SOURCE: AFI

In a landmark development for India-US nuclear collaboration, the United States Department of Energy (DoE) has granted regulatory approval to Holtec International, a New Jersey-based firm, to design and build nuclear reactors in India. Announced on March 26, 2025, this authorization allows Holtec to share unclassified Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology with three Indian entities: its regional subsidiary Holtec Asia, Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd, and Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T). This breakthrough, nearly two decades after the signing of the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2007, marks a significant step toward unlocking the commercial potential of the long-stalled nuclear partnership, aligning with India’s clean energy ambitions and deepening bilateral ties.

The DoE’s approval falls under the stringent “10CFR810” regulation of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which governs the transfer of nuclear technology. Previously, US companies were permitted to export nuclear equipment to India but were barred from manufacturing or designing reactors locally—a restriction that hindered progress under the 2007 agreement, also known as the 123 Agreement. The March 26 authorization lifts this barrier, enabling Holtec to collaborate with Indian firms on the development of SMRs, a next-generation nuclear technology poised to transform the global energy landscape.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF), tasked with the critical responsibility of delivering nuclear weapons in retaliation as part of India’s nuclear triad, relies heavily on its fleet of fighter jets to execute this mission. Currently, the IAF’s nuclear delivery mechanism involves aircraft such as the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and potentially the Rafale, equipped with gravity-based nuclear bombs.

This approach, however, necessitates that these aircraft fly over or near their target areas, exposing them to advanced enemy air defenses and increasing the risk of mission failure. As regional security dynamics evolve and adversaries bolster their air defense capabilities, it’s time for the IAF to transition to air-launched nuclear-capable missiles—offering a safer, more flexible, and strategically superior deterrent.

SOURCE: AFI

The air-launched BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a 1.3-ton supersonic cruise missile capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.5, is generating significant buzz on the international stage. With its first test flight slated for 2026, this Indo-Russian anti-ship and anti-ground weapon system has already piqued the interest of over a dozen countries. The missile’s promise of speed, precision, and adaptability is turning heads, particularly as subsonic cruise missiles—commonly offered for air-launched platforms—have exposed vulnerabilities in contested airspace, a lesson starkly illustrated by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos-NG builds on the success of its predecessor, the BrahMos missile, which has already secured a reputation as one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles. Weighing just 1.3 tons—half the weight of the original BrahMos—and designed for a range of up to 290 km (extendable to 450 km with upgrades), the NG variant is compact enough to be integrated into a variety of platforms, including lighter fighters like India’s Tejas, as well as heavyweights like the Su-30 MKI and Rafale. Its Mach 3.5 speed and reduced radar cross-section make it a formidable option for both anti-ship and land-attack roles.

SOURCE: AFI

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has recently restructured its fighter fleet into a tiered system: the JF-17 Block 3 as the lower/mid-tier, the J-10C as the mid/upper-tier, and the anticipated acquisition of the Chinese J-35 stealth fighter as the upper-tier. While this modernization appears to bolster the PAF’s capabilities on paper, a closer examination reveals why this development might actually be advantageous for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This article explores the operational dynamics of each jet, their estimated mission readiness rates, and the strategic implications for India, focusing on how these developments could expose vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air strategy.

SOURCE: AFI

The GTX37-14U, developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), stands as a pioneering achievement in the nation’s quest for self-reliance in aero-engine technology. Conceived in the 1970s, this afterburning turbojet engine marked India’s first fully indigenous jet engine design, laying the groundwork for subsequent advancements in military aviation propulsion. Though it never powered an operational fighter aircraft, the GTX37-14U remains a testament to GTRE’s early ambitions and engineering ingenuity, offering valuable lessons for India’s ongoing engine development programs.

GTRE, established in 1959 as the Gas Turbine Research Centre (GTRC) in Kanpur and later relocated to Bengaluru in 1961, was tasked with advancing India’s gas turbine technology for military applications. The GTX37-14U emerged from this mission, with its development beginning in the mid-1970s as a demonstrator engine for fighter aircraft. First run in 1977, it completed its demonstrator phase by 1981, showcasing GTRE’s ability to design and test a complex propulsion system from scratch—a feat accomplished with limited resources and expertise compared to global aerospace powers.

