SOURCE: AFI

With Japan loosening its grip on defense exports, a new chapter in India-Japan military collaboration could be underway. While the first potential sale might be a “Unicorn” naval stealth antenna for Indian warships under a technology transfer agreement, India’s true interest lies deeper – in acquiring expertise for its ambitious 12-ship diesel-electric submarine Project-76 program.

Sources at idrw.org report India’s keenness on specific Japanese submarine technologies, particularly material and battery management systems. These are crucial for the silent and efficient operation of submarines, areas where Japan boasts a world-class reputation.

SOURCE: AFI

A significant milestone has been achieved in the indigenous production of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, as confirmed by a company spokesperson to Sputnik. The manufacturing process for this potent weapon has now reached a 70% level of indigenization.

The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroeniye, has been a cornerstone of India’s military modernization efforts. The increasing level of indigenization in its production is a testament to the country’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), a state-run defense equipment manufacturer in India, has announced the securing of new orders valued at ?695 crore. These orders encompass a wide range of advanced defense technologies, including Combat Management Systems, Communication Equipment, Stabilized Optronic Pedestals, and various upgrades, spares, and services. This achievement underscores BEL’s pivotal role in strengthening India’s defense capabilities and its ongoing commitment to the “Make in India” initiative.

BEL’s newly secured orders highlight the company’s expertise and versatility in developing and supplying critical defense technologies. The ?695 crore worth of orders includes:

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) showcased a scaled model of its upcoming Surya NGLV (Next-Generation Launch Vehicle) rocket at the National Space Day event in Delhi. During the event, ISRO shared more detailed information about this advanced rocket, highlighting its mission objectives, new technologies, and capabilities. The Surya NGLV represents a significant step forward in India’s space ambitions, offering enhanced payload capacities and incorporating cutting-edge technologies.

The Surya NGLV is designed to be a partially reusable launch vehicle, aligning with ISRO’s goals of achieving cost-effective and sustainable space missions. It is tailored to meet India’s future requirements for launching heavier and larger payloads, including human-rated missions. The Surya NGLV will have a payload capacity of up to 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 10 tons to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). This substantial payload capability will enable ISRO to undertake a broader range of missions, from deploying large constellations of satellites to human spaceflight endeavors.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army continues to enhance its capabilities through innovative technology and indigenous development. Recently, the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for two groundbreaking innovations, “Xploder – IED Disposal & Room Intervention Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)” and “Agniastra – Multi-Target Portable Detonation Device,” was facilitated by the Foundation of Innovation & Technology Transfer (FITT). The event, held in the presence of Lieutenant General NS Rajasubramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), marks a significant step forward in the Army’s modernization and self-reliance efforts.

The two innovations were developed by Major Rajprasad RS of the Indian Army Corps of Engineers, and they address critical operational challenges faced by soldiers in the field. These innovations represent a significant advancement in the Army’s capabilities to handle dangerous situations, such as explosive ordnance disposal and hostile room intervention, with greater safety and efficiency.

SOURCE: AFI

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy, recently visited SagarDefence Engineering Ltd. to review innovative projects under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) program. The visit underscored the Indian Navy’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to enhance its operational capabilities. Admiral Tripathi’s engagement with SagarDefence was marked by a comprehensive review of two of their most promising technologies: the Autonomous Underwater Vessel (AUV) and the Weaponised Boat Swarm.

During his visit, Admiral Tripathi received in-depth briefings on various projects spearheaded by SagarDefence under the iDEX initiative. The iDEX program, launched by the Ministry of Defence, aims to foster innovation and technology development in the defense sector by involving startups, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and individual innovators.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s “Make in India” initiative is set to reach a new milestone with the announcement of a joint venture between India and Russia to fully localize the production of the AK-203 assault rifles in India. This collaboration aims to ensure that by December 2025, the Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles will be assembled entirely from locally produced components, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The joint venture between India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern under the umbrella of Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) will see the production of AK-203 rifles become fully localized. This means that every component of the rifle will be manufactured in India, utilizing local materials, expertise, and labor. The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a hub for defense manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its next big venture in lunar exploration with the Chandrayaan-4 mission. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently disclosed new information about the upcoming mission, highlighting its complexity and the cutting-edge technology that will be employed. Chandrayaan-4 is set to be a landmark mission for India, involving a sample return mission from the Moon—an ambitious feat that has only been attempted by a few countries to date.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission is designed as a sample return mission that will bring back materials from the lunar surface to Earth. This complex mission involves five separate modules, each with a distinct role. After reaching lunar orbit, the mission will unfold through several intricate stages:

SOURCE: AFI

INS Kamorta, an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette and the first of its class in the Indian Navy’s Sunrise Fleet, celebrated its 10th anniversary on August 23, 2024. Indigenously designed by the Indian Navy Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Kamorta has been a symbol of India’s growing maritime capabilities and technological prowess.

Since her commissioning on August 23, 2014, INS Kamorta has played a crucial role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. Named after the Kamorta Island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, the ship is designed to undertake a range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and coastal defense. Over the past decade, INS Kamorta has demonstrated exceptional versatility and adaptability in various operational scenarios, living up to her motto, “Shatrunam Sanghataka,” which translates to “Vanquisher of Enemies.”