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By Falcon Slayers Apr 15· 30 min read An unofficial rendering of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft based on the actual design AMCA or the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft which will be manufactured by HAL. The AMCA programme is envisaged as replacement for a host of aircraft currently operated by the IAF as well as to fill gaps left by retirement of the Dassault Mirage 2000s, SEPECAT Jaguars and Mig-27s. ADA describes the AMCA as a “multirole combat aircraft for air superiority, point air defense, deep penetration/strike, special missions”. Unofficial design work on the AMCA started in 2008 with official work started in 2011 and completed in 2014. In 2008 Indian Navy also showed interest in the naval variant of AMCA. All the design work is completed and HAL has started the manufacturing of the AMCA Prototypes, starting with the manufacturing of avionics and subsystems. The broad requirements outlined for the AMCA are to incorporate a...

Milgem - National Warship / Milli Gemi - is (was) a project that aims to gain capabilities and self-sufficiency in the following areas that can be said to be critical within the framework of flotilla design. Design attributes of a warship - advanced simulations for signature and survivability Concept of a warship Design verification of a warship Warship software development Warship production and maintenance plans and exercises The project was born in the 70s, without being named or called as such, with the question of a ruling admiral, "Could we design a corvette of our own, tailor-made for us, made by us?" and then came back to the office or to the minds and debates again and again, but was abandoned for various reasons. Finally, at the end of the 1990s, the project was solidified with the aim of first developing a corvette that would meet the needs of the Turkish Navy and fulfil its future doctrine, equipped with the most advanced weapons and sensors with maximum local...

EAST BENGAL REGIMENT AND THE 1965 WAR By Usman Khan Yousafzai “… Mujib, who addressed massive crowds at his meetings, lashed out mercilessly at the central government and succeeded in spreading hatred against all non-bengalis. Even the soldiers openly participated in his political meetings and fell prey to his propaganda. Meanwhile, the Bengali officers in the formation had withdrawn into a shell of their own and rarely mixed with their West Pakistani brethren. Their Families kept aloof. Every evening they would get together in small groups among themselves…….. Even during my short tenure at Jerssore, the attitude of the Bengali Officers had caused me concern. Therefore, I shared my apprehensions with the commanding officers of the West Pakistani units, and ordered them to keep half of their personal weapons and ammunitions in the barracks with the troops, to guard against surprise attacks. The suspect loyalty of the Bengali troops, particularly the pure Bengali battalions...

The Turkish Type Fast Attack Craft Project (Türk Tipi Hücumbot - TTHB, in Turkish), also known as the Next Generation Fast Patrol Boat Project (NG-FBP) of the Turkish Navy, first appears in documents published by the Undersecretariat of Defence Industries (now the Presidency of Defence Industries) in 2008. The aim of the project is stated as; "Meeting the future needs of the Turkish Navy, providing the design of a new FAC to replace the ageing classes". Background to the TTHB project and the early stages of the Request for Information (RFI) issued by SSM The Turkish Navy's first inclination was to acquire a Fast Attack Craft solution based on a composite structure that offered a light structure, naturally low RCS and IR & Acoustic signature, and armour protection by Kevlar that could be easily upgraded. Yonca-Onuk, manufacturer of the MRTP (Multi-Role Tactical Platform) series of boats, was the first choice. But this trend didn't last. The initial plan was to acquire at least...

The Court of Chief Justice Rashid; A Study into the Early Schism within the Pakistan Courts By Usman Khan Yousafzai INTRODUCTION The judicial history of Pakistan is of a mixed legacy with instances where the institution completely surrendered itself to the executive, becoming mere rubberstamps of the growing power within the center of the country whereas, in other instances, it rebelled against said powers and enjoyed a level independence not afforded to other institutions within the country. It is safe to say that the judicature has enjoyed its own evolution within the country and it is the examination of this beginning that is the purpose of this study to understand how the Courts of Pakistan evolved within the early years of Pakistan. The Judiciary of Pakistan derives its history from British India where the original organs of the institutions were established in the cities that did not become part of Pakistan forcing the judiciary to formulate a separate path whilst...

