SOURCE: AFI

India’s strategic vision has long included the development of a formidable naval presence to secure its vast maritime interests. Central to this vision is the construction of a third aircraft carrier, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-3 (IAC-3), a proposed 65,000-tonne behemoth capable of housing 54 fighters. As India debates the specifics of IAC-3, the idea of making it nuclear-powered and equipping it with electromagnetic catapults has emerged as a crucial consideration. Here are the compelling reasons why India should proceed with a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

One of the most significant advantages of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is its virtually unlimited operational range and endurance. Unlike conventional carriers that require frequent refueling, a nuclear-powered vessel can operate for years without refueling. This capability is particularly vital for India, given its extensive coastline and the need to project power across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). A nuclear-powered carrier would ensure sustained maritime presence, enhancing India’s ability to conduct prolonged operations far from its shores.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence sector has gained momentum, with both DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and private companies advocating for a more efficient system. A key area of focus is user trials – the process by which the Indian Armed Forces evaluate indigenously developed defence equipment.

DRDO and private entities have jointly urged the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to implement time-bound user trials. This streamlined approach aims to expedite the evaluation process, reducing delays that can hinder the induction of new technologies into the armed forces.

SOURCE: AFI

India is taking a significant step towards reforming its military structure with the theaterisation of its armed forces. This long-awaited initiative, gaining momentum under the current government, aims to create a more unified and efficient defense apparatus.

The theaterisation plan comes nearly a decade after China implemented a similar restructuring of its People’s Liberation Army. India’s theaterisation initiative signifies its commitment to modernizing its military and enhancing its response capabilities in the face of evolving security threats.

SOURCE: AFI

In a concerning development, former heads of India’s intelligence agencies, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and National Investigation Agency (NIA), have been placed under Z category security cover due to perceived threats from Khalistani groups operating from Canada and the United States. The decision to provide heightened security to Samant Goel and Dinkar Gupta comes in response to specific threat perception reports indicating a direct threat from these terror outfits, prompting the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to step in and ensure the safety of these former top officials.

Recent intelligence assessments have highlighted an alarming trend of heightened activity among pro-Khalistani entities, particularly in North America. These groups, known for their radical ideologies and propensity for violence, have reportedly been targeting prominent figures associated with Indian security and intelligence apparatus.

SOURCE: AFI

Spain has denied permission for a Danish-flagged merchant vessel carrying “27 tonnes of explosive material from India to Israel” to dock at a Spanish port, citing the need for peace in the Middle East.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno informed reporters in Brussels that this was the first time Spain had taken such a step. He emphasized Spain’s firm stance, stating, “the Middle East does not need more weapons, it needs more peace.”

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, a collaborative project with NASA. According to ISRO chief S. Somanath, the satellite will be a game-changer in monitoring tectonic movements with exceptional accuracy.

The launch, initially planned for July 2024, may be pushed back to October-November due to technical considerations on the U.S. spacecraft side. However, the potential benefits of NISAR remain significant.

SOURCE: AFI

Fueled by a surge in orders from domestic airlines, Indian aerospace manufacturers are experiencing a positive outlook. This growth, coupled with government initiatives, is propelling the industry forward.

A significant boost came when Air India placed substantial aircraft orders. Additionally, Airbus, a leading international manufacturer, expressed interest in expanding its supplier base in India, aiming to diversify its sales currency. This presents a lucrative opportunity for Indian companies to secure a larger share of the global aerospace supply chain.

SOURCE: AFI

In a move that strengthens India’s defense capabilities, Paras Anti-Drone Technologies, a leading innovator in counter-drone solutions, has announced a partnership with Forge for its iDEX projects. This collaboration focuses on developing critical technologies for Ground Controlled Satellite Antennas (GCSA) with Frequency Switching and L/P band Continuous Wave Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payloads for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

Paras Anti-Drone, a DISC 8 challenge winner, is a prominent player in the defense, aerospace, and counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) space. The company delivers a comprehensive suite of anti-drone and situational awareness systems, safeguarding critical infrastructure, defense personnel, and private security from drone threats.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive its first LCA Mark 1A fighter jet in July 2024 from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This marks a slight delay from the initial February-March timeframe due to technical reasons.

HAL successfully conducted the maiden flight of the upgraded Tejas in March, paving the way for its integration into the IAF’s arsenal. This indigenous aircraft represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the defense sector.