SOURCE: AFI
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has taken down a network of social media accounts originating from China. This network, dubbed “Operation K,” engaged in “inauthentic behavior” aimed at influencing discussions within the global Sikh community, particularly regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Operation K employed a deceptive strategy. The network created 37 Facebook accounts, 13 pages, five groups, and nine Instagram accounts posing as a fictitious activist movement. This facade aimed to incite pro-Sikh demonstrations, specifically targeting audiences in New Zealand and Australia.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The LCA Tejas Mk1 has recently been spotted with the ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile), marking it the third Close Combat Missile (CCM) under testing for the platform. This development follows the successful testing and validation of the Russian R-73 and Israeli Python-5 CCMs. The integration of these three different CCMs from distinct countries and manufacturers significantly enhances the Tejas Mk1’s combat versatility and complicates adversaries’ countermeasures due to the diverse infrared (IR) sensor technologies and functionalities of each missile system.
Modern aerial warfare relies heavily on electronic countermeasures (ECMs) that can potentially jam or confuse missile guidance systems. By incorporating three distinct CCMs, the Tejas Mk1A makes it more difficult for adversaries to develop a single, effective countermeasure.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Recent analysis of imagery collected over Shigatse Air Base in China reveals the deployment of at least six J-20 stealth fighter jets alongside eight J-10 fighters and a KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft. This deployment signifies a strategic move by China to strengthen its airpower near the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India.
The J-20 is China’s most advanced fighter jet, boasting stealth capabilities that can potentially disrupt India’s air defense systems. This deployment comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s next-generation fighter jet, is taking a significant step forward. According to HAL’s chairman and managing director (CMD), CB Ananthakrishnan, the AMCA’s stealth shaping is now finalized, its design has reached maturity, and the internal systems layout is complete.
In stealth mode, the AMCA carries its weapons and fuel internally within a dedicated weapons bay. This eliminates external protrusions like under-wing pylons that would otherwise reflect radar waves and compromise stealth.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to sign a significant agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 240 AL-31F jet engines. These engines will be instrumental in powering the IAF’s formidable fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets.
The Su-30MKI serves as the backbone of the IAF’s fighter jet fleet. This deal signifies the IAF’s commitment to maintaining the combat readiness and operational efficiency of these crucial aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s defense sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a dual ambition: achieving self-sufficiency in critical military equipment and simultaneously becoming a major exporter of defense products. This article explores the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead.
India has witnessed a remarkable surge in its domestic defense production. The article highlights a record-breaking Rs 21,083 crore in defense exports for the financial year 2023-24, a 32.5% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the number of export authorizations has jumped by 6.58%. These figures point towards a growing potential for India to become a prominent player in the global defense market.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s AstroSat satellite, launched in 2015, has carved a niche for itself in the world of astronomy with its unique ability to observe celestial objects across a broad spectrum of light. This article explores what makes AstroSat so special and how it’s helping scientists unlock the secrets of the cosmos.
Unlike many space telescopes that focus on a specific range of light, such as visible or X-ray, AstroSat is a multi-wavelength observatory. It carries five separate instruments, allowing it to simultaneously study objects in.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Veera Dynamics, a company based in Hyderabad, India, has signed a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with S Carfil S.A. This agreement marks a significant development in the Indian defense sector.
S Carfil S.A. is a subsidiary of CN Romarm SA, a Romanian state-owned enterprise with a distinguished history spanning over a century. The company specializes in the production of armaments, ammunition, and dual-use products, making it a key player in Romania’s defense industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to welcome its newest fighter jet, the Tejas Mk1A, with the formation of the first squadron later this year. This indigenous aircraft marks a significant milestone in India’s self-reliance efforts in the defence sector.
According to sources at idrw.org, the first Tejas Mk1A squadron will be operational by the end of 2024 at Nal Air Force Station in Rajasthan, bordering Pakistan. Following the success of the first squadron, the IAF plans to establish a second squadron at Naliya Air Base in Kutch, Gujarat, further strengthening its aerial presence along the western frontier.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India and France are gearing up for joint trials of the Astra missile on Rafale fighter jets later this year. The trials will begin with captive flight tests, where the missile is carried but not launched, and progress to live firing exercises likely starting next year.
This development follows a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Dassault Aviation Ltd. This agreement paves the way for integrating Indian-made weapon systems onto the Rafale jets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s military is acquiring advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance its surveillance and tactical capabilities. This comes after Adani Defence delivered four indigenously-produced Hermes-900 drones, procured by the Indian Army and Navy.
The Hermes-900 is a medium-sized, multi-payload, long-endurance UAV designed for tactical missions. The Indian Air Force (IAF), however, opted for the Heron Mk II, a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV, acquiring four units.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s defense sector is at a critical juncture with the Tejas MkII and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs. While these initiatives promise to elevate India’s indigenous defense capabilities, lessons from the delays and negative perception surrounding the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas MkI program underscore the importance of timely production and effective marketing strategies. To avoid repeating past mistakes and to secure a strong position in the international export market, India must invest in private sector production lines and adopt robust marketing tactics.
The Tejas MkI program, despite eventually achieving operational status, was marred by significant delays and production bottlenecks. These issues not only hampered the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization plans but also tarnished the program’s reputation on the global stage. The lingering negative perception has posed challenges for exporting the Tejas MkI, making it crucial for India to address these concerns proactively with the Tejas MkII and AMCA programs.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is set to receive a fresh batch of nearly 8,000 AK-203 assault rifles manufactured at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. This comes after the successful delivery of the first batch of 27,000 rifles produced locally under the joint venture.
India has become the first country outside Russia to manufacture the AK-200 series assault rifles. This signifies a significant step towards self-reliance in defense equipment production.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The war in Ukraine has cast a spotlight on the growing importance of glide bombs, a cost-effective and highly destructive weapon. While the conflict unfolds thousands of kilometers away, it holds valuable lessons for India, a nation that has actively developed and deployed its own glide bomb arsenal.
India boasts two indigenous glide bomb options: the DRDO SAAW and the Gaurav-Gautham series. The SAAW, designed to neutralize airfields and fortified structures, boasts a 100 km range. The Gaurav and Gautham offer varying weight and range capabilities, with Gautham reaching a staggering 550 km with potential for further extension. Additionally, India utilizes the Israeli Spice series and French Hammer glide bombs, proven effective during the Balakot airstrike.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant move to bolster India’s technological landscape, India Accelerator has announced the launch of a new vertical dedicated to robotics, unmanned systems, and space technologies. This initiative aims to foster innovation and support startups in these cutting-edge domains, positioning India as a key player in the global tech arena.
India Accelerator’s new vertical comes at a time when advancements in robotics, unmanned systems, and space technologies are rapidly transforming industries worldwide. By providing targeted support and resources, India Accelerator seeks to cultivate a robust ecosystem that nurtures startups working on these high-impact technologies.
Continue reading