What is an IADS A modern IADS is far more complex than a singular SAM battery or its associated command vehicle and radar. Analysts and operational planners should strive to use a common language when discussing IADS, and incorporate this knowledge in order to plan against these complex systems as missions dictate. This understanding must include recognition that a linear, simplistic approach to defeating modern, complex IADS is insufficient and instead requires integrated multi-domain operations. An IADS is the “structure, equipment, personnel, procedures, and weapons used to counter the enemy’s airborne penetration of one’s own claimed territory,” according to one US Air Force intelligence expert. Rather than a single weapon or person, it is an amalgamation of elements, organized to minimize threats in the air domain. Thus, an effective IADS performs three functions—air surveillance, battle management, and weapons control. Of these, air surveillance alone includes five...

In continuation of our previous discussion on unmanned marine vehicles, this article shifts its focus to the intricate realm of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT). Building upon the groundwork laid in our earlier submission, we delve into the collaborative synergy between human-operated vessels and their unmanned counterparts. MUMT stands as a pinnacle in naval innovation, exemplifying the seamless integration of human expertise with cutting-edge autonomous technologies. Join us on this exploration as we navigate the dynamics, challenges, and transformative potential that Manned-Unmanned Teaming brings to the forefront of modern naval practices. The surge in unmanned systems within the marine environment has sparked a parallel surge in studies exploring the interoperability of unmanned submerged and surface vehicles in conjunction with manned platforms. While acknowledging certain developments during WWII that introduced autonomy capabilities with torpedoes, our focus here shifts to...

In the latter months of 2023, Iran's ongoing conversion project garnered attention on social media platform, showcasing images of a logistics vessel—a tanker—transformed into a drone/aircraft carrier. The images indicate that the ship's deck underwent a transformation into a flat landing pad/runway. Notably, a ski-jump feature was incorporated on the bow side, and satellite imagery revealed the presence of an angled runway achieved through a deck extension on the starboard side, facilitating aircraft landings. Initially, the superstructure, akin to the islands found on conventional aircraft carriers, spanned across the beam, seemingly posing a challenge to landings. However, the incorporation of the angled deck implies the provision of approximately 150 meters of unobstructed landing space for deploying aircraft on this vessel. On the other hand, this practice raises questions as it introduces a limited-angle window for landing operations, potentially leading to a collision risk...

Military technology is an ever-changing landscape. New developments pose previously unseen threats to militaries all over the world, forcing decision-makers to improvise. Mainstays of today's military forces may fall out of favour, much like the dreadnaughts from the early 20th century. Many militaries haven't evolved significantly since the Cold War. Though technology has come a long way, a momentous leap hasn't happened. However, recent events suggest the next major evolution in warfare is already beginning. As a result, any serious regional or global power must plan their procurements masterfully; not doing so will be akin to pouring billions down the drain, arming up with weapons fit for a bygone era. Drones saw action in reconnaissance missions for many decades. The first time a drone targeted combatants was in the early 2000s when the USA deployed MQ-1 Predator drones in Afghanistan and Yemen. Since then, drones have been relegated to low-intensity, counterinsurgency...

Tanks are evolving, albeit slowly. Tank armour and protection systems have come a long way. However, cannons haven't changed much. Tank barrels have increased in diameter, with this trend continuing in the latest generation of tanks. However, the limit for practical round size has more or less climaxed. So what could be the next step to increase the lethality of cannons? Firstly, let's look at why tank cannons are still relevant in the age of guided missiles. While anti-tank guided-missiles (ATGMs) can knock out practically any tank, most newer tanks can resist 120mm HEAT, APFSDS or other barrel launched projectiles (in a frontal impact). So why not ditch tank cannons altogether? Here are some reasons why: Velocity: Rounds fired from tank barrels are much faster than ATGMs. For instance, the Rheinmetall Rh-120 can launch rounds at over 1700 meters per second. In comparison, the AGM-114 Hellfire travels at around 450 meters per second. Although unguided, there are circumstances...

