SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian defence scene has been buzzing with discussions about a potential deck-based version of the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) – the N-AMCA – for the Indian Navy. However, People familiar with the program have finally spilled the beans and have told idrw.org that this project was shelved in favour of a more practical solution which was TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter).
When the AMCA program began for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Navy saw an opportunity. They envisioned a carrier-borne variant the N-AMCA that could leverage the AMCA’s technology while offering the Navy a 5th-generation fighter jet. This approach promised cost savings due to its commonality with the IAF version.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The effectiveness of towed artillery guns has been a topic of debate in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. While counter-battery fire has proven adept at quickly targeting towed guns, the Indian Army remains committed to their use alongside Mounted Gun Systems (MGS).
The war in Ukraine has shed light on the vulnerability of towed artillery to counter-battery fire. Advanced radar technology allows enemy forces to locate the origin of artillery fire within minutes, potentially putting towed guns at risk. This has led some former Indian Army officials to advocate for a full transition to MGS.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Stepan Mikoyan’s memoir, “Stepan Mikoyan: Memories of Military Test-flying and Life with the Kremlin’s Elite,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the negotiations surrounding India’s first purchase of MiG-21 fighter jets.
Mikoyan, a test pilot’s son with close ties to the Soviet aviation industry, describes the arrival of the Indian delegation at Kubinka Air Base. Their task was to evaluate the MiG-21 for a potential production license purchase.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The strategically located Andaman and Nicobar Islands are undergoing a significant modernization of their military infrastructure. This upgrade aims to strengthen India’s presence in the region and enhance its ability to monitor and secure the vital trade routes of the Indo-Pacific.
Airstrips at key naval air stations are being extended in phases to accommodate larger aircraft like P8I maritime patrol planes and fighter jets. Additionally, jetties are being enlarged to handle bigger warships.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Continuing its series of Emergency Landing Facilities (ELF) activations across India, the Indian Air Force (IAF) recently brought an ELF online in the crucial western sector. This activation involved cooperation from various government organizations, highlighting a coordinated effort to bolster national security.
The newly activated western sector ELF witnessed the maiden operations of the C-295 MW transport aircraft and the Tejas light combat aircraft. These landings mark a significant milestone, demonstrating the IAF’s ability to operate these new platforms from austere locations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
For the past year, Russia has significantly increased its deployment of glide bombs in the Ukraine war. The size and launch rate of these bombs have risen sharply in recent months.
Glide bombs offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional artillery. Launched from beyond Ukrainian air defense reach, these bombs pack a hefty punch, carrying 500 kg to 1,500 kg of explosives and creating massive craters. This destructive power, combined with their lower cost compared to shelling, makes them a potentially attractive option for Russia.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Defence Ministry’s Hindustan Shipyard Limited is carrying out the design and development of the five fleet support ships indigenously and has terminated all arrangements with Turkish firms for the programme.
The steel-cutting ceremony of the first of the five Fleet Support Ships was held on Wednesday, April 10, in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Armane. The contract was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year with a value of around Rs 22,000 crore for building five large-sized naval vessels.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Refuting all reports of India lost a “substantial” amount of land to China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that no one can occupy even an inch of Indian land under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Reacting to the reports of Chinese construction near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), he said that both countries are independent in carrying out construction on their side of the LAC. On being asked if China has occupied any piece of Indian land, the Defence Minister said, “I don’t think so”.
“Commander-level talks are going on between India and China,” Singh said in an exclusive interview with ANI. “There are some issues, some date back to 2013, which need to be resolved.” He further said that both countries are holding talks with the belief that a resolution will be reached.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raised the issue of the killing of a Khalistani Sikh separatist on the country’s soil last year and asserted that his government stood up to defend the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.
Trudeau, who was testifying at a high-profile public inquiry looking into foreign interference in Canada’s electoral process on Wednesday, also alleged that the previous government was “cosy” with the Indian government.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
Israel for the first time used a seaborne missile defence system to shoot down a drone approaching from the Red Sea that had set off sirens in the port city of Eilat, the military said on Tuesday.
Eilat has been a frequent target for launches by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen as a show of support for Hamas, the Palestinian group that rules Gaza and is also backed by Iran. Israel positioned missile boats in the Red Sea after the start of the war in Gaza, the military said. One of those missile boats shot down the drone with the new system called the C-Dome.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asserted that Pakistan should end terrorism emanating from its soil and if the country feels it is not capable of doing so, it can take India’s help. In an interview with ANI, Rajnath Singh stressed that if Pakistan tries to destabilise India using terrorism, it will have to bear the consequences. India has repeatedly emphasised that it will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and it cannot keep aside terrorism to improve ties with Islamabad.
New Delhi has also said the onus is on Islamabad to create a conducive atmosphere in which there is no terror, hostility or violence. Rajnath Singh said if Pakistan’s intention is clear, it should act decisively against cross-border terrorism. “If Pakistan attempts to destabilize India through terrorism, it will have to face the consequences.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army conducted a training exercise, involving the firing of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) at a super high-altitude area of 17000 feet in Sikkim on Thursday, Defence PRO, Guwahati informed through a press release. Missile-firing detachments from mechanised and infantry units of the entire Eastern Command participated in the training exercise.
Missile-firing detachments from mechanised and infantry units of the entire Eastern Command participated in the training exercise.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said under the strong BJP-led government at the Centre, the country’s security forces are eliminating terrorists on their home turf. Addressing an election rally here, PM Modi said the echoes of ‘Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar’ (Modi government once again) were being heard across the country as people have seen the benefits of a stable government.
“Enemies took advantage and terrorism spread whenever there were weak and unstable governments in the country. But under a strong Modi government, our forces are killing terrorists on their own turf,” he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
In an apparent bid to woo Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a major tourism body in Male has announced that it will hold road shows across key Indian cities. As the number of Indian tourists to the Maldives continues to decline, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) held discussions with India’s High Commissioner here, Munu Mahawar, on enhancing travel and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
A full-blown backlash was directed at the Maldives following derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by three Maldivian officials after Modi posted photos and video of the pristine Lakshadweep Islands on India’s west coast on January 6 on his X handle.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India’s ballistic missile defense (BMD) program is set for a significant upgrade with the development of a new Long Range Radar (LRR), according to the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Annual Report for 2022-23. This radar system promises enhanced detection, identification, and tracking capabilities for ballistic missiles.
The LRR’s arrival coincides with the ongoing Phase-II of India’s BMD program. This phase, expected to be operational by 2026-27, will see the induction of two new interceptor missiles, further strengthening India’s multi-layered missile defense architecture. The LRR’s superior detection, tracking, and data transmission capabilities will be instrumental in ensuring the effectiveness of these new interceptor missiles.
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