SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force’s Software Development Institute (SDI) is playing a pivotal role in the development of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, particularly in the area of weapons integration. Collaborating closely with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the SDI is working to integrate advanced weapons and sensors into the Tejas Mk2, enhancing the aircraft’s combat capabilities.

By involving the IAF more directly in the integration process, the SDI aims to streamline timelines and make the IAF more self-reliant. The transfer of technical know-how from the ADA and SDI to the IAF will enable the air force to conduct integration and flight testing independently, reducing its reliance on external support.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities was achieved on June 25, 2024, when the MBT Arjun Mk 1 Tank at KK Ranges, ACC&S Ahmednagar, successfully fired an indigenously developed laser-guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). The ATGM successfully defeated its target at minimum range, demonstrating its effectiveness and precision.

The tank crew conducted the firing test from the final user configuration of the MBT Arjun Mk 1, which has now been officially equipped with Missile Firing Capability (MFC). This achievement marks the successful completion of all project objectives for the ATGM, paving the way for its fielding for user evaluation.

SOURCE: AFI

The evolution of submarine forces in the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and the Indian Navy presents a stark contrast, reflecting the divergent approaches taken by China and India since their respective submarine forces’ inception. While both nations embarked on submarine development with Soviet assistance, China’s rapid industrialization and domestic production capabilities have led to a formidable underwater fleet. In contrast, India’s cautious approach and reliance on foreign designs have resulted in a slower pace of submarine force development.

China’s journey into submarine development began during the height of Sino-Soviet cooperation. In 1954, just three years after receiving its first submarine from the USSR, the PLAN commissioned its first domestically produced W-class submarine (Type 6603) in 1957. This marked a significant milestone for China, demonstrating its capability to license-produce submarines domestically. By 1962, China had built a total of 21 Type 6603 submarines, showcasing its rapidly growing industrial capacity.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative to develop nuclear-powered rockets for satellite launches. This ambitious project aims to revolutionize space exploration by providing a more efficient and sustainable propulsion system.

Last year, a significant milestone was achieved when the first stage of an atomic-powered engine, a radioisotope heating unit (RTG), was successfully tested on India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. The RTG is currently powering the propulsion module, which remains in orbit around the Moon.

SOURCE: AFI

Dhruva Space is thrilled to announce the launch of its third mission in the Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads (LEAP) series. This series of hosted payload missions is built on Dhruva Space’s proven P-30 Satellite Bus, which was successfully space-qualified earlier this year during the LEAP-TD mission.

The LEAP initiative offers a shared platform for multiple payloads, making it an ideal solution for organizations, from startups to research institutions, seeking to achieve their mission objectives quickly and cost-effectively.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy welcomed a significant addition to its fleet on August 29th with the induction of the INS Arighat. This 6,000-ton submarine, constructed at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, represents a major milestone in India’s indigenous submarine development program.

The Arighat boasts significant technological advancements over its predecessor, the INS Arihant. These advancements, achieved through domestic research and development, highlight India’s growing expertise in submarine design and construction.

SOURCE: AFI

Former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has categorically ruled out the possibility of creating a private army in India, emphasizing that the nation already possesses a professional and capable military force. Speaking in an interview with Bharat Tak, Bhadauria responded to questions about whether India might consider employing private military groups like Russia’s Wagner Group, which has been used in recent conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Bhadauria firmly stated, “India does not need a private army. We have a highly professional and well-trained military that is fully capable of safeguarding our national security interests. The Indian Armed Forces have consistently proven their capability, dedication, and professionalism, and there is no need to consider a private army for our defense needs.”

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully fabricated an 8×2 truck-mounted system for the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). Initially designed for the Indian Navy, the VL-SRSAM system is now being adapted for use by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The VL-SRSAM is a low-level, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and precision-guided munitions. Its ability to engage targets at low altitudes makes it an invaluable asset for air defense.

SOURCE: AFI

Centum Electronics Limited, a leading player in electronic system design and manufacturing, has announced that it has received a significant order from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) valued at Rs 109.58 crore.

The order pertains to the supply of intersatellite link and other payload subsystems, which are critical components for satellite communication and data transmission. The project is scheduled to be executed within a period of 16 months, highlighting Centum Electronics’ capabilities in delivering complex electronic systems within tight deadlines.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has ramped up production of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR), fabricating 20 Thrust Vector Control Systems (TVCS) for the missile. This significant development indicates that the NASM-SR has entered Limited Serial Production (LSP), paving the way for user trials of the weapon system.

The NASM-SR, an indigenously developed anti-ship missile, has already undergone successful trials. In May 2022, the missile was successfully test-fired from a Seaking helicopter of the Indian Navy at the integrated test range (ITR) at Chandipur off the Odisha coast. A second successful trial was conducted in 2023, further validating the missile’s capabilities.