SOURCE: AFI

The late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat emphasized the strategic necessity of purchasing 114 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in smaller batches. This approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with technological obsolescence and the high procurement costs inherent in a single, large-scale order. However, this method presents its own set of challenges, particularly concerning cost inflation over time due to material and manpower expenses.

Currently, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) produced the Su-30MKI at a flyaway cost of around $62 million per aircraft. This figure is approximately $22 million higher than the cost of Su-30 jets supplied directly by Russia. Despite producing over 272 jets through batch orders, India has not achieved the cost savings one might expect from local production. Instead, the economies of scale have favored Russian production, where higher output volumes result in lower per-unit costs.

SOURCE: AFI

Philippine Ambassador to India, Josel F. Ignacio, has underscored the pivotal role of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in bolstering the Philippines’ defense capabilities. In a recent statement, the ambassador emphasized that the acquisition of BrahMos significantly enhances the country’s credible deterrence.

The Philippines’ decision to procure the BrahMos missile reflects its growing strategic partnership with India. This acquisition signifies a major step forward in strengthening the Philippines’ military might and ensuring its territorial integrity.

SOURCE: AFI

An Indian startup is poised to disrupt the drone industry with its innovative electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Incubated at IIT Madras, ePlane is developing a multi-copter drone capable of carrying both cargo and passengers, promising to revolutionize urban transportation.

With a compact size of 3×3 meters, the ePlane can transport payloads of 35 to 50 kilograms, reaching altitudes of up to 400 feet and covering distances of 50 kilometers. The company has secured a substantial $5 million in funding to propel its vision of making flying as commonplace as driving.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s defense sector by successfully upgrading the aging THD-1955 radar system. This technological advancement is a testament to the nation’s growing self-reliance in defense technology, aligning perfectly with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

The upgraded radar, christened THD 2.0, was inaugurated by Air Marshal V Rajashekhar and Mr. Anoop Rai. The core of the upgrade lies in the indigenously developed digitized radar receiver and transmitter sections, crafted by BEL. This technological leap has not only breathed new life into the decades-old radar but has also extended its operational life by an impressive 10 to 15 years.

SOURCE: AFI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has proposed the establishment of the third defense corridor in the country within Assam. This proposal was put forward to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who responded positively to the idea.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that he discussed the defense corridor issue in detail with the Defense Minister. Currently, India has two defense corridors located in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The establishment of a third corridor in Assam would be a significant development for the state’s defense production capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

A groundbreaking discovery in the heart of India’s “cold desert” could redefine the quest for extraterrestrial life. Scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) have unearthed magnetofossils – remnants of magnetic bacteria – embedded within rock varnish layers of Ladakh.

This remarkable find, detailed in the journal Planetary and Space Science, suggests that life can flourish in the most extreme conditions. Rock varnish, a dark, mineral-rich coating on rocks, is commonly found in arid, cold regions. While previously considered inorganic, this research indicates a significant biological component.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to bolster the country’s burgeoning space sector, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has granted permission to a domestic firm to establish a satellite ground station. This facility will be instrumental in tracking, communicating with, and monitoring satellites.

Commonly referred to as an earth station, a satellite ground station is crucial for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) operations. These stations track the satellite’s position, send commands for satellite maneuvers, assess its overall health, and download collected data.

SOURCE: AFI

The TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter) program, a critical component of India’s indigenous defense manufacturing initiative, represents a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s aerospace capabilities. A pivotal decision facing this program is the choice of the engine. Advocating for the 80kN Kaveri engine over the foreign F-414 engine is not just about fostering self-reliance; it also presents a strategic and operationally sound choice. Comparing the Kaveri engine to the Rafale M’s M-88 engine further highlights its potential benefits.

The Kaveri engine, an indigenous project by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of India, offers a thrust of 80kN. Its integration into the TEDBF would mark a significant milestone in India’s journey towards defense self-reliance. Currently, the Kaveri engine is approaching technological maturity, and its inclusion in a high-profile project like the TEDBF would provide the necessary impetus for its final development stages, ensuring it enters production.