SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced that its Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) is now set for Army user trials, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) also participating, after three successful flight trials conducted off the coast of Odisha. These trials, which took place in Chandipur, demonstrated the system’s capability against high-speed, low-altitude threats, marking a significant step forward in India’s defense capabilities.

The trials involved engaging high-speed targets simulating enemy aircraft or drones flying at very low altitudes, a scenario where air defense systems are often put to the test. The VSHORADS successfully intercepted these targets, proving its effectiveness in real-world combat conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is at a critical juncture, dealing with what could be described as a ticking time bomb regarding its aging fleet of fighter jets. With significant portions of its combat aircraft nearing or exceeding their operational life expectancy, the PAF is under immense pressure to phase out these aging assets while simultaneously modernizing its air capabilities to keep pace with regional threats and technological advancements.

Mirage III/V Dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, the PAF still operates over 150 Mirage-III/5 jets. These French-origin aircraft, now over 50 years old, are rapidly approaching the end of their airframe service life. The manufacturer, Dassault, ceased production of spare parts decades ago, severely limiting maintenance and operational capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A viral video circulating on Instagram has sparked significant interest in the defense community, showcasing a new armoured BEML Tatra 6×6 truck. Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), a leading Indian defense manufacturer, is reportedly developing this advanced vehicle, which features a newly designed 4-door armoured cabin for a 6×6 Mounted Gun System (MGS). This development is set to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces, particularly in high-mobility and combat scenarios.

The new armoured truck is built on the existing BEML-Tatra 6×6 High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) chassis, renowned for its ruggedness and adaptability across diverse terrains. The 6×6 configuration ensures superior off-road performance, making it ideal for military applications in challenging environments.

SOURCE: AFI

In a remarkable showcase of indigenous defense technology, an India-made sniper rifle has reportedly outperformed the iconic American Barrett in a high-profile competition. The National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite counter-terrorism force, clinched victory in the All India Police Commando Competition using the .338 Saber, a sniper rifle designed and manufactured by Bengaluru-based SSS Defence. This triumph has spotlighted India’s growing prowess in the global arms manufacturing arena.

The competition, which pits some of India’s finest commando units against one another, saw the NSG take on formidable opponents, including Force One of the Maharashtra Police. Force One, equipped with the American-made Barrett .50 Cal—a sniper rifle widely regarded as one of the best in the world—secured second place. Despite the Barrett’s reputation for power and precision, the .338 Saber proved superior in this contest, underscoring the capabilities of India’s homegrown technology.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Power Company Limited, a leading name in India’s energy sector, has taken a significant step towards diversifying its energy portfolio by shortlisting six potential locations for nuclear power projects. This move comes as part of the company’s strategic expansion into the nuclear energy sector, which is seen as a cornerstone for sustainable and clean energy solutions in India.

According to Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD of Tata Power, the company has rigorously evaluated over 10 sites across the nation. After careful assessment, six of these have been selected as viable options for establishing nuclear power plants. This decision aligns with the broader national objective of enhancing energy security through nuclear power, which offers benefits like reduced carbon emissions and a reliable power supply.

SOURCE: AFI

China has recently constructed a new Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) site in Yunnan Province, near its border with Myanmar, signaling a significant enhancement to its ballistic missile early warning capabilities. This advanced radar system, reportedly boasting a range of approximately 5,000 kilometers, is poised to extend China’s surveillance reach across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and deep into Indian territory. The development has raised eyebrows in New Delhi, as the radar’s primary function appears to include tracking Indian ballistic missile tests—an escalation in the ongoing strategic rivalry between the two Asian powers.

The LPAR, a sophisticated ballistic missile early warning radar, represents a cornerstone of China’s expanding defense architecture. Designed to detect and monitor missile launches at vast distances, the Yunnan site’s 5,000-kilometer range covers not only the IOR but also much of South and Southeast Asia, including the entirety of India. This capability positions China to closely observe India’s missile development program, particularly tests conducted from facilities like the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off India’s eastern coast, where ballistic missiles such as the Agni-V and K-4 are routinely launched.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has long sought to modernize its fighter fleet, with a mix of Western and Russian platforms defining its combat capabilities. However, history may be repeating itself as the Rafale, the highly capable 4.5-generation fighter from France’s Dassault Aviation, might end up facing the same fate as the Mirage-2000—a potent but limited-in-number platform that was initially procured with plans for further indigenous production, only to be sidelined in favor of cheaper alternatives.

India acquired the Mirage-2000 in the 1980s after evaluating various Western and Soviet fighter jets. The initial batch of 40 aircraft proved to be a game-changer, offering superior air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. The original plan was to procure more units and eventually produce them in India. However, instead of expanding the Mirage fleet, the Indian government opted for the more cost-effective MiG-29A from the Soviet Union, leading to the Mirage-2000 remaining a niche platform in the IAF. Over the decades, this limited fleet size became a challenge, especially as the aircraft aged and required expensive upgrades.

SOURCE: AFI

ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading drone manufacturer, is set to captivate the aerospace community at Aero India 2025 with the launch of their latest innovation, the SWITCH V2. This new iteration of the SWITCH UAV series promises unparalleled performance, making it an all-terrain dominator in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market.

With an operational range expanded to 20 kilometers, SWITCH V2 significantly exceeds its predecessor’s capabilities, allowing for broader surveillance and operational scope. The UAV now boasts a flight time of 150 minutes, a substantial increase that supports prolonged missions, whether for military, homeland security, or industrial applications.

SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking move for military logistics in India’s rugged Himalayan regions, the Surya Command of the Indian Army has successfully integrated civil aviation helicopters into its operational strategy. This initiative, aimed at bolstering air maintenance for far-flung forward posts in Himachal Pradesh and the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand, began operations this Thursday, following the signing of contracts with Thumby Aviation Private Limited.

The use of civil helicopters will ensure the timely build-up of logistics stocks, crucial for the sustenance of troops stationed at high altitudes, often in sub-zero temperatures. This will also facilitate the forward delivery of construction materials needed for infrastructure development in these remote locations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to recommend the acquisition of stealth aircraft when consulted by the government, a senior government source revealed. This strategic push is driven primarily by India’s evolving threat assessment in its neighborhood, where regional adversaries are rapidly advancing their aerial capabilities. The potential purchase of such advanced platforms is seen as a critical step to maintain air superiority and counter emerging challenges, particularly from China and its growing influence over Pakistan.

At the heart of the IAF’s advocacy lies China’s expanding stealth technology prowess. Beijing has already operationalized fifth-generation stealth fighters like the J-20 and is reportedly in the process of developing sixth-generation jets, which promise even greater advancements in stealth, sensor fusion, and autonomous capabilities. More alarmingly for India, China is said to be finalizing a deal to supply 40 fifth-generation J-35 fighters—an export variant of its stealth aircraft—to Pakistan, India’s long-standing rival. This development could significantly tilt the balance of air power in the region, compelling India to bolster its own capabilities.