SOURCE: AFI

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk II, an ambitious upgrade of India’s indigenous fighter jet, has been plagued by a series of delays since its inception. While the project has seen some progress, the timeline for its development has consistently slipped, raising concerns about its eventual operational capability.

The initial optimism surrounding the LCA Mk II was evident in early 2021 when the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) chief predicted a rollout by August of that year. However, this timeline was quickly pushed back to 2022. By November 2021, the Conceptual Design Review (CDR) was completed, indicating a step forward, but the subsequent months witnessed further delays.

SOURCE: AFI

India is on the cusp of finalizing a significant deal with the United States for the acquisition of GE 414 jet engines. The agreement, expected to be inked in the coming months, will mark a crucial milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet program.

General Electric has already submitted its bid for the engines, and negotiations on technology transfer are in advanced stages. The deal is anticipated to include an unprecedented 80% technology transfer, a substantial leap from previous agreements. This will significantly bolster India’s capabilities in jet engine manufacturing.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) has successfully developed a second-generation Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) specifically designed for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) operations. This cutting-edge platform boasts a range of enhancements, including amphibious capabilities, a compact design, reduced weight, optimized engine performance for high-altitude conditions, and reinforced protection measures.

The new WhAP is equipped to carry a crew of eight personnel, along with three additional members, and can be armed for combat operations. The vehicle’s amphibious nature significantly expands its operational scope, enabling it to traverse water bodies with ease. The compact design and reduced weight enhance maneuverability and transportability.

SOURCE: AFI

The Border Security Force (BSF) has raised an alarm over the increasing sophistication of drones being used to smuggle weapons and drugs across the India-Pakistan border. According to Inspector-General of BSF (Punjab Frontier) Atul Fulzele, the newer drone models have become smaller, quieter, and capable of flying at higher altitudes, making them significantly harder to detect.

In a press briefing on Friday, Fulzele revealed that the BSF had intercepted 137 drones since January 1, seizing 28 weapons, including pistols and AK rifles, along with 160.28 kg of heroin. He emphasized that while land smuggling has become negligible, drone-based smuggling has emerged as the primary method for infiltrating contraband.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant gesture underscoring the deepening maritime relations between India and the United Kingdom, Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord & Chief of Naval Staff of the Royal Navy, paid a visit to the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS Tabar, during her stay in London, UK. The visit highlighted the growing cooperation and camaraderie between the two navies, which play pivotal roles in maintaining maritime security across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Captain MR Harish, the Commanding Officer of INS Tabar, warmly welcomed Admiral Key aboard the ship. During the visit, Captain Harish provided an extensive overview of INS Tabar’s capabilities, emphasizing the advanced technology and operational readiness that make her a formidable asset in the Indian Navy’s fleet. He also discussed the broader objectives of INS Tabar’s Operational Deployment, which aims to foster closer ties with partner navies, including the Royal Navy, through joint exercises, port visits, and professional exchanges.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk II is set to take flight by March 2026. This timeline was confirmed during a high-level review meeting held at DRDO Bhawan, attended by top officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The rollout of the LCA Mk II is scheduled for post-August 2025, followed by nearly three years of intensive developmental flight testing. The aircraft is expected to achieve Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by the end of 2029, paving the way for production commencement in 2030 and deliveries from 2032 onwards.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly extend the production timeline of the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. The force plans to place orders for an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets later this year.

This development comes after the IAF had already placed an order for 83 Tejas Mk1A jets in 2021. Without the new order, the production line was projected to conclude around 2028. However, with the upcoming larger order, the production timeline is now extended to 2032.

SOURCE: AFI

A report by the Institute of Strategic Studies, a Pakistan-based think tank, has raised concerns over India’s growing missile defense capabilities, arguing that they pose a significant threat to regional stability and Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent.

The report highlights the deployment of India’s Phase I missile defense system along the border with Pakistan and China, equipped with the S-400 air defense system. These systems have the capacity to detect objects up to 600 kilometers within Pakistani territory. India’s ongoing development of advanced radars with extended ranges further exacerbates the situation, potentially enabling the interception of Pakistan’s Hatf, Ghauri, and Shaheen missiles.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan has vehemently denied media reports alleging the supply of Shaheen-3 missiles to Iran. The denial comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the subsequent deployment of US naval forces to the region.

The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, categorically dismissed the claims as baseless and false. She emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources and cautioned against the spread of misinformation, particularly in such a sensitive geopolitical climate.