SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India is in the early stages of discussions with Vietnam for the supply of Guided Pinaka Rockets, a move that aims to help Vietnam replace its aging fleet of BM-21 and BM-14 multiple rocket launchers (MRLs), which were originally sourced from the Soviet Union. According to sources close to the negotiations, the talks are in the initial phases, and it could take several months before a formal deal is reached. However, both countries have shown a keen interest in moving forward with the collaboration as Vietnam seeks to modernize its artillery capabilities.
The Guided Pinaka Rocket System, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has gained considerable traction in international markets due to its advanced precision strike capabilities. It is part of India’s push to expand its defense exports and offers significant advantages over older, conventional rocket systems. The system’s advanced guidance technology allows it to strike targets with high accuracy, a crucial advantage over the older, unguided rockets such as the Soviet-era BM-21 and BM-14, which are less effective in modern warfare scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Bengaluru-based technology startup Ciphor has achieved significant success in the defense innovation sector by winning five prestigious contracts as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX) program. Known for its cutting-edge solutions in defense and security technology, Ciphor has recently launched two groundbreaking products: the STAMBA autonomous surveillance tower, capable of intercepting live human activity and tracking drones, and a 6U satellite bus designed for defense and scientific missions in low Earth orbit (LEO). These innovations mark Ciphor’s growing role in India’s strategic defense technology landscape and its commitment to advancing the nation’s capabilities in surveillance, communication, and space-based applications.
The IDEX program, launched by India’s Ministry of Defence to foster indigenous innovation, has provided a robust platform for startups like Ciphor to showcase their innovations. The five contracts awarded to Ciphor highlight the Indian government’s trust in the company’s potential to contribute effectively to national security and defense technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The forthcoming report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence is expected to echo last year’s recommendation for the government to consider acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft “over the counter” if delays plague the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project. This suggestion underscores the urgency of bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) dwindling fighter squadron strength amidst long-standing procurement challenges.
In its previous report, the committee expressed concerns over the pace of the MRFA procurement process, which aims to induct 114 fighter jets. The panel highlighted the risk of the project following the protracted trajectories of earlier programs like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Kaveri jet engine.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
On November 4, 2024, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), responsible for the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), issued a tender for the procurement of raw materials required for the manufacturing of ECS (Environmental Control System) valves. These valves are a crucial component of the AMCA, playing a pivotal role in regulating and maintaining the aircraft’s environmental systems, ensuring optimal performance and survivability under various operational conditions.
The tender specifies the raw materials to be procured, primarily focusing on high-performance alloys and stainless steel that are essential for the demanding aerospace applications of the AMCA. The materials mentioned in the tender include various grades of Nimonic, Inconel, and 17-4 PH steel, all of which are well-known for their excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability—key characteristics needed for aircraft components.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking replacements for its ageing fleet of Soviet-era Ilyushin Il-76 heavy transport aircraft. As these aircraft approach the end of their operational life, the IAF requires a modern, reliable, and efficient transporter capable of meeting its strategic airlift requirements. Among the contenders are the Airbus A400M Atlas, a turboprop-driven aircraft, while not on offer but the Kawasaki C-2, a twin-turbofan-engine cargo aircraft should be considered. While both aircraft offer significant capabilities, a closer comparison reveals distinct advantages and drawbacks for each.
The Airbus A400M is a modern, multi-role turboprop-driven transport aircraft that has been lauded for its versatility and advanced systems. It is capable of carrying up to 37 tons of payload, placing it in the same league as the Il-76 and Kawasaki C-2. The aircraft is designed to operate from short and unprepared airstrips, making it ideal for tactical and strategic airlift operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Bofors 40mm Automatic Gun L/70, originally developed by the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors, has been a cornerstone of air defense systems for decades. Recently, the legacy weapon system received a significant technological boost, as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) integrated its Drone Guard System (DGS) into the platform. This development underscores the evolving role of the L/70 autocannon in countering emerging aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.
The upgraded Bofors L/70 now features BEL’s advanced Drone Guard System, which has been specifically designed to detect, track, and neutralize rogue drones. The DGS works to provide security to the autocannon also as an integrated solution for low-altitude aerial threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Bengaluru-based startup Astrogate Labs Pvt Ltd is making significant strides in revolutionizing communication technologies through its innovative Free Space Laser Communication (FSLC) systems. Under DRDO’s Dare to Dream 4.0 initiative, the startup is developing high-speed, cost-effective solutions that could transform how data is transmitted across vast distances in space and for military applications.
