SOURCE: AFI

Commander Arnab Ghosh, a serving officer in the Indian Navy, has made history by becoming the first naval officer to secure double-digit patents. His 10th patent was recently granted, a significant milestone that underscores the Navy’s commitment to innovation and research.

Commander Ghosh’s achievement is a direct result of the Naval Innovation and Indigenization Organization (NIIO)’s efforts to foster a culture of innovation within the Indian Navy. The initial focus on medical and dual-use innovations proved to be a strategic move, not only kickstarting the innovative process but also aligning with the Navy’s tagline, “Indian Navy – Innovating for Nation Building.”

SOURCE: AFI

A sight to behold, the Airbus Beluga, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, touched down at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in the early hours of Friday, August 30, 2024.

The Airbus A300-608ST Beluga, with the callsign ‘BCO4003,’ arrived in Hyderabad at 12:23 AM following its departure from Muscat International Airport at 7:27 PM (local time). The aircraft’s journey began on August 27, taking off from Toulouse, France, and making stops in Marseille, France, Cairo, Egypt, and Muscat, Oman.

SOURCE: AFI

The JAS 39 Gripen is currently the most advanced fighter jet in the inventory of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). As a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, the Gripen has enhanced Brazil’s air combat capabilities significantly. However, with global air forces moving towards fifth-generation platforms, Brazil may soon find itself in need of a more advanced fighter to maintain parity with potential adversaries.

Given the ongoing closeness between Brazil and India in defense collaborations, there is an opportunity for India to offer Brazil a role in its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) 5th generation fighter jet program. Such collaboration could benefit both countries strategically and economically.

SOURCE: AFI

Saab India has highlighted its commitment to technology transfer beyond the establishment of local assembly lines. The Swedish aerospace and defense company aims to bolster the local defense industry by partnering with indigenous suppliers in its global supply chain.

A prime example of this approach is AEL Sistemas, a Brazilian company that equips the new Brazilian Gripen fighters with advanced cockpit displays. AEL Sistemas has not only benefited from Saab’s technology transfer but has also expanded its business by exporting these high-tech components to other markets.

SOURCE: AFI

Naval Group, a leading naval defense company in France, recently hosted Ambassador Jawed Ashraf and other Indian dignitaries at its facility in Lagoubran. The visit provided an opportunity for the Indian delegation to witness the capabilities of the company’s XL-UUV demonstrator and learn about its ongoing UCUV program.

The XL-UUV, an unmanned underwater vehicle, showcased its advanced features and potential applications during the visit. Naval Group began working on the UCUV program in May 2023, and within nine months, the company successfully identified various use cases and developed key architectural concepts for a combat-oriented XL-UUV.

SOURCE: AFI

As Bangladesh has decided not to participate in the second phase of the multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, with its C-130 aircraft, Sri Lanka has stepped in to fill the void. This marks the island nation’s involvement in this phase of the largest air exercise hosted by India.

The second phase of Tarang Shakti will take place from August 30 to September 14, 2024. The event will showcase the daring aerial maneuvers of fighter jets from Australia, the United States, Greece, Bangladesh, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

SOURCE: AFI

Veteran defense journalist Sandeep Unnithan has shared a groundbreaking image of INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), on the day of its commissioning. This rare glimpse offers a unique perspective on the country’s strategic nuclear capabilities.

While INS Arighat has been previously spotted on satellite imagery, this is the first time a long-shot image of the submarine has been leaked to the media. Due to revised security protocols, images of nuclear submarines like Arihant and Arighat are not officially released. However, they occasionally come to public notice when they are spotted entering or leaving their home port for patrol missions.

SOURCE: AFI

The state-run Chinese tabloid Global Times has called upon India to wield its nuclear power responsibly, following the induction of the 6,000-ton nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighat. The article, citing an anonymous Beijing-based military expert, emphasized that while India’s nuclear deterrence force has grown with the addition of more SSBNs, it carries the responsibility of using such power judiciously.

The expert stressed that nuclear weapons should serve as a deterrent for safeguarding peace and stability, rather than being used for flexing muscles or engaging in nuclear blackmail. The Global Times echoed this sentiment, urging India to contribute to regional and global peace and stability through the responsible use of its nuclear capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A new video released by Bharat Shakti has shed light on the sophisticated ejector system employed in the 800kg RudraM2 air-to-surface missile. This crucial component ensures the safe separation of the missile system from the launch aircraft, the Su-30MKI. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the RudraM2 missile is a versatile weapon designed for both anti-radiation and anti-surface roles.

The video showcases the intricate workings of the ejector system, which is essential for propelling the missile away from the aircraft after launch. This ensures a safe distance between the two, preventing any potential damage or interference. The ejector system is a testament to the advanced engineering and precision manufacturing capabilities of DRDO.