SOURCE: AFI

French aerospace engine manufacturer Safran has offered to collaborate with India in the development of a new engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s fifth-generation fighter program. As part of its roadmap, Safran has proposed using the Dassault Rafale fighter jet as a flying testbed for the new engine.

The plan involves equipping a Rafale with two engines: one of its standard M-88 engines and the other a high-thrust engine designed for the AMCA. By testing the AMCA engine on the Rafale airframe, Safran aims to validate its performance and capabilities in a real-world environment.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine on August 23, 2024, at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit, marking a significant moment in India-Ukraine relations, is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation in various sectors, including defense, economic ties, and science and technology.

A key focus of the discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy will be the defense sector, an area of longstanding collaboration between the two nations. Historically, a substantial portion of India’s defense equipment was sourced from the Soviet Union, with much of this equipment being manufactured in what is now Ukraine. Despite the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine remains a crucial partner for India in maintaining and upgrading these defense systems.

SOURCE: AFI

In a sobering encounter during a visit to the India-Pakistan border, two US Senators, Vance Hartke and Quentin Burdick, were confronted with the grim consequences of US arms proliferation. Their journey to Amritsar, India, unveiled a chilling scene: a “Patton Tank Graveyard” – 70 battered American tanks captured from Pakistan.

These tanks were originally supplied by the US to Pakistan with the explicit condition that they would be used solely for defense against communist aggression. Yet, ironically, they were deployed against India, a nation actively combating communist influence. The stark hypocrisy of this situation was not lost on the Senators.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is set to become a cornerstone of the nation’s next-generation air combat capabilities. One of the key design features of the AMCA is its frontal shaping, which bears a striking resemblance to that of the American F-35, one of the most advanced stealth fighters in the world. This similarity in design is crucial because it directly influences the aircraft’s frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS), a measure of its detectability by enemy radar systems.

Frontal shaping is a critical factor in stealth technology. By minimizing the aircraft’s profile and ensuring that radar waves are deflected away from the source, stealth fighters like the F-35 achieve low RCS, making them difficult to detect. The AMCA’s design, with its sleek and angular frontal profile, appears to follow similar principles. This design choice suggests that India is prioritizing stealth in the development of its next-generation fighter.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly upgraded its strike capabilities with the successful integration of the Rampage long-range supersonic air-to-ground missile into its Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. This development marks a notable enhancement in the firepower of the IAF’s Russian-origin fleet, allowing for precision strikes on high-value targets at extended ranges.

The Rampage missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israeli Military Industries Systems (IMI), represents a significant leap in air-to-ground combat technology. Designed for precision strikes, this seekerless missile is tailored for operations against well-protected targets, including communication and command centers, airbases, maintenance facilities, and critical infrastructure. The missile’s long-range capability—reaching up to 250 kilometers—enables the IAF to strike deep within enemy territory without exposing its aircraft to hostile air defenses.

SOURCE: AFI

The United States government is intensifying its efforts to prevent Indian companies from supplying Russia with technology and components that could be used in its military arsenal. The move comes in the wake of sanctions imposed on Bengaluru-based Si2 Microsystems last year for allegedly supplying dual-use technology to Moscow.

A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that US officials are engaging in extensive consultations and sensitization programs with Indian businesses to highlight the risks associated with exporting specific products. These items, including chemicals, aeronautic parts, and components, could potentially find their way into Russian missile systems and other defense equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

Zen Technologies Limited, a leading innovator in the defense simulation and technology sector, has announced a major breakthrough with the recent patent grant in India for its cutting-edge “Mine Detection System.” This groundbreaking innovation is poised to revolutionize minefield reconnaissance, planning, and clearance by offering a safer, more efficient, and highly accurate method of mine detection.

The “Mine Detection System” represents a significant advancement in the field of military technology, particularly in the area of minefield management. By integrating GPS and GIS technology, the system is capable of plotting and recording mine coordinates with exceptional precision, using Latitude/Longitude and Military Grid references as detailed in Defense Series Maps (DSM). This level of accuracy ensures that the system can reliably navigate to pre-recorded coordinates, greatly enhancing the safety and effectiveness of mine retrieval operations.

SOURCE: AFI

On the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War, DocuBay has released a powerful documentary titled “Kargil 1999: The Untold Story of the Indian Air Force.” The film shines a spotlight on the critical but often overlooked role played by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the conflict.

Produced by Media Indica in association with Juggernaut Productions, the documentary offers a deep dive into Operation Safed Sagar, revealing the courage, innovation, and strategic brilliance of the IAF. Through firsthand accounts from veterans like Air Chief Marshal Tipnis, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa, and Air Marshal Padamjit Singh Ahluwalia, viewers gain an intimate understanding of the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved by the air warriors.