SOURCE: IDRW.ORG


As geopolitical tensions simmer in the South Caucasus, Armenia is recalibrating its defense strategy in response to Azerbaijan’s acquisition of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan. Sam Lichtenstein, Director of Analysis at the risk intelligence firm RANE, told Forbes that Armenia is likely to prioritize acquiring India-built Su-30MKI multirole fighters to bolster its air force, citing their cost-effectiveness compared to French Rafale jets.
This move aligns with Armenia’s growing defense ties with India, which has emerged as a key supplier of advanced weaponry to Yerevan since the early 2020s. The potential acquisition of Su-30MKIs, alongside upgrades to Armenia’s existing Su-30SM fleet, could reshape the regional balance of power and counter Azerbaijan’s military modernization, driven by its deepening ties with Pakistan.
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In a strategic move to counter the evolving aerial threats in the region, particularly Pakistan’s planned acquisition of China’s J-35A stealth fighter jets, India is developing the advanced Netra Mk1A Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS). The Netra Mk1A, an upgraded iteration of the indigenously developed Netra Mk1, is being equipped with cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules, specifically fine-tuned to detect low Radar Cross Section (RCS) targets, such as stealth aircraft, at extended ranges. This development marks a significant leap in India’s air defense capabilities, ensuring the Indian Air Force (IAF) maintains a decisive edge in aerial situational awareness.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the IAF, has prioritized the enhancement of airborne platforms to tackle the growing challenge posed by stealth technology. The Netra Mk1A is designed to address this need, incorporating substantial upgrades in both hardware and software over its predecessor, the Netra Mk1, which is currently operational on Embraer EMB-145 platforms. According to sources within DRDO, the Netra Mk1A will feature state-of-the-art radar systems optimized for detecting and tracking stealth aircraft, a capability deemed critical in light of Pakistan’s reported plans to procure the Shenyang J-35A, a carrier-capable stealth fighter developed by China.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet by developing an advanced Wingtip Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pod. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the aircraft’s survivability in contested environments, underscores India’s push towards self-reliance in defense technology while addressing the evolving threats faced by its air force.
The Su-30MKI, a backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet, is set to receive a state-of-the-art wingtip-mounted ECM pod developed by DRDO’s Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE). Building on earlier efforts to replace the Russian-supplied SAP-518 jammer pods, which were deemed too heavy and restrictive for the Su-30MKI’s flight envelope, the new ECM pod leverages indigenous technology to provide robust electronic warfare capabilities. The pod is designed to be mounted on the wingtip hardpoints (stations 11 and 12) in a left-hand and right-hand configuration, ensuring balanced integration with the aircraft’s aerodynamics.
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Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a key player in India’s aerospace and defense sector, has emerged as a cornerstone in the country’s pursuit of self-reliance in military aviation. With its involvement in high-profile fighter jet programs like the Rafale, F-16 Block 70, LCA Tejas, and potential contributions to next-generation projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA Mk2, TASL is significantly shaping India’s defense manufacturing landscape. This article explores TASL’s critical contributions to these programs, focusing on its role in producing key components like fuselages, wings, and tail fins, and its readiness to support final assembly lines for future indigenous aircraft.
In a landmark development, TASL has partnered with Dassault Aviation to manufacture the fuselage for the Rafale fighter jet, marking the first time this critical component will be produced outside France. This collaboration involves establishing an advanced manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, which will produce center, front, and rear fuselage assemblies for the Rafale, catering to both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and global markets. This move underscores TASL’s growing expertise in precision manufacturing and its ability to meet stringent quality and competitiveness standards set by Dassault. The partnership not only boosts India’s “Make in India” initiative but also positions TASL as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain. The production of these complex fuselage sections, integral to the Rafale’s aerodynamic and structural integrity, highlights TASL’s capability to handle sophisticated aerospace engineering tasks.
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On February 27, 2019, a dramatic aerial engagement over the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan became a defining moment for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 Bison, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down a PAF F-16 during a dogfight, exposing vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air combat capabilities.
This incident, coupled with limitations in U.S. military support, particularly the lack of access to advanced AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles, served as a wake-up call for the PAF. It prompted a strategic shift toward procuring more advanced platforms like the Chinese J-10CE and, more recently, the J-35A, to modernize and bolster its air force.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI


