SOURCE: AFI

US engine manufacturer, GE Aerospace, has acknowledged delays in supplying F404 engines for India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A program. The company attributes the setbacks to ongoing supply chain challenges within the aerospace industry.

In a statement, a GE Aerospace spokesperson confirmed they are collaborating with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run defense contractor, and their suppliers to address the constraints and expedite the delivery of F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk-1A project.

SOURCE: AFI

Thane-based Avyaya Aerospace India Pvt Ltd is poised to revolutionize Indian defense capabilities with its next-generation swarm drone technology. By the end of 2025, the company aims to present these advanced drones to the Indian Army, marking a significant leap in the country’s military prowess.

Avyaya Aerospace stands at the cutting edge of swarm drone development. These drones will operate cooperatively, enabling them to undertake a wide range of missions critical for defense, disaster management, and extensive surveillance.

SOURCE : AFI

Bharat Karnad, an emeritus professor in National Security Studies at the Centre for Policy Research in Delhi, has recently voiced critical insights regarding India’s current air force strategy in his latest column. A respected national security expert, Karnad offers a comprehensive analysis of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities and the strategic decisions influencing its future.

Karnad argues that India lacks both symmetric and asymmetric force advantages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. He contends that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) could quickly rectify this imbalance by deploying a significant number of aircraft from mainland bases. Despite this, Karnad believes that the current IAF aircraft mix can effectively counter large numbers of Chinese aircraft operating from Tibetan plateau bases for the time being. This is primarily due to the altitude handicap faced by Chinese planes, which struggle with the fuel load-weapon load dilemma when taking off from high-altitude bases—an issue that IAF aircraft launching from the plains do not encounter.

SOURCE : AFI

In May 2024, significant updates have been made to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Open General Export Licenses (OGELs) for exporting munitions list items, as announced by the Department of Defence Production (DDP). These modifications aim to streamline defence exports and support India’s Defence Export Strategy.

The SOP for defence exports has been revised to be more business-friendly, facilitating easier compliance for exporters. These changes are part of a broader initiative to simplify regulatory processes and promote the ease of doing business in the defence sector. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the new SOP is expected to encourage more companies to engage in defence exports.

SOURCE: AFI

Three years after India’s agreement with GE for F-404 engine supplies, a critical situation has emerged. Delays due to supply chain issues and a dwindling order book from other manufacturers threaten the timely delivery of the remaining 99 engines. This shortage could significantly impact production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.

South Korea’s experience with the FA-50 program offers a stark contrast. By achieving Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the F-404 engine, South Korea ensured a stable supply chain and maintained a high production rate for its jets. India, lacking ToT, faces dependence on external factors beyond its control.

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat-Forge, a leading Indian defense manufacturer, is experiencing a surge in inquiries for its artillery guns from European nations. This growing interest coincides with the company’s rising reputation for possessing the world’s most extensive portfolio of 7 artillery guns.

Bharat-Forge’s impressive artillery portfolio includes the ATAGS, MArG 155-BR, Garuda 105-V2, Bharat 52, Bharat ULH 155mm 39 CAL, and MGS 155mm/52 Cal guns. Industry sources suggest that the Bharat ULH 155mm 39 CAL and Garuda 105-V2 models are particularly attracting the attention of European countries.

SOURCE: AFI

International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt Ltd (IAMPL), a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), is setting its sights on significant growth in Tamil Nadu. The company is actively exploring the possibility of establishing four to five new manufacturing units in the state, according to Kishore Jayaraman, President of Rolls-Royce – India and South Asia.

During a discussion at the Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT hub) day event, Mr. Jayaraman highlighted the positive factors influencing IAMPL’s expansion plans in Tamil Nadu. He commended the state’s strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, excellent academic institutions, and supportive governance.

SOURCE: AFI

IdeaForge, a leading drone manufacturer based in Navi Mumbai, has acquired a non-controlling stake in GalaxEye Space, a Bengaluru-based spacetech startup, for INR 8.28 crore (approximately $1 million). This strategic move comes after the two companies reportedly signed an agreement earlier this year to collaborate on the development of a foliage penetration radar-equipped unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The acquisition underscores IdeaForge’s commitment to developing advanced drone-based sensors. GalaxEye Space’s expertise in multi-sensor imaging satellites aligns perfectly with IdeaForge’s vision of creating next-generation drones capable of operating in challenging environments like foggy and foliage-dense areas.

SOURCE: AFI

Just days before the recent NATO summit in Washington, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held its annual meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. This gathering of leaders from the world’s largest regional organization saw the addition of Belarus to the bloc.

Established in 2001 by China and Russia, the SCO’s initial focus was on security and economic matters in Central Asia. However, amidst intensifying global competition and strained relations with the West, China and Russia are increasingly portraying the SCO as a counterweight to the US-led international order.