SOURCE: AFI

Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer, has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of their flagship border patrol surveillance drone – Trishul. This innovative offering promises to empower security forces with unparalleled monitoring and analysis capabilities.

Equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, Trishul goes beyond basic visual monitoring. High-definition cameras, infrared for low-light conditions, LiDAR for 3D mapping, and radar provide a wealth of data for improved decision-making:

SOURCE: AFI

The official account of the Pakistan Air Force, DGPR (AIR FORCE), recently released a video clip featuring Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M). The clip generated significant buzz as it depicted ACM Sidhu in the cockpit of a newly acquired J-10CE combat aircraft.

But that’s not all. The video also offered a glimpse of the much-anticipated Chinese FC-31, a fifth-generation fighter jet. This inclusion is seen as a strong indication of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s commitment to spearheading the modernization drive of the Pakistan Air Force.

SOURCE: AFI

Saab, the Swedish aerospace and defense company, has secured a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to conduct conceptual studies for the country’s future fighter aircraft. This project, spanning 2024-2025, marks a significant step towards ensuring Sweden’s air superiority in the coming decades.

The program will explore cutting-edge technologies crucial for future air combat. Artificial intelligence, networked warfare integration, unmanned aerial vehicles, advanced sensors, and stealth capabilities are all on the agenda. This research will culminate in the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet designed to replace current models like the Gripen and the Eurofighter by 2035.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has heightened its surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) following the entry of a new Chinese satellite and missile tracking ship. This latest addition brings the total number of such Chinese vessels in the IOR to four, raising concerns for Indian security officials.

The Indian Navy utilizes a multi-pronged approach to monitor these Chinese “research” vessels, even when they attempt to evade detection by turning off their transponders. This includes deploying P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and warships.

SOURCE: AFI

The arrival of Yuan Wang 03, a Chinese government-linked satellite and missile tracking vessel, in the Indian Ocean has sparked concerns in India. This development coincides with India’s planned missile test, raising questions about China’s intentions.

While Yuan Wang 03 has garnered significant attention, it’s important to note that it’s not the only Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. Visual data reveals that at least four other Chinese “research” vessels are currently operating in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has shed light on a critical moment in recent geopolitical history, highlighting the perilous tensions between India and Pakistan following a series of escalatory events in the wake of a terrorist attack in Kashmir. In his recollection, Pompeo underscores the gravity of the situation and the pivotal role played by diplomatic intervention in preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.

Pompeo recalls a period of heightened distrust and animosity between the two South Asian neighbors, particularly in the aftermath of an Islamist terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of forty Indian citizens. The attack, which occurred on February 14, served as a catalyst for a sequence of events that brought India and Pakistan to the brink of a full-scale conflict.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for its grand war exercise, ‘Gagan Shakti,’ scheduled from April 1 to 10. This large-scale drill, touted as the biggest since Vayu Shakti, aims to comprehensively test the IAF’s war preparedness and firing capabilities.

Spanning across various locations in India, Gagan Shakti will witness a display of the IAF’s aerial prowess at the Pokhran field firing range in Jaisalmer. Additionally, the exercise will be conducted in Bhuj (Gujarat), Ladakh, the western front, the northeast front in Arunachal Pradesh, and other key areas.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu have retrieved a Chinese HM2000 profiling float, according to a video that went viral on Instagram nearly two weeks ago. The HM2000 is an autonomous instrument developed by Qingdao Hisun Ocean Equipment Corporation specifically for oceanographic profiling.

Equipped with an SBE41 or SBE41CP CTD sensor, the HM2000 is capable of collecting data on conductivity, temperature, and depth. These floats have previously been used in studies of the western Pacific Ocean’s circulation patterns.

SOURCE: AFI

The skies are about to get a whole lot more high-tech. The United States Air Force (USAF) is developing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet, a sixth-generation marvel designed to replace the legendary F-22 Raptor in the 2030s.

The NGAD program is ambitious, aiming to deliver a “family of systems” that goes beyond just a single aircraft. This family is expected to include a crewed fighter jet, the centerpiece, alongside unmanned collaborative combat aircraft (loyal wingmen) for manned-unmanned teaming. Imagine a fighter jet with its own robotic backup, enhancing its capabilities tenfold.

SOURCE: AFI

In an unusual modification, a Russian ballistic missile submarine has been spotted sporting what appears to be anti-drone armor. This marks the first time such a measure has been taken on a naval vessel anywhere in the world.

The Delta-IV class nuclear submarine Tula was recently shown on Russian television, revealing a cage-like structure surrounding its conning tower. This improvised armor, nicknamed a “cope cage” on land vehicles, is typically seen on tanks and other armored fighting vehicles in war zones.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian refiners, both state-owned giants like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, and private players, are now shying away from Russian crude oil transported by PJSC Sovcomflot tankers. This move comes amid tightened US sanctions and growing scrutiny to avoid any violation.

The concern lies in potential repercussions for dealing with sanctioned entities. As a result, Indian refiners are meticulously checking the ownership of each vessel to ensure no connection to Sovcomflot or other sanctioned groups. This heightened caution has led to delays for several oil ships carrying Russian cargo off the Indian coast.