SOURCE: AFI

India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 program was shaken on March 12th by its first-ever crash. The locally produced, single-engine fighter jet went down near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. While the court of inquiry is still ongoing, initial reports point to an engine seizure as the cause of the accident, according to unnamed officials. One official cited an oil pump malfunction as the likely culprit.

The ill-fated aircraft, a relatively new addition to the IAF fleet at just three years old, prompted a swift response. The Indian Air Force grounded all remaining 35 LCA-Tejas Mk1s for a comprehensive inspection. Flights were only resumed after the grounded aircraft received clearance following thorough checks.

SOURCE: AFI

Precision Engineering Systems business vertical of Larsen & Toubro has won a prestigious order for part construction of Two Fleet Support Ships (FSS) from M/s Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), with Indian Navy being the end user of the vessels.

Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for design and construction of Five FSS for the Indian Navy in August 2023. FSS are specialized naval vessels, which provide logistics and material support to the naval task force at sea. With more than 220 meter in length and approx. 45,000 Ton displacement, FSS would be amongst the largest vessels in the Indian Naval Fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

Bengaluru-based firearms manufacturer, SSS Defence, has achieved a significant milestone by securing and fulfilling a major export contract for their .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle, the 338 Saber. This marks the first time an Indian company has exported sniper rifles, signifying a potential turning point for the nation’s defense exports.

The 338 Saber is designed for modern military and law enforcement applications. Chambered for the powerful .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, it boasts an effective range exceeding 1500 meters. This long-range capability makes it ideal for engaging targets at extreme distances.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia has dangled the possibility of offering India technology to construct and manage low-power nuclear power plants that can float on water. This proposition is likely to be a key topic of discussion during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Moscow on July 8-9, 2024.

Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary includes a visit to the Rosatom Pavilion, showcasing Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom. He is also scheduled to meet with Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom’s Director General, ahead of a private dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

SOURCE: AFI

The state government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has taken a significant step towards becoming a major player in India’s defense manufacturing sector. They have signed over 150 defense deals worth a staggering Rs 25,000 crore ($3.1 billion USD). This ambitious move aligns with India’s growing focus on self-reliance in defense production and boosting its defense exports.

This initiative comes at a perfect time. India’s annual defense production recently reached a record high of Rs 1.27 trillion (US$15.8 billion) in 2023-24, marking a significant 16.7% increase from the previous year. The Uttar Pradesh government aims to capitalize on this momentum and position itself as a critical hub in this growing industry.

SOURCE: AFI

Russia has announced a change in engine plans for its Su-30SM fighter jets, opting for the AL-41-FC1 engine from 2025 onwards, according to Oleg Pankov, chief designer of the Su-30 program. This decision comes as India, the primary operator of the Su-30MKI variant, has chosen to maintain its existing AL-31F engines.

The AL-41-FC1 engine boasts increased power and improved fuel efficiency compared to the AL-31F. Russia’s decision to switch engines suggests a focus on enhancing the performance of its Su-30SM fleet and also due to factor that same engine is also used on the Su-35 fleet.

SOURCE: AFI

As light tanks continue to play a crucial role in modern warfare, Two Light Tanks that might face each other in event of the war need Comparative Analysis. both India and China have developed advanced models to enhance their respective military capabilities. India’s indigenous Zorawar Light Tank, developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), stands as a significant achievement.

In comparison, China’s Type 15 light tank showcases impressive technological advancements. This article provides a detailed comparison between these two cutting-edge light tanks, highlighting their technical specifications, features, and strategic advantages.

SOURCE: AFI

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is the US Air Force’s ambitious plan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet unlike any other. This “system of systems” aims to maintain American air superiority well into the future.

Understandably, the US may be hesitant to export this cutting-edge technology. Sharing NGAD with other countries, no matter how close, introduces the risk of the technology being compromised or falling into the wrong hands. Even trusted allies could lead to leaks, potentially benefiting adversaries like Russia or China.

SOURCE: AFI

In a startling revelation, Canadian-based media outlet Media Bezirgan has reported that Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a slain Khalistani activist, had significant ties with Jagmeet Singh and the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Canada. Nijjar, who was assassinated by gangsters in Surrey, BC, was a prominent figure, serving as the president of the temple where he was killed. His controversial past, including his arrival in Canada on a forged passport and being on a Canadian no-fly list, has added fuel to an already intense political firestorm.

According to Elections Canada records, a Hardeep Nijjar with the postal code V3W 0J4 made donations to the NDP and Jagmeet Singh in 2017. This postal code is linked to Nijjar Plumbing & Heating Ltd, Nijjar’s plumbing company. Further verification from LinkedIn records indicates that his son, Mehtab Nijjar, works at this company, solidifying the connection.