SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is accelerating production of the LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft. The state-owned aerospace company aims to deliver six Tejas Trainers this year, part of an 18-aircraft order from the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Following the delivery of the first Tejas Trainer (LT-5201) last October, HAL has prepped two more (LT-5202 & LT-5203) for delivery. These aircraft have successfully completed low-speed taxi trials, with a fourth (LT-5204) nearing completion.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India and Germany recently held their High Defence Committee (HDC) meeting in Berlin, marking a significant step forward in their bilateral defence partnership. During the meeting, officials from the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) presented a proposal for India’s Mounted Gun System (MGS) tender.

KMW’s proposal centers around the AGM Iveco 8×8, a mounted gun system built on an 8×8 wheeled chassis. This system boasts several features that cater to the Indian Army’s specific requirements:

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is embarking on a crucial project to enhance the combat capabilities of its armoured regiments. The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a premier DRDO laboratory, is spearheading the development of a Battlefield Situational Awareness System (BSAS) as part of the “Advanced Vetronics for Futuristic AFVs” project.

The BSAS is a comprehensive system designed to provide real-time battlefield awareness to crew members operating Armoured fighting vehicles. This heightened awareness will significantly improve their decision-making capabilities in dynamic combat situations.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is encountering a slight delay in the first flight of its upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, according to prominent defense journalist Anantha Krishnan M. The originally planned internal company deadline for this month appears out of reach.

While the maiden flight might slip to mid-March, the good news is that the first newly built aircraft’s sortie could be witnessed by Prime Minister Modi, possibly even remotely.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Spain has upped the ante in its bid to win India’s Project-75I contract for six new submarines. Amparo Valcarce, Spain’s Secretary of State for Defence, has extended an invitation to the Indian Navy to witness trials of their cutting-edge Bioethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

This technology is integrated into their new S-80 Plus-class submarines and could be a game-changer for the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Japan is exploring the export of advanced communication antennas for warships to India, according to a Nikkei report. The antenna system, dubbed “UNICORN,” is a collaborative effort by Japanese firms including electronics giant NEC and Yokohama Rubber.

The antenna system, dubbed “UNICORN,” is a technological marvel developed by a consortium of Japanese firms including NEC, a leading electronics manufacturer, and Yokohama Rubber. The UNICORN, formally known as the NORA-50 antenna, is known for its distinctive horn-shaped design that integrates multiple antennas into a single, stealthy structure. This innovative design is currently deployed on Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force escort vessels (FFMs).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

An Indian Navy team is set to visit ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) facilities in Germany this month to inspect the U-212/214 submarines offered for India’s Project-75I tender. This project seeks next-generation submarines to bolster India’s naval prowess.

The U-212/214 class submarines boast a unique design featuring a one-and-a-half hull configuration. The pressure hull, the core of the submarine, is built with non-magnetic steel, enhancing stealth capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is rapidly climbing the ranks of global artillery shell manufacturers, currently sitting as the third largest behind Russia and China. This newfound prominence, however, comes with challenges amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Recent success stories include a $225 million deal with Saudi Arabia for artillery ammunition and a private Indian company securing a contract from the US Army for its Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS), a crucial propellant for 155mm artillery guns. Indian-made ammunition stands out due to its NATO compatibility and modern manufacturing processes, leading to significantly fewer duds (faulty shells).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Border Security Force (BSF) of India is reportedly considering acquiring at least two C-295M transport aircraft, subject to approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to information provided to idrw.org.

The BSF currently operates a fleet of over 20 helicopters for transportation and other missions. They also have a single Embraer 135 BJ business jet, likely used for VIP transport. However, a Beechcraft Super King Air aircraft was unfortunately lost in a crash in 2015.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is poised to embark on a new chapter in its defence exports with the imminent delivery of its Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to Armenia. This marks a significant milestone, as Armenia becomes the first export customer for the indigenously developed Akash system.

Reports suggest deliveries could commence as early as next year, potentially setting the stage for a robust defence partnership between India and Armenia. However, the groundwork for this collaboration is expected to begin sooner, with training for Armenian personnel on operating the Akash system and its radar likely to commence later this year.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Airbus Defense & Space finds itself at a crossroads following its recent triumph in India’s defence procurement landscape, where it secured a significant contract for 15 C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) destined for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy. While this achievement marks a milestone for Airbus, the company now faces the challenge of navigating complex market dynamics and strategic considerations, particularly in its aspirations to develop a maritime patrol variant based on the A320 airliner platform.

The decision to explore the design and development of a maritime patrol aircraft derived from the commercial A320 airliner reflects Airbus’ strategic response to evolving customer demands and emerging opportunities in the maritime surveillance domain. With growing interest from France and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Airbus aims to capitalize on its expertise in aircraft manufacturing and defence technology to meet the evolving requirements of maritime security.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Kalyani Group, a leading Indian industrial conglomerate, is making strides in the field of underwater technology with the development of the SEA EXPLORER, a multi-mission underwater glider.

The SEAEXPLORER is designed to be a powerful and cost-effective solution for oceanographic and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) applications. It operates as an autonomous sensing platform, silently gliding through the water column for extended periods, collecting valuable data.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Following the successful development of the Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) and ongoing work on the Astra MkII and MkIII, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has conveyed a new requirement to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The IAF desires a common close-combat air-to-air missile (CC-AAM) that can be integrated across its entire fighter jet fleet. This domestically developed missile would ideally feature a next-generation infrared (IR) seeker for enhanced target acquisition and tracking capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and Nigeria, a 33-member delegation led by Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Abuja from March 7. The visit comes in response to Nigeria’s expressed interest in fostering collaborative ties with the Indian defense industry, signaling a new chapter in bilateral defense cooperation.

The composition of the delegation underscores the breadth and depth of India’s defense capabilities, with leading defense Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private companies including HAL, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Goa Shipyards, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, L&T, Bharat Forge, and MKU Limited forming part of the contingent. Their presence underscores India’s commitment to exploring new avenues of partnership and enhancing defense collaboration with Nigeria.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent address at the NDTV Defence Summit 2024, Dr Samir V Kamat, the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), emphasized the pressing need for the development of advanced sensors and radars capable of detecting stealth fighter jets and hypersonic cruise and glide weapons. Kamat’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of modern warfare and the crucial role played by technology in maintaining strategic superiority.

Kamat articulated the perpetual challenge faced by defence establishments worldwide, describing it as a “Cat and Mouse Game.” As platforms employing stealth and hypersonic technologies become increasingly prevalent, there arises a corresponding demand for sensor technologies capable of neutralizing these sophisticated threats. The asymmetrical nature of modern warfare necessitates a continuous cycle of innovation and adaptation to counter emerging threats effectively.