SOURCE: AFI

Last weekend’s massive Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel served as a real-world test of air defense capabilities. While Israel claims it successfully intercepted 99% of the incoming projectiles with its Iron Dome system, the event sparked discussions within India’s military about its own air defense readiness.

Indian military experts acknowledge the effectiveness of Israel’s Iron Dome, which has a range of approximately 70 kilometers. However, India is heavily invested in developing its own robust and indigenous air defense network.

SOURCE: AFI

Eagle-eyed plane spotters recently captured images of a previously unseen high-speed drone carried by a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Xian H-6 bomber. This drone, believed to be the WZ-8, has garnered attention for its potential to significantly enhance China’s aerial reconnaissance capabilities.

The WZ-8 is reported to be a marvel of engineering, boasting speeds exceeding Mach 3 and a cruising altitude of 30 kilometers. This hypersonic performance surpasses most reconnaissance drones, placing it in a league of its own. While some resemblance exists to the American Lockheed D-21, the WZ-8’s unique dimensions, propulsion system, and blistering speed set it apart.

SOURCE: AFI

Tensions flared again this week as Israel launched a limited missile attack on Iran, firing three missiles towards the city of Isfahan. Analysts believe this was a calculated move intended as a warning to Iran, not a full-scale assault.

Iran reportedly chose to de-escalate by not acknowledging the attack. However, the details surrounding the strike raise questions about Israeli capabilities and future intentions. Israel reportedly used a previously undisclosed air-launched missile, possibly a two-stage variant of the Sparrow family missiles produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This secrecy surrounding the missile is a significant development.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step towards self-reliance in aeronautical technology. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a branch of DRDO, has delivered the first batch of indigenously developed Leading Edge Actuators and Airbrake Control Modules to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

This handover marks a major milestone for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program. HAL’s Lucknow division is already geared up for volume production of these units to fulfill the current order of 83 LCA Tejas Mk1A jets.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s planned establishment of a dedicated “Rocket Force” (IRF) is a significant development with far-reaching implications for regional security. While ballistic missiles will undoubtedly play a central role, sub-sonic cruise missiles (SCMs) are poised to become another critical pillar of this new force.

Unlike ballistic missiles with high-arcing trajectories, SCMs skim the Earth’s surface, making them difficult to detect and intercept.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian officials recently offered sweets to Philippines Marine Corps officers during the delivery of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. This gesture, beyond mere hospitality, reflects a time-honored Indian tradition.

India has completed its first major defense equipment export with the delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines. This USD 375 million deal strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent study by a Chinese research team led by Xie Junwei suggests a breakthrough in radar detection technology. The study claims their method can increase the radar signature of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet by a staggering 60,000 times, potentially compromising its stealth capabilities.

The study asserts that this innovation allows Chinese radar systems to pinpoint the F-22’s real-time position with high accuracy. If true, this could significantly impact the F-22’s effectiveness, particularly given the long range of its air-to-air missiles and the need for a specific operational radius for ground attacks.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent revelation that has sparked international intrigue, the discovery of crashed Israeli missiles in Iraq has shed light on covert military operations and heightened tensions in the Middle East. The missiles in question have been identified as Rafael Sparrow Blue air-launched ballistic missiles, implicating Israel’s involvement in a significant airstrike against Iran. This development not only underscores the clandestine nature of regional conflicts but also raises questions about the extent of Israel’s military actions beyond its borders.

The Rafael Sparrow Blue missiles, is an Israeli medium-range air-launched ballistic missile produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The missile is currently used as a target missile to test the Arrow anti-ballistic missile system. However, their presence in Iraq suggests a different purpose altogether – one that involves offensive maneuvers against perceived threats in the region. These reports allege this points to Israeli F-16I Sufa fighter jets being involved in an airstrike targeting Iran. However, there are key inconsistencies that cast doubt on these claims.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully delivered the first batch of indigenously developed BrahMos cruise missiles to the Philippines today. A C-17 Globemaster transport and a Civilian IL-76 aircraft operated by the Volga Dnepr Airlines landed at Clark Airbase, Philippines, carrying the missiles destined for the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

This delivery marks a significant milestone in the growing defense partnership between India and the Philippines. A deal valued at USD 375 million was signed in 2022, paving the way for India to supply the Philippines with a total of three BrahMos missile batteries.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the mastery of small turbofan engine technology, specifically the Manik engine. This engine is set to propel India’s sub-sonic cruise missile program.

Developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, the Manik engine represents a crucial advancement in indigenous engine development. This small turbofan engine (STFE) is specifically designed for sub-sonic cruise missiles.