SOURCE: AFI

In a significant revelation, Avinash Chander, former Chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has confirmed to Bharat-Shakti Defence portal that India’s Agni-1P missile is capable of striking moving targets such as warships, including aircraft carriers.

Drawing comparisons to China’s DF-21D, often touted as the world’s first anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM), the Agni-1P marks a major leap in India’s missile technology. With a range of 1,000 to 2,000 km and being the lightest ballistic missile (BM) in the Agni series, the Agni-1P positions India as a formidable player in maritime defense and strategic deterrence.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defense and aerospace sector, DG Propulsion, a Delhi-based startup, is pushing the boundaries of indigenous manufacturing with its DG J40 compact turbojet engine.

Chirag Gupta, co-founder of DG Propulsion, recently announced the company’s ambitious plan to increase the indigenous content of the DG J40 engine from its current 30-35% to over 90% within the next few years. This initiative has received a boost from a grant provided by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), aimed at reducing reliance on foreign vendors and fostering a robust domestic supply chain for critical defense technologies.

SOURCE: AFI

The swirling rumors of a so-called “kill switch” in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II have finally been put to rest. After weeks of speculation across defence circles and social media, the Pentagon issued a formal statement debunking the notion that it possesses the ability to remotely disable the advanced stealth fighter jet. The clarification comes as a relief to F-35 operators worldwide, dispelling fears that the United States could unilaterally neutralize the aircraft in the hands of its allies. However, despite this reassurance, India should tread carefully before considering the F-35 as a potential addition to its air force, given a host of strategic, operational, and sovereignty-related concerns.

The “kill switch” rumor gained traction amid concerns over the F-35’s complex software and its reliance on a centralized logistics system, known as the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS). Critics speculated that this system, which tracks the jet’s health and maintenance needs, could theoretically allow the U.S. to disable the aircraft remotely—a capability that would undermine the autonomy of partner nations. The Pentagon’s denial, backed by Lockheed Martin, asserts that no such mechanism exists, emphasizing that the F-35’s operational integrity remains intact for its users. “There is no kill switch,” a Pentagon spokesperson declared unequivocally, putting an end to the controversy.

SOURCE: AFI

Gridbots Technologies, an innovative Ahmedabad-based defense startup, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of high-altitude trials for its indigenous Gridbots HITMAN system. The trials, conducted at a firing range under the No-Cost No-Commitment (NCNC) framework, showcased the system’s advanced capabilities, positioning it as a game-changer in modern battlefield technology. Designed with cutting-edge autonomy and firepower, the HITMAN system promises to enhance operational efficiency and precision for military forces.

The Gridbots HITMAN is equipped with Level 5 autonomy for outdoor operations, enabling it to function independently in complex environments. At the heart of the system is the AWS KATANA, an autonomous weapon station featuring a 360-degree pan and a ±70-degree tilt. This configuration provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing real-time tracking and engagement of both stationary and moving targets, including humans and vehicles. The KATANA station is compatible with a range of weaponry, including Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Medium Machine Guns (MMGs), making it a versatile solution for diverse combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad, a burgeoning hub for innovation and technology, played host to the #iDEX-SIBAT Round Table Conference on March 17, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening defence collaboration between India and Israel. The Israeli delegation, led by Mr. Shlomo Eytan Levy, Director of Asia & Pacific at SIBAT (International Defense Cooperation Directorate of Israel’s Ministry of Defense, IMOD), engaged with India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) team in discussions aimed at exploring future partnerships and enhancing bilateral defence engagements.

The conference underscored the growing synergy between the two nations, both renowned for their advancements in defence technology and innovation. With a focus on fostering collaboration, the talks centered on potential joint ventures, technology transfers, and co-development opportunities that could address shared security challenges while bolstering indigenous defence ecosystems. The event, held just days before March 20, 2025, highlighted Hyderabad’s rising prominence as a center for cutting-edge defence innovation.

SOURCE: AFI

China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) has officially confirmed the espionage case of a former defense engineer, identified as Liu, who was sentenced to death for leaking state secrets, including classified data on the FC-31 stealth fighter jet, to foreign intelligence agencies.  

The case, which had been the subject of speculation on Chinese social media, was detailed in an MSS statement, revealing the extent of Liu’s activities and the significant security breach he perpetrated. According to the state-run Global Times, Liu was a former assistant engineer at a domestic research institute specializing in defense technology.  

SOURCE: AFI

Group Captain MJ Augustine Vinod, a distinguished former officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has publicly endorsed the procurement of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II as a strong contender for the IAF’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, which seeks to acquire 110 advanced fighter jets. With an illustrious career spanning over 3,000 flight hours on iconic aircraft such as the Mirage 2000, MiG-21, and Kiran, Vinod’s insights carry significant weight in the ongoing debate over modernizing India’s air combat capabilities.

In a recent interview with India News Television Channel, Vinod emphasized that the F-15EX should be seriously considered if it meets the IAF’s operational requirements and is made available for procurement. He highlighted the jet’s modernization, noting that while the F-15 platform is a legacy design, the latest EX variant has undergone substantial upgrades, making it a cutting-edge option for contemporary aerial warfare.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s indigenous aerospace program, Harsh Vardhan Thakur, Chief Test Pilot of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), recently showcased an image featuring the 8th Tejas Trainer (LT-5208) aircraft alongside the first Tejas MK1A variant. This unveiling not only highlights HAL’s steady advancements in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program but also corroborates earlier reports by idrw.org regarding the production milestones achieved by the state-owned aerospace giant.

According to the earlier report by idrw.org, HAL had completed the construction of nine Tejas Trainer aircraft, with work on the 10th nearing completion. Thakur’s reveal of the 8th Tejas Trainer in conjunction with the first MK1A serves as a visual confirmation of the progress outlined in the report, underscoring HAL’s commitment to bolstering India’s defense capabilities through indigenous manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step toward enhancing its operational capabilities in challenging terrains, the Indian Army has signed a ?197.35 crore contract with Ashok Leyland Defence Systems Ltd for the supply of 500 pre-fabricated short chassis buses. These specialized vehicles, tailored for rugged mountainous environments, are set to bolster the Army’s logistical reach and troop mobility across India’s northern and northeastern borders.

Ashok Leyland, a leading name in India’s automotive and defense manufacturing sectors, secured the contract following a competitive bidding process. The short chassis buses, designed with reinforced structures and cutting-edge technology, reflect the Army’s emphasis on reliable, high-performance vehicles capable of navigating the steep gradients and harsh conditions of India’s Himalayan frontiers.