SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India has expressed keen interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral initiative by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet, according to a report by Sankei.com, operated by Japan-based Sankei Digital Inc. The ambitious project, agreed upon in December 2022, aims to deploy a cutting-edge stealth fighter by 2035. Multiple Japanese and Indian diplomatic sources have confirmed that India has formally approached the Japanese government to explore participation, signaling a potential expansion of the program. However, Japan remains wary, citing concerns over technology leakage due to India’s longstanding defense ties with Russia.
The GCAP represents a strategic collaboration to replace aging fleets—Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2, Britain’s Tempest, and Italy’s future requirements—with a sixth-generation fighter featuring advanced stealth, AI integration, and networked warfare capabilities. The program’s high development costs, estimated in the tens of billions of dollars, have prompted the trio to consider broadening partnerships. India’s inclusion could ease the financial burden by expanding the market and leveraging its growing defense industry. Yet, the Japanese government is grappling with a dilemma: while India’s participation could enhance deterrence against a shared regional threat—China—it also raises security risks.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army’s modernization efforts are facing a dual challenge as it awaits the delivery of its first batch of six Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from Boeing, while the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program, a 13-ton medium-class helicopter under development by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), remains stalled pending clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Adding to the complexity, sources cited by idrw.org reveal that HAL has no plans to develop an IMRH-based heavy attack helicopter in the Apache class, citing limited demand from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army. Instead, both services are focusing on the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, with orders for 156 units recently approved, highlighting a strategic preference for lighter, high-altitude-capable attack helicopters over heavier variants.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is poised to strengthen its defense export portfolio with an anticipated deal to supply the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system to the Philippines this 2025. Valued at over $200 million, this agreement, if finalized, will mark India’s second major defense export contract with Manila, following the successful $375 million sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in 2022. While it remains unclear whether the Akash SAM will be destined for the Philippine Army or the Philippine Marine Corps, the deal underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Akash is a medium-range SAM system designed to neutralize a variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and drones. With a range of up to 25 kilometers and an altitude capability of 18 kilometers, the Akash can engage targets at supersonic speeds of Mach 2.5. Each battery comprises a Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar and four launchers, each carrying three missiles, enabling it to track up to 64 targets and engage 12 simultaneously.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Gurugram-based Kohli Enterprises has been awarded the Limited Authorization Transfer of Technology (LA ToT) for the production of brake parachutes for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft. The technology transfer, facilitated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, marks a pivotal moment in integrating private industry into the nation’s defense production ecosystem.
The formal handover took place during an event organized by DRDO on the sidelines of Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru from February 10-14, 2025. Kanav Kohli, Managing Director of Kohli Enterprises, received the LA ToT document from Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and the Indian Air Force (IAF). This transfer underscores India’s ongoing “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and fostering indigenous innovation.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant step forward for India’s aerospace and propulsion industry, DG Propulsion has announced the successful completion of its first test turbine wheels, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s journey to refine its manufacturing processes. The initial batch, described as “phenomenal” by the company, has passed visual inspections with flying colors, setting a promising tone for the next stages of production.
DG Propulsion, a rising player in the global propulsion technology sector, conducted this trial run to fine-tune its methods and ensure the highest standards of quality and precision. “This was a trial run to refine our process and methods, and so far, the results speak for themselves,” the company stated in an official release. The turbine wheels, a critical component in jet engines and other high-performance propulsion systems, are a testament to DG Propulsion’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s defense and surveillance capabilities, Paras Defence and Space Technologies announced on Thursday, April 3, 2025, that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MicroCon Vision Ltd, an Israel-based subsidiary of the Rafael Group. The agreement focuses on the supply of advanced cameras for drones, positioning Paras Defence as a key player in India’s growing unmanned aerial systems market.
The collaboration aims to enhance the indigenous content in drone cameras and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) payloads, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By integrating locally developed components, Paras Defence expects to significantly reduce costs, making advanced drone technology more accessible for both military and commercial applications. This move underscores the company’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative while leveraging global expertise to meet domestic needs.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Kuntal Biswas, one of India’s most prominent 3D military system and defense animation experts, has once again captured the imagination of aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts with his latest creation: a twin-engine variant of the Tejas MkII. This conceptual design, powered by twin Kaveri engines each generating 75kN of thrust, showcases the potential of India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities and positions the Tejas MkII in the same league as global heavyweights like the Dassault Rafale. With a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of approximately 24 tons, this innovative design aligns closely with the Rafale’s capabilities, powered by the Snecma M-88 engine, which also delivers 75kN of thrust.