According to a recent report by Sunday Guardian Live, Pakistan’s naval capabilities are facing a critical setback, with its fleet of Agosta-class submarines grappling with severe operational and maintenance challenges. The report highlights delays in critical repairs, including the overhaul of MESMA (Module d’Energie Sous-Marin Autonome) Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems and structural upgrades assisted by Turkey, compounded by supply-chain disruptions.
Alarmingly, one of Pakistan’s three Agosta-90B submarines was observed stranded ashore, signaling severe readiness deficits. These issues, coupled with the inherent limitations of diesel-electric submarines and financial constraints, have critically depleted Pakistan’s naval strength, casting doubt on its nuclear second-strike capabilities and exposing prolonged strategic vulnerabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
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The Indian Army has formally initiated a program to develop an upgraded First Person View (FPV) drone tailored for its operational needs, as detailed in a recent General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) document released by the Major General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Headquarters Central Command. The document, titled “Tech Specs: General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) for Development of Upgrade of FPV Drone for Army Unit,” lays the groundwork for advancing the Army’s unmanned aerial capabilities to meet modern battlefield demands.
The primary aim of the GSQR, as outlined in Part I of the document, is “to lay down the General Staff Qualitative Requirement for the development of an upgrade of FPV Drone for Army Unit.” This initiative underscores the Army’s focus on enhancing its tactical surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially combat capabilities through advanced drone technology. FPV drones, known for their real-time video feed and agile maneuverability, are increasingly vital for modern military operations, offering situational awareness in complex terrains and urban environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI


Reliance Infrastructure is looking to turbocharge its defence vertical with a focus on aircraft upgrade programmes, eyeing an opportunity of Rs 5,000 crore over the next 7-10 years, sources said. This strategic foray positions Infrastructure as India’s first private sector company to independently execute a comprehensive aircraft upgrade programme without being the original manufacturer.
According to a company source, the company has already marked a significant milestone by successfully upgrading 55 Dornier-228 aircraft under a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), in collaboration with US-based avionics firm Genesys. Initially awarded a contract for 37 aircraft, Reliance secured a repeat order for an additional 18 units following the successful execution of an earlier contract.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS


Britain and India on Saturday discussed expanding their “counter-terrorism” collaboration following recent fighting between India and Pakistan, Britain’s foreign minister told Reuters after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
British foreign minister David Lammy is the highest-profile Western official to have visited both New Delhi and Islamabad since the South Asian neighbours agreed to a ceasefire last month after their worst fighting in nearly three decades.
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Marking a significant milestone of 11 years of governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hailed the achievements of the nation, especially in the defence and economic sectors.
Taking to X, Singh lauded the government’s commitment to Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and its impact on India’s global standing.
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An explosion was reported on board the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503 off the coast of Kerala on Monday morning, a Defence PRO said. The underdeck blast was first reported at around 10.30 am by the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai to their counterparts in Kochi.
The 270-metre-long vessel, with a draught of 12.5 metres, had left Colombo on June 7 and was en route to Mumbai, expected to arrive on June 10.”On 09 Jun 25, at about 1030 h, MOC (Koc) received an information from MOC (Mbi) about a reported underdeck explosion onboard MV Wan Hai 503. The vessel is a Singapore Flag Container ship, 270 m long and draught 12.5m with LPC Colombo,” the PRO said in a communication.
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the state government would enforce a 1950 law to identify and evict illegal foreigners. He claimed that the law empowers the district commissioners to declare individuals as illegal immigrants and initiate eviction proceedings.
Speaking during a special day-long Assembly session, he alleged that Congress does not value ‘citizenship’, as out of four family members of one of its leaders, three are foreigners. It was an apparent jibe at the opposition party’s state president Gaurav Gogoi, who was seated at the visitors gallery of the Assembly in front of the treasury bench, whom the chief minister had been targeting for his alleged Pakistan links through his British wife.
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A Delhi court on Monday allowed jailed 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana to speak to his family members over a phone call. Special Judge Chander Jit Singh allowed Rana the reprieve only one time. The call would be in line with the jail manual and under the supervision of the Tihar Jail authority, the judge said.
The court also called for a fresh report on Rana’s health within 10 days from Monday.
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An additional superintendent was killed and two other police officers were injured when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Monday, police said.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the death of Additional Superintendent of Police (Konta Division) Akash Rao Girepunje in the blast and said Naxalites will have to face its consequences. State’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the home portfolio, said Girepunje, a 2013-batch state police service officer, was martyred in the blast.
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Protesters took out torchlight processions overnight, burnt a government building and clashed with security forces, defying prohibitory orders as Manipur continued to witness demonstrations over the arrests of a Meitei organisation leader and four others, police said on Monday.
Clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel in Kwakeithel and Singjamei in Imphal West district, prompting the police to fire several rounds of tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the agitators, an officer said.
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