SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant move to counterbalance regional security threats posed by China and Pakistan, India Plans to commission the Russian-manufactured Voronezh radar at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) campus in Challakere, Karnataka. This over-the-horizon radar system, known for its impressive 6,000 km range, marks a pivotal upgrade in India’s strategic defense capabilities.
Once known predominantly as India’s ‘Edible Oil City’, Challakere has now transformed into a burgeoning hub for science and technology. Located approximately three hours from Bengaluru, this area hosts key establishments like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), DRDO, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). This concentration of scientific talent and infrastructure has turned Challakere into a focal point for advanced research and development in defense and space technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant move towards enhancing global defense cooperation, Italy is actively seeking to involve India in its part of the Eurodrone project, a collaborative European initiative also involving Germany, France, and Spain. This project aims to develop a medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted airborne system known as Eurodrone, tailored for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, as well as for civil purposes.
The Eurodrone, a result of a joint venture by industry giants Airbus, Leonardo, and Dassault Aviation, is not just another unmanned aerial system; it’s a cornerstone for Europe’s strategic autonomy. By developing this cutting-edge technology, European countries aim to reduce their reliance on non-European UAS, thereby enhancing their independent operational capabilities. The program underscores a commitment to equipping the Armed Forces of the participating nations with systems that are at the forefront of technological advancement, meeting the sophisticated needs of modern warfare and peacekeeping operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing one of its most significant challenges in recent times, with a noticeable decline in its combat strength, which has sparked discussions and criticisms about the government’s, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s, approach to defense strategy. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent comments and the broader narrative around the IAF’s capabilities have put the spotlight on this issue.
The IAF has been grappling with a reduction in its fighter squadrons, currently hovering around 30 when the sanctioned strength is 42. This shortfall is attributed to several factors Many of the IAF’s aircraft are at the end of their service life, with delays in acquiring new jets or upgrading existing ones. Projects like the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and delays in the Tejas program have contributed to the gap in combat strength.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant departure from tradition, the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will not participate in this year’s Republic Day flypast, according to official statements from the Indian Air Force.
Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, the Indian Air Force Public Relations Officer, announced that the ALH Dhruv has been excluded from the aerial display due to a recent grounding of its entire fleet. “The ALH Dhruv will not be part of the flypast as the entire fleet of 330 helicopters across the armed forces has been grounded,” he stated. This decision follows a precautionary measure after an Indian Coast Guard ALH crashed in Porbandar, Gujarat, on January 5. Under the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), all helicopters of this type are undergoing thorough inspections.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/11/2IF6MRAyHDvdDVGQ3ebS.jpg)
In a significant step towards bolstering defense cooperation, India, Russia, and Indonesia have reached a consensus on the pricing for the supply of BrahMos cruise missiles to the Indonesian armed forces. This agreement comes just ahead of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to New Delhi, where he will grace the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest on January 26, sources close to the matter revealed.
The negotiations for this deal have spanned over seven years, involving intricate discussions between New Delhi, Jakarta, and Moscow. Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state organization responsible for weapons exports, played a pivotal role in the talks, as all BrahMos deals require Russian approval due to the joint venture’s nature. Two sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the deal is valued at $450 million.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the capabilities of India’s defense sector, Lotus Advance Technologies Pvt Ltd, based in India, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Steadicopter Pvt Ltd from Israel. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (RUAV) landscape in India, focusing on delivering cutting-edge technology tailored for the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces.
Lotus Advance Technologies Pvt Ltd, known for its prowess in advanced manufacturing and strategic partnerships in defense technology, brings to the table a significant capability in mechanical manufacturing and electronic testing and assembly. Their state-of-the-art facility in Uttar Pradesh, certified by notable institutions like HAL and DGAQA, is geared up to manufacture and supply innovative solutions to the Indian defense sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Amid the spiritual fervor of the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, an unexpected attraction has captured the imagination of millions of devotees and visitors – the ‘Tejas Pandal’. Inspired by India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, HAL Tejas, this pandal was meant to symbolize national pride and technological achievement. However, upon closer inspection, the design has sparked discussions for reasons beyond the anticipated.