Biswas, renowned for his detailed and visionary 3D renderings of military hardware, has evolved the Tejas MkII—originally conceived as a single-engine, medium-weight fighter—into a twin-engine multirole combat aircraft. His design incorporates canard-delta wings, an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and a fully homegrown weapons suite, blending cutting-edge technology with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The twin-Kaveri engine configuration not only boosts the aircraft’s thrust but also enhances its versatility, making it a formidable contender in air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
RI9Q.jpg)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army conducted four successful flight-tests of the Army version of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on April 03 & 04, 2025. The four operational flight-trials were carried out against high-speed aerial targets. The missiles intercepted the aerial targets and destroyed them, registering direct hits. The trials were carried out to intercept four targets at long-range, short-range, high altitude and low altitude, proving the operational capability.
The flight-tests were carried out with the weapon system in operational condition. The performance of the weapon system was validated through the flight data captured by range instruments like radars and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The flight tests were carried out in the presence of senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Army.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today officially launched indigenous “Trainer Aircraft” technology for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) and also announced the decision to involve the private sector to collaborate in the manufacture of this aircraft.
At a ceremony held at National Media Centre here, the Minister formalized the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of CSIR’s indigenously designed and developed HANSA-3(NG) trainer aircraft for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) at the National Media Centre, New Delhi. The licensing of the HANSA-3(NG) two-seater trainer aircraft has been granted to M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
A 24-year-old US national, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, has been arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island in Andaman, home to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. Confirming the arrest, Director General of Police (DGP) for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal said that the accused has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. According to the DGP, Polyakov, described as a “thrill seeker,” had made several attempts to contact the tribe, despite their known resistance to outsiders. “We have arrested a 24-year-old US national, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, for illegally entering the restricted North Sentinel Island, home to the Sentinelese tribe,” said DGP Dhaliwal.
The accused had gathered information about the island and its inhabitants and had even “acquired an inflatable boat and outboard motor to facilitate his illegal entry,” the DGP said. Polyakov embarked on his journey on March 29 and was arrested on March 31, by the Crime Investigation Department (CID), police said. Authorities confiscated his inflatable boat, an outboard motor (assembled at a local workshop), GPS equipment, and a GoPro camera containing footage of his visit.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Delegations of the Meitei and Kuki communities separately left for Delhi to attend peace talks scheduled on Saturday, sources said. The meeting is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ efforts to mediate between the two communities in the state where 250 people were killed and thousands were left homeless after violence began in May 2023.
The Meitei team comprises three members each from the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the Federation of Civil Society Organisations, a functionary of the FOCS said.
Continue readingSOURCE:
A Chinese woman entering India via Nepal without visa in the guise of a ‘sanyasini’ was caught and sent to Nepal after interrogation. A woman was spotted around 2 am Wednesday by a team of SSB patrolling the India-Nepal border, Champawat Superintendent of Police Ajay Ganpati said.
Her passport revealed her identity as 30 years old Yang Qiuhan, a Chinese citizen, he said. Qiuhan was wearing a safa around her head with ‘Om Namah Shivay’ written on it, ‘rudraksha’ mala around her neck, and a white dhoti, the SP said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday presented a throwback picture of himself with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The picture shows PM Modi presenting a gold medal to honour Yunus at the opening ceremony of the 102nd Indian Science Congress in Mumbai on January 3, 2015..
In a post on X, Yunus said, “Professor Muhammad Yunus is presenting a photo to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Friday. The photo is about Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting a gold medal to Professor Yunus at the 102nd Indian Science Congress on January 3, 2015”.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Jailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik on Friday said in the Supreme Court that he was a “political leader and not a terrorist” and claimed seven Prime Ministers had engaged in a dialogue with him in the past.
Appearing via video-conferencing before a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, Malik referred to the submission of solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, that there were photos of him alongside terrorist Hafiz Saeed and it was covered by all national and regional dailies and television channels “This statement has created a public narrative against me. The union government has not listed my organisation as a terrorist organisation under UAPA. It is pertinent to note that post a unilateral ceasefire in 1994, I was not only provided bail in 32 cases but none of the cases were pursued,” Malik said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The United States has revised downwards the import duties to be imposed on India from 27 per cent to 26 per cent, according to a White House document. hese duties will come into force from April 9.
While announcing the reciprocal tariffs against different countries on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump held up a chart that showed the tariffs that countries such as India, China, the UK, and the European Union will now have to pay.
Continue reading