SOURCE: AFI

India has solidified its position as a global research powerhouse, making significant strides in a wide range of critical technologies. A recent report, the Critical Technology Tracker by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, has revealed that India ranked among the top five countries in 45 out of 64 critical technologies in 2023, a substantial increase from 37 in the previous year.

The report further highlighted India’s remarkable progress in specific technological domains. The country secured the second position in seven technologies, demonstrating its growing expertise in these areas. Notably, India overtook the United States to claim the second spot in two emerging fields of technological research: biological manufacturing and distributed ledger technology.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been given the green light to develop two new variants of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MRBL) system for the Indian Army. One variant will have a range of 150 kilometers, while the other will boast a range of 250 kilometers or more.

The decision to develop these new Pinaka MRBL variants comes in response to the growing demand for the RAMPAGE air-launched rocket system, which is of Israeli origin. The DRDO aims to design the next-generation Pinaka MRBLs with the capability of being launched from fighter jets such as the Jaguar, Su-30, and Mirage-2000.

SOURCE: AFI

Skyroot Aerospace, a leading Indian space technology startup, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nibe Space Private Limited, a subsidiary of Nibe Limited, to launch their constellation of Earth Observation Satellites.

The planned constellation will consist of 40 satellites and is expected to provide high-resolution imagery for strategic interests. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both companies, as it leverages Skyroot’s expertise in launch vehicles and Nibe Space’s focus on satellite technology.

SOURCE: AFI

To bolster its defense export market, Yantra India Limited (YIL) is participating in the Land Forces Exhibition in Melbourne, Australia. The company is showcasing its range of high-performance products, including 155mm shells, to potential international customers.

The exhibition was graced by the presence of the Honorable RRM Shri Sanjay Seth, who was warmly welcomed at the India Pavilion by Shri Rakesh Singh Lal, Director (Finance) of YIL. The YIL team, comprising Shri Vijay Iyer, General Manager, Shri Pranil Bhagat, DGM, Shri Subhash Behra, DGM, Shri Ashish Ramteke, and Shri Shrikant Joshi, was on hand to showcase the company’s capabilities and engage with potential buyers.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is closely monitoring a significant asteroid named ‘Apophis’, which is on a trajectory that will bring it dangerously close to Earth. This asteroid, named after the Egyptian deity of chaos, is expected to make its nearest approach to our planet on April 13, 2029.

ISRO, in recent years, has expanded its focus to include planetary defense, a field dedicated to safeguarding Earth from potential threats posed by extraterrestrial objects. “A large asteroid strike is a real existential threat for humanity,” said an ISRO official. “Our Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) is monitoring Apophis very closely. India will cooperate with all nations to ward off this and other such future threats.”

SOURCE: AFI

India’s upcoming K-5 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) is set to significantly enhance the country’s strategic nuclear deterrent. With a range of 5000 kilometers, the K-5 showcases its ability to reach targets across the Indo-Pacific region, including China.

As depicted in the image, Indian Naval SSBNs equipped with K-5 SLBMs can safely launch nuclear strikes on China from within the Bay of Bengal. This eliminates the need for SSBNs to venture into the Pacific Ocean or South China Sea, reducing the risk of detection and increasing survivability.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured a significant order worth Rs. 850 crore from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the supply of indigenous Multi-Function Radar in X Band. This radar system will be integrated into the Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs), a new class of anti-surface warfare corvettes being developed by CSL for the Indian Navy.

The NGMVs are expected to start deliveries to the Indian Navy from 2027 onwards. The integration of BEL’s Multi-Function Radar will enhance the NGMVs’ capabilities in detecting, tracking, and engaging surface targets.

SOURCE: AFI

Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Air Command, conducted a visit to the Helicopter Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Bengaluru and Tumakuru on September 9, 2024.

During his visit, the AOC-in-C interacted with representatives of the design bureau responsible for the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). He was briefed on the ongoing progress in the production of the LUH, which is slated to be launched by HAL’s Tumakuru division in the near future.

SOURCE: AFI

The night skies over Jodhpur were illuminated by the powerful engines of fighter jets during the second phase of Exercise TarangShakti-24. The nocturnal missions showcased the Indian Air Force’s exceptional capabilities in precision strikes, aerial refueling, and coordinated operations.

These night missions are a testament to the unwavering dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment of the IAF’s personnel. The seamless execution of these operations highlights the high level of training, coordination, and interoperability within the force.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s indigenous Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), INS Sumitra, marked its 10th anniversary on September 4, 2024. As a stalwart member of the Sunrise Fleet, INS Sumitra has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Indian Navy, consistently safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

Over the past decade, INS Sumitra has undertaken numerous Mission Based Deployments (MBDs) and exercises, demonstrating its versatility and operational capabilities. These missions have aligned with the Government of India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region), ensuring maritime security and promoting regional cooperation.