SOURCE: AFI

A dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been reported, with a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet successfully intercepted by a Russian R-37M long-range air-to-air missile. According to Russian military sources, the incident occurred as the Ukrainian aircraft was attempting to launch AGM-88B HARM anti-radar missiles against Russian air defense systems.

The MiG-29 was detected by a Russian aircraft equipped with the Irbis-E radar at an astonishing distance of approximately 270 kilometers. The R-37M missile then engaged the target, successfully intercepting it at a range of between 220 and 200 kilometers.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to address the state’s growing electricity demand, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has initiated discussions to establish the state’s first nuclear power plant. The project aims to generate 440 megawatts of power through two units, each with a capacity of 220 megawatts.

A high-level KSEB delegation met with officials from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) in Mumbai to explore the feasibility of the project. The state government is eyeing potential locations such as Athirappally in Thrissur and Cheemeni in Kasaragod for the plant.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant setback for India’s indigenous fighter jet program, General Electric (GE) has drastically reduced its engine deliveries to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The American aerospace giant was contracted to supply 99 F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft in 2021, with deliveries scheduled to commence from late August 2023. However, recent developments indicate a substantial shortfall in the promised supply.

Instead of the anticipated 16 engines, GE is set to deliver only two F404-IN20 engines in September. This represents a shortfall of nearly 14 engines for the year, casting a shadow over the production timeline of the Tejas fighter.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is intensifying its efforts to develop the Astra Mk2 air-to-air missile. A crucial step in this process involves the procurement of composite propellent casting for the missile’s dual pulse rocket motor, along with the necessary hardware assembly.

Concurrently, another batch of Astra Mk2 missiles is undergoing fabrication for rigorous testing. This underscores DRDO’s commitment to refining the missile’s capabilities. The organization is aiming to conduct comprehensive full configuration testing later this year, a significant milestone before the missile is offered for user trials.

SOURCE: AFI

In a remarkable yet lesser-known episode, when Pakistani Air Force (PAF) F-16s launched volleys of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles at a lone Indian Sukhoi-30MKI, callsign “Avenger-1,” a pair of upgraded MiG-29UPG multi-role fighter jets swiftly took off from Adampur Airbase. Their mission: intercept the F-16s hovering near the Line of Control (LOC). The MiG-29UPG jets, reaching supersonic speeds, flew towards the sector, prompting the F-16s to retreat upon detecting the approaching Indian aircraft.

Recognizing the strategic importance of the MiG-29UPG, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has, for the first time, deployed five of these aircraft to Exercise Eastern Bridge in Oman, held from October 17-26, 2019. This exercise aims to provide valuable exposure to the Royal Air Force of Oman’s F-16 Block 50 aircraft. The decision follows the IAF’s acquisition of 21 additional MiG-29s from Russia, all upgraded with new engines, radar, and avionics, making them as capable as the PAF’s F-16 Block 52 variants.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar, has arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia, to participate in the grand Russian Navy Day celebrations. However, closer inspection of the warship has revealed intriguing details about its recent operational history. Clear drone kill marks, absent in earlier photographs, are now visible on the ship’s hull.

This discovery has ignited speculation about the frigate’s involvement in intense maritime operations. Earlier this year, India deployed a significant naval force to the Red Sea to counter the growing threat of piracy and drone attacks. The region has been under siege by the Houthi rebels, who have employed Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones to target commercial vessels. The drone’s kill figure on the warship, particularly its distinctive cropped delta-wing shape, with a central fuselage blending, aligns with the design of the Shahed-136 drones.

SOURCE: AFI

US-based amphibious aircraft manufacturer, Mallard Enterprises, has announced significant interest in its seaplanes from the Indian market, with several letters of intent (LOIs) signed at the Farnborough Airshow.

The most substantial order came from Mehair, a prominent Indian seaplane operator, which expressed its intent to purchase 50 of Mallard’s hull-based amphibious ME-1A aircraft. Mehair, with a history dating back to 2011, is a seasoned player in the Indian seaplane industry, having previously operated under a government scheme for regional airport development. The company is poised to resume operations in November 2024, focusing on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Gujarat.

SOURCE: AFI

A high-level delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), led by His Excellency Maj Lukwikila Metikwizaa Marcel, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, recently visited the facilities of Troop Comforts Ltd (TCL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Government of India.

The visit aimed to explore potential business opportunities in the defence sectors of both nations. During the visit, Sh Rajeev Sharma, General Manager of Operations at TCL, showcased the company’s state-of-the-art products.

SOURCE: AFI

The second Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST) between India and Cambodia concluded successfully in Hyderabad on July 26, 2024. The five-day engagement focused on enhancing military cooperation between the two nations.

During the talks, both sides explored avenues for expanding training collaborations, conducting tailored courses for Cambodian Army personnel in India, and deploying Indian experts to assist in demining operations. Capacity building through military hardware was also a key topic of discussion.