SOURCE: AFI
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is making a strategic push to equip P-8I maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) with its latest weapon, the AIR LORA air-to-ground missile. This move highlights IAI’s confidence in the AIR LORA’s capabilities and its potential to revolutionize the operational effectiveness of P-8I operators.
IAI touts the AIR LORA as a “game-changer” in air-to-ground missile technology. Designed for missions against high-value, well-protected targets, it boasts exceptional accuracy and stand-off range. This allows P-8I operators to engage targets from a safe distance, minimizing risks and collateral damage.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent interview with Judge Andrew Napolitano for Judging Freedom, former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter provided a stark and sobering analysis of America’s nuclear war strategy. Reflecting on the historical and current state of U.S. nuclear policy, Ritter’s remarks serve as a critical wake-up call about the catastrophic potential of nuclear conflict and the urgent need for responsible leadership.
Ritter began by recalling his late friend William Polk, a key advisor during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Polk’s insights into President John F. Kennedy’s decision-making during that tense period highlighted Kennedy’s crucial role in averting nuclear war. Ritter noted Kennedy’s shock upon being briefed on the Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP), which outlined America’s strategy for nuclear war.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A new air base is reportedly under construction in Sichuan province, China, located approximately 350 kilometers from the border with India. The remote location, coupled with its proximity to a key transportation artery, has sparked speculation about its intended purpose.
The base, whose details remain scarce, is believed to be situated away from major population centers. This characteristic suggests a focus on military functionality rather than civilian air traffic. Experts believe it could serve as a crucial logistics hub, supporting Chinese military operations along Highway S217.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a bid to enhance air connectivity across India, the government has announced a strategic initiative to increase the number of airstrips and develop more defence airfields for civil aircraft operations. This ambitious plan aims to improve regional connectivity, support economic growth, and ensure efficient utilization of existing infrastructure.
The government’s plan involves the expansion and modernization of airstrips across the country. By increasing the number of operational airstrips, the initiative seeks to provide better access to remote and underserved regions, facilitating easier travel for both passengers and cargo. This move is expected to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and regional trade, contributing to the overall economic development of these areas.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a remarkable display of gender diversity and operational prowess, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly highlighted the role of women in military aviation at the ongoing Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and aircraft based at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.. This prestigious international combat exercise, which involves air forces from around the world, has seen an unprecedented participation of women pilots and ground crew from the IAF.
Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, who became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo in 2018, represents a significant milestone in the IAF’s journey towards inclusivity. Her participation in Red Flag-Alaska, along with other women officers, marks another historic moment for the IAF. These women are not just participants but key players in the missions, flying advanced jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and contributing to mission planning and execution.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday directed the officials to deploy a full spectrum of counter-terror capabilities after chairing a review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, in the wake of multiple terror attacks in the last four days.
The topmost security officials including National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval attended the security review meeting and gave the Prime Minister a full overview of the security-related situation in the Union Territory.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Pakistan on Wednesday announced a nearly 15% hike in its defence spending and allocated ?2,122 billion in the 2024-25 budget, marking a significant increase from last year amidst strenuous efforts to secure a fresh loan from the IMF to meet the cash-strapped nation’s external liabilities.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, the first budget of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) coalition government which came to power after the February 8 general elections.
Continue readingSOURCE: AP
The United States will send Ukraine another Patriot missile system, two U.S. officials said Tuesday, answering Kyiv’s desperate calls for more air defenses as it battles an intense Russian assault on the northeastern Kharkiv region.
The officials said President Joe Biden has approved the move. It would be the second Patriot system that the U.S. has given to Ukraine, although the Pentagon has routinely provided an undisclosed number of missiles for the system. Other allies, including Germany, also have provided air defense systems as well as munitions for them.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that it would a matter of shame if the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were postponed due to a series of attacks by the “extremist forces” in the Jammu region over the past few days.
Reacting to former Army Chief General (retired) V P Malik’s suggestion to postpone assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by a year, Abdullah said it would be akin to giving in to the extremist forces.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Terrorists are planning fidayeen (suicide) attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in the next 48 to 72 hours, and the region has been put on high alert, J-K Police sources said. The inputs were received by the forces from “reliable sources”. They said that the terrorists are plotting to carry out suicide attacks in the camps or military instillations in the Sunderbani, Nowshera, Lamberi, Akhnoor and Domana areas of
Rajouri and Jammu districts.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Kuwaiti authorities are conducting DNA tests on the bodies of those killed in the devastating fire incident in southern Kuwait’s Mangaf area and an IAF aircraft is on standby to bring back the mortal remains of Indians killed in the incident, officials said on Thursday.
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has left for Kuwait following a direction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to oversee assistance to Indians injured in the fire and to ensure early repatriation of mortal remains of those killed.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Massive search operations continued on Thursday in forest belts of different districts of Jammu and Kashmir to track down and neutralise terrorists involved in recent attacks in the union territory, officials said.
Police joined the paramilitary forces in searches in the Narwal bypass area on the outskirts of Jammu after a woman reported suspicious movement of two persons, they said. Further details are awaited. Terrorists struck at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda districts over the past four days, killing nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan and leaving seven security personnel and several others injured.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Two Naxalites surrendered before the security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Wednesday, while one cadre, carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, was arrested, police said. Vichchem Farsi alias Bijju and Sandeep Modiyam turned themselves in, citing disappointment with atrocities committed by Maoists on tribals and also the ‘hollow’ Maoist ideology, an official said.
Bijju was the Burji RPC (Revolutionary Party Committee) Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan (DAKMS) vice president while Modiyam was Gorna-Mankeli Militia member as well as vice president of Mulvasi Bachao Manch, he said. They were also impressed by the police’s rehabilitation policy, he said, adding that the duo was allegedly involved in several incidents of Maoist violence.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is diving headfirst into underwater drone technology, partnering with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd to develop first-of-its-kind Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (ULUAVs) for Indian Navy submarines.
These ULUAVs will be launched from submerged submarines, providing a crucial aerial vantage point for discreet surveillance missions. Imagine a submarine silently patrolling the depths, its crew gaining valuable intel on surface vessels and other targets thanks to the ULUAV’s “eyes in the sky.” This significantly extends the reach of a submarine, allowing it to monitor a wider area without compromising its stealth.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious program to develop the 5th generation AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) fighter jet has encountered a setback. The initial plans to involve private companies in a major way have hit a roadblock due to their reluctance to invest heavily in a long-term project.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, a type of PPP arrangement, where a private company would hold a majority stake. This company would not only be responsible for assembling the AMCA jets but also for managing production lines and the entire supply chain.
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