SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) are set to begin fabricating a full-scale model of the Ghatak stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) program. This development follows the infusion of funding for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Ghatak programs, signifying a major milestone in India’s indigenous stealth aircraft capabilities.
The Ghatak is a 12-ton, stealthy unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to operate in high-threat environments. It is intended to perform deep penetration strikes, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in contested airspace, where conventional manned aircraft may not survive.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has added a significant advancement to India’s arsenal with the development of TARA, the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation system. This new glide bomb series, which will include variants based on 250kg, 450kg, and 500kg bomb bodies, marks India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to enhance the precision and range of air-delivered munitions.
One of the standout features of the TARA series is its integration of dual CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) / IIR (Imaging Infrared) seekers, providing enhanced target acquisition and guidance. The inclusion of advanced scene-matching algorithms significantly boosts the bomb’s ability to locate and engage targets in complex environments, including under adverse weather conditions or in the presence of countermeasures.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s ageing Kilo-class submarine fleet, once the backbone of its underwater force, has now dwindled to seven from its original strength of ten submarines. The fleet, officially designated as the Sindhughosh class, has been a critical part of India’s naval capabilities for over three decades. However, with advancements in submarine technology and the increasing challenges posed by modern naval warfare, the Indian Navy is now preparing for the gradual phase-out of these vessels.
The reduction in the Kilo-class fleet began with the retirement of INS Sindhudhvaj in July 2022, a submarine that had served the Navy since 1987. Another significant loss was the tragic sinking of INS Sindhurakshak in 2013, which was caused by an onboard explosion that claimed the lives of 18 sailors. Further, the INS Sindhuvir was transferred to Myanmar in 2020 as part of defence cooperation between the two nations, reducing the fleet size.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, while initially aimed at addressing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) need for an indigenous fighter jet, has also presented an opportunity to showcase Indian aerospace capabilities on the global market.
However, India’s first attempt to export the Tejas Mk1A faced significant challenges, from limited marketing to tough international competition, which has underscored the need for a more strategic approach with the upcoming Tejas MkII. Learning from the Mk1A’s marketing shortfalls, India can take several key steps to create a competitive export strategy for the Tejas MkII, positioning it as a viable, cost-effective option for countries seeking modern fighters without the high price tags of Western alternatives.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
For the first time, a clear photograph has emerged of the elusive side weapon bay on Russia’s Su-57, offering a detailed glimpse into one of the most mysterious aspects of the country’s fifth-generation fighter jet. Known for its emphasis on agility, advanced avionics, and stealth capabilities, the Su-57 represents Russia’s response to similar platforms like the F-22 and F-35, with unique engineering solutions tailored to meet both air superiority and multirole requirements.
The newly revealed image sheds light on the Su-57’s side weapon bay, a component that has been the subject of speculation since the aircraft’s early development. Here’s a breakdown of what this weapon bay means for the Su-57’s capabilities and how it reflects broader Russian design philosophy.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A growing number of Indian defense enthusiasts and veterans are advocating for the revival of the HAL HF-24 Marut, India’s first indigenous fighter-bomber, as part of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Heritage Flight. The Marut, which first flew in 1961, holds a unique place in Indian aviation history as the nation’s first indigenously designed and manufactured combat aircraft. The push for its restoration reflects a wider movement to preserve India’s rich aerospace legacy, with many seeing the Marut as a symbol of India’s pioneering spirit in aircraft development and its early aspirations for aerospace self-reliance.
Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the guidance of famed German aircraft designer Dr. Kurt Tank, the HF-24 Marut was a remarkable achievement for India’s nascent aerospace industry. As the first combat jet to be designed and built entirely within India, it marked a milestone in the nation’s defense capability during a period when indigenous aerospace technology was still in its infancy.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has entered into an agreement with Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. (NASA) for the supply of heavy water for pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) over the next four years. This virtual signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both sides, including S. Satyakumar, Chairman and Chief Executive of Heavy Water Board (HWB), Alberto Lamagna, President of NASA, and Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia from the Indian Embassy in Argentina.
This agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s commitment to international cooperation in advanced technology areas, particularly in the nuclear energy sector. It aligns with the celebration of DAE’s Platinum Jubilee year, highlighting India’s role as a global leader in nuclear technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
ISRO chairman S Somanath on Tuesday urged industry houses to invest in the space sector in a big way to build rockets and allied systems for India to emerge as a space power by 2047.
Addressing the Indian Space Conclave here, Somanath voiced concern over the “elusive” investments in the upstream sector of the space industry comprising launch vehicles, hardware and software for ground-based stations, telemetry, tracking and command stations.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Warship-maker Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd on Tuesday laid the keels, marking the beginning of construction, of two next generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPV), an official said here. The Kolkata-based Defence PSU is building four NGOPVs for the Indian Navy and these are the first two of those, he said.
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, who was the chief guest at the programme at the GRSE headquarters here, expressed immense pride in India’s journey in becoming a formidable global power in shipbuilding, rivaling industry giants worldwide. GRSE has built and delivered several offshore patrol vessels (OPV) to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, the official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
U.S.-based startup Axiom Space is exploring using Indian launch vehicles to support its international space station mission, a senior executive said on Tuesday.
Axiom Space is one of the few companies constructing a private space station, intended to eventually replace the International Space Station (ISS), which the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) expects to retire around 2030.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Union’s Proba 3 Sun Observation Mission in December, said Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, on Tuesday.
Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the Indian Space Conclave 3.0 in New Delhi, he said the space scientists from India will partner with those in Europe to unravel the mysteries of the Sun.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Maintaining that drone warfare has proved to be a major disruptor on the present-day battlefield, Eastern Army Commander Lt General R C Tiwari on Tuesday said that the Indian Army is looking at augmenting its units and formations with potent state-of-the-art drones.
Delivering the opening address at the two-day expo ‘East Tech 2024’ here, he urged the defence industry partners of the armed forces to provide robust drones that can operate in high altitudes and challenging environments where the soldiers are deployed.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Army has inducted 550 indigenously developed ‘Asmi’ machine pistols into the Northern Command which oversees operations in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
This is the first batch of the 100 per cent Indian-made weapon intended to equip Special Forces for close-quarter battles and specialised operations in India’s Northern Theatre. “In a significant boost to the nation’s Atmanirbharta initiative, the Indian Army inducted 550 ‘Asmi’ machine pistols into the Northern Command,” PRO Defence Jammu announced on X.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is likely to tomorrow brief the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on the issues concerning India’s ties with Canada as also bilateral relations with China. A meeting of the committee, which is headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, is slated to take place at 11 am on Wednesday. The agenda for the meeting states that representatives of the Ministry of External Affairs will give oral evidence on Demands for Grants of the Ministry for the year 2024-25 and there will be briefing by Foreign Secretary “on issues in India’s foreign relations – India-Canada and India-China”.
Ties with Canberra have seen sharp deterioration with India repeatedly expressing its deep concern about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada and has asked Canadian authorities to take action against these activities. An Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Canada’s Brampton witnessed a “violent disruption” on Sunday in Brampton, near Toronto.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
In a major breakthrough, Punjab Counter Intelligence and Ludhiana Commissionerate Police in a joint operation have solved the petrol bomb incidents targetting Shiv Sena leaders with the arrest of four members of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) module being operated by foreign-based individuals Harjit Singh and Sabi, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.
Those arrested have been identified as Jaswinder Singh, alias Binder, a resident of Boothgarh in Ludhiana; Ravinder Pal Singh, alias Ravi (38), Manish Sahid, alias Sanju (30), and Anil Kumar, alias Honey (27), trio residents of Rahon in Nawanshahr.
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