SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has recently delivered a groundbreaking VHF radar system to the Indian Armed Forces, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s air defence capabilities. This new radar, equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna, is specifically engineered to detect and track low-observable (stealth) aircraft at ranges up to 200 kilometres, providing critical early warning against stealth threats like China’s J-20 or the J-35A, which Pakistan is reportedly planning to acquire.

Stealth technology primarily works by reducing an aircraft’s radar cross-section (RCS) in higher frequency bands like X-band, where most modern air defense radars operate. However, VHF radars use much longer wavelengths (typically 1 to 3 meters), which interact with the aircraft’s structure differently. Due to Rayleigh scattering, where electromagnetic waves scatter more from objects smaller than their wavelength, stealth aircraft features that are effective against shorter wavelengths become less so against VHF frequencies. This means that even stealth jets with reduced RCS can produce a detectable return when hit by VHF radar waves.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s defense capabilities, ideaForge Technology Limited has proudly announced that its SWITCH MINI UAV was featured in the Integrated Battlefield Surveillance System ‘Sanjay’. This system, a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), represents a leap forward in modern warfare technology.

The SWITCH MINI UAV, known for its agility, endurance, and high-altitude performance, has been certified as ‘Fit for Indian Military Use’, a testament to its reliability and effectiveness in real-world combat scenarios. During the recent Republic Day parade, the UAV was showcased as an integral part of the ‘Sanjay’ system, demonstrating its role in providing advanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical support.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to enhance the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army, the Ministry of Defence has signed contracts with RRP S4E, a leading supplier of optical and thermal imaging technology. The agreements, totaling $11.6 million, will see the supply of long-range cameras and thermal imaging sights designed to boost the operational effectiveness of ground forces in both day and night conditions.

Viraj 28-B Camera is state-of-the-art long-range observation system weighs less than 9 kg and integrates a day camera with a thermal imaging sensor. The day camera boasts Full High-Definition (HD) 1080p resolution, offering a 30x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom for detailed surveillance. Its companion thermal imaging sensor, with a resolution of 640×480p and 6x optical zoom, allows for effective target acquisition in low visibility or night conditions. The Viraj 28-B can detect, recognize, and identify a person at distances of up to 4 km, 1.3 km, and 678 meters, respectively.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move towards advancing the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) sector in India, auto component manufacturer Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ubifly Technologies Private Limited, known as The ePlane Co., on January 29, 2025. This collaboration aims to innovate and develop powertrain solutions for eVTOL aircraft and drones.

The ePlane Co. stands out as a trailblazer in the eVTOL industry, focusing on applications ranging from air ambulances and charter flights to aerial cargo solutions. Their recent achievement of receiving type approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) highlights their position as a leading indigenous private entity in this niche market.

SOURCE: AFI

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), an integral part of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), currently boasts a workforce of 227 employees dedicated to the advancement of gas turbine technology. With the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine program on the horizon, GTRE is preparing for a significant recruitment push.

The AMCA project, central to India’s fifth-generation fighter jet aspirations, has been a focal point for technological self-reliance in aerospace engineering. GTRE’s role in this project is to develop an indigenous high-thrust engine, which is expected to be a collaboration with a foreign contractor. The specifics of this collaboration are still under negotiation, but the anticipation is high, with potential partners including global giants like Safran, Rolls-Royce, and General Electric.

SOURCE: AFI

The realm of aerospace technology, particularly the development and enhancement of fighter jets, is an arena where nations often push the boundaries of innovation. Reverse engineering has historically been a method employed by various countries to leapfrog technological gaps and bolster their military capabilities. However, India’s approach to reverse engineering fighter jets has been notably cautious, shaped by both its capabilities and its commitment to international Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws.

Modern fighter jets are complex systems integrating advanced materials, aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion technologies. The process of reverse engineering such sophisticated equipment requires not just access to the hardware but also deep expertise in multiple engineering disciplines. India has made significant strides in indigenous aircraft development, like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, but the journey from reverse engineering to full indigenous production has been fraught with challenges. The technical intricacies of jet engines, avionics, and stealth technology, for instance, have proven particularly difficult to master through reverse engineering alone.

SOURCE: AFI

In the realm of global military aviation, only a select few nations possess fleets of strategic bombers (SB), which are designed for long-range, deep-penetration strikes into enemy territory. Currently, these nations are the United States, Russia, and China. Notably, India, despite its significant military prowess and strategic interests, particularly in light of the regional dynamics with China, has not ventured into this domain.

India’s military doctrine has historically prioritized regional defense rather than global power projection, which strategic bombers would serve. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has focused on multi-role fighters that can handle a variety of missions from air superiority to ground attack, aligning with India’s defense needs against its immediate neighbors. The acquisition of strategic bombers would represent a significant doctrinal shift, requiring not only a change in military strategy but also substantial financial investment. Strategic bombers are expensive to acquire, operate, and maintain, and with India’s defense budget stretched across multiple modernization programs, the cost-benefit analysis has so far not favored such a move.

SOURCE: AFI

In a gesture of goodwill and military cooperation, Pakistan has delivered an FT-7P fighter aircraft to the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) in January 2025. This aircraft, a Chinese-manufactured J-7 in its export trainer configuration, was provided as a grant, highlighting the ongoing military ties between the two nations.

The FT-7P, essentially a dual-seat training variant of the F-7, has been a part of Pakistan’s Air Force inventory for training purposes. With the introduction of the more advanced JF-17B dual-seat trainer aircraft, Pakistan found itself with surplus FT-7 aircraft. These planes were previously used to train pilots destined for the F-7PG fleet, for weapons tactics training, and as adversary aircraft in simulated combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards enhancing military cooperation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) convened for the Executive Steering Group Meeting, also known as Air Staff Talks, in London on January 28 and 29, 2025. The two-day event was a platform for reinforcing the defence relationship between the two nations, focusing on joint training, the exchange of ideas, and professional military education.

The discussions were co-chaired by Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall CBE from the RAF and Air Vice-Marshal Prajual Singh VM from the IAF. This meeting underscored the commitment of both air forces to not only maintain but also expand their mutual engagements in various military domains.