SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Jitendra J Jadhav, a Distinguished Scientist and the Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has revealed that the Indian Navy’s acquisition of a crucial squadron of LCA-Navy carrier-based fighters is currently delayed due to pending government procedures. However, he expressed optimism that the procedural hurdles would be resolved soon, leading to the induction of the squadron.
The Indian Navy has been in pursuit of enhancing its naval aviation capabilities, specifically with the acquisition of a new squadron of indigenous LCA-Navy carrier-based fighter jets. These jets are essential for strengthening India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. The squadron is expected to be deployed on India’s latest aircraft carriers, such as the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
A team of Indian researchers has proposed a new regional aircraft design that could revolutionize air connectivity within the country. In a collaborative effort, Prasenjit Das from IISER Mohali and Prof. Prodyut Das from IIT Kanpur have introduced the D12, a 20-seater aircraft designed specifically for UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) operators.
The D12 is notable for its versatility. It can be easily stretched to accommodate up to 40 passengers without requiring additional certification, making it a cost-effective solution for airlines.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, the Tejas MkII, is set to make history as the first Indian fighter jet to feature a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based fire control radar, known as the Uttam Aesa. This groundbreaking development marks a significant leap forward for India’s aerospace industry, showcasing the nation’s technological prowess and commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
GaN, a newer semiconductor material compared to Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), offers several advantages that make it ideal for advanced radar systems. Its superior properties enable the development of smaller, lighter, and more efficient radar components. GaN-based devices can handle higher power levels and operate at higher frequencies, leading to improved detection range, accuracy, and tracking capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A recent report by Pakistan’s National Defence University (NDU) has raised concerns about the rapid emergence of India’s private space sector, claiming that it could significantly enhance India’s ballistic missile production capabilities. The report suggests that the growth of private space operators in India may not only boost the country’s civilian space ventures but also potentially lead to the increased production of ballistic missile components and related technologies.
India’s private space sector has been gaining momentum, especially following the government’s decision to open the space industry to private players in 2020. The establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and other reforms have paved the way for private companies to collaborate with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in satellite launches, space exploration, and other space-related activities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
According to a report in The Sunday Guardian, U.S. intelligence agencies, including the FBI and the CIA, were allegedly preparing to arrest a former official from India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) during a planned private family trip to the United States. The operation was reportedly called off after Indian intelligence agencies received a tip-off, leading to the cancellation of the official’s travel plans. The identity of the official has not been confirmed, but speculations suggest it could have been Samant Goel, the former head of R&AW, who the U.S. has reportedly linked to a plot against Khalistani terrorist facilitator Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
While details remain unclear, there is widespread speculation that the retired official in question could be Samant Goel, who served as the chief of R&AW until 2023. Goel has been a significant figure in India’s intelligence community and has played a pivotal role in counterterrorism operations, particularly against separatist movements, including Khalistani elements.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A new book, “Paper to Flight,” has been launched in Panaji, offering a fascinating glimpse into the design and development of India’s carrier-borne fighter aircraft, the LCA Navy. Authored by former ADA Director Cmde C D Balaji (Retd), the book provides a comprehensive account of the joint effort by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Navy.
Speaking at the book launch, Dr V K Aatre, former DRDO chief, emphasized the significance of the LCA Navy program. He recalled the early days of the project, when the ADA team was tasked with preparing a chart for program monitoring. Dr Aatre highlighted the numerous technological breakthroughs achieved during the development of the naval LCA, including the landing gear and arrester hook.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
AGNIT Semiconductors, a promising startup focused on Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors, has secured $3.5 million in seed funding. The investment round was led by renowned venture capital firms 3one4 Capital and Zephyr Peacock, marking their first foray into India’s semiconductor sector. Lakshmi Narayanan, former CEO of Cognizant and a prominent angel investor, also participated in the funding round.
