SOURCE: AFI

The world of aerial combat is on the cusp of a revolution. While established powers like China, the US, Europe, and Japan are setting their sights on 6th generation fighter prototypes by 2035, India finds itself struggling to even field its 5th generation AMCA jets by the same timeframe.

India’s current situation is concerning. Having fallen behind in the 5th generation race by about two years, experts fear a potential 25-year gap between India’s AMCA and the next-gen fighters being developed by its rivals. This disparity is particularly worrisome considering India’s tense border situation with China, a nation already boasting over 500 5th generation jets and aiming for a staggering 1,000 more in the coming years.

SOURCE: AFI

In a rapidly evolving global military landscape, leading powers are making significant strides in developing long-range missiles designed to neutralize high-value aerial targets. Russia, China, and the United States are at the forefront of this effort, with each nation showcasing advancements that reflect a growing emphasis on extended reach and enhanced aerial engagement capabilities.

Russia has been a pioneer in deploying advanced surface-to-air missile systems such as the S-400 and S-500. These systems are renowned for their impressive range, capable of engaging targets at distances spanning several hundred kilometers. Complementing these ground-based systems, the Russian Air Force employs the R-37 air-to-air missile, which can reach targets up to 300-400 km away. The extended range of the R-37 allows it to engage force multipliers without exposing the launching aircraft to potential escorts or defensive measures, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of Russia’s aerial defense strategy.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is setting its sights on acquiring Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) to bolster its underwater surveillance and data collection capabilities. These unmanned catamaran platforms, electrically powered for silent operation, offer a significant advantage in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

Sagar Design, a leading Indian defense contractor, has developed a state-of-the- art ASV that has successfully undergone rigorous trials. This catamaran design ensures exceptional stability while traversing water bodies, making it an ideal platform for various missions.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy recently took a decisive step towards embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the inauguration of an AI Experience Hub at the Maritime Reference Library in Visakhapatnam. Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command (FOC-in-C ENC), presided over the ceremony, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies.

This AI Experience Hub is designed to be a central point for the Navy’s personnel to gain exposure to and learn about the vast potential of AI. Equipped with state-of-the-art AI tools and applications, the hub will serve as a platform for fostering innovation across various maritime operations domains.

SOURCE: AFI

As India commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, a conflict that saw the Indian Army’s valiant efforts force Pakistan’s retreat from occupied mountain positions, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) crucial role deserves revisiting. While the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) largely remained grounded, the Kargil War holds stories of unseen aerial encounters that could have escalated the conflict.

The IAF enjoyed unchallenged air superiority during the Kargil War. Pakistan deployed F-16s for Combat Air Patrol (CAP) missions, but they never directly engaged the IAF. However, declassified information reveals two instances where things came close to a clash.

SOURCE: AFI

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A Program might not be seeking a new engine to replace the existing GE F-404. But This article compares two potential replacements, the EuroJet EJ200 and the Snecma M88, based on key performance factors crucial for a light combat aircraft.

Its not that HAL is seeking Engine Options for LCA Tejas Mk1A Program, but if Day arrives that HAL Plans to have second option then it might want to have a look at Two Western engine options that might fit the bill for the LCA-Tejas Program.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian defence company Zen Technologies has unveiled a formidable arsenal of AI-powered robots, showcasing their commitment to innovation in the global defence market. These four products, Hawkeye, Barbarik-URCWS, Prahasta, and Sthir Stab 640, address various needs on the modern battlefield.

Zen Technologies takes aim at aerial threats with Hawkeye, a state-of-the-art anti-drone system camera. Featuring multiple sensor detection modules, Hawkeye boasts all-weather drone tracking for up to 15 kilometers. This ensures continuous threat detection and enhanced security for critical infrastructure and military bases.

SOURCE: AFI

Indian space startup Skyroot Aerospace has achieved a significant milestone, successfully completing pressure tests on three critical stages of their launch vehicle in just three months! This rapid progress signifies not only their technical prowess but also their growing momentum towards their first orbital launch.

Pressure testing is a crucial step in rocket development. It simulates the immense pressure these stages will experience during launch, ensuring they can withstand the intense forces involved. Completing these tests flawlessly on all three stages within a short timeframe demonstrates Skyroot’s commitment to quality and efficiency.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent report submitted to the Uttarakhand Chief Minister has shed light on a stark reality: 11 villages nestled near the Indo-China border have remained deserted since the 1962 war. The report, a stark reminder of the lingering effects of conflict, has prompted suggestions for reviving these forgotten settlements.

These villages, scattered across Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts, stand eerily empty, devoid of civilian residents. Only army and ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) personnel maintain a presence, guarding the sensitive frontier.