SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defence company, has successfully completed the Nasik production line for the much-anticipated LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. The first aircraft rollout from this facility is scheduled for March 2025 .

The third production line for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was inaugurated in 2023 by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane at HAL’s Nashik facility. This move aimed to accelerate the production of LCA Tejas Mk1A jets, a more advanced variant of the original LCA Tejas.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has secured additional orders worth Rs. 634 Crores since its last disclosure on November 8, 2024.

These significant orders encompass a wide range of defense and civilian products and services, including:

SOURCE: AFI

An Indian Army officer has successfully developed the KHARGA Kamikaze Drone, an innovative and cost-effective aerial system tailored for modern battlefield requirements. Priced at approximately ?30,000 per unit, this lightweight, easily fabricated drone is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations as well as precision kamikaze strikes against enemy forces.

The KHARGA Kamikaze Drone features a minimalistic design that emphasizes affordability and ease of production. Constructed from materials resembling cardboard, the drone is not only lightweight but also simple to manufacture in large quantities, making it ideal for rapid deployment during conflict scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

The advanced capabilities of American fighter jets such as the F-35, F-16, and F/A-18 Super Hornet make them attractive options for air forces around the world. However, the persistent rumors and concerns about the inclusion of a “kill switch” or backdoor in these jets raise critical questions about sovereignty and operational independence. For India, which values its strategic autonomy, these concerns should be carefully considered when evaluating U.S. fighters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.

A “kill switch” refers to a feature or backdoor mechanism, often software-based, that allows the manufacturer or supplying nation to disable or degrade the performance of a weapon system remotely. While officially unacknowledged by the U.S., multiple incidents and the increasing complexity of software-reliant defense platforms have fueled speculation about its existence in American-made military equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for naval firing exercises scheduled to take place in the Bay of Bengal on December 18 and 19, 2024. The designated area for these operations extends up to 800 km, a range indicative of a potential missile test. Speculation points to either the BrahMos-ER (Extended Range) supersonic cruise missile or the ITCM (Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile) being tested from a naval warship for the first time.

The NOTAM outlines an 800 km range for the designated area, signaling a significant operational test involving advanced naval weaponry. The timeframe and location suggest preparations for validating the performance of critical missile systems under realistic maritime conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a development that has raised concerns over regional security, a Bangladeshi Bayraktar TB2 UAV has been spotted near the Indian state of Meghalaya, with reports indicating that the UAV is likely operating from Air Base Bashar in Dhaka. The UAV, identified by its transponder code TB2R1071, is the same drone that was previously observed near West Bengal, further intensifying regional surveillance activities.

The presence of the Bayraktar TB2 near the Indian border is part of a growing pattern of UAV deployment by Bangladesh, with the Bayraktar TB2 being a Turkish-made medium-altitude, long-endurance drone. The sighting of this drone in Meghalaya follows its previous sightings near West Bengal, as reported by AFI (Aerospace and Defence India).

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has made significant strides in military technology with the development of the NABH AI system. This innovative system, the brainchild of Colonel Prashant Thakur, is designed to accurately identify aircraft within a matter of seconds.

The NABH AI system operates by capturing images of aircraft and feeding them into an advanced AI program. This program, trained on a vast database of aircraft models, analyzes the image and identifies the specific aircraft within 6-8 seconds.

SOURCE: AFI

Colonel Vikas Chaturvedi, a visionary officer in the Indian Army, has spearheaded the development of the Baaz Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), a formidable weapon capable of revolutionizing modern warfare. This indigenous drone, equipped with the ability to fire rocket launchers, is a first for the Indian Army, significantly enhancing its firepower and operational capabilities.

The Baaz UAS, a versatile platform, is designed to carry a wide range of payloads, including small arms, automatic grenade launchers, mortar bombs, and explosives. This makes it suitable for various military applications, such as anti-tank operations, bunker destruction, targeting administrative areas, ammunition dumps, and command and control centers. Additionally, it can be employed in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, as well as for logistical support in forward areas.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s defence aviation capabilities, the first C-295 military aircraft to be entirely manufactured in India under the “Make in India” initiative is expected to be delivered by September 2026, with the final one slated for delivery in August 2031.

With the indigenous manufacturing process at its core, the C-295 program will not only strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also pave the way for technological advancements in India’s aerospace industry. The project will contribute to a long-term industrial partnership, involving the creation of an aircraft manufacturing facility in Gujarat, which will be developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Airbus’s Indian partner for this project.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant achievement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) program, the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), in collaboration with industry partner M/s Techno Craft Industries India Ltd, have successfully demonstrated a high-performance miniature Joule-Thomson (JT) cooler. This breakthrough holds immense promise for India’s indigenous defense technology landscape, particularly in the domain of advanced infrared (IR) seeker systems.

The miniature Joule-Thomson cooler is a vital component in infrared seekers, which are essential for precision-guided munitions, including air-to-air missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and other advanced weaponry. The cooler ensures rapid cooling of IR sensors to extremely low temperatures, enhancing their sensitivity and operational efficiency. Its compact size, high performance, and reliability make it indispensable for modern missile systems.