SOURCE: AFI

Vishnu Som, a senior journalist at NDTV, has raised a critical question regarding India’s air power capabilities in the face of growing Chinese military might. He argues that India needs to make significant investments to achieve parity with China’s air power, or risk facing a precarious security situation.

According to Som, China’s possession of nearly 300 J-20 stealth fighters underscores the urgency of India’s situation. The acquisition of 50 additional Rafales, while a valuable addition, would not be sufficient to neutralize this threat. He emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and aggressive approach to bolster India’s air power.

SOURCE: AFI

S. Somanath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has made a bold claim that ISRO’s medium-lift Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) is already competitively priced compared to SpaceX’s offerings. In an interview with Reuters, Somanath stated, “If you are looking at a dedicated launch on LVM-3 and the SpaceX, if you get a quote, both will look alike.”

This assertion is significant for several reasons. First, it positions ISRO as a serious contender in the global commercial space launch market, which has been dominated by SpaceX in recent years. Second, it suggests that India’s space program has made significant strides in reducing costs and improving efficiency.

SOURCE: AFI

A unique experiment is set to take place during India’s upcoming manned space mission, Gaganyaan. Fruit flies from Dharwad, scientifically known as Drosophila melanogaster, will be sent into orbit to help researchers understand the formation of kidney stones among astronauts.

Developed by the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, these humble flies share approximately 77% of their genes with humans. This genetic similarity makes them invaluable for studying human diseases, including kidney stones, which are a significant concern for astronauts.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Railways is taking a significant step towards its goal of becoming a net zero carbon emitter by 2030. The public sector behemoth is exploring the use of nuclear power through captive units to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase its adoption of renewable energy sources.

To achieve its ambitious target, Railways estimates that it will require a renewable capacity of 30,000 MW by 2029-30. In addition to nuclear power, the Railways is actively commissioning solar power units and wind-based power plants. Hydel power is also being considered as a potential source of renewable energy.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively working on developing Fluidic Thrust Vectoring (FTVC) technology for its upcoming Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program. The Ghatak, a 13-ton autonomous fighter bomber, is a significant project aimed at enhancing India’s military capabilities.

FTVC offers a unique approach to aerodynamic control, overcoming some of the limitations of traditional mechanical systems. One method, known as shock vector control, involves injecting a fluid into the exhaust nozzle of an engine to redirect the gases and generate a control force.

SOURCE: AFI

The global fighter jet market has long been dominated by two major players: the United States and China. These two countries account for the majority of annual production, showcasing their technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities. However, the landscape is evolving, with several other nations poised to join the ranks of fighter jet producers.

Looking ahead to the next two decades, the forecast indicates that the US and China will maintain their lead in fighter jet production worldwide. Russia and Europe are expected to follow closely behind, solidifying their positions in the global market.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering acquiring additional C-295 medium tactical transport aircraft to supplement and eventually replace its fleet of Soviet-era AN-32 turboprop transport aircraft. According to sources close to the Hindustan Times, the IAF is drawn to the C-295’s capabilities and its potential to meet the service’s evolving requirements.

The C-295, with its 5-10-tonne payload capacity, offers a comparable capability to the AN-32, which has been a workhorse for the IAF. As the AN-32 fleet ages, the IAF plans to begin retiring these aircraft starting in 2030. The C-295, with its production line set to continue until around 2032, presents a viable replacement option.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent exchange on X (formerly Twitter), former Indian Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash and Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh have voiced their skepticism over claims made by Pakistan regarding a 2019 naval encounter. In March 2019, the Pakistan Navy claimed to have “detected and blocked” an Indian Navy submarine from entering Pakistani territorial waters. According to a Pakistani Naval P-3 pilot’s description, the submarine’s periscope was allegedly detected at a distance of 70 nautical miles, after which the submarine was “locked on” for an hour and 40 minutes. For this action, the officer was awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat for “courage and valor.”

Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh, reacting to these claims, expressed disbelief at the Pakistani account. Drawing from his extensive experience commanding submarines and warships, Singh questioned the feasibility of detecting a submarine periscope at such a great distance. He stated, “A P-3 detecting a sub periscope at 70 nm and then locking on the sub for 100 minutes? Having personally commanded subs and warships, I wonder what he really detected and locked on to.” His comments reflect a deep skepticism about the technical plausibility of the Pakistani claims.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced that the United States has approved the possible sale of three types of sonobuoys to India for its fleet of Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

The potential package, valued at $52.8 million, includes AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, and AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys. The primary contractors for the sale are Sparton Corporation and Undersea Sensor Systems.

SOURCE: AFI

PTC Industries Ltd, a leading player in the titanium industry, has announced the acquisition of a Hot Rolling Mill. This strategic move will enable the company to manufacture high-quality plates and sheets in titanium alloys, specifically designed for aerospace and defense applications.

The Hot Rolling Mill will be integrated with PTC’s upcoming Strategic Materials Technology Complex in Lucknow, which is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). This facility will produce titanium alloy ingots and billets, providing the raw material for the Hot Rolling Mill.