SOURCE: AFI

In a curious turn of events, photographs of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI pilot wearing a helmet adorned with the Chinese Air Force roundel have gone viral on the X platform, raising eyebrows and igniting widespread speculation. The images, which surfaced recently, depict the pilot in full gear, with the distinctive red star and yellow bars of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) prominently displayed—a stark contrast to the IAF’s traditional tricolor roundel. While the unusual sight has led to a flurry of questions and theories online, a closer examination suggests this may be a deliberate move tied to simulation exercises rather than a geopolitical statement.

The photographs, first shared by IAF and quickly amplified across X, show the Su-30MKI pilot preparing for a mission. The helmet, typically a canvas for national pride and unit insignia, instead bore the PLAAF roundel, prompting immediate reactions ranging from confusion to conspiracy. Some users questioned whether this signaled a breach in security or an unlikely collaboration, while others speculated about the IAF adopting unconventional tactics. The timing—amidst heightened India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)—only fueled the debate further.

SOURCE: AFI

In a landmark advancement for India’s defence and aerospace sector, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited is preparing to inaugurate a state-of-the-art 1,250-meter-long and 25-meter-wide airstrip dedicated to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), alongside a live munition and warhead testing facility designed for Loitering Munitions and other guided munitions. This significant event, scheduled for March 30, 2025, will be presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Nagpur, Maharashtra, highlighting India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence technology.

Located at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited’s ammunition facility in Nagpur, the newly constructed airstrip and testing range represent a leap forward in India’s capabilities for UAV development and munitions testing. The 1,250-meter runway, tailored specifically for UAVs, will support the takeoff, landing, and operational testing of unmanned systems, including Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) platforms. The accompanying live munition and warhead testing facility will enable rigorous evaluation of advanced weaponry, such as Loitering Munitions—often dubbed “kamikaze drones”—and other precision-guided munitions, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness in combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s canine warriors, long celebrated for their bravery in counter-terrorist operations and disaster relief missions, are set to receive a significant upgrade in protection and care. Recognizing the invaluable role these dogs play as force multipliers, the Army, through its Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC), is developing advanced protective devices—including lightweight bulletproof vests and smart collars—to mitigate casualties and enhance their operational effectiveness. These innovations aim to address the harsh realities of military service, where dogs face extreme weather, physical exertion, and life-threatening combat environments.

Military dogs have been integral to the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and law enforcement agencies for decades. Breeds like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labradors excel in roles such as patrolling, explosive detection, search and rescue, and neutralizing threats. Their contributions have been pivotal in operations along the Line of Control (LoC), in counter-insurgency missions in Jammu and Kashmir, and during disaster relief efforts like the 2023 Uttarakhand floods. Some have even served overseas with Indian peacekeeping contingents, earning gallantry awards for their courage.

SOURCE: AFI

Significant step forward in Morocco-India relations was marked by a high-profile meeting in New Delhi between His Majesty the King and the Kingdom of Morocco’s Ambassador to India, Mohammed Al Malki, and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, India’s Secretary (Defence Production). The discussions, held at the Ministry of Defence, centered on deepening cooperation in military industries, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. This meeting underscores Morocco’s increasing interest in India’s burgeoning defence sector and India’s commitment to expanding its global defence collaborations.

Ambassador Mohammed Al Malki, representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI, engaged with Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, a key figure in India’s defence production ecosystem, to explore avenues for enhanced military-industrial collaboration. The timing of the meeting—occurring just two days before March 30, 2025—highlights the urgency and priority both nations place on strengthening bilateral ties in this critical domain.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s defense sector, commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland announced on Friday that its defence business has clinched orders worth over Rs 700 crore from the Indian Army. This milestone not only underscores the company’s enduring partnership with the armed forces but also solidifies its position as a leader in advanced mobility solutions tailored for military applications. The announcement, made on March 28, 2025, highlights Ashok Leyland’s pivotal role in supporting the Indian Army’s operational needs across diverse and challenging terrains.

The contracts encompass a wide array of specialized vehicles designed to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for troop transportation, logistics, and specialized mobility under the Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) programme. The vehicles include the rugged Stallion 4×4 and 6×6 trucks, a short chassis bus, and a mobility system travelling platform. Ashok Leyland emphasized that these platforms combine “superior reliability with exceptional off-road capability,” ensuring seamless maneuverability across India’s most demanding landscapes—from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the scorching deserts of Rajasthan.