SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is on the verge of finalizing the design of its Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). This new heavy-lift rocket is poised to take over the reins from the PSLV, ISRO’s workhorse that has served the nation for decades.

While the NGLV’s design is nearing completion, ISRO officials are awaiting government approval to proceed with the next stage of development. This green light is crucial for translating the design into a functional launch vehicle.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to acquire new spy planes for enhanced intelligence gathering and communication disruption capabilities. The plan involves procuring Airbus-319 class aircraft, likely pre-owned, to be converted into state-of-the-art military platforms.

This project, spearheaded by the Centre for Airborne Studies (CABS), aims to develop three new signal intelligence and communication jamming system aircraft. These next-generation spy planes will be crucial for bolstering India’s aerial surveillance and communication dominance.

SOURCE: AFI

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has waded into the controversy surrounding the construction of five Fleet Support Vessels (FSVs) for the Indian Navy. The union has urged Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) to construct all five vessels at its own facility, criticizing the reported allocation of two vessels to Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

The central government awarded a ?20,000 crore contract to HSL for the construction of these five FSVs. These vessels are critical for the Indian Navy, providing logistical and operational support at sea.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is urging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to adhere to the delivery schedule for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets. A recent review meeting emphasized the importance of meeting the revised deadline of March 2025 for the delivery of the first 18 aircraft.

The initial delivery target for the Tejas Mark-1A jets was set for February 2024. However, challenges encountered during production necessitated a revision of the timeline. The MoD’s push for adherence to the new deadline underscores its commitment to bolstering the Indian Air Force (IAF) with these advanced fighter jets.

SOURCE: AFI

The winds of change are blowing through the Indo-US defense partnership. The Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defense, is actively encouraging American defense companies, also known as the Military-Industrial Complex (MIC), to set up component manufacturing facilities in India. This strategic shift has the potential to transform India into a major defense exporter, with American firms playing a key role in the process.

The United States and India have been steadily enhancing their defense cooperation over the past two decades. With shared interests in regional stability, counter-terrorism, and maritime security, both countries have sought to deepen their strategic partnership. The Pentagon’s push for American defense companies to invest in India is a testament to the growing importance of this relationship.

SOURCE: AFI

Residents of Panjim, Goa, were surprised last night by the sight of two MiG-29K fighter jets flying at a low altitude around 2 am. The Indian Navy has since clarified that this was a routine training exercise simulating an attack scenario.

The low-flying jets undoubtedly caused a stir among Panjim residents, who are not accustomed to witnessing such military activity at night. The unexpected sight likely startled many and raised questions about the purpose of the exercise.

SOURCE: AFI

NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT), a Bengaluru-based company, has achieved a significant milestone in Indian aerospace with its solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) platform. During an envelope expansion flight test campaign, the NRT HAPS platform, supported by the Indian government’s Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, reached a new national endurance record for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed and developed in India.

The HAPS platform achieved an impressive flight time of 27 hours, surpassing previous national records for UAV endurance. It also reached an altitude of 26,000 feet, demonstrating its capabilities for high-altitude operations. This successful test flight paves the way for further development of HAPS technology in India, with potential applications in various fields, including surveillance, communication, and environmental monitoring.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards enhancing soldier mobility and battlefield effectiveness with the procurement of 300 units of the TVS Sundaram All Terrain Tactical Hauler (ATT Hauler).

This indigenously-developed system, built in collaboration with Marom Dolphin of Israel, is an innovative, robust, and ergonomically designed hybrid electric-powered load-carrying solution. Available in both 2×2 and 4×4 variants, the ATT Hauler can carry up to 120 kg of weight over any terrain, ensuring soldiers remain fully combat-effective and mobile on the battlefield.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s GOC Vajra Corps is at the forefront of innovation in combat techniques. Recent operations in Kashmir saw the Corps deploy a unique integrated weapons system, combining small arms firing with Hexa Copters – a first for the Indian Army during counter-terrorism encounters.

This cutting-edge system equips soldiers with Hexa Copters, also known as multi-rotor drones, equipped with underslung AK rifles. This configuration allows for precise aerial targeting and eliminates the risk of collateral damage during ground operations. The system’s versatility is further enhanced by the ability to swap the AK mount for a Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) in different tactical situations.