The ‘Tejas Pandal’, while initially conceived to honor the HAL Tejas, has instead taken on a hybrid appearance, reminiscent of both the Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder and the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, aircraft not part of the Indian Air Force’s current inventory. This unexpected design convergence has not only made the pandal a talking point but also a subject of curiosity and critique among aviation enthusiasts and the general public alike.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
)
Seven Indian private companies have been chosen for a first-of-its-kind India-US space and defence collaboration programme, unlocking a lucrative and strategic market for Indian firms, said three sources with knowledge of the matter.
Under the programme, the companies – which the sources said included space imaging company KaleidEO and rocket makers EtherealX and Aadyah Space – will work with the US Defense Innovation Unit, the Department of Defense and other government agencies on satellite observation and emerging space and defence technologies.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
International power rivalry is playing out in the Indian Ocean region, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday, adding that a strong naval presence in the key trade route was his country’s biggest priority.
While Singh did not name any country, analysts say that China, which commands the world’s largest naval force with more than 370 ships, has been a security concern for India since ties nosedived in 2020 after 24 troops died in clashes along their Himalayan frontier.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
)
Outgoing US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Thursday addressed board members of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum on various aspects of bilateral relationship between the two largest democracies of the world and the landmark initiatives launched during the four years of the Biden administration.
Sullivan, who was in India early this month, briefed the USISPF Board on the productive dialogue he had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his counterpart Ajit Doval, the Indian National Security Advisor, and External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Indian national Sai Varshith Kandula, 20, on Thursday was sentenced to eight years for an attempted attack on the White House with a rented truck on May 22, 2023. The attack aimed to overthrow the democratically elected American government in order to replace it with a dictatorship fuelled by Nazi ideology, the Department of Justice said.
Kandula had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2024 to a charge of willful injury or depredation of US property. Born in Chandanagar, India, he was a was a lawful permanent resident of the US with a green card. In addition to the prison term, District Court Judge Dabney L Friedrich ordered Kandula to serve three years of supervised release.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Charge d’affaires of the Palestinian Embassy to India, Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, on Thursday said that India can play an “important role” in facilitating humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas after over an year of intense conflict. The Palestinian envoy appreciated India’s involvement in the region and stated that Palestinians are keenly interested in seeing the “Indian flag in Gaza” as part of efforts to provide critical assistance to those in need.
“We are looking to India to play an important role in sending humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza…We are keen, we are interested…and we are looking to see the Indian flag in Gaza,” he said. Abu Jazer highlighted the long and historic relationship between India and Palestine, noting that the two countries have shared ties since before India’s independence.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Two personnel of the Border Security Force were injured when Naxalites set off an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Friday, police said.
The incident took place in the morning when a BSF road-opening party from its camp near Garpa village was out on patrolling, a police official said. The road-opening party was between the camp and Garpa village when Naxalites detonated the IED causing injuries to two jawans, he said.The injured jawans were being shifted to the hospital, he added.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Security forces on Friday launched a CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the Billawar area. Officials said that in a coordinated effort, special forces of the Army in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have launched the CASO in Billawar.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and were conducting extensive searches to locate the suspected terrorists. Locals have been advised to remain indoors and cooperate with the authorities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has been given the green light by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to complete the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, specifically tailored for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier needs. In an exclusive interview with idrw.org, ADA officials expressed optimism about the potential for a modified version of the TEDBF to serve the Indian Air Force (IAF), should there be interest.
The TEDBF, a 26-ton aircraft designed for naval operations, could be adapted for Air Force use by removing features like the folding wings and the heavy-duty undercarriage and landing gear, which are essential for carrier operations. This adaptation process, according to ADA officials, could be accomplished in less than two years, presenting a significant opportunity for the IAF to leverage indigenous technology.
Continue reading