SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore is at the forefront of a groundbreaking project to develop a High-Altitude Platform (HAP). This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed to operate at a stratospheric altitude of 20 kilometers, offering a unique blend of satellite-like persistence and aircraft-like flexibility.

HAPs are poised to revolutionize telecommunications and earth observation. By operating above weather conditions and flight paths, they can provide uninterrupted service for up to 90 days. This endurance, combined with the ability to be repositioned, sets them apart from traditional High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs.

SOURCE: AFI

A striking monument stands tall at the Maintenance Command Headquarters in Vayu Sena Nagar, Nagpur: a MiG-29 fighter jet. This particular aircraft, bearing the serial number KB3298, holds a unique place in the annals of Indian Air Force history.

Introduced around 2005, it was the first MiG-29 to be publicly displayed in India. However, its journey to becoming a static display was far from ordinary. The aircraft had suffered a significant drop tank accident at Adampur Air Force Station, resulting in damage so extensive that a full restoration was deemed economically impractical.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is on a determined path to expand its horizons and strengthen its position in the global shipbuilding industry. The company is actively seeking collaborations with technology partners to acquire new knowledge and explore opportunities in the commercial, oil, and offshore sectors, including Subsea Operations Vessels (SOVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UWVs).

A significant step in this direction was marked by a recent visit from a delegation led by Ms. Sidsel Norvik, Director of NOVA Spektrum, and representatives from Innovation Norway (India). The delegation extended an invitation to HSL to participate in the Nor-Shipping exhibition in 2025. This international maritime event provides a platform for industry leaders to showcase their capabilities and explore potential partnerships.

SOURCE: AFI

The Apollo 11 landing site, a testament to humanity’s giant leap, has been revisited and photographed by multiple space agencies over the years. This remarkable feat not only showcases advancements in space exploration but also serves as independent verification of the historic Moon landing.

SOURCE: AFI

In a potential game-changer for the global aerospace industry, Hanwha Aerospace, a leading South Korean defense contractor, has extended an olive branch to international partners for the co-development of a new jet engine. This engine is envisioned to power the upcoming KF-21 Block III fighter jet and would generate a thrust of approximately 106-115kN as per Company studies.

Won-Wook Kim, head of the advanced aero engine business unit at Hanwha Aerospace, has expressed keen interest in a 50-50 partnership for this ambitious project. Notably, the targeted thrust of the engine aligns closely with India’s requirements for its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s maritime security strategy is poised for a significant leap forward with the successful integration of sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile systems into its warships. Conducted off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal, last year these flight trials herald a new era in defensive capabilities, particularly against advanced threats such as the Chinese DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM).

China’s DF-21D, touted as the world’s first ASBM, has fundamentally altered the dynamics of naval warfare. Capable of targeting aircraft carriers and large naval vessels from long distances, the DF-21D poses a formidable threat to carrier strike groups. In response, India’s development and integration of endo-atmospheric interceptor missiles signify a crucial advancement in countering such threats, thereby enhancing the overall security and effectiveness of its naval assets.

SOURCE: AFI

India has played a crucial role in spotlighting the dangerous nexus between Pakistan and North Korea during the recent Tokyo Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting. By successfully incorporating references to the proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies linked to North Korea into the joint statement, India has set a significant precedent.

This marks the first time the Quad grouping – comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia – has explicitly addressed the North Korean proliferation axis beyond its immediate region. The move underscores India’s growing diplomatic influence and its commitment to combating nuclear proliferation.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sparked controversy by refusing to disclose data on manpower shortages within the Armed Forces, citing national security concerns. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth asserted that revealing such information would be detrimental to the nation’s interests.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, with Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge highlighting the government’s previous practice of releasing data on vacancies and questioning the rationale behind the sudden change in stance.

SOURCE: AFI

In a spectacular display of naval might and diplomatic relations, the Indian Navy’s INS Tabar, a formidable Talwar-class frigate, has arrived in London for a four-day visit. The warship, renowned for its capabilities in air, surface, and subsurface warfare, has captured the imagination of Londoners as it navigated the iconic Thames River, passing under the historic London Bridge.

The visit of INS Tabar to the British capital is a significant milestone in Indo-British naval cooperation. It is expected to foster stronger ties between the two nations, enhancing maritime security and defense collaboration.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively engaged in bolstering its operational capabilities and international cooperation through simultaneous participation in two major air exercises.

In Sulur, the IAF is hosting the first phase of the multinational air exercise, Ex Tarang Shakti 24. This platform brings together air forces from various countries to share best practices, enhance interoperability, and strengthen bilateral ties.