indian Ocean Region. The designated area for the flight path and the anticipated impact point hint at the possibility of testing the Agni-5MkII, a land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) equipped with Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs). The NOTAM is effective from January 5, 2025, through January 7, 2025.

The NOTAM covers a vast expanse over the Bay of Bengal, suggesting a test that could span a considerable range, possibly over 3,500 kilometers. This distance aligns with the capabilities of the Agni-5 series, known for its strategic reach. The Agni-5MkII, if indeed the missile in question, would mark a significant advancement in India’s missile technology, particularly with the integration of MIRV technology. This allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of hitting a separate target, thereby enhancing India’s strategic deterrence.