SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Ordnance Equipment Factory Hazratpur (OEF Hazratpur) has announced the successful deployment of its high-altitude logistics drone, “AIRAWAT,” in the majestic Himalayas. This marks a revolutionary step forward in logistical operations within the challenging Himalayan region.
AIRAWAT is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including sophisticated navigation systems and a robust payload capacity. These features allow it to navigate the treacherous Himalayan terrain with ease. During its trials, the drone successfully reached a flight altitude of 5,000 meters near the Indo-China border, demonstrating its ability to operate in harsh weather conditions and showcasing its exceptional ruggedness and reliability.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to procure around 200 advanced night vision goggles (NVGs) to improve the operational capability of its Mi-17V5 and Dhruv helicopter fleets. These NVGs, specifically the Netro NB-3101 developed by MKU, will provide pilots with superior night vision capabilities for flying and maneuvering during low-light conditions.
The Netro NB-3101 utilizes advanced optics and a Gen III Image Intensifier sensor to deliver high-resolution, stereoscopic vision. This allows pilots to navigate effectively at night and in low-visibility environments. The system is also rugged, waterproof, and compliant with MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring durability in tough operating conditions.
Continue readingSOURCE: SATYAJEET KUMAR/ FOR MY TAKE / IDRW.ORG
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure marks a decade in power, one glaring failure stands out—the inability to finalize the Multi-Role Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MMRFA) deal for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Despite repeated assurances and pledges to strengthen India’s defense capabilities, the prolonged delay in acquiring much-needed fighter jets has left the IAF in a precarious position, grappling with operational challenges and strategic vulnerabilities.
The MMRFA deal, aimed at procuring 114 fighter jets to bolster the IAF’s fleet, has been mired in controversy and bureaucratic hurdles, with the Rafale row casting a long shadow over the procurement process. The Rafale controversy, stemming from allegations of irregularities and favoritism in the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, has further complicated efforts to finalize the larger MMRFA deal, exacerbating delays and uncertainty.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pakistan’s participation in China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission, with its satellite ICUBE-Qamar, has reignited online discussions in India. The recent release of an image captured by ICUBE-Qamar’s camera has drawn mixed reactions, with some Indian netizens criticizing its quality.
Launched on May 3rd from Hainan province, China, ICUBE-Qamar is a minisatellite built by Pakistan in collaboration with China. It piggybacked on China’s Chang’e-6 mission, orbiting the moon as part of a larger lunar exploration endeavor.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Sri Lanka is engaged with India to set up a small arms manufacturing unit in the country in the wider ambit of defence cooperation between the two nations, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said on Wednesday.
“We are in discussions with India to set up a small arms manufacturing unit,” Tennakoon said responding to a press query here. “We are in touch with our Indian counterparts, there is so much we can take and learn from India,” he added.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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India has asked Iran to release nearly 40 Indian seafarers who were detained from four different merchant ships seized by the Persian Gulf country over the past eight months on different charges, sources said on Wednesday.
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal made the request during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran on Monday.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Pakistani lawmaker Syed Mustafa Kamal drew a comparison between India’s achievements and the precarious situation in Karachi, by mentioning India’s moon landing mission. The Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader said that while India is landing on the moon, Karachi is making news of children being killed by falling in open gutters.
“Today, the condition in Karachi is that, while the world is going to the moon, children are dying by falling into gutter in Karachi. On the same screen, there is news that India landed on the moon, and just after two seconds, the news is that a child died in an open gutter in Karachi,” Kamal said in his address to the Parliament on Wednesday.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Defence expert Praful Bakshi emphasized on Wednesday that China seeks to maintain control over PoJK due to its significance for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through various parts of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Speaking to ANI, Praful Bakshi said, “China is wanting to keep PoJK on its side because… the project of CPEC, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, goes through various portions of PoJK, and China would be very keen to occupy the airfield, etc., in PoJK for its own military benefit.”
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condemned the attack on Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico, calling it a “cowardly and dastardly act”.
The Slovakian Prime Minister was critically injured in an assassination attempt on Wednesday. Expressing shock over the attack, PM Modi posted on his X handle, “Deeply shocked at the news of the shooting at Slovakia’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Robert Fico. I strongly condemn this cowardly and dastardly act and wish PM Fico a speedy recovery. India stands in solidarity with the people of the Slovak Republic.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Union of India to deport 17 foreigners languishing in a Assam detention centre, noting there is no offence registered against them. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan noted a report submitted by the State Legal Services Authority which stated that there are 17 declared foreigners detained in the detention centre in Assam.
“We are of the view that Union of India must take immediate steps for deporting these 17 foreigners as there is no offence registered against them,” the bench said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
An infiltration bid was foiled on Thursday by the Army on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Tangdhar sector of J&K’s Kupwara district, said officials, adding that two terrorists have been killed.
Officials said that the Army engaged a group of terrorists in sustained gunfire after they made an attempt to sneak into this side of the LoC in the sector. “Two intruding terrorists have been hit in this operation, however, the operation is still going on and exact details are awaited,” officials said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a charge sheet in the court here against the 10th accused in the dropping of weapons from Pakistan by drones in J&K’s Kathua in 2022, an official statement said.
The 10th accused charged in the case is Zakir Hussain alias Sonu of LeT against whom the case had been registered in 2022 by the agency. Nine other accused have already been named in the charge sheet under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and the Explosive Substances Act, the NIA statement said.
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