SOURCE: AFI

In a brazen display of misinformation, the Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has released a new propaganda video that falsely showcases India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as a Pakistani weapon. The video, which surfaced recently, has drawn widespread criticism for its deceptive portrayal, further eroding the credibility of DGPR PAF’s media campaigns. This incident adds to a growing pattern of misleading content from the PAF’s public relations wing, raising questions about the ethics of such tactics in a region already fraught with tensions.

Older propaganda video, posted on April 29, 2025, by the official DGPR PAF account on X, was titled “Pakistan Air Force Reaffirms Unwavering Commitment to National Sovereignty & Defence Excellence.” It featured a montage of military assets, including what was presented as a Pakistani missile. However, sharp-eyed observers quickly identified the missile as the BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile developed through a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The BrahMos, known for its Mach 2.8-3.0 speed and a range of up to 1,500 km in its extended versions, is a flagship of India’s defense capabilities, with no equivalent in Pakistan’s arsenal.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s Army Design Bureau (ADB), established in 2016 as a catalyst for indigenous defense innovation, is rapidly evolving into a powerhouse of technological advancement, driving the development of cutting-edge military equipment to enhance self-reliance under India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Bolstered by the success of the ASMI 9mm submachine gun, designed by a serving soldier, the ADB is now expanding its ambit to develop advanced assault rifles tailored for the Indian Army.

By harnessing the expertise of uniformed engineers and innovators, collaborating with industry and academia, and facilitating Transfer of Technology (ToT) to local production partners, the ADB aims to localize critical defense technologies and enable mass-scale production.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride toward self-reliance in defense technology, India showcased its indigenous next-generation autonomous defense systems at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh from April 23 to 25, 2025. The event, highlighted in posts on X, featured cutting-edge innovations aimed at modernizing the Indian Armed Forces and enhancing operational capabilities in diverse combat scenarios. Among the standout technologies displayed were the Sheshnag-150, a long-range swarm drone by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), and the Sapper Scout, a multi-utility unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), underscoring India’s growing prowess in autonomous warfare systems.

The Sheshnag-150, developed by NRT, marked a milestone in India’s unmanned aerial capabilities. Named after the mythological serpent, this 150kg unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed for attritable warfare, focusing on overwhelming adversaries through coordinated swarm attacks. With a range exceeding 1,000 km, an endurance of five hours, and a payload capacity of 25-40 kg, the Sheshnag-150 is engineered for precision strikes deep into enemy territory. Its successful maiden flight, announced by NRT in February 2025, demonstrated its potential as a force multiplier.

SOURCE: AFI

A growing rift is said to be emerging within the senior leadership of the Pakistan Army, with several powerful Corps Commanders reportedly at odds with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir over recent developments related to cross-border operations in Kashmir and his increasingly hardline stance.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan (Commander XII Corps), Lieutenant General Syed Imdad Hussain Shah (XXX Corps), Lieutenant General Saqib Mehmood Malik (XXXI Corps), and Lieutenant General Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (Air Defence Corps) are among the senior commanders expressing strong reservations about Munir’s leadership direction.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s defense aviation sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, in its Army and Air Force versions, has been cleared for operations. This follows a clarification issued on April 11, 2025, and is based on the recommendations of a Defect Investigation (DI) Committee. HAL has also outlined a time-bound plan for the resumption of operations, worked out in collaboration with the Indian Army and Air Force, signaling a resolution to concerns that had previously grounded the helicopter fleet.

The ALH Dhruv, a multi-role helicopter developed by HAL, has been a cornerstone of India’s indigenous defense manufacturing efforts since its first flight in 1992 and induction into service in 2002. Designed to operate in diverse environments—from high-altitude regions like Siachen to maritime roles—the Dhruv is used by the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard, with over 300 units delivered as of early 2025. The helicopter has also been exported to countries like Ecuador, Mauritius, and Nepal, showcasing India’s growing defense export capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a dramatic turn of events, in new revelations, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is grappling with a major shakeup among its top ranks, with two senior officers facing severe repercussions following their involvement in the 2019 Operation Swift Retort. According to a recent screenshot from Military Wiki, out of four key Air Marshals associated with the operation, the third has been jailed, and the fourth has been unceremoniously expelled from the PAF. This leaves only two of the original four still in active service,.

Operation Swift Retort was Pakistan’s military response to India’s airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, 2019, following the Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel. On February 27, the PAF launched a counteroffensive, engaging Indian Air Force (IAF) jets in a dogfight over the Line of Control (LoC). The operation resulted in the downing of an IAF MiG-21, with its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured and later released. India claimed to have downed a PAF F-16, a claim Pakistan has consistently denied.

SOURCE: AFI

In a highly inflammatory post on Facebook, Major General (Retd.) A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman of the Bangladesh Army has called for Bangladesh to invade and occupy India’s seven northeastern states in the event of an Indian attack on Pakistan. Adding to the provocative nature of his statement, Rahman suggested that Bangladesh should initiate discussions with China for joint military actions to achieve this objective. The remarks, which have drawn sharp criticism and raised concerns about regional stability, come at a time of heightened tensions in South Asia.

In his post, Rahman wrote: “If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should invade and occupy India’s seven northeastern states. In my opinion, Bangladesh should start discussions with China for joint military actions in this regard.” The retired general’s comments refer to India’s northeastern region, comprising Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters.” These states are connected to the rest of India by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, making the region geopolitically sensitive.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on April 30, 2025, closing its airspace to all Pakistani-registered, operated, or leased aircraft has laid bare the stark asymmetry in the financial fallout of the ongoing airspace dispute. While India faces minimal losses from its decision, Pakistan’s earlier move to deny Indian flights access to its airspace is costing it dearly—an estimated $300,000 per day—owing to India’s position as the third-largest source of outgoing air traffic globally.

The current crisis began on April 24, 2025, when Pakistan issued a NOTAM closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, following India’s diplomatic offensive in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan’s closure, set to last until May 25, 2025, disrupted over 70 to 80 daily two-way flights from India to Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Central Asia, forcing Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo to reroute flights, incur higher fuel costs, and even cancel routes to destinations like Tashkent and Almaty.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has announced a naval firing exercise scheduled to take place off the coast of Karwar Naval Base in the Arabian Sea on May 7, 2025. The exercise will commence at 08:30 AM IST and conclude at 06:30 PM IST, covering a range of approximately 390km from the base.

According to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued for the event, the designated firing range extends westward into the Arabian Sea, ensuring a safe distance from the coastline. The exercise is part of routine training operations conducted by the Indian Navy to maintain operational readiness and enhance maritime security capabilities.