SOURCE: AFI

The TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter) program, a critical component of India’s indigenous defense manufacturing initiative, represents a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s aerospace capabilities. A pivotal decision facing this program is the choice of the engine. Advocating for the 80kN Kaveri engine over the foreign F-414 engine is not just about fostering self-reliance; it also presents a strategic and operationally sound choice. Comparing the Kaveri engine to the Rafale M’s M-88 engine further highlights its potential benefits.

The Kaveri engine, an indigenous project by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of India, offers a thrust of 80kN. Its integration into the TEDBF would mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards defense self-reliance. Currently, the Kaveri engine is approaching technological maturity, and its inclusion in a high-profile project like the TEDBF would provide the necessary impetus for its final development stages, ensuring it enters production.

SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking development that underscores India’s burgeoning defense capabilities, a Surat-based startup, Inside FPV, has clinched a pivotal deal with an Israeli defense contractor. The agreement involves the supply of a lethal drone, aptly named Defence Drones to the Israeli military. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for the city, often recognized as India’s diamond hub, as it catapults into the global defense arena.

Founded in 2020 by a trio of entrepreneurs – Arth Chowdhary, Deyvant Bhardwaj, and Oshi Kumari – Inside FPV has rapidly gained traction with its innovative approach to drone technology. The startup’s flagship product is a user-friendly “plug-and-fly” unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that outperforms competitors in terms of ease of operation. Besides manufacturing drones, the company also offers a robust online platform for drone parts and accessories.  

SOURCE: AFI

The Surya Command of the Indian Army recently unveiled an impressive array of advanced loitering munitions and robotic systems, highlighting the increasing integration of cutting-edge technology in modern warfare. The showcase included state-of-the-art drones, robotic mules, and quadrupeds, all designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

Here are the key systems presented as per above image sequence.

SOURCE: AFI

A potential maritime standoff is brewing in the Bay of Bengal as China’s ocean research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, is steadily making its way into the region. Simultaneously, India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) declaring a no-fly zone for a planned naval subsurface firing exercise in the same general area.

The proximity of the Chinese vessel to the Indian naval exercise, a mere 120 nautical miles, has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns about potential intelligence gathering activities. While China officially maintains that its vessels are engaged in civilian research, India remains vigilant about their activities in the Indian Ocean Region, considering them as potential dual-use platforms with military applications.  

SOURCE: AFI

In a remarkable display of international military collaboration, three South Korean F-15K and Indian Su-30MKI fighter jets participated in joint air drills during the major multinational Exercise Pitch Black in Australia. This exercise, renowned for its scale and complexity, brought together air forces from around the globe to enhance operational capabilities and foster mutual understanding among participating nations.

A video released by the Korean Air Force captures the essence of this cooperation, showcasing South Korean F-15K and Indian Su-30MKI fighter jets preparing for takeoff. The imagery not only highlights the advanced capabilities of these formidable aircraft but also underscores the growing synergy between the air forces of South Korea and India.

SOURCE: AFI

Twenty-five years after Operation Vijay, the discourse around the Kargil War remains vibrant, marked by introspections on the lack of coordination among security agencies and the delayed response to the Pakistan Army’s incursion. Air Marshal Narayan Menon (Retd), who was the Air Officer Commanding, Jammu & Kashmir during the conflict, asserts, “If everyone had been on the ball, the Kargil war would not have happened.”

Menon, a seasoned veteran who also served as a pilot in the 1965 war and as a flight lieutenant in the 1971 war, played a pivotal role in ‘Operation Safed Sagar,’ the aerial aspect of Operation Vijay. For his service, he was awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal. He candidly reflects on the initial missteps, acknowledging that the early stages of the Kargil conflict were marred by poor communication between the Army and Air Force, which hampered operational planning.

SOURCE: AFI

The highly anticipated joint India-US space mission, NISAR, appears to be facing significant delays. The ambitious project, which was slated for launch in the first half of 2023, has been conspicuously absent from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) list of missions planned for this year.

NISAR, or NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a groundbreaking satellite designed to provide unprecedentedly detailed observations of Earth’s surface. Its ability to detect changes as small as a centimeter has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of climate change, natural hazards, and other critical Earth processes.