SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a significant step towards self-reliance in critical defense equipment. Partnering with the indigenous defense production industry under the Make-II procedure of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, the IAF is set to design and develop a “Common Air-to-Ground Launcher” for its Su-30 MKI fighter jets. This project, approved on March 18th, 2024.
Imagine a versatile equipment that can transform the Su-30 MKI’s offensive capabilities. The Common Launcher acts as a universal carrier, enabling the aircraft to carry a wider range of weapons and pods based on mission requirements. Currently, the Su-30 MKI relies on various launchers/adapters supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), each specific to a particular weapon type.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The recent interception of 110 ballistic missiles fired by Iran by Israeli defense forces has garnered significant attention worldwide. However, for India, this event holds particular significance due to the close ties between the two nations in the realm of defense technology and missile defense systems.
India’s interest in the Israeli interception capabilities stems from its own efforts to bolster its defense against ballistic missile threats, particularly from neighboring adversaries like Pakistan. India has long been a beneficiary of Israeli defense technology, including the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s quest for self-reliance in defense equipment is commendable. However, recent cases of weapon system trials dragging on for years raise concerns about efficiency and global perception. This article explores the need for time-bound trials and a dedicated audit team to bolster India’s defense development.
The Indian Army’s trials of locally developed weapons often extend for years, casting a shadow on their effectiveness. This creates a sense of “work in progress” for India’s defense capabilities on the world stage. Potential adversaries may perceive delays as a weakness, while allies might question the reliability of such equipment.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent delivery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India to the Philippines has sparked a wave of confidence within the Filipino military, according to defense analyst Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez. This development comes amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a contested region in the South China Sea.
Jimenez highlights the morale boost this acquisition provides to Filipino troops. The BrahMos missiles, known for their speed and precision, significantly enhance the Philippines’ defensive capabilities. This newfound capability serves as a deterrent against potential aggressors in the contested waters.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
oklonnaya Hill in Moscow, a site steeped in history and significance, has recently become adorned with a new array of trophies. These trophies, however, are not the traditional symbols of victory in battle, but rather the spoils of conflict from various corners of the globe. Amidst the backdrop of political tension and international scrutiny, the display of military hardware on Poklonnaya Hill serves as a testament to Russia’s perceived victories and strategic prowess.
Among the notable additions to the collection are several pieces of equipment that reflect a diverse array of origins and capabilities. The M777 howitzer, a staple of modern artillery, stands tall alongside American armored vehicles such as the “HMMWV M1151” and “HMMWV M998,” showcasing the technological might of the United States.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Turkey has embarked on an ambitious program to develop and construct its first indigenous aircraft carrier, showcasing its growing aspirations in the realm of naval power. This follows the recent unveiling of key details about the project.
While technically classified as an amphibious assault ship, the TCG Anadolu, launched in 2023, serves as a crucial stepping stone towards a full-fledged aircraft carrier. With a length of 285 meters and a displacement of 60,000 tons, the TCG Anadolu boasts an impressive capacity.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A 4,500-tonne high-tech Chinese ‘spy’ ship is back in the Maldivian waters, two months after it spent a week docked at different ports in this archipelago nation. Xiang Yang Hong 03 was docked at the Thilafushi industrial island’s harbour on Thursday morning, news portal Adhadhu.com reported on Friday.
However, “the government has not disclosed the reason for its return. But the government previously confirmed permission for the ship to dock before its first visit,” it said, days after President Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China leader-led People’s National Congress won the general election, securing 66 out of the 93-member People’s Majlis.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAFALE
Following the acquisition of 12 Rafale from the French Air and Space Force in November 2021, the first six Rafale of the Croatian Air Force – Hrvatsko ratno zrakoplovstvo i protuzra?na obrana (HRZ i PZO) – operated by its pilots trained in France, arrived today at the 91 operational base, near Zagreb. They were welcomed by the President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanovi?, the Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi? and the Minister of Defense Ivan Anuši?, during a ceremony.
Coming from the Dassault Aviation site in Mérignac, these six Rafale will join the 191 Squadron of the Croatian Air Force. The next Rafale will arrive from the end of 2024, to form a complete squadron by mid-2025.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTER
India and Oman will sign a trade deal in the coming months, two Indian government officials said, as New Delhi seeks to expand its ties in the Middle East, where rising tensions are putting major shipping routes at risk.
“It will help India with a strategic partner and access to key trade routes in a volatile region,” one official told Reuters. India and Oman have annual trade of less than $13 billion, but the relationship is important for New Delhi as the Gulf nation is a gateway to the narrow Strait of Hormuz between Oman and Iran, a major transit point for global oil shipments.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan on Friday urged Indian leaders to stop dragging the country in their speeches for political mileage during the election season. Speaking at a press briefing here, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Islamabad rejects all the claims made by Indian leaders over Jammu and Kashmir.
“Indian politicians to cease their reckless practice of dragging Pakistan into India’s populist public discourse for electoral motives,” she said.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
India expects power generation to grow 9.3% to 1,900 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) during the fiscal year through March 2025, internal projections by the federal power ministry reviewed by Reuters show, the fastest pace of growth since at least 2011/12.
Searing heatwaves and an uptick in economic activity have resulted in India’s electricity generation growing at an average of about 8% annually following the pandemic year of 2020/21, outpacing power demand growth in every major global economy.
Continue readingSOURCE: ani
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received a copy of the book ‘India’s Nuclear Titans’ edited by Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua.
He said it is important that the contributions of nuclear titans is recognised by the emerging generations. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Pleased to receive a copy of the book: India’s Nuclear Titans, edited by Soumya Awasthi and Shrabana Barua. Important that the contributions of these Titans is recognized by the emerging generations.”
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
Yemen’s Houthis said on Saturday their missiles hit the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea, as they continue attacking commercial ships in the area in a show of support for Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza war.
The ship’s master reported damage to the vessel, British maritime security firm Ambrey said. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea said the Panama-flagged ship was British owned, but shipping data shows it was recently sold, according to LSEG data and Ambrey.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Two CRPF personnel were killed and two others injured as militants allegedly attacked a camp of security forces in Manipur’s Bishnupur district in the early hours of Saturday, police said. The militants attacked an IRBn (India Reserve Battalion) camp at Naranseina in the Moirang police station area, they said.
“The militants fired indiscriminately from hilltops, targetting the camp. It started around 12.30 am and continued till about 2.15 am. The militants also hurled bombs, one of which exploded in the outpost of CRPF’s 128 battalion,” a senior police officer said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, conferred Presidential awards on 51 air warriors on Friday. The recipients included three Yudh Seva medallists, seven Vayu Sena medallists (Gallantry), 13 Vayu Sena medallists, and 28 Vishisht Seva medallists.
The awards were conferred during the Air Force Investiture Ceremony held near the Param Yodha Sthal, a part of the National War Memorial (NWM) complex in Delhi.
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