AGNIT is a pioneer in the field of GaN semiconductors, a technology known for its superior performance and efficiency compared to traditional silicon-based semiconductors. The startup’s innovative approach has garnered significant attention and support from the Indian government.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
An Indian ex-official charged by the US with directing a murder-for-hire plot has dismissed the allegations, his family said, expressing shock that Vikash Yadav was wanted by the FBI. Yadav, 39, described the claims as false media reports when he spoke to his cousin, Avinash Yadav, the relative told Reuters on Saturday in their ancestral village about 100 km from Delhi.
The US Department of Justice charged Yadav with leading an unsuccessful plot to murder Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun last year. Yadav was an official of the Research and Analysis Wing spy service, according to the indictment unsealed on Thursday.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman recently concluded their bilateral naval exercise, ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ off the coast of Goa. The exercise lasted from October 13 to October 18. The Indian Navy highlighted the details of the naval exercise on the social media platform, X.
As per the press statement, the exercise was conducted in two phases, with the harbour phase that lasted from October 13 to October 15, which was followed by the sea phase which was conducted from October 16 to October 18 onwards. As part of harbour activities, personnel from both Navies engaged in professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and planning conferences. In addition to this, sports fixtures and social engagements were also held.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
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No injury was reported from the blast outside Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) school in Rohini, Delhi, but the glasses of nearby shops and a car were found damaged, the Delhi Police said.
The area has been cordoned off, and a fire brigade team is also present at the spot.A loud blast was reported outside the CRPF school in the Prashant Vihar area of Rohini district early Sunday morning. The material that caused the blast initially looked like a crude bomb, but the details will be clear after full reports are received, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) sources said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The pattern of domestic airlines receiving bomb threats continued for a fourth day with multiple flights being targeted Thursday, as authorities suspended or blocked about 10 social media handles for posting threats, according to official sources.
Among the flights that received threats on Thursday four were of Air India Express, two of Vistara and one Indigo. Air India said “a number of” their flights also received hoax bomb threat, but they did not specify the number.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi during his four day official visit to Japan visited Fuji School and met with Lieutenant General Yasuyuki Kodama, Commanding General of the premier military training institution of Japan and was briefed on the school’s curriculum and facilities. “As part of his ongoing visit to Japan, COAS Gen Upendra Dwivedi visited the Fuji School, located at Fuji. He met with Lieutenant General Yasuyuki Kodama, Commanding General of Fuji School,” Indian Army said in a statement about the October 16 visit.
“He was briefed about the school which houses the Fuji Information School and Experiment Development Team. The school runs courses both on foundational as well as specialised subjects including Information Warfare, Armoured Warfare, Firing and Military Exercises. He also witnessed a display of equipment and facilities available in the school,” the Army statement read.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
An encounter between security forces and terrorists is underway along the Line of Control (LOC) in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army officially stated on Sunday.
In a post on X, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said that a joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched in the area. “Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bid, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by #Indian Army & Jammu Kashmir Police along LOC in general area Uri, Baramulla. Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged, which resulted in terrorists opening indiscriminate fire. Vigilant troops responded with effective fire. Operation is in progress,” the Chinar Corps said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
A Bangladeshi citizen, identified as Babu Joe Barua alias Rajiv Dutta, was arrested at the Gaya Airport in Bihar, an official said. Barua has been living in India illegally for the past eight years, posing as a Buddhist monk and residing in a monastery in Gaya.
He was detained by airport security while attempting to board a flight to Thailand on Friday. Upon investigation, authorities found that he was living without a valid passport or visa and had been using fake documents. A lookout circular had also been issued against him earlier. He was handed over to the Magadh Medical Police Station Gaya for further action.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Arms and ammunition have been seized during a search operation in Manipur’s Thoubal district, police said on Sunday.
Security forces conducted the search operation in Irong Hill near STNBA Gate on Saturday, they said. During the search operation, a 9mm pistol, four hand grenades, a detonator and 12 cartridges were seized. Besides, four empty magazines, six empty cartridges and a smoke grenade were also seized.
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