SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ATL) has reached a significant milestone with its contribution to the EOS-8 satellite, successfully launched by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). This marks the 100th satellite in which the company has played a crucial role.

The successful launch of EOS-8 underscores ISRO’s growing prowess in small satellite launches and its commitment to expanding commercial satellite launch services. The Earth observation satellite is designed to gather valuable data for applications such as agriculture, forestry, water resource management, and disaster response.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army has issued a significant ?6,500 crore tender for the procurement of 400 155/52 calibre Indigenous Design Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) Towed Gun Systems (TGS). This move marks a crucial step in bolstering India’s artillery firepower with advanced and indigenously produced weaponry.

Leading Indian defense companies, including Bharat Forge, Adani Defence, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and state-owned Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), have received tender documents and are expected to submit their bids soon.

SOURCE: AFI

India is positioning itself as a global powerhouse in ammunition manufacturing, with the potential to capture a significant share of the growing global market, according to a new report by FICCI and KPMG.

The AMMO India 2024 report underscores the burgeoning opportunities in the ammunition sector, driven by increased global military spending, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and rising insurgency concerns. The global ammunition market is projected to reach a substantial Rs 1,84,092 crores (US$ 22 billion) by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 3.95%.  

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in developing the next generation of anti-tank weaponry. In a recent interview, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat confirmed the ongoing development of the Nag Mk II, an advanced anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).

The Nag Mk II is poised to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Nag. It is designed to be a lightweight, all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch missile, offering enhanced capabilities to combat modern armored threats.

SOURCE: AFI

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) declaring a no-fly zone over a 365km area from August 22 to 23, 2024, indicating an impending missile test. While the specific details of the missile remain undisclosed, the extensive area covered by the NOTAM has sparked speculation about the type of missile to be tested.

The possibility of an air-to-air missile system being tested is one of the primary theories, given the relatively smaller area often associated with such tests. However, the larger size of the restricted airspace has also led to speculation about a potential surface-to-surface missile system being evaluated.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant milestone was achieved in India’s space sector as ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced the successful completion of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) development process. The agency is now set to transfer this crucial technology to Indian industries, marking a pioneering step in the country’s space journey.

Speaking to reporters post the successful launch of the SSLV, Somanath emphasized that this is the first time such advanced technology is being shared with the private sector in India. The move is expected to bolster the capabilities of Indian industries, enabling them to build smaller rockets and contribute substantially to the nation’s burgeoning space economy.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to ramp up production of the AL-31 FP engines for the Su-30MKI fighter jets. A fresh order for approximately 230 engines is expected to be placed in the coming days, with deliveries scheduled over the next few years.

The AL-31 FP engine is the powerhouse of the Su-30MKI, and the IAF’s entire fleet of these twin-engine fighters relies on this crucial component. With a total requirement of around 950 engines, this order is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term operational readiness of the IAF’s backbone fighter fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

India has achieved a significant milestone in its technological advancement with the successful development of large cryopumping technology. This indigenous capability is set to revolutionize various sectors, including space research, nuclear science, and semiconductor manufacturing. This work has been done at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, under the Dept. of Atomic Energy (DAE).

Achieving and maintaining high to ultra-high vacuum conditions is crucial for several critical applications. However, until recently, India relied heavily on imports for large cryopumps, essential components in vacuum systems. Recognizing the strategic importance of this technology, domestic efforts were initiated to bridge this gap.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army is in the process of phasing out its fleet of Mahindra Rakshak armored vehicles, replacing them with the more advanced Mahindra Armored Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV). This strategic move comes after years of service and concerns raised about the Rakshak’s capabilities.

Initially introduced in 2005 with an order for 200 vehicles, the Rakshak, based on the Mahindra Commander jeep, gained popularity within the Indian Army and other security forces. A subsequent order for 800 units was placed in 2009, highlighting its demand. However, the vehicle’s performance came under scrutiny, with a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report in 2008 criticizing its underpowered nature and the consequent risk it posed to soldiers.