The Baltic States continue to enhance their defence capabilities. Their authorities feel threatened amid the current tensions between Russia and the West. Lithuania is particularly concerned by Russian troops in neighbouring Belarus. “This is an extremely worrying time not just for Lithuania but for all the NATO allies,” President Nauseda said. So, taking into account the complex political situation, Lithuanian leadership called on NATO member states to boost the Alliance’s enhanced forward presence in the region. Denmark decided to support Lithuania and send its four F-16 fighter jets to join NATO's Baltic air policing mission. According to Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, this decision “comes at just the right time”. The Šiauliai Air Base of the Lithuanian Air Force on January, 28 hosted a welcome ceremony. The fighter planes will patrol Lithuanian air space until April 1 along with four Polish fighters that have been stationed there since December 1. Several exercises...

Brief history of Turkish LHD/LPD project The Turkish Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) project, which actually dates back to the 1990s, was referred to as a Landing Platform Dock project. It was designed to meet the amphibious force transfer - projection needs of the Turkish Navy. The first drafts of the LPD were made during the 2000s, with the cooperation of the STM (Turkish Defence Industries Branch, then the Secretariat) and the Project Control Board of the Turkish Navy. The first sketches were straightforward LPD design with a supper structure placed afore, 2 40 or 76mm naval guns are present in the A-location with 1/2 Phalanx CIWS are present above the hangar and afore the bridge. The ship had covered side bays capable of launching several RHIBS and inspection/landing boats, a hangar capable of storing 6/8 medium weight helicopters and a dock capable of launching LCAC / LCM / amphibious tracked vehicles. However, by 2010, the Turkish Navy's interest had shifted to the flat-top...

The Turkish Navy has commissioned the intelligence ship TCG Ufuk at a ceremony held at SNR Holding Istanbul Shipyard, the shipbuilding subcontractor chosen by STM, in the presence of President Erdoğan, SSB President İsmail Demir and STM Managing Director Özgür Güleryüz. Prior to TCG Ufuk, intelligence duties were mainly carried out by TCG Yunus (former West German intelligence ship) and also, more partially, by TCG Cesme and TCG Candarli (Silas Bent Class survey ships). TCG Yunus served in the Turkish Navy between 1988-2000 and performed ELINT-SIGINT duties, also referred to as "Training and Electronic Survey Ship", while TCG Cesme & TCG Candarlı are still in service and function mainly as seismic / oceanographic survey ships with limited SIGINT / COMINT capabilities. TCG Candarli, source; eugenio A588 Pictures of TCG Yunus are rare, and little information is known about her service in the West German Navy. Source; Fatih Mehmet Kucuk (Twitter) The project dates back to...

Recent events such as Azerbaijan's victorious war against Armenia and the unprecedented expansion of the Turkic Council suggest that the Turkic world is inching towards unification. At the current pace, it is inevitable. In a war between the existing superpowers, control over the Turkic lands stretching from Central Asia to Thrace could prove to be decisive. Therefore, a unified Turkic entity would prove to be an indispensable strategic ally. In this article we will provide an outline of the Turkic World, the Turkic Council, the geopolitical situation surrounding the Turkic nations and why the Turkic nations are set to become powerful. A summary of today's Turkic world Starting from the far eastern border of Kazakhstan, straddling over Asia Minor across to Thrace, the Turkic world is without a doubt, vast. However, it does not stop at Turkey's border with Greece and Bulgaria. Hungary, which lays in Central Europe also sees itself as part of the Turkic World. Not to mention Turkic...

Prologue Undoubtedly, unmanned systems have become the focal point of contemporary discussions surrounding military applications. This discourse spans ethical considerations, operational efficiency, and concerns regarding security. A pivotal aspect of this dialogue involves evaluating their effectiveness in anti-symmetric warfare and their ability to reduce operational costs in tasks such as monitoring, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions when juxtaposed with traditional manned systems. While it can be asserted that unmanned systems may still lack the adaptability inherent in manned counterparts in various domains, the narrative takes a different turn when considering naval applications. The distributed approach proves to be both practical and significant, representing a paradigm yet to be embraced by any navy in the immediate future. However, it offers a glimpse into the trajectory that the future of naval operations is likely to...

