SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a transformative development for India’s indigenous fighter aircraft programs, the Tejas Mk-II, slated for rollout later in 2025 and production by 2029, will incorporate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities derived from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This integration, aimed at enhancing pilot efficiency and operational synergy between the Tejas Mk-II and AMCA, marks a significant leap in India’s pursuit of cutting-edge aerospace technology.
According to sources close to idrw.org, the AI system for the Tejas Mk-II will focus on sensor fusion, integrating data from the aircraft’s radar, electronic warfare suite, and other sensors to provide pilots with real-time situational awareness. In air-to-air missions, for instance, the AI will analyze radar data to identify and prioritize high-threat targets, such as enemy aircraft or missiles, and suggest optimal engagement strategies. This decision-support capability will reduce pilot workload, enabling faster and more precise responses in high-stakes combat scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), one of India’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturers, has announced plans to develop a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), marking another step toward strengthening the country’s indigenous unmanned systems capabilities.
According to information shared with idrw.org, the proposed UAV will be powered by a propeller-driven engine mounted at the rear—a configuration that enhances aerodynamic efficiency and reduces noise signature, especially useful during surveillance missions. The platform will also feature an Electro-Optical (EO) sensor payload and incorporate a tailwheel landing gear system, suggesting a robust and potentially short-field takeoff and landing capability.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Armenia, seeking to modernize its artillery capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, has emerged as a key buyer of India’s indigenous defense systems, particularly the MArG 155mm/39 caliber wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge.
In 2022, Armenia secured a $155.5 million contract for 72 MArG 39 howitzers, marking a significant milestone in India-Armenia defense ties. Following successful operational tests of the MArG 39 across various Armenian terrains, the country is now evaluating the upgraded MArG 45, a 155mm/45 caliber variant offering enhanced range and firepower. Sources cited by the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) indicate that Armenia’s positive experience with the MArG 39, combined with its need for lightweight, mobile artillery suited for mountainous regions, prompted interest in the MArG 45.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent critique of Pakistan’s defense strategy, Dave Des Roches, a former senior Pentagon official and current professor at the Near East South Asia Centre for Strategic Studies, highlighted what he sees as a critical flaw in Pakistan’s military priorities.
Des Roches, who previously served as the senior country director for Pakistan in the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, argued that Pakistan’s “real need” lies in robust missile defense systems, given its geographic vulnerability to India. However, he noted that Pakistan appears to be favoring the acquisition of advanced stealth fighters and early warning aircraft, such as the Chinese J-35 and KJ-500, over missile defenses—a choice driven by the allure of “sexier” technology rather than strategic necessity.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a candid admission, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), revealed that India’s Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs face a critical bottleneck: the development of suitable propulsion systems, which could take another four to five years to mature.
This acknowledgment underscores a pressing need for the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a key DRDO laboratory, to intensify efforts on developing indigenous turboprop propulsion systems tailored to meet the stringent requirements of MALE and HALE UAVs. With regional rivals advancing their unmanned capabilities, India must prioritize this technological leap to bolster its aerial surveillance and combat potential under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining the strategic Diego Garcia military base for UK-US use for at least 99 years, has sparked global discussions about its geopolitical implications. As highlighted in a recent episode of Taiwan Talks on YouTube, this deal represents a significant shift in the Indian Ocean’s strategic landscape, with India emerging as a key beneficiary in its ongoing rivalry with China for regional influence.
