SOURCE: AFI

India’s space program has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, culminating in the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3. The nation is now charting a bold course for its future space exploration endeavors, encompassing human spaceflight, lunar exploration, and beyond.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Squadron Leader SS Bhatkare, a Su-30 MKI pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has developed a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence-Based Photographic Anomaly Detection System (AIPADS). This innovative system is designed to enhance the safety and operational readiness of aircraft by automating crucial aspects of visual inspections, a step that could revolutionize aviation maintenance.

The AIPADS is an AI-powered system that conducts detailed visual inspections of aircraft, identifying potential safety issues that might be missed by the human eye. This system can detect anomalies such as incompletely closed panels, missing components, or structural damage, ensuring that any potential threats to flight safety are addressed before an aircraft takes off.

SOURCE: AFI

India recently conducted successful tests of its indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR). This significant milestone brings the missile system closer to completion of its developmental trials.

Based on the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), the VL SRSAM has been modified to serve as an interceptor missile. It is designed to replace the aging Barak-I Point Defense systems on frontline warships of the Indian Navy. With a range of 40 kilometers, the VL SRSAM offers enhanced air defense capabilities for the country’s naval assets.

SOURCE: AFI

The development and deployment of Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV) in the Indo-Pacific region is raising serious concerns among security experts. According to Korda, an expert from the Federation of American Scientists, it’s not the nuclear-powered submarines themselves that pose the greatest threat, but rather the MIRV-equipped missiles they carry.

MIRV technology allows a single missile to carry and deliver multiple warheads, each capable of targeting a different location. This technology is also applicable to land-based missiles and can significantly destabilize the regional security landscape. India, Pakistan, and China are all actively developing missiles with MIRV capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Sputnik India, Commodore (Retd) Seshadri Vasan, a distinguished veteran of the Indian Navy, emphasized the transformative potential of unmanned underwater vessels (UUVs) in reshaping the nation’s maritime capabilities.

Commending the Ministry of Defense’s (MoD) decision to construct 100-tonne UUVs for the Indian Navy, Commodore Vasan highlighted the strategic significance of this initiative. “These vessels will be instrumental in meeting the futuristic requirements of our blue water force,” he stated.

SOURCE: AFI

A Bangalore-based AI and Robotics technology park is set to revolutionize the Indian agriculture sector with the launch of Ashva 4X4 Farm RoVR at the International Auto Show 2024. This innovative all-terrain utility vehicle marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in agricultural technology.

Ashva is the first of four planned all-terrain vehicles by the company. Designed as a 2-seater 4-wheel-drive ATV, it boasts a robust space frame chassis and impressive dimensions, measuring 3,556 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and 2,010 mm in height. With a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, the Ashva 4×4 weighs 850 kg and can carry a payload of 60 kg.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the first phase of field firing trials of the Zorawar Light Tank, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities. The trials, which took place in a controlled environment, garnered widespread attention due to the tank’s notably low recoil performance. Defence industry experts were impressed by the tank’s superior stability, especially when compared to its potential adversary, the Chinese Type-15 Light Tank.

One of the standout features observed during the trials was the Zorawar’s exceptionally low recoil when firing from a static position. The Zorawar Light Tank currently mounts a 105mm John Cockerill low-recoil gun, which significantly reduces the movement of the vehicle during firing. This stability is not only crucial for maintaining accuracy but also contributes to the overall durability and comfort of the vehicle and its crew.

SOURCE: AFI

Engine Factory Avadi (EFA), a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has announced it’s working on in-house development of an engine codenamed “Arjun.” This news raises questions as it appears similar to the MTU 838 Ka-501 engine currently powering India’s Arjun Mk1 MBTs.

Earlier reports from idrw.org suggested EFA was localizing the MTU 838 engine with Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) due to the German manufacturer, MTU, ceasing production. EFA hasn’t confirmed if they’re now aiming for full-fledged domestic production.

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), expressed optimism about the growing global demand for Indian defense products. Speaking at the India Defence Expo (IDAX-24), he emphasized that DRDO’s innovations are now gaining traction in international markets.

“Our products are now gaining interest in the international market,” Dr. Kamat stated. He further highlighted that the ongoing IDAX-24 exhibition primarily showcased aeronautical products, but there was also considerable interest in other defense sectors.

SOURCE: AFI

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, the US Air Force’s ambitious 6th generation fighter jet program, has stirred discussions due to its potential costs. US Air Force recently estimated the cost of each NGAD fighter to be around $300 million per unit. However, this figure has sparked concerns about the affordability and long-term viability of the program, especially since the NGAD’s intended fleet is expected to consist of approximately 200 fighters.

While addressing these concerns, US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall highlighted that no definitive price threshold has been set for the NGAD fighters. He offered a more measured perspective, stating, “I’ll just give you this off the top of my head: The F-35 kind of represents, to me, the upper bounds of what we’d like to pay.” The F-35, considered one of the most advanced 5th generation fighters, currently averages around $82.5 million per unit in the latest production lots, making it a valuable comparison.