Here is an article for forum members consumption. FUTURE CANADIAN SUBMARINE OPTIONS AFTER the “VICTORIA CLASS”….WHAT NEXT? David Dunlop: This article is strickly the opinion of the writer and not intended for media publication. Canadian submarine interests are divided into three categories: the defence of Canada and North America, supporting Canadian expeditionary deployments to joint action ashore and Canada’s interest in global maritime stability. Recent Russian Submarine Fleet global excursions and increased Russian activities in the air and at sea, has given NATO great concern about the security of the North Atlantic. The NATO alliance aspires to have more control of the North Atlantic by establishing a new NATO Advisory Council (NAC) Joint Force Command in July 2019 with Canada as a major player[1]. Modern characteristics of 21ST Century submarines are: endurance, stealth, freedom of movement and versatility. The best sensor weapon that gives others pause is without...

IDEF'21 (15th fair) has been held in the August, 2021 and in this article we will have a brief look at the naval systems that has been on the display. We will start with Naval platforms of different sizes, then talk about naval weapon systems spanning from cannons to remote controlled stations and finally talk about software and sensors that specifically introduced for naval platforms. Naval Platforms, ongoing projects and concepts TF-2000 AAW Destroyer Before all, in the last IDEF we have seen the latest configuration and design update on the two ongoing, major projects of the Turkish Navy; Istanbul Class frigate and TF-2000 AAW destroyer. I-Class had visible differences on the mast from the earlier released concepts, which was also noticed when the first hull is launched in January 2021, in IDEF the details of the mast and equipment to be installed has been revealed. TF-2000, on the other hand, has been through some remarkable changes in the design with the inclusion of the...

How can Artillery Numbers today relate to Universal Education yesterday? Analysis on the Guns versus Butter impact over time. By: "Nilgiri" Prelude https://defencehub.live/threads/indian-army-artillery-archive.1564/page-4 "Crixus": "Nilgiri": "Crixus": Introduction Artillery (including its self-propelled version) is something that often comes up in the discussion of any armed force today given its critical nature as a basic force multiplier (notably since the impact and lessons of the Napoleonic wars). If there is a matter of deep scarcity (any combination of past, current and projected) regarding it, one must dig to get to the root causes of why it is so, given the critical nature of such to the security and defense paradigm at large. The deepest of all root causes generally are those regarding "Guns versus Butter" arguments in the realm of opportunity costs, the development of political forces and institutions designed to serve this and their sovereign control...

The EU is looking more toothless than ever before. Meanwhile, the USA has been hit by a worrying crisis which may cripple it for years. The western world is facing major hurdles. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Meet CANZUK. A theoretical union between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Just a hundred years ago, the British Empire was the foremost global power. By the year 1920, the British held over 35 million square kilometres of land. Making their empire the largest in world history. At its peak, the phrase "the empire on which the sun never sets" was often used to describe the British Empire; a testament to just how large and widespread its territory was. However, after two world wars, the United Kingdom was superseded by its ally, the United States of America. For decades following the Second World War, The USA and the USSR became the two competing superpowers. The UK still held significant power but was losing its colonial territories. As...

This article is an opinion piece only written by the author. Dedicated Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Ships Canada has the longest coastline on the planet and a proud maritime heritage. However, it is the only G7 country without a true amphibious sealift capability. It has been said that a self-contained sea-based amphibious force is the best kind of fire extinguisher because of its flexibility, reliability, logistics simplicity and relative economy. Amphibious capability is the ability to transport and launch troops and vehicles via ships and aircraft, as well as launching of ground-targeted weapons from sea. An amphibious sealift capability is not something that Canada envisions, but it is something that Canada needs. There are two larger issues: what political, economic, and security interests are Canadian naval forces intended to serve? And what is to be the RCNs distinctive contribution to Canada’s national security in this new century? It is thought that...