The Chagos Archipelago, a group of over 60 islands in the central Indian Ocean, has long been a focal point of geopolitical contestation due to its strategic location. Diego Garcia, the largest island, hosts a critical UK-US military base that supports operations across the Middle East, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. The October 2024 agreement, which hands sovereignty to Mauritius—a nation with deep historical and cultural ties to India—offers New Delhi a unique opportunity to enhance its maritime influence and counter China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a leading Indian multinational in engineering and defence technology, has introduced TEER, a state-of-the-art Aerial Target System developed entirely in-house. Designed to enhance weapons testing, operational training, and overall defence preparedness, TEER is being positioned as a potential replacement for the widely used Banshee Aerial Target System in India, reflecting the country’s push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
TEER, short for Manoeuvrable Recoverable Aerial Target (MRAT), is engineered to simulate advanced aerial threats with exceptional precision, speed, and versatility. The system features a high-performance turbojet engine and a modular catapult launch system, enabling rapid deployment and mobility to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. Equipped with onboard payloads such as radar augmentation, infrared and smoke flares, and an Acoustic Miss Distance Indicator, TEER offers realistic, mission-relevant training scenarios for air defence weapon engagement exercises. Its recoverable design further enhances cost-effectiveness and reusability, a key advantage over expendable systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held wide-ranging discussions with French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot on a range of issues and the two sides agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in areas like defence, security, space and civilian-nuclear collaboration.
Jaishankar also expressed India’s “deep appreciation” to France for strong condemnation of the cross-border terrorist attack in Pahalgam and thanked Paris for its “steadfast support for India’s right to defend itself against terrorism”.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said it was “unrealistic” for a third party to insert themselves or to offer to do something if two countries were not prepared for it. Jaishankar was speaking during a panel discussion of an event hosted by a think tank here, when he was asked a specific question about a possible role India could play in easing the situation in West Asia, with reference to the latest attack by Israel on Iran.
“What can India do? We are a country which has good relations with both Israel and Iran. We have issued a statement, as indeed, have many other countries, about what’s going on. But, I do eventually put it to you that in any situation, not just this one, ultimately, it is very much for the parties involved to make up their minds,” the minister said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
China on Friday rejected any ambiguity or double standards on its part in combating terrorism due to close ties with Pakistan, saying that fighting the menace is the common responsibility of the international community.
“Let me stress that China’s position on fighting terrorism is consistent and clear,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here. “Terrorism is humanity’s common enemy, and combating terrorism is the common responsibility of the international community,” Lin said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Coast Guard on Friday said it has achieved a “major milestone” in the ongoing operation to suppress fire onboard a Singapore-flagged cargo vessel that occurred following a container explosion on June 9, as its towing commenced to keep away the ship away from the coast.
The incident had occurred at approximately 9.20 am IST, around 44 nautical miles off Azhikkal in Kannur district of Kerala and 130 nautical miles northwest of Kochi.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
India has abstained again on a General Assembly resolution critical of Israel, saying that the efforts should be focused on bringing the two sides in the Gaza conflict closer to find a solution based on dialogue and diplomacy.
India was one of 19 countries that abstained on the resolution that was carried on Thursday, with 149 votes, with 12, including the United States, voting against it. Explaining the abstention — the third in recent times, Permanent Representative P. Harish said it was motivated by “the belief that there is no other way to resolve conflicts, but through dialogue and diplomacy”.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Congress on Wednesday asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having met the members of the seven parliamentary delegations that were sent abroad, now agrees to have a full debate in the monsoon session of Parliament on the country’s post-Pahalgam security and foreign policy challenges.
The opposition party also asked whether the PM will at least chair a meeting or a set of meetings of leaders of all political parties and take them into confidence on India’s future strategy vis-a-vis both China and Pakistan.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, is on a two-day official visit to the Sapta Shakti Command headquartered in Jaipur from June 12 to 13.
Upon his arrival, Lt Gen Rodrigo was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of the South Western Command. The visit underlined the deep-rooted defence ties and mutual respect shared between the two neighbouring nations.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
With the further improvement of the situation in Manipur, the state government on Friday restored mobile internet and data services in five valley districts, an official said.
Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar in an order said that in view of overall improvement of law and order in the five districts and the inconveniences faced by the general public during such period of suspension of internet services, the state government has decided to lift any form of internet suspension in the territorial jurisdictions of these districts. The five Imphal valley districts include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.
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