SOURCE: AFI

The development of a sixth-generation fighter jet is a complex and resource-intensive endeavor. India, aiming to establish itself as a global aerospace power, is at a crossroads. Should it pursue separate programs for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy (IN), or consolidate efforts under a single umbrella? This article argues for the Indian Navy taking the lead on this critical project.

The core technologies required for both air and naval platforms share significant overlap. Areas such as stealth, advanced avionics, propulsion systems, and materials science are fundamental to both. By consolidating research and development under the Navy, there is a greater potential for cost-effectiveness and accelerated development.

SOURCE: AFI

Airbus is on the cusp of a significant expansion in India, with plans to establish its second assembly line in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems (TASL). The focus of this new facility will be the production of the H125 single-engine helicopter.

As this development unfolds, comparisons between the H125 and the indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have naturally arisen.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s defence sector has reached a significant milestone, recording its highest-ever defence exports of $2.5 billion in the financial year 2023-24 (FY24). This impressive figure represents a 25% increase from the $2 billion recorded in the previous financial year (FY23). The Economic Survey 2023-24, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha, highlighted this achievement, citing data from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The Economic Survey revealed that the $2.5 billion figure for FY24 marks an over 12-fold increase compared to FY17, when defence exports were a mere $0.2 billion. This substantial growth underscores India’s evolving role in the global defence market. The country, once the world’s second-largest arms importer between 2015 and 2019, has successfully transitioned to being among the top 25 global defence exporters.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow with the unveiling of its advanced loitering munition, the ALS-50. This indigenously developed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a testament to India’s growing prowess in the defense sector.

The ALS-50, with its compact design measuring 2.4 meters in length and a 3.8-meter wingspan, is capable of carrying a payload of up to 6 kilograms, including potent anti-personnel and anti-armor warheads such as explosively formed penetrators (EFPs). This lethal combination, coupled with a cruise speed of 100 km/h, an endurance exceeding one hour, and a range of over 50 km, makes the ALS-50 a formidable asset on the modern battlefield.

SOURCE: AFI

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDM) has initiated a strategic delegation visit to the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 in collaboration with the UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE). The aim of this collaboration is to foster robust partnerships between Indian and British defense industries.

The first day of the visit has yielded promising results, with engaging discussions held with multiple UK-based companies. The agenda encompassed a wide range of topics, including potential collaborations in defense production, exploring technology partnerships, strategizing trade missions, and deliberating on policy frameworks to streamline defense business between the two nations. Additionally, the delegation focused on facilitating both government-to-business (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) engagements.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurement saga has taken another twist with American aerospace giant Boeing entering the fray with its F-15EX. This addition makes it the third American fighter jet vying for the deal, joining the rebadged F-16, now known as the F-21, and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The introduction of the F-15EX raises questions about the logic behind Boeing’s decision to offer yet another heavy-category aircraft to India, especially when the Indian Air Force (IAF) already faces challenges in maintaining its existing Su-30MKI fleet.

The F-15EX’s entry comes at a time when the cost of 5th generation fighter jets like the F-35A is decreasing annually. Interestingly, the F-15EX and F-35A now share a similar price tag. However, the F-35 program continues to grapple with production slowdowns and technological issues, prompting the United States Air Force (USAF) to proceed with procuring 144 F-15EX units to complement its F-35 fleet. While the official narrative suggests this move is to bolster their air capabilities, US media reports hint at a more complex picture involving local politics.

SOURCE: AFI

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the DRDO, has confirmed that the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) is on track for user trials later this year. This significant development comes despite the fact that the vehicle has yet to be officially rolled out.

The FICV project gained substantial momentum last year when the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved its procurement for the Indian Army. The vehicle is intended to replace the aging BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles currently in service.

SOURCE: AFI

QUASAR SDR, a flagship brand of Cyronics Innovation Labs Pvt. Ltd., has achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Operation (EMSO) lab at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE). This state-of-the-art facility marks a new chapter in indigenous Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology.

A pioneer in SDR hardware and software, QUASAR boasts a team of experts and postgraduates committed to developing cutting-edge solutions. The company prides itself on its complete in-house capabilities, operating without any external technology or intellectual property tie-ups.

SOURCE: AFI

In a forthcoming book, retired Army Chief General NC Vij has leveled serious criticisms at India’s intelligence agencies for their failure to anticipate the 1999 Kargil War. The book, titled “Alone in the Ring,” offers a candid account of the conflict and its aftermath.

General Vij, who served as the Director-General of Military Operations during the Kargil War, asserts that intelligence agencies were gravely mistaken in assessing the situation leading up to the conflict. He highlights two critical failures: the inability to detect Pakistan’s large-scale procurement of winter warfare equipment and the erroneous assessment that a war with Pakistan was unlikely.