SOURCE: AFI

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha at around 1130 hours on May 29, 2024. The flight-test met all the trial objectives, validating the propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm. The performance of the missile has been validated from the flight data captured by range tracking instruments like electro-optical systems, radar and telemetry stations deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur at various locations, including the on-board ship.

RudraM-II is an indigenously-developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system meant for Air-to-Surface role to neutralise many types of enemy assets. A number of state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories have been incorporated in the missile system.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to receive a significant boost in its domestic fighter jet fleet. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, has confirmed the delivery of 16 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft within the current financial year, ending March 31, 2025.

“That is our priority,” Ananthakrishnan declared, highlighting the importance of delivering the Tejas Mk1A fighters to the IAF. This commitment underscores HAL’s dedication to bolstering India’s air defense capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

On May 24th, a formidable force from the Indian Air Force (IAF) set off for Exercise Red Flag Alaska 24-2. Eight Dassault Rafale fighter jets, known for their advanced capabilities, spearheaded the deployment, arriving at Lajes Field in the Azores for a mid-air stopover.

The IAF contingent wasn’t alone. An Indian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft, identified as CB-8008, provided crucial logistical support, while an Il-78MK Midair refueling aircraft), designated KJ-3450, ensured the long-range deployment could be achieved.

SOURCE: AFI

Diving Support Vessel, the first warship built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) for Indian Navy since 1993 was sent to sea for trials on 27th May early morning, The Ship returned to HSL Jetty late hours on 27th May. The ship has successfully completed maiden sea trials with no major defect, marking a pivotal achievement for Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL).

This milestone is particularly noteworthy as it represents HSL’s first warship construction for the Navy in three decades, the last being INS Sujatha built in year 1993 with Korean assistance.

SOURCE: AFI

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has successfully completed the refit of the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) patrol vessel, PS Zoroaster, a remarkable 30 days ahead of schedule.

The PS Zoroaster is a multipurpose vessel designed for a variety of missions, including patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and search and rescue (SAR) operations. With an endurance of over 1500 nautical miles and a main armament of a 40/60 gun, the vessel is a powerful and fuel-efficient asset for the SCG.

SOURCE: AFI

The war in Ukraine has highlighted a critical gap in India’s air defense capabilities: the lack of robust decoy systems. Decoy technology is essential for misleading and confusing enemy air defenses, giving Indian forces a significant advantage in potential conflicts.

Decoys come in various forms, mimicking real aircraft and missiles. When deployed strategically, they can deceive enemy radars, causing them to waste ammunition and defensive efforts on these false targets. This creates a window for real Indian airstrikes to proceed undetected and deliver maximum impact.

SOURCE: AFI

The indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, in its LA-2018 LSP (Limited Serial Production) variant, was recently spotted taking off from INS Hansa base in Goa. The aircraft’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder was active, indicating a planned calibration sortie.

This mission, most likely, was a crucial step in evaluating and testing the LA-2018’s onboard sensors. Calibration sorties are essential for ensuring the accuracy and functionality of various sensors, including radar, Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, and other mission-critical systems.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is setting its sights on the next chapter in its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology development program with the upcoming LEX-3 mission. Scheduled for next month, LEX-3 will mark a significant step forward by incorporating more sensors and potentially even a payload onto the scaled RLV model.

This mission builds upon the successes of the previous RLV-LEX flights. RLV-LEX-01, accomplished last year, laid the groundwork for further development. RLV-LEX-02 then focused on refining the autonomous landing capability, particularly under challenging conditions. The test vehicle, named Pushpak, was released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km. Simulating a launch scenario, Pushpak was released 4 km away from the designated runway. Despite these dispersions, the vehicle autonomously performed cross-range corrections and landed precisely on the runway using its onboard systems.

SOURCE: AFI

In a startling revelation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has alleged an ongoing plot to carve out a Christian state, akin to East Timor, from parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

During a public address yesterday, Prime Minister Hasina stated that she had been offered a “hassle-free reelection” in the upcoming January 7 polls if she permitted a foreign country to establish an airbase within Bangladesh’s territory. She refrained from naming the country involved in this purported offer, but the implications of her statement point towards substantial foreign interference in Bangladesh’s sovereignty.