SOURCE: AFI

Tensions between Pakistan and India flared again on Wednesday after Balochistan’s Home Minister, Ziaullah Langau, accused India’s intelligence agency, RAW, of funding and supporting militant groups operating in the province.

During a press conference in Quetta, Langau claimed RAW is the “single investor” behind the banned outfits, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He asserted that these groups are responsible for terror attacks and kidnappings plaguing the restive Balochistan province.

SOURCE: AFI

In the 1980s, the concept of “Make in India” was far from the political and economic mantra it has become today. However, there were significant moves that can be seen as precursors to this modern initiative. One such notable instance was Northrop Grumman’s offer to move the entire manufacturing facility for their F-20 fighter jet to India. This period coincided with India’s nascent Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, making the story of Northrop Grumman’s offer a fascinating chapter in India’s defense history.

During the 1980s, Northrop Grumman proposed to relocate the entire manufacturing facility of their F-20 advanced fighter jet to India. This was an unprecedented offer that promised significant technological transfer, skill development, and economic benefits for India. The establishment of such a facility would have catapulted India’s aerospace industry into a new era, positioning it as a significant player in global defense manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant revelation, it has come to light that US reconnaissance aircraft closely monitored India’s anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test conducted in 2019. This information, initially reported by a civilian aircraft spotter on Twitter, underscores the intricate surveillance capabilities employed by global superpowers during critical defense events.

The Twitter account Aircraft Spots, known for tracking military flights, reported that an RC-135S aircraft of the US Air Force departed from the US military base at Diego Garcia. The spotter stated that the aircraft was on a mission in the Bay of Bengal to monitor India’s ASAT missile test. This test, conducted by India in March 2019, successfully demonstrated its ability to destroy satellites in low Earth orbit, marking a significant milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A Gurugram-based company is making waves by becoming one of the first clients for a revolutionary new satellite imaging service. This service, offered by Albedo, a US-based startup, promises to deliver an unprecedented level of detail – images as sharp as those previously only available to American defense and intelligence agencies.

The key to this breakthrough lies in Clarity, Albedo’s satellite. Unlike traditional satellites, Clarity will operate in a very low Earth orbit (VLEO), significantly closer to Earth than usual. This proximity allows Clarity to capture incredibly high-resolution images, potentially down to 10 centimeters per pixel. For comparison, current commercial providers offer imagery with a resolution of 30 centimeters, which can be further enhanced to 15 centimeters.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent investigative report by The Globe and Mail has brought to light startling allegations surrounding Mr. Dhaliwal, a man reportedly influenced by Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The report, citing an application to remand Mr. Dhaliwal into custody, claims that he told police in a small rural community that he had been sent by Nijjar to target “leaders of sects.” According to the application, Mr. Dhaliwal mentioned working with another militant and planning to retrieve “firearms and ammunition from Pakistan.”

In conversations with two individuals close to Mr. Dhaliwal, The Globe and Mail uncovered details of his fervent support for Khalistan, a movement advocating for a separate Sikh state. Described as gullible and fanatical, Mr. Dhaliwal was reportedly living in the basement of his sister’s Surrey home at the time of his arrest. His sister had sponsored his permanent residency in Canada. These sources also revealed that Mr. Dhaliwal, who maintained a close relationship with Nijjar, was allegedly planning attacks on leaders of Shiv Sena, a far-right Hindu sect associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political party. Leaders of this sect had been targeted several times in Punjab during the same year.

SOURCE : AFI

In a move that further bolsters India’s “Make in India” initiative, Adani Group’s defense arm, Adani Defence & Aerospace, has signed an agreement with Thales Group to manufacture 70mm rockets within the country. This news comes on the heels of a similar agreement signed by Thales last year with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a government-owned enterprise.

Thales announced the partnership on a social media platform “previously known as Twitter” (referencing the platform’s recent name change), highlighting the significance of the deal for both strengthening their commitment to India and expanding their global network of partners.

SOURCE : AFI

The Australian government has inked a significant agreement with the Indian space agency, ISRO. An $18 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, paves the way for an Australian satellite launch aboard an Indian rocket.

The partnership, announced by Australian High Commissioner Philip Green in New Delhi, will see Australian firm Space Machines launch a satellite inspection and observation payload. This mission, slated for 2026, will hold a special place in Australian space history – it will be the largest Australian satellite launched to date, riding aboard ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

SOURCE : AFI

Four Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets have touched down at Andravida Air Base in Greece, marking a significant moment for international military cooperation. Stationed with the 117th Fighter Wing, these jets are gearing up for NATO’s prestigious Ramstein Flag exercise – the first time it will be held outside of Germany.

Since their arrival last Thursday, the Indian Rafales haven’t wasted any time. On Saturday, they conducted their inaugural joint training session alongside Greek Rafales and Mirage 2000-5s from the 114th Fighter Wing’s 335th and 336th Squadrons. Exclusive photos captured by Stamatis Pitta for Enikos offer a glimpse of three of the Indian jets participating in these joint maneuvers.

SOURCE: AFI

Bangladesh has agreed to boost its purchases of Indian-developed weapon systems in a move seen as a diversification of its military suppliers. This decision comes after Bangladesh faced logistical challenges due to spare parts shortages and low availability of its existing weaponry, much of which was previously acquired from China.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2010 and 2020, China dominated Bangladesh’s arms imports, accounting for a whopping 72% of the total value. Russia followed at a distant second with 12%, with the remaining 16% coming from various other nations. This latest agreement signals a significant shift in Bangladesh’s military procurement strategy.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Palakkad and Mandi have joined forces to create a state-of-the-art underwater robotic vehicle (URV) capable of diving up to 300 meters deep. This collaborative project, funded by the National Mission of Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) under the Central Department of Science and Technology, marks a significant stride in India’s marine exploration capabilities.

The IITs have put the URV through its paces with comprehensive testing in various settings. Initial trials were conducted at depths of 30 meters within simulated marine environments. Subsequently, real-world testing took place in lakes and dam reservoirs, with invaluable support provided by the Indian Navy. These tests have validated the URV’s performance and capabilities in diverse underwater conditions.