SOURCE: AFI

In a move to bolster the naval air wing’s capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is poised to formally approve the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. This significant defense deal, which has already received the nod from the Ministry of Defence, is anticipated to be a key agenda during PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Paris.

The deal, pegged at an estimated $7.2 billion, encompasses the procurement of 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater Rafale trainers. These aircraft are tailored for naval operations, designed specifically to operate from aircraft carriers, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational range and combat effectiveness.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has shed light on concerning practices within the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the formulation of Aircraft and Systems Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs). Instead of adhering to the spirit of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), which aims for a transparent and competitive procurement process, the IAF has been found to tailor ASQRs based on the technical specifications of already available products in the market.

The audit pointed out that the IAF has been drafting ASQRs by directly copying the technical specifications of products which are already in the commercial domain. Moreover, these requirements have often been based on the inputs provided by vendors in response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the IAF. The DPP envisages the RFI as a tool to gather widespread information that would help in crafting broad, inclusive Qualitative Requirements (QRs) to ensure a level playing field among potential suppliers.

SOURCE: AFI

In an ambitious move to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities, India is set to significantly increase the production of composites for its burgeoning fighter jet programs. This initiative is driven by the escalating demand for local manufacturing of advanced materials for aircraft like the Tejas M1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII, with production orders expected to exceed 300 units by 2035.

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a key player in aerospace research and development under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has been at the forefront of this technology. NAL has pioneered the use of composites in India’s aircraft programs, including the LCA Tejas and the SARAS, where composites make up a significant portion of the aircraft structure. Now, with the Tejas M1A and MkII projects, the focus is on enhancing these capabilities further, leveraging composites for their lightweight, strength, and durability benefits.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride in international defense collaboration, India and France have jointly developed the Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system, showcasing a fusion of technological expertise from both nations. This development has now led to Armenia selecting the Trajan system for its armed forces, enhancing its military capabilities with cutting-edge technology.

The Trajan 155 mm towed gun is not just another addition to global artillery; it represents a synergy between French and Indian defense sectors. While France provided the initial design and technology, several key subsystems were developed in India, underscoring the country’s growing prowess in defense manufacturing. These subsystems include advanced communication and navigation systems, which are crucial for modern warfare scenarios where precision and speed are paramount.

SOURCE: AFI

Journalist, researcher, and commentator Adnan Aamir from Islamabad has provided insights into the recent U.S. sanctions on Pakistani entities involved in long-range missile programs. According to Aamir, these sanctions are not merely punitive actions but are deeply rooted in Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific security strategy, potentially altering the geopolitical balance in South Asia in favor of India.

Aamir points out that the U.S. has imposed sanctions on several Pakistani organizations, notably those linked to the development of ballistic missiles, which are seen as integral to Pakistan’s defense against perceived threats, primarily from India. These sanctions include freezing any U.S. property belonging to these entities and barring Americans from conducting business with them, effectively aiming to curb the proliferation of missile technology.

SOURCE: AFI

India is ramping up efforts to position itself as a key player in the global defense maintenance sector by highlighting its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, especially for the Rafale fighter jets, to Indonesia. This initiative comes in the context of Indonesia’s substantial military acquisition from France.

In February 2022, Indonesia’s Air Force inked a landmark $8.1 billion deal for 42 French-made Rafale aircraft, as confirmed by Air Vice Marshal Sukadis. He elaborated, “The signing of the Rafale contract also provides training to pilots and technicians of Rafale aircraft so that they can maintain optimal aircraft performance.” This statement underscores the comprehensive nature of the deal, which includes a significant human resource development package centered around pilot crew training and aircraft maintenance.

SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based Zen Technologies Limited, a leader in providing defense training solutions, has been granted an Indian patent for its innovative “T-72 Containerized Crew Gunnery Simulator System” on January 8, 2025. This marks the eleventh patent awarded to the company in the fiscal year 2024-25, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in military training technology.

The T-72 Containerized Crew Gunnery Simulator System is specifically engineered to enhance the skills of T-72 tank commanders and gunners. This advanced simulator offers an immersive training experience by accurately replicating battlefield scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s long-standing practice of naming its ballistic missiles after historical Afghan invaders, intended as a taunt to India, has backfired amidst a new geopolitical spat with Afghanistan. The controversy was sparked by Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who in an unexpected turn of events, referred to Mahmud of Ghazni as “merely a plunderer” during a televised interview. This remark has sent shockwaves through Pakistan, where Ghazni is often lionized in educational curricula for his 1026 raid on the Somnath temple in India.

Mahmud of Ghazni, along with other figures like Ahmad Shah Abdali and Muhammad Ghori, have been celebrated in Pakistan for their roles in historical conflicts with Indian forces. Abdali is remembered for his victory in the third battle of Panipat against the Marathas, an event marked by significant bloodshed, while Ghori is noted for his defeat of the Indian king Prithviraj Chauhan. These names — Ghaznavi, Abdali, and Ghauri — adorn Pakistan’s arsenal of missiles, including the Ghaznavi (Hatf-III), Abdali-I (Hatf-II), and Ghauri (Hatf-V), respectively, symbolizing not just military might but also a cultural and historical assertion over India.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India is set to conclude one of the largest indigenous defense deals by the end of the current financial year, March 2025. The deal involves procuring 156 Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with a total value estimated at ?53,000 crore (approximately $6 billion).

Out of the 156 helicopters, 90 are designated for the Indian Army, while the remaining 66 will strengthen the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet. These helicopters are known for their ability to land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), making them ideal for operations in some of the world’s most challenging terrains. The Prachand LCH is equipped with an array of modern weaponry, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, enhancing its combat effectiveness.