SOURCE: AFI

Following the reported success of Israel’s Arrow defense systems in repelling a recent Iranian missile and drone attack, the technology is attracting renewed interest from potential buyers. However, this comes with echoes of a past roadblock for India.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the developer of Arrow systems, has seen a surge in interest from countries seeking to bolster their missile defense capabilities. IAI’s CEO attributes this to the system’s apparent effectiveness in thwarting a major attack.

SOURCE: AFI

Competence Exports Private Limited (CEPL), a company based in Hajipur, Bihar, is carving a niche for itself in the international market. They’re achieving this by catering to two distinct segments: safety shoes for the demanding needs of the Russian army and fashionable footwear for European markets.

Shiv Kumar Roy, General Manager of CEPL, explains their vision: “We established our Hajipur facility in 2018, focusing on generating local employment. Here, we manufacture safety shoes specifically designed for export to Russia. These shoes prioritize lightweight construction, slip resistance, and the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.”

SOURCE: AFI

On May 18, 1974, the ground shook in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan, India. A successful nuclear detonation marked India’s entry into the world’s most exclusive club – the nations possessing nuclear weapons. Codenamed “Smiling Buddha” in a deliberate irony, the test was a calculated move by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government.

Facing declining popularity, Gandhi seized the opportunity to rally the nation. The timing of the test, coinciding with the birthday of Buddha, a symbol of peace, further emphasized India’s stated goal of using nuclear power for peaceful purposes only. However, the international community remained skeptical.

SOURCE: AFI

IIT Madras is taking innovation to new heights with its incubator program. A startup based at the institute, ePlane Company, is developing India’s first electric flying taxi, showcasing the growing potential of Indian incubators to nurture groundbreaking ideas.

This exciting project isn’t just a local development – it’s a sign of India’s rising status as a global innovation hub. With ambitious incubators like IIT Madras at the forefront, the country is shedding the image of lacking homegrown innovators.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has set its sights on a March 2026 rollout for the first prototype of the LCA Mk-2 fighter jet, as confirmed during their Q4 FY2023-24 earnings conference call. This news comes amidst earlier estimations suggesting a 2025 maiden flight.

Previously, Prabhulla Chandran VK, director of avionics and weapon systems at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which oversees the LCA Mk-2 design, had indicated a possible 2025 maiden flight with an American engine. However, HAL’s revised target suggests a slight delay, pushing the rollout to March 2026.

SOURCE: AFI

The Maldives’ recent decision to replace Indian Dornier aircraft and helicopters with Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones has raised strategic and operational concerns. Despite the allure of advanced drone technology, the Indian Dornier aircraft offer capabilities that drones cannot match.

The Maldives, seeking to diversify its strategic partnerships, has opted for a new security approach. This includes acquiring defense equipment from China and Turkey. However, experts believe the chosen replacements may not be optimal for the Maldives’ specific requirements.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian military is poised to embrace a revolutionary technology – High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) – that promises to transform its surveillance capabilities. These long-endurance, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offer significant advantages over traditional aircraft and satellites, making them a game-changer for border security and maritime domain awareness.

Leading the charge is the Indian Navy, which has already signed a contract with NewSpace Research & Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for the development of HAPs specifically designed for monitoring the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These next-generation platforms boast an impressive 60-day airborne endurance, a stark contrast to the limited flight times of conventional aircraft and drones.

SOURCE: AFI

Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos has postponed its much-anticipated test launch of the “Agnibaan SOrTeD” (Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator) mission once again. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued, reserving airspace for the launch window from May 28th, 2024, to June 25th, 2024, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

This delay comes after multiple previous postponements due to technical issues. The SOrTeD mission, though lasting only two minutes from launch to splashdown, holds immense significance as a potential stepping stone for the next generation of Indian satellite launchers.

SOURCE: AFI

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is fast-tracking its venture into electric air taxis with a target to launch by 2026. The airline, under the parent company InterGlobe Enterprises, has partnered with California-based Archer Aviation to bring 200 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft to India. These aircraft, valued at $1 billion, aim to revolutionize urban mobility by significantly reducing travel times in congested cities. Recent visits by IndiGo’s leadership to Archer’s headquarters underscore their commitment to this innovative project.

IndiGo and Archer’s collaboration includes the development of ‘Midnight,’ a piloted, four-passenger eVTOL designed for quick, successive flights with minimal charge time. This initiative not only promises to alleviate urban congestion but also marks a significant step toward sustainable aviation.