SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Bharat Tak, former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria emphasized the significant export potential of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A, India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft. Bhadauria, who was a former test pilot on the LCA-Tejas program, stressed the need for a more focused approach to marketing the Tejas Mk1A to international buyers, citing its world-class capabilities and competitive pricing.

Bhadauria lauded the LCA-Tejas Mk1A as a state-of-the-art fighter jet that stands out in its class for its advanced technology and capabilities. “In its class, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A ranks among the top two aircraft globally in terms of technology and capabilities,” he remarked. The Tejas Mk1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a highly versatile and capable multirole fighter designed to perform a wide range of missions, from air-to-air combat to ground attack.

SOURCE: AFI

On September 2, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its approval for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft. This procurement will be conducted under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the supplier. The total cost of the acquisition, including all taxes and duties, amounts to over Rs 26,000 crore.

The new batch of AL-31FP engines will come equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and performance of the Su-30 MKI fleet. FADEC is a sophisticated electronic system that optimizes engine performance by automating control processes, thereby reducing pilot workload and improving overall fuel efficiency and reliability.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Air Marshal Anil Chopra, a retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, emphasized the urgent need for India to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jet. He expressed concerns about China’s rapid military modernization, including its plans to field 1000 J-20 fighters by 2035.

Chopra highlighted the significance of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program for India’s air power but stressed the importance of a stopgap solution until the AMCA becomes operational. He advocated for direct Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) control over the AMCA program to ensure its timely development and deployment.

SOURCE: AFI

Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of IT services and business solutions, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marshall Group, a renowned specialist in aerospace and defense engineering. This collaboration seeks to accelerate innovation and sustainability within the aerospace and defense sectors by leveraging the combined expertise of both companies.

Under the terms of the MoU, Tech Mahindra will contribute its engineering prowess to Marshall’s programs, encompassing areas such as aircraft design, manufacturing, special mission platforms, and the development of advanced digital maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) technologies. In exchange, Marshall will tap into Tech Mahindra’s cutting-edge data analytics and intelligent field support technologies to enhance the efficiency and reliability of its infrastructure solutions.

SOURCE: AFI

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India, seeking the cancellation of licenses for Indian firms exporting arms and military equipment to Israel. The petition, filed by advocates Prashant Bhushan and Cheryl D’souza, comes in light of India’s defense exports to Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict. The petition argues that the export of weapons to Israel is in violation of India’s international law obligations, particularly during an armed conflict that has raised concerns about humanitarian issues. Additionally, the petition invokes Article 51C of the Indian Constitution, which calls for the state to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, as well as the fundamental right to life and equality.

The central claim of the petition rests on the argument that India’s export of arms to Israel during the Gaza conflict contradicts its legal commitments under international law. The petitioners argue that by supplying military equipment to a state engaged in conflict, India may be indirectly contributing to violations of international humanitarian law. This, they claim, conflicts with Article 51C of the Constitution, which requires the Indian state to promote adherence to international legal standards.

SOURCE: AFI

The central government is actively considering revisions to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, a controversial policy introduced in 2022 to streamline the armed forces. The proposed adjustments aim to address criticisms and protests from Army aspirants, refine the scheme’s overall framework, and improve the retention rate of Agniveers.

A key focus of the government’s review is to increase the retention rate of Agniveers beyond the current 25 percent. This figure has been deemed insufficient by military experts, who argue that a higher retention rate would ensure a more experienced and skilled workforce within the armed forces.

SOURCE: AFI

The Village Defense Guards (VDGs) in the Jammu region have received a significant boost to their capabilities with the introduction of Semi-Automatic Rifles (SLRs) to replace the outdated .303 rifles. These VDGs, who assist security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), have expressed their readiness to combat militants but have also demanded an increase in their remuneration.

The distribution of SLR rifles is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the VDGs’ effectiveness in hunting down militants in the remote areas of the Jammu region. The new weapons provide a more sophisticated and reliable platform for search operations and surveillance activities.

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director of Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), recently highlighted the success of the company’s Shourya bulletproof vehicle, currently deployed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. According to Dr. Jha, the vehicle has received positive feedback, and MIDHANI is now anticipating more orders from other state police forces. The vehicle is seen as a key asset in enhancing the security and operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies in high-risk regions.

MIDHANI plays a central role in the production of these vehicles. The armored steel, critical for the protection provided by Shourya, is manufactured at the company’s Hyderabad facility, while the vehicle assembly is conducted at MIDHANI’s facility in Rohtak, Haryana. The deployment of these vehicles by the J&K Police has demonstrated their effectiveness in real-world conditions, solidifying the product’s credibility in the armored vehicle sector.

SOURCE: AFI

A breakthrough in hydrogen fuel combustion technology has been achieved by SAP Aerospace, an IIT Jammu-incubated startup. The company has successfully demonstrated 100% hydrogen combustion in a gas turbine engine, a significant step towards decarbonizing the aviation industry.

This achievement marks a major milestone in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly propulsion systems. By transitioning to hydrogen fuel, gas turbine engines can significantly reduce their carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

SOURCE: AFI

Suhas Tejaswini, the Founder and CEO of Flying Wedge Defense & Aerospace (FWDA), has made a bold claim that the company is currently developing an unmanned aircraft capable of taking on enemy fighter jets, such as the F-16.

While Tejaswini did not provide a specific timeline for the rollout of this new platform, the announcement has generated significant interest and speculation within the defense industry. If successful, FWDA’s unmanned aircraft could revolutionize aerial warfare and provide India with a significant strategic advantage.