SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant development in India’s ongoing evaluation of advanced infantry combat vehicles (ICVs), the US-made Stryker, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, encountered challenges during high-mobility trials conducted in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh.
The trials, aimed at assessing the vehicle’s suitability for operations in one of the world’s most challenging environments, revealed critical shortcomings in the Stryker’s performance, primarily due to its underpowered 300-horsepower (hp) engine. Responding to feedback from the Indian Army, General Dynamics has announced plans to upgrade the Stryker with a more powerful 600hp engine, with re-trials scheduled once initial testing of the upgraded vehicle is completed.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s maritime security capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly on the verge of clearing a long-pending deal for the procurement of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.
This decision comes after sustained diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration, which has been pushing India to increase its purchases of US-made defense equipment as part of a broader strategy to strengthen bilateral defense ties and counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The deal, initially cleared by the US nearly four years ago, had been delayed due to concerns over escalating costs but is now moving forward, driven by strategic imperatives and the Indian Navy’s operational needs.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Adani Defence and Aerospace has announced plans to locally produce the R-73E, a Within Visual Range (WVR) air-to-air missile (AAM), in India. Rebranded as “Raya” for its indigenous production, this initiative aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programs, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening domestic defense production.
The R-73E, developed by Russia’s Vympel NPO, is a highly agile, short-range air-to-air missile widely regarded as one of the most effective WVR missiles in the world. Known by its NATO reporting name “AA-11 Archer,” the missile is a critical component of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) arsenal, equipping fighter aircraft such as the MiG-29, Su-30 MKI, and MiG-21 Bison. With a range of up to 30 kilometers, the R-73E is renowned for its infrared homing (heat-seeking) capabilities, exceptional maneuverability, and ability to engage targets at off-boresight angles of up to 45 degrees, making it a formidable weapon in close-combat aerial engagements.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025, that the United States will provide India with the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jet has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s media and strategic circles. This development, made during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., has sparked widespread concern and alarm in Pakistani media outlets, which view the potential transfer of advanced military technology to India as a threat to regional stability and Pakistan’s security.
The Pakistani media’s reaction has been marked by a mix of panic, criticism, and calls for diplomatic action, reflecting deep-seated fears about the shifting military balance in South Asia. Below, we explore this reaction and cite specific examples from Pakistani media outlets to illustrate the extent of their concern.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A high-level delegation from Chad, headed by General of Division Tahir Brahim Djouma, representative of the Minister of the Armed Forces, recently visited Bharat Forge and its subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL). The delegation was seen inspecting the Mobile Autonomous Gun System (MArG MGS) and Gun Towing Vehicle (GTV), both of which play a crucial role in the Garuda 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH).
The visit highlights Chad’s interest in acquiring advanced artillery solutions to enhance its military capabilities. The MArG MGS, developed by Bharat Forge, is a state-of-the-art mobile artillery system designed to provide rapid deployment and precision firepower. The GTV, used for transporting and deploying the Garuda 105mm SPH, further enhances battlefield mobility and operational effectiveness.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a remarkable display of India’s defence innovation, a Dornier aircraft equipped with indigenously developed radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system, and Software Defined Radio (SDR) took to the skies during Aero India 2025, held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
This achievement, highlighted by the presence of the Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems (DG ECS), underscores the rapid strides made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence technology. Notably, all payloads were developed within an impressive timeline of just 24 months, with the first video transmission through the indigenous SDR being showcased live at the DRDO Pavilion.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a proud moment for the Indian Navy, INS Tushil, the first of two additional P1135.6 follow-on stealth frigates, sailed into its home port at Karwar, Karnataka, today, marking the culmination of an extraordinary journey spanning over 12,500 nautical miles. The warship, which set sail from Kaliningrad, Russia, on 18 December 2024, visited eight countries across three continents, showcasing India’s maritime prowess and reinforcing its diplomatic ties with friendly nations.
INS Tushil, an advanced multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, embarked on its maiden operational deployment following its commissioning into the Indian Navy on 9 December 2024. The ship’s journey from Russia to India was not just a logistical feat but a testament to India’s growing stature as a maritime power. Traversing the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and finally the Indian Ocean, INS Tushil made strategic port calls in eight countries, engaging in collaborative exercises and fostering goodwill along the way.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Isro on Friday said it has developed and realised the ten-tonne propellant mixer for solid motors. Solid propulsion plays a crucial role in Indian Space Transportation Systems and vertical mixer is one of the critical equipment in solid motor production, Isro said in a statement.
“Solid propellants are the backbone of rocket motors, and their production requires precise mixing of highly sensitive and hazardous ingredients,” the statement read. The space agency said that towards increasing the production scale of solid motor segments, Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru has successfully designed and developed 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixers for processing the solid propellants.
Continue readingSOURCE: Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd (Rafael) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), during Aero India 2025, aimed at offering of TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) indigenously. TROPHY APS is the only proven and operational APS system in the world.
TROPHY is a critical battlefield technology featuring Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems capabilities and defences that enable protection of an entire platform and soldiers. Through this cooperation TROPHY APS shall be offered as a unique solution that can be integrated on India’s defence platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
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US President Donald Trump has said that Brics was created for a bad purpose and most people don’t want it. He said that Brics is dead and reiterated his threat to Brics nations, saying he would impose a 100 per cent tariff on the bloc if they try to replace the US dollar with any other currency.
While addressing a press briefing on Thursday (local time), he said that the US will not trade with Brics nations if they want to “play games” and even if any trading is done, it will be conducted at a 100 per cent tariff.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Calling for ramping up collaboration in space exploration, including on long-duration human spaceflight missions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump hailed 2025 as a pioneering year for US-India civil space cooperation.
The two leaders, who also launched INDUS Innovation bridge, held wide-ranging talks on Thursday (Friday IST) focussing on broadening the bilateral partnership, including in the fields of defence, energy, space and critical technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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US-based aircraft maker Boeing on Friday said it has partnered with state-owned oil marketing firm HPCL for a sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem in the country.
As part of this partnership, the two companies will explore opportunities to scale SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) production in the domestic market, support the certification of domestically produced SAF, and advocate for policies to develop a robust SAF ecosystem in the country, Boeing said in a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday dismissed three government employees including a jailed policeman for their alleged terror links, officials said. The sacked employees have been identified as police constable Firdous Ahmad Bhat, teacher in school education department Mohammad Ashraf Bhat and orderly in forest department Nisar Ahmad Khan who was earlier arrested in connection with the killing of a National Conference minister in 2000, they said.
The officials said the LG invoked Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution to terminate the services of the three employees after investigation by law enforcement and intelligence agencies clearly established their terror links.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against two operatives of Terror Outfi Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) in connection with the murder of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar, also known as Vikas Bagga, in Punjab.
The chargesheeted individuals are Dharminder Kumar, alias Kunal, and Harwinder Kumar, alias Sonu, who is currently on the run and based in Dubai.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A 182-kg bomb from the World War II period, found in Assam last year, was defused in Lakhimpur district on Thursday, officials said.
Lakhimpur District Commissioner Pronab Jit Kakoty said that the bomb was discovered on the banks of the Jhili river by the Air Force on 27 September, 2024. “It was an active bomb during the time of recovery. The bomb was defused by experts from the Air Force inside Dulung Reserve Forest,” Kakoty said.
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