SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Former DRDO Chief, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, speaking at the Emerging Technologies in Defence event hosted by the Madras Management Association in Chennai, confirmed that the rollout of the Tejas MkII fighter jet is progressing as planned. According to Dr. Reddy, the rollout is scheduled to take place between September and October 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defense aviation program.
The Tejas MkII is the next-generation iteration of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, designed to bridge the gap between the existing Tejas MkI/MkIA variants and India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
As India strides toward enhanced digital connectivity, the introduction of satellite internet services like Starlink presents both significant opportunities and potential challenges. Developed by SpaceX, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote regions using a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. While this technology has the potential to bridge the digital divide, it also raises serious concerns about national security, particularly in sensitive or troubled regions.
Starlink’s ability to function independently of traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure is one of its greatest strengths but also its most pressing challenge. Unlike conventional internet services, which rely on physical networks within a country, Starlink provides connectivity directly via satellites and small ground terminals. This independence can enable unregulated and encrypted communication, posing a serious threat in areas experiencing unrest or conflict. For instance, in regions with ongoing insurgencies or militant activities, access to Starlink could allow hostile actors to bypass government-imposed restrictions, coordinate operations, and evade surveillance.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pakistan has reportedly cleared the procurement of the advanced J-35 fighter jet, with deliveries expected to commence within the next 24 months. This significant development, reported by 24 News HD, underscores a major modernization effort by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The move is seen as a critical step in bolstering Pakistan’s air combat capabilities, with PAF pilots already undergoing training on the platform.
The J-35 is China’s latest 5th-generation stealth fighter, designed as a carrier-based aircraft but adaptable for land-based operations. It incorporates advanced stealth features, modern avionics, and a robust sensor suite, positioning it as a formidable opponent in the skies. Equipped with AESA radar, internal weapons bays, and high maneuverability, the J-35 is expected to enhance the PAF’s ability to conduct a wide range of missions, from air superiority to deep-strike operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Indian Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar recently confirmed a successful test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). While details regarding the missile’s trajectory and specifics were not disclosed, it is widely speculated that the test involved the K-4 SLBM, marking a significant achievement for India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
Reports suggest that the test was conducted from the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, and, for the first time, the missile was tested at its full operational range. The K-4, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a key component of India’s nuclear triad, offering a range of up to 3,500 kilometers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Recent reports circulating on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) CATS Warrior Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) has already conducted its maiden flight are inaccurate. HAL has clarified that the development of the 1.1-ton Warrior Loyal Wingman prototype is still in the fabrication stage, with its first flight expected only in the later months of 2025.
The Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, an ambitious project under HAL’s umbrella, aims to develop an advanced Loyal Wingman UCAV designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets like the Tejas and AMCA. Following the successful testing of a 300-kilogram scaled-down model, the full-scale prototype received the green light for fabrication earlier this year.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi has confirmed that the long-awaited deal for 26 Rafale M fighter jets is nearing completion and could be finalized within the next two months. This acquisition marks a significant step forward for enhancing the Navy’s air combat capabilities, particularly for its aircraft carrier operations.
The deal is set to include 22 single-seater Rafale M F4 variants specifically tailored for carrier-based operations and four twin-seater Rafale B F4 variants for training purposes. While the Rafale M variants will operate from the Navy’s aircraft carriers, the Rafale B units will be limited to shore-based training missions at the Indian Naval Air Station INS Hansa in Goa, as they are not designed for carrier operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant achievement for India’s maritime security, the Indian Navy seized 500 kilograms of crystal meth in the Arabian Sea with the instrumental assistance of the Maritime Spotter Drone supplied by Sagar Defence Engineering. This operation underscores the growing importance of cutting-edge drone technology in safeguarding national waters and combating drug trafficking.
The Maritime Spotter Drone, developed by the Indian company Sagar Defence Engineering, played a pivotal role in the successful interception of the narcotics shipment. Its advanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities enabled precise monitoring and tracking, providing the Indian Navy with crucial intelligence to execute the operation.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Monday said that the maritime force keeps a watch on the Chinese PLA Navy in the Indian Ocean Region. “We are keeping a close watch on the extra-regional forces operating in the Indian sea including the PLA Navy, the warships and even their research vessels and know what they are doing and where they are,” Tripathi said while addressing the media at a press conference.
The Naval Chief said that the Chinese Navy was manifesting itself more in the Pacific oceans and ensuring that Indian interests in the Indian Ocean are not affected. “I believe you must have heard about China calling itself the Middle Kingdom. The book- The Hundred Year Marathon is on how the Chinese are planning to become what they want to. There is a vision that they want to become a world power. We see that is happening… Our reading is that it will manifest more in the Pacific Ocean and we are keeping a watch to ensure that our interests in the Indian Ocean region are not affected.” Admiral Tripathi said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India in early 2025 following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, confirmed Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. The visit is being planned as part of the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between the two leaders. “Our leaders have an agreement to meet once a year. This time, it is our turn,” Ushakov said during a press briefing.
He added that Russia has received the invitation from PM Modi and would respond positively. “We will figure out the tentative dates early next year,” he noted.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will brief the Lok Sabha on Monday about the recent developments in India’s relations with China. Several other Union Ministers will also make statements on various issues in both Houses of Parliament.
The EAM’s statement comes after Indian and Chinese troops recently completed disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh. The Indian Army commenced verification patrolling at Depsang, while patrolling at Demchok had begun on November 1.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President Farooq Abdullah claimed that Muslims are feeling unsafe and stated that there is no discrimination based on religion, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir also said that the government should treat Muslims without any discrimination. “…There is no doubt that Muslims are feeling unsafe. I will ask the govt of India to stop that. 24 crore Muslims cannot be thrown into the ocean.
They (the govt) should treat Muslims equally, there is no discrimination based on religion in our constitution,” Abdullah told reporters, responding to recent claims on shrines and Mosques in the country. The NC Chief further said, “They (BJP-led Centre) should remember that. If they destroy the Constitution, where will India remain?” Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Masood on Monday said that the Supreme Court should take cognizance of the matter related to lower courts allowing surveys at religious places.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Over 1,000 monks from across West Bengal are taking part in a demonstration at the Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas on Monday to protest against the attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh, and the release of arrested spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in the neighbouring country.
The monks, under the banner of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, started arriving since morning at the protest site, about 800 meters from the Petrapole border checkpost.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Monday, sought the intervention of the United Nations (UN) in the ongoing crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh. She also floated a proposal for the Union government to consider peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh following the UN intervention.
“These are my proposals. Let the Prime Minister give a statement on the matter and seek UN intervention,” the Chief Minister said after mentioning these two proposals on the floor of the state Assembly.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A 25-year-old man was killed by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on suspicion of being a police informer, an official said on Sunday, December 1. The body of Kummesh Kunjam, a resident of Daler village, was found this morning on Chihka-Tindodi road under Bhairamgarh police station limits, officials said.
“As per preliminary information, Naxalites strangled Kunjam. Pamphlets left at the spot by the Bhairamgarh area committee of the outlawed Maoists accused Kunjam of being a police informer. A team is at the spot to nab the assailants,” the official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Manipur government has destroyed a total of 19,135.6 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in at least 12 districts since 2017, according to an official report. In Kangpokpi district, the highest of 4,454.4 acres were destroyed during the period, followed by 3,348 acres in Ukhrul and 2,713.8 acres in Churachandpur, the study Mapping and Estimation of Opium Poppy Cultivation Area using Remote Sensing and GIS Technology revealed.
The exercise was conducted by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre under the Planning Department, based on data provided by the Narcotics and Affairs of Border’ wing of the state police.
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