SOURCE: AFI

The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, culminating in the removal of the elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reignited concerns about the country’s expansionist ambitions. Radical Islamist groups, now in power, have openly expressed their desire to establish a “Greater Bangladesh,” a territory that would encompass parts of India’s northeastern region.

While Bangladesh lacks the military might or resources to directly invade India, its sheer population of over 171.2 million – significantly larger than that of the entire northeastern region – poses a significant demographic threat. The proposed “Greater Bangladesh” would include West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.

SOURCE: AFI

Artemon Aerospace, a leading defense technology company, has developed a groundbreaking loitering munition designed for Air Launched Effect (ALE). The ALE, which can be deployed from sonobuoy launchers, offers a coordinated swarm capability for maritime surveillance, threat assessment, and scalable responses to maritime challenges.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development aimed at enhancing the durability and performance of small arms in India’s defense arsenal, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a key laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced a collaboration with Bengaluru-based SSS Defence. The collaboration is focused on developing and integrating CERAKOTE coating technology for critical small arms components such as barrels, bolts, and receivers.

CERAKOTE is a ceramic-based coating known for its high performance and durability, widely recognized across industries, including defense, for protecting firearms, automotive components, and industrial machinery from wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. In the defense sector, particularly for small arms, the CERAKOTE technology offers significant advantages that can boost the longevity and functionality of weapons.

SOURCE: AFI

A captivating 3D render by Harshal Pal has recently shed light on the size disparity between two significant helicopter projects undertaken by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Armed Forces. The render showcases the LUH (Light Utility Helicopter), a single-engine, 3-ton category helicopter, alongside the upcoming IMRH (Indian Multi Role Helicopter), a 13-ton medium-class helicopter.

The LUH, a product of HAL’s design and manufacturing expertise, is already in Limited Scale production and is set to replace the aging Cheetah and Cheetal helicopters in the Indian Army and Air Force. On the other hand, the IMRH, currently under development, is intended to replace the Russian-supplied Mi-17 class of helicopters, providing a much-needed upgrade to India’s military aviation capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for the Indian Navy and the broader maritime industry, the Indian Navy has been awarded a patent for a revolutionary Solvent-Free Anticorrosive Epoxy Resin Composition specifically designed for coating applications. This innovation is set to enhance the durability and longevity of naval vessels by providing an advanced protective layer against corrosion, a common and costly issue in marine environments.

The concept for this groundbreaking anticorrosive epoxy paint originated with (then) Captain Nirbhay Bapna, who is now a Rear Admiral, during his tenure as the commanding officer of INS Teg, a Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy. Recognizing the critical need for a more effective and environmentally friendly solution to combat corrosion on naval ships, Capt. Bapna spearheaded efforts to develop a new type of coating that would offer superior protection while also being solvent-free.

SOURCE: AFI

The first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, which successfully completed its maiden flight in March this year, is set to be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of next month. This significant milestone marks a key step forward in the Tejas program, which aims to modernize the IAF’s fighter fleet.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been working diligently to complete the final touches on the Tejas Mk1A, including implementing software advancements requested by the IAF. While the initial batch of jets will be powered by the older Category Be Severed F-404 engines, HAL plans to transition to more powerful engines in future batches.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Gaurav Arya, veteran naval officer Rear Admiral K Raja Menon (Retd.) emphasized the critical need for the Indian Navy to expand its nuclear attack submarine fleet. Menon argued that by 2047, India will require a total of 16 nuclear attack submarines capable of operating long-range attack cruise missiles.

Menon highlighted the strategic significance of nuclear attack submarines, particularly in the context of the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, especially the South China Sea. He emphasized that at least four nuclear attack submarines would be necessary to effectively operate in the South China Sea, while the remaining submarines could be deployed in other regions of the Indian Ocean.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently unveiled a modified version of its WhAP 8×8 armored personnel carrier (APC), equipped with a BMP-2 turret and the potent Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). This significant upgrade demonstrates the DRDO’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of India’s indigenous armored vehicle fleet.

The BMP-2 turret, known for its reliability and firepower, provides the WhAP with a substantial increase in offensive capabilities. The turret is armed with a 30mm autocannon and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, enabling it to effectively engage infantry and light armored vehicles. Additionally, the Konkurs-M ATGM, with its long range and penetration power, significantly bolsters the WhAP’s ability to neutralize enemy tanks and armored vehicles.