SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The German air force, also known as the Luftwaffe, is planning to bring three of its most advanced aircraft – the A400M, A330 MRTT, and Eurofighter Typhoon – to India as part of the country’s international Tarang Shakti exercise. If the timing of the exercise does not coincide with the Luftwaffe’s plans, the aircraft may be deployed to India for “local flying” activities instead.

The A400M is a large military transport aircraft capable of carrying a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, troops, and equipment. It is currently on offer to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under an MTA tender that was issued earlier this year.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move to modernize its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army has received the green light from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to procure a state-of-the-art Towed Gun System (TGS). The DAC, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of these advanced guns on November 30, 2023.

The new TGS is expected to be lighter, more versatile, and feature-packed compared to the existing artillery systems. This enhanced firepower and precision will significantly bolster the Indian Army’s ability to defend its borders and deter potential adversaries.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer, is estimating that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to procure 25-30 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for which Embraer has offered its C-390M Cargo Transporter. The IAF is facing increasing pressure from China on its north-eastern border, with austere airfields in the region requiring rugged transporters. The C-390M, with its maximum carrying capacity of 26 tonnes, is well-suited for these demanding operations.

“We believe that the C-390M is the perfect solution for the IAF’s MTA requirements,” said a senior Embraer executive. “The aircraft is proven, reliable, and versatile, and it offers the best value for money.”

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that the indigenous content in the second batch of LCA-Tejas Mark 1A will be further increased to over 70%. The aim is to reach at least 80% by the end of the production of the aircraft.

This is a significant increase from the 55% indigenous content in the 40 older Tejas Mk1 fighter jets that are already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF had placed orders for 83 Tejas Mk1A in 2021, which will feature 65% of indigenous content.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK), a Jabalpur-based ammunition manufacturer, has successfully developed a NATO Standard 1000 kilogram aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This marks a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, as it will be the highest calibre ammunition to be inducted by the IAF.

Currently, the IAF uses a 450 kg aerial bomb as its standard ordnance. The new 1000 kg bomb will provide the IAF with a much-needed capability boost, allowing it to deliver more powerful strikes against its adversaries.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman C.B. Ananthakrishnan expressed his openness to collaborating with the private sector to expedite the development of a 6th generation fighter aircraft.

Responding to a query regarding HAL’s potential partnership with private industry, Ananthakrishnan acknowledged the evolving nature of 6th-generation fighter jet technology and the lack of definitive design specifications. He emphasized that HAL will decide on engaging with private industry once the conceptual framework and required capabilities are clearly defined.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), MBDA, a European missile manufacturer, has confirmed that integration work is underway to integrate its ASRAAM missiles onto the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. This integration is expected to be completed soon and will significantly enhance the close-quarters combat capabilities of the LCA-Tejas.

Earlier this year LCA-Tejas tested fired and demonstrated its ability to operate Israeli Python-5 CCM. The ASRAAM and Python-5 are both considered to be among the best within-visual-range (WVR) missiles in the world.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK) has secured export orders for 40,000 L-70 ammunition cartridge cases and PDM 557 fuses. The L-70 ammunition cartridge cases will be exported to the European Union in December 2023, and an equal number of ammunition will be delivered by March 2024.

OFK has also received export orders for PDM 557 fuses, which will be exported to European, African, and other countries soon for use with 155 mm ammunition. European and African countries have expressed interest in the older version of the PDM 557 for use in their air defence systems as per their strategic requirements.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a bid to meet the burgeoning demand for air travel in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are set to engage in discussions with major carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, to explore the potential development of a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA). The proposed RTA, a 90-seat turboprop aircraft, aims to address the increasing demands in the country’s aviation sector over the next two decades. The project, assigned to the National Aerospace Laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, holds significant promise but faces challenges that require strategic collaboration and financial backing.

With expectations that the South Asian region will witness the addition of more than 2,400 aircraft over the next 20 years, India is actively considering the development of a 90-seat turboprop RTA. This move aligns with the country’s aspirations to bolster its aviation capabilities and cater to the growing air travel demands within its borders.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the possibility of upgrading its fleet of 17 IL-76 strategic transporters through collaboration with Indian private sector companies and defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The proposed upgrade, which was initially discussed with Russia in 2018, aims to extend the operational life of the IL-76 aircraft by another 15 years.

At the heart of the upgrade lies the replacement of the outdated Soloviev D-30KP turbofan engines with the more fuel-efficient and less noisy PS-90a-76 turbofan engines. This change would not only enhance the aircraft’s performance but also allow it to operate on commercial routes.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been tasked with developing a long-range multiple-barrel rocket (MBRL) for the Indian Army. The new rockets will have a range of up to 350 km, significantly extending the Indian Army’s strike capability.

The development of the new MBRL comes in response to India’s growing security concerns, particularly in the context of its border with China. The Indian Army has been seeking longer-range rockets to effectively deter and respond to potential threats.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) intends to employ the LCA-Navy prototype to showcase its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept, a cutting-edge approach that integrates manned and unmanned aerial platforms to enhance operational capabilities. This demonstration is anticipated to take place in 2025 or 2026.

MUM-T technology has the potential to revolutionize the way air operations are conducted, enabling manned aircraft to collaborate seamlessly with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to carry out complex missions more effectively and efficiently. 

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Feasibility studies to incorporate the Indian-made Astra Mk1 air-to-air missile with the Rafale fighter jets, procured from the French aerospace company, Dassault Aviation, are expected to be completed next year. Earlier this year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) requested Dassault Aviation to integrate indigenous weapons such as the Astra, a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, and the Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) with Rafale fighter jets.

The Astra Mk1 missile is a highly maneuverable BVR missile with a range of over 100 kilometers. It is designed to engage enemy aircraft at long distances before they can enter Indian airspace. The integration of the Astra Mk1 with the Rafale would significantly enhance the IAF’s air-to-air combat capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move aimed at deepening their strategic, defence, and security cooperation, India and Australia recently engaged in talks during the second India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue held in New Delhi. A pivotal aspect of the discussions focused on Australia’s offer to co-develop underwater sensors and drones, presenting a collaborative opportunity to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities and monitor the movements of Chinese warships, particularly its submarine fleet, in the Indian Ocean region.

During the 2+2 Dialogue, Australia extended an offer to India for joint development projects in the field of underwater technologies, specifically focusing on sensors and drones. The collaborative initiative seeks to leverage the expertise and capabilities of both nations to bolster maritime security in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

At the Dubai Airshow, which took place in mid-November, Russian officials presented the updated version of the Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter. This aircraft was designed to transport cargo and personnel. This was the first international trade show appearance for the Il-76MD-90A.

Like many planes designed in the Soviet era, the Il-76 has glass at the bottom of the nose to give navigators a good view. Russian officials have confirmed that the new upgraded aircraft has been offered to many current Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter operators, including India, which is looking to replace older ones. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates 17 Ilyushin Il-76s that were procured in the mid-1980s and are expected to be completely retired from service by 2035 onwards.