SOURCE: AFI

New Space Research & Technologies (NRT), a leading Indian aerospace and defense R&D company, has announced a partnership with Forge for the O.C-9.0 Challenge – High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) MK1. Known for pioneering advanced technologies for critical aerospace and defense missions, NRT is one of India’s fastest-growing companies in this sector. Their focus lies on Next-Generation Missions and Technologies (NGM&T), pushing the boundaries of innovation.

NRT possesses unique expertise in MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming). This technology allows manned fighter aircraft to act as central hubs, coordinating and synchronizing fleets of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and uncrewed combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). This significantly enhances the capabilities of multi-mission air combat assets.

SOURCE: AFI

Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, has begun supplying the Armado, a newly designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV), to the Indian armed forces. This marks a significant milestone for MDS, with deliveries exceeding 719 vehicles in the current financial year (FY24) – the highest annual total for the company including the ALSV, Markshman, and Mrap models.

The Armado is designed for versatility and can adapt to various operational needs. It boasts ballistic protection of up to B7 Stanag Level II, making it suitable for counter-terrorism operations, patrolling conflict zones, and supporting special forces. Its capabilities extend to carrying ammunition, functioning as a reconnaissance vehicle, and patrolling borders. The Armado’s design enables it to navigate challenging terrains, from open fields to deserts.

SOURCE: AFI

BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, is setting its sights on Southeast Asia to expand its market for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, according to a report by Jane’s.

The report states that BrahMos Aerospace has offered the BrahMos missile to three Southeast Asian nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The company is currently engaged in talks with all three countries, aiming to finalize potential deals.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defense Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE) has reached a significant milestone in India’s aerospace capabilities by successfully developing liquid Ramjet fuel for advanced air-breathing engines.

The successful testing of the newly developed fuel at the Ramjet Test bed at the Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) on May 8, 2024, demonstrates its compatibility and efficacy in powering air-breathing engines. This validation paves the way for further advancements in aerospace propulsion systems and opens up new possibilities for the development of next-generation defense technologies.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s defense sector is poised for a significant expansion as the government unveils ambitious targets aimed at bolstering domestic production and increasing exports in the coming years. With a focus on enhancing self-reliance and promoting indigenous manufacturing, these targets underscore India’s commitment to strengthening its defense industrial base and positioning itself as a major player in the global arms market.

The government’s roadmap for the defense sector outlines a series of ambitious goals to be achieved by 2028-29. Chief among these is the aim to increase India’s annual defense production nearly threefold, reaching Rs 3 lakh crore. This substantial increase reflects the government’s determination to ramp up domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports for critical defense equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

Earlier this year, MKU Limited and Vegvisir joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership poised to revolutionize the Indian defence market. This collaboration opens the door for Vegvisir’s innovative Situational Awareness System to make its mark in India, offering advanced capabilities to enhance the operational effectiveness of armoured vehicle crews.

Vegvisir’s Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System (MRSAS) represents a paradigm shift in how armoured vehicle personnel perceive and interact with their surroundings. By providing a comprehensive understanding of both immediate and distant environments, Vegvisir empowers crews with unparalleled situational awareness, enabling them to make informed decisions swiftly and effectively.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is inching closer to India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. As part of their preparations, they are planning a series of integrated air-drop tests (IADTs) to validate the crucial parachute system.

Pre-mission trials for the first IADT have begun at the Sriharikota spaceport. Both the simulated crew module and the Indian Air Force’s Chinook aircraft, tasked with carrying the module to the drop altitude, have arrived at the site.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China reportedly visited the headquarters of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) in Yizhuang, Beijing, according to sources. These sources suggest that discussions during the visit centered on acquiring additional J-10C fighter jets and furthering bilateral cooperation in the defense sector.

This development comes after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) acquired an initial batch of 25 J-10CE fighter jets, likely a response to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) acquisition of 36 Rafale jets from France.

SOURCE: AFI

Amidst the fervor of India’s Lok Sabha elections in 2024, a new dimension has emerged in the geopolitical landscape, as the Russian Foreign Ministry accuses the United States of making unfounded accusations aimed at destabilizing India. Maria Zakharova, the Ministry’s spokesperson, has condemned Washington’s purported lack of understanding of India’s national mentality and history, labeling the accusations as disrespectful to India as a nation and a state.

Zakharova’s remarks come at a critical juncture when tensions between India and the US have been simmering over allegations of religious freedom violations in the South Asian nation. The Russian spokesperson has unequivocally stated that the motives behind these accusations are far from benign. Instead, she contends that Washington’s intent is to disrupt the internal political equilibrium of India, particularly during the Lok Sabha elections, with the ultimate goal of complicating the electoral process.