1. India successfully tests Integrated Air Defence System

India conducted successful tests of the Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) on August 24.

The IADS consist of the QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile), VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System), and High Energy Laser Weapon System. 

During the flight tests, three different targets, including two high-speed fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle targets and a multi-copter drone, were simultaneously engaged and destroyed completely by the QRSAM, VSHORADS and High Energy Laser weapon system at different ranges and altitudes.

The QRSAM has a range of 30 kilometres and can intercept targets at an altitude of 10 kilometres. The VSHORAD has a range of 6 kilometres and can engage targets at an altitude of 3 kilometres.

2. Indian Navy issues RFI for 76 helicopters

In a report by ANI, the Indian Navy has issued an RFI (Request for Information) for 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH).

Out of the 76 helicopters, 51 are going to be used by the Indian Navy and 25 are going to be used by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The RFI mentions that the helicopter should be in the Buy and Make (Indian) category.

Indian Navy and ICG are looking for the replacement of Chetak helicopters, which have been in service since 1966. It's a licensed version of the Aérospatiale Alouette III, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 

3. Ukraine strikes Russian nuclear reactor with drones

Ukraine launched a drone attack on Russia on August 24, forcing a sharp fall in the capacity of a reactor at one of Russia's biggest nuclear power plants and sparking a huge blaze at the major Ust-Luga fuel export terminal, Russian officials said.

Russia's defence ministry said at least 95 Ukrainian drones had been intercepted across more than a dozen Russian regions on August 24, the day that Ukraine celebrated its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Kursk nuclear power plant, just 60 km (38 miles) from the border with Ukraine, said that air defences shot down a drone that detonated near the plant just after midnight, damaging an auxiliary transformer and forcing a 50% reduction in the operating capacity at reactor No. 3. Radiation levels were normal and there were no injuries from the fire which the drone sparked, the plant said. Two other reactors are operating without power generation, and one is undergoing scheduled repairs.

4. Israel conducts air strike in Yemen

Israel, on August 24, conducted airstrikes in Yemen in response to the cluster missile launched by the Houthis on August 22.

The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been targeting Israel with missiles and drones since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. They argue that their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians. For more than 22 months, the group has also attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Most of the projectiles fired towards Israel have been intercepted before impact. But their frequency has pushed Israel to hit back. On 17 August, Israel said its jets targeted an energy infrastructure site in Sanaa.

5. Russia Ukraine exchange prisoners with UAE mediation 

Russia and Ukraine exchanged 146 prisoners of war from each side on August 24 after mediation by the UAE, the Russian defence ministry said.

The ministry said all of the freed Russians were in Belarus receiving psychological and medical assistance.

Ukraine also returned to Moscow eight Russian citizens, residents of the Kursk region, the ministry said.

6. HAL and GE to start negotiations for engine for Tejas MK-2 

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is set to begin commercial negotiations with US jet engine maker General Electric, a report in the Indian Express said. This comes after two years the two companies signed a pact to jointly produce fighter jet engines.

Officials familiar with developments on the HAL-GE pact said the aim is to conclude commercial negotiations within the next three months and finalise the deal to co-produce the F414-INS6 engines, which will power the Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 jets for the IAF.

GE engines are powering the LCA Tejas MK-1A with their F-404-IN20 and the LCA Tejas MK-2 is going to be powered by the GE F414-INS6 engine. The first two squadrons of AMCA are going to be powered by the same engine.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.