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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is setting its sights on the future of aerial combat with its ambitious “Loyal Wingman” program. This initiative seeks to procure a fleet of 200-250 unmanned, semi-autonomous aircraft designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets.

Local powerhouse Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is spearheading this program, proposing the development of two distinct classes of these uncrewed combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in collaboration with a private sector company.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India achieved a significant milestone in its defence development on March 20, 2024, with the successful test-firing of its first indigenously-made 1500-horsepower (HP) engine for Main Battle Tanks. This groundbreaking engine was developed by BEML’s Engine division in Mysuru and represents a major leap forward in India’s quest for self-reliance in military technology.

Sources familiar with the program, speaking to idrw.org, revealed plans for the next phase of development. The “Generation Two” iteration of this engine will be used for crucial trials on older Arjun tank prototypes starting in mid-2025.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful autonomous landing of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology demonstrator, named “LEX.” This mission marks a major step forward in developing a cost-effective and reusable space transportation system.

The RLV LEX is a winged space plane designed to take off vertically, reach orbit, deploy satellites, and then return to Earth for a runway landing. Unlike traditional expendable rockets, the RLV can be reused multiple times, significantly reducing launch costs. ISRO’s recent mission focused on the crucial landing phase, demonstrating the vehicle’s ability to autonomously navigate and land under challenging conditions.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

CREDIT VISHWA KIRAN

The skies over Bengaluru witnessed a landmark event recently with the successful maiden flight of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. This indigenous aircraft has garnered praise not just for its performance, but also for the significant improvements made in its build quality and maintainability.

Images of the Mk1A reveal a key feature numerous quick-access panels adorning the underside of the fuselage. This design shift prioritizes ease of maintenance, allowing for quicker access to critical components during ground checks and repairs. This focus on serviceability is a major step forward and reflects a credit to the tireless efforts of HAL and its network of suppliers.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

CREDIT Nitin A. Gokhale @nitingokhale

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) celebrated a momentous occasion yesterday in Bengaluru with the successful maiden flight of the LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. Following the impressive test flight, HAL Chairman, Ananthakrishnan, addressed the media, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

“This is a big step today,” Ananthakrishnan declared, emphasizing the crucial role the Mk1A’s first flight plays in advancing towards the delivery of these aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). He elaborated on HAL’s commitment to fulfilling IAF requirements, stating, “We are also looking to deliver one more LCA trainer aircraft to the IAF before March 31.” This commitment builds upon the foundation laid by the previous delivery of four trainer-version aircraft to the IAF.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

CREDIT NeutronX @Archit_Ch

Satellite imagery reveals promising progress in the development of DRDO’s joint LRDE-GTRE Test Facility Centre at Rajankunte, India. Notably, GTRE’s Twin Test Cell, a crucial component capable of testing future engines exceeding 130kN thrust, is clearly visible in the images.

This project signifies a significant advancement in India’s indigenous engine development capabilities. The groundwork for the facility, encompassing Civil Works and Allied Services for the Engine Test Facility along with ancillary work for GTRE, commenced in September 2023. Consultancy work for the project began two months prior, in July 2023.

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SOURCE: Larsen & Toubro

In a significant development emphasising the robust ties between United Kingdom and India, Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships RFA Argus and RFA Lyme Bay arrived at L&T Shipbuilding’s Kattupalli Shipyard for Assisted Maintenance Period (AMP) and Self Maintenance Period (SMP) respectively. This marks a historical milestone in the longstanding collaboration between UK and India in the maritime domain.

The choice of L&T Shipbuilding highlights the growing stature of L&T in the field of shipbuilding and ship repairs. Given the state-of-the-art infrastructure, expanse and skilled workforce, L&T’s Shipyard, equipped with shiplift facility, multiple dry berths and wet berths, is well equipped to undertake complex maintenance requirements of modern naval vessels.

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SOURCE: ANI

Reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India,” the Ministry of External Affairs said that China may repeat its “baseless claims” as many times as they want but that will not change the position.

In response to a query during a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Our position on the matter has been made very clear on Arunachal Pradesh time and again. We have recently also issued statements in this regard. I think a couple of statements.”

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SOURCE: ANI

India is constantly in touch with Russian authorities to have Indian nationals released and discharged from the Russian army as early as possible, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing on Thursday.

Asked about update on Indians who were duped by agents and sent to Russia to join the military, Randhir Jaiswal stated, “Regarding Russia, as I told you earlier also, we are constantly in touch with Russian authorities. We have taken it up strongly for them to have our nationals released and discharged as early as possible.”

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SOURCE: ANI

Hitting back at China over its comments on the investigation into the alleged foiled assassination plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India and the United States are capable of dealing with any issues between the two countries.

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, added that there is no role for any “speculative comments and gratuitous advice” by “unrelated third parties.”

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SOURCE: PTI

India on Thursday said it continues to encourage a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through “dialogue and diplomacy”. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this in response to a query during a press meet on India’s stand on the inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland.

“We continue to encourage peaceful resolution of Russian-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

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SOURCE: PTI

Four terrorists were on Thursday given life imprisonment in a terror conspiracy case related to the banned Babbar Khalsa International outfit by a NIA special court in Mohali, according to an official statement.

The terrorists convicted and sentenced by the court include chief conspirator Kulwinderjeet Singh alias Khanpuria, involved in several terror cases, including a bomb blast at Connaught Place and a grenade attack at Red Fort in Delhi, in the nineties, said the statement issued by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

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SOURCE: PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday defended the Agnipath scheme underlining that the future of youths joining as Agniveers would not be impacted, even as he said the government was “open” to bring any change in it “if required”.

During a fireside chat on the concluding day of the Times Now Summit here, Mr Singh, while responding to a question on the criticism of the scheme, said such questions have “no standing” and underlined that everyone will accept that the armed forces should have a young profile.

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SOURCE: ANI

India sees the UN Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and the “unconditional” release of all hostages by Hamas, as a “positive development”, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict and said that New Delhi condemns terrorism, calls for safe and timely aid to Palestinians, and also believes in a two-state solution.

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SOURCE: ANI

The Manipur Police has arrested four persons in possession of a significant cache of arms from the Bishnupur district of Manipur, police said on Thursday. The four arrested persons have been identified as Salam Rameshwor Singh, Tongbram Gyanjit Singh, Pukhrem Ingocha Singh, and Thokchom Temba. Alongside the arrests, authorities seized a significant cache of items, including three SLR Rifles and four empty magazines.

Additionally, they confiscated twenty live rounds, seven mobile phones, one Baofeng Walkie Talkie Set, and two cars, along with bags and various other items. The police arrested the accused on Tuesday from IV Road, Moirang Thoya to Tronglaobi, Bishnupur District. A case has been registered for further investigation into the matter, the police added.

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