SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Hyderabad-based Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMP) has emerged as a key player in the production of indigenous radar systems, with the capacity to manufacture 36 Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars every year. This development underscores AMP’s growing role in supporting India’s defence forces with cutting-edge technology and aligns with the nation’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives aimed at reducing dependency on foreign imports.
The Uttam AESA radar, developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a leap forward in India’s radar technology. Unlike traditional mechanically scanned radars, AESA radars use a phased array of antennas to electronically steer the radar beam, offering superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. The Uttam radar is designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of fighter jets by providing multi-target tracking, resistance to electronic jamming, and low probability of intercept—making it a critical asset for modern aerial warfare.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant development underscoring the growing defence ties between India and Armenia, recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) confirms that Armenia has procured nearly 15 units of the Akash Air Defence Missile launchers from India, along with 400 units of the advanced Akash 1S missile system. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Armenia’s efforts to modernize its air defence capabilities and highlights India’s emergence as a key player in the global defence export market.
The Akash 1S missile system, an upgraded variant of the Akash air defence system, represents a triumph of indigenous innovation for India. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Akash 1S comes equipped with an indigenous seeker, enhancing its precision and effectiveness in engaging aerial threats. The system was rigorously tested, with the DRDO conducting successful trials where the Akash 1S was fired five times against multiple targets, achieving its objectives with remarkable accuracy.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a sobering assessment of the evolving nature of warfare, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has underscored the need for India to prepare for prolonged conflicts that could stretch over months or even years. Speaking at a recent defense conclave, Singh emphasized that the era of swift, decisive battles is over, and future wars—potentially involving adversaries like China and Pakistan—may involve sustained, low-intensity engagements.
Drawing lessons from the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, now in its third year, he stressed the critical importance of establishing local production lines for weapons, ammunition, and systems integral to IAF operations to ensure uninterrupted combat capability in the face of disrupted external supplies.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a striking development in the Qandil region, the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrilla claimed responsibility for shooting down a Turkish state AKINCI-type drone, a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) manufactured by Baykar.
The incident has sparked discussions about the vulnerabilities of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in contested airspace and raised questions about their perceived invincibility, particularly for nations like Pakistan, which have heavily invested in Turkish drones such as the AKINCI and the Bayraktar TB2. With recent incidents, including a Bayraktar AKINCI crash in Libya and underwhelming performances in the Ukraine conflict, the sheen of these drones as game-changers in modern warfare is increasingly being called into question.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s aviation training sector, Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Industries has entered into a joint venture with Tamil Nadu-based Sakthi Group to establish a final assembly line (FAL) for its DA40 NG trainer aircraft in Haryana’s Hisar. The agreement, signed with the Aero Club of India, involves the supply of 200 DA40 NG aircraft to various flying training organizations (FTOs) across India, with 150 of these slated for local assembly.
While this move promises to bolster India’s pilot training infrastructure, it raises serious concerns for the future of the domestically developed Hansa-NG trainer aircraft by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), which has struggled to gain traction due to poor marketing, past performance issues, and now, intensified competition.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a stark reminder of the growing menace of cybercrime, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), one of India’s premier aerospace and defense companies, has been duped of $63,000 (approximately Rs 55 lakh) in an online scam. The incident, which unfolded during a procurement deal with a US-based company, has prompted HAL to lodge a police complaint, and a case has been registered under the Information Technology (IT) Act.
The scam came to light after HAL’s Kanpur division initiated a transaction to purchase three fighter aircraft parts from PS Engineering Incorporated, a US-based firm, in May 2024. What began as a legitimate business exchange took a sinister turn when a fraudulent email ID infiltrated the communication chain, leading to the siphoning of funds into a fake account.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications providers, announced a landmark agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to India. This partnership aims to bridge the digital divide by delivering broadband connectivity to even the most remote corners of the country, marking a significant milestone in India’s telecom landscape. However, the move has sparked concerns among defence analysts, who warn that the technology could be exploited by non-state actors, terrorists, and insurgents to wage war against the nation, potentially destabilizing India’s security apparatus.
The collaboration between Airtel and SpaceX is poised to revolutionize internet access in India, a country where vast rural and remote regions remain underserved by traditional telecom infrastructure. Starlink, operated by SpaceX, leverages a constellation of thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet with low latency, capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing even in areas with little to no terrestrial connectivity. Airtel plans to explore offering Starlink equipment through its retail stores and providing services to businesses, communities, schools, and health centers, particularly in underserved areas.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday held bilateral talks with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and chaired a conclave of top global intelligence czars focusing on boosting cooperation in confronting various security challenges including terrorism and threats posed by emerging technologies.
In their one-on-one meeting, Mr Doval and Ms Gabbard mainly discussed ways to strengthen intelligence sharing and working closely in the security domain in sync with the India-US global strategic partnership, it is learnt.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A suspect in the blast incident outside a temple in Amritsar was killed in an exchange of fire with police, a top officer said on Monday.
Another suspect managed to flee, he said, adding that efforts were on to nab him. A blast had occurred outside the Thakur Dwara Temple on March 15 when a person hurled an explosive device towards it, damaging a portion of its wall and shattering window panes.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday highlighted the importance of emerging technologies in national security, saying that technological prowess has become the new currency of deterrence and data has become the new capital of trade and security. Speaking at the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture in Delhi, Gen Dwivedi said that national security is about wholesome capability to wage war and deter war. “Security is about wholesome capability to wage war and deter war.
Healthy military-civil fusion, Aatm Nirbhar defence industrial base, dual-use assets at the national level, well-informed and empowered decision-makers of time framework, and inclusive approach for citizen warriors play a pivotal role,” Dwivedi said. “Technology prowess has become the new currency of deterrence. Data has become the new capital of trade and security,” he added.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday said that the world has been “cooling down” from major conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with the turmoil “interspersed” with “subnational conflicts” and common threats to global peace like terrorism, radicalisation, and mass cyber-attacks. He also pointed out a “subtle” shift from democracy to “authoritarianism,” which feeds into the turmoil in the world. “The world is just cooling down from two major conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, wherein the majority of nations took sides based on realism, idealism or religion.
The turmoil is also interspersed with ongoing subnational conflicts and common threats to global peace like terrorism, radicalisation, mass cyber-attacks, and a subtle shift from democracy to authoritarianism,” Dwivedi said while speaking at the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture here.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, deepening defence cooperation, and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
Addressing media after holding talks at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House, the two leaders also took a firm stance against terrorism and agreed to enhance people-to-people ties.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
An updated list of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) names a group of 67 terrorist organisations and unlawful associations facing a ban under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for their role in terrorist activities against India, threatening the country’s security.
The list released by the Ministry of Home Affairs names 45 organizations that are officially categorized as terrorist organizations under Section 35 of the UAPA and are included in the First Schedule of the Act. The remaining 22 groups are classified as unlawful associations under Section 3(1) of the UAPA.
Many of these organizations have been involved in militancy, separatism, and violent activities across India. The MHA keeps on updating such list. The declaration of these banned organisations is part of India’s ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and extremist activities within its borders.
SOURCE: UNI
Security forces averted a major tragedy when they recovered and destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday. Army in a post on X said that “the IED was recovered in the general area Narikut Forest Kupwara”.
“ChinarWarriors and @BSF_Kashmir averted a terror incident today by recovering and destroying an IED in general area Narikut Forest, Kupwara. #IndianArmy remains resolute in its commitment to keep Kashmir terror-free”, Army posted on X
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said here.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Krumhoora village of Zachaldara following information about the presence of terrorists in the area, they said.The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire at the security forces.
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