Despite advances in space exploration, humanity still relies on radio signals for interplanetary communication. While dependable, radio waves are inherently slow for transmitting data over vast distances, leading to significant delays. For instance, it takes anywhere from 4 to 21 minutes for a message to travel from Mars to Earth.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a significant diplomatic milestone, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated the new premises of the Indian Embassy in Rome, underscoring the growing strength of bilateral ties between India and Italy.
The inauguration event, held in the heart of the historic city, was attended by several dignitaries, including Ambassador Vani Rao and Ambassador Giulio Terzi, with a notable presence of the Indian community in Italy, an official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday said five cases have been registered here against local landlords for providing properties to the Rohingya refugees, who are “undocumented and pose a potential security threat”.
The police termed the action as a “significant step” to curb the illegal influx of the Rohingya refugees and to ensure public safety. “Jammu Police has identified several instances and likewise registered cases against landlords who have knowingly or unknowingly rented their properties to Rohingya refugees, who are undocumented and pose a potential security threat,” the police said in a statement here.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Canadian chapter of the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) held an engaging session on the rising challenges of antisemitism and Hinduphobia in universities and academic settings at Victoria College at University of Toronto on Sunday. The session featured speakers from the US who shared their research on antisemitism and Hinduphobia and provided actionable insights on effectively engaging university administrators to dispel these forms of hatred. Speaking to ANI during the session, one of the speakers, Joel Finkelstein, emphasized the importance of Jewish-Hindu cooperation and collaboration, stating that such partnerships are essential in societies that prioritize reasoned conversation and the dignity of human life.
According to Finkelstein, these shared principles provide a foundation for mutual protection and concern, pointing at various organizations working together to oppose efforts to suppress human dignity and ideas that demonstrate the need for cooperation between communities. He noted that these efforts often arise from violent and narcissistic forces that target vulnerable groups.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai commended the state’s security forces for their successful operations in eliminating Naxalites, praising their courage and dedication on Sunday. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to establishing peace and ensuring citizen safety. The CM highlighted that over 210 Naxalites have been eliminated in 11 months, marking significant progress toward eradicating Naxalism. “After the formation of the government, the security forces are fighting the Naxalites bravely and the recent success in eliminating the Naxalites is commendable.
I wanted to spend time with the security forces and see the conditions in which they live and carry out operations. I spent time with the security forces in a security camp…I also planted a sapling there…it was a very good experience. I salute them as they have succeeded in eliminating more than 210 Naxalites in 11 months,” he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized a vessel with six Myanmarese crew carrying 6,000 kg of contraband Methamphetamine near Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an official said on Monday.
The drugs were found packed in around 3,000 packets of 2 kg each, which are worth several crores of rupees in the international market. On November 23, the pilot of a Coast Guard Dornier aircraft while on routine patrolling noticed a suspicious movement of a fishing trawler near Barren Island which is nearly 150 km from Port Blair, the Defence official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that there was sensitivity involved in the matter related to the mercy petition of death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana, convicted in the 1995 assassination case of then Punjab chief minister Beant Singh.
A bench headed by Justice B R Gavai was hearing Rajoana’s plea seeking directions to commute his death sentence to life term due to the “inordinate delay” in deciding his mercy petition.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Handwara Police along with security forces busted a terrorist hideout in the forest area of Mughalpora Kremhora and recovered ammunition and explosives.
Acting on a specific input, police along with Army (Rashtriya Rifles) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) (92 Bn), launched a meticulous combing operation in the forest area of Mughalpora Kremhora falling under the jurisdiction of Police Post Zachaldara, a release said.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Indian Naval Sailing vessel INSV Tarini departed from Fremantle, Australia, on Sunday, marking the beginning of the second leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition to Lyttelton, New Zealand.
Tarini and her intrepid crew were seen off by an enthusiastic crowd cheering for the safe passage to Lyttelton, an official release stated. Navika Sagar Parikrama-II, which was flagged off by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, on 2 October, is an Indian Navy expedition undertaking a dual-handed circumnavigation of the earth by two women officers of the Navy onboard 56 ft INSV Tarini.
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