SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Canada, industrial partners involved in India’s Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) program are urging the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to reconsider its plans to procure Stryker armoured vehicles from Canada. The indigenous WhAP program, a joint initiative between DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems, offers a competitive alternative and has gained international traction, including potential orders from Morocco.
WhAP’s partners like Tata, Mahindra, and Kalyani are developing their own variants of the vehicle, making it a viable and homegrown substitute. With diplomatic tensions rising, defense experts in India are also advocating for India to withdraw from talks with U.S. officials concerning Canadian defense assets.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a recent discussion on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Air Marshal Anil Khosla, former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), emphasized the need for a phased procurement approach for Rafale fighter jets rather than purchasing them in bulk under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This suggestion aligns with previous recommendations from former Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, both of whom highlighted the financial strain and opportunity costs that a bulk procurement could impose on other critical defense programs.
Khosla’s rationale for phased acquisition revolves around the rapid evolution of fighter jet technology. A staggered purchase of Rafales would allow the IAF to benefit from upgrades and newer systems integrated into each batch, keeping India’s fleet at the cutting edge. He noted that buying all 114 jets in one go, as proposed in the MRFA tender, could lead to outdated technology by the time the entire fleet is delivered. By splitting the procurement into phases, the IAF can integrate the latest avionics, sensors, and weaponry with each successive batch of Rafales, ensuring the fleet remains modern and relevant for longer.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent discussion on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Air Marshal Anil Khosla, former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), expressed skepticism about the F-35 as a solution to strengthening the IAF’s combat fleet. He highlighted significant concerns, particularly with the supply chain dependencies of the F-35, which involve components from several countries, making it challenging to maintain and manage. Furthermore, Khosla pointed out that India would not be able to acquire the F-35 within five years due to ongoing orders from allied countries and NATO partners, who have priority access to the jet. The backlog in F-35 orders further complicates the issue for India.
The F-35’s supply chain is heavily interconnected across numerous nations, meaning that any disruption or delay in one component can lead to delays in the entire production process. This dependence on international suppliers would limit India’s ability to manage or localize the supply chain. Khosla pointed out that managing these complexities would be difficult for the IAF, as India may not have immediate access to the critical technologies or replacement parts required for quick repairs or upgrades.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is expected to receive at least two GE-F404 engines per month starting from November, according to a fresh commitment from General Electric. This new timeline addresses the delay in the delivery of 99 GE-F404 engines, initially set to begin in March 2024. The delay has impacted the production schedule of the first 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets, which HAL is manufacturing under a ?46,898 crore contract signed in February 2021 with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The GE-F404 engines are critical components for the Tejas Mark-1A, India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft. These jets are a crucial addition to the IAF’s fleet, designed to bolster air combat capability. The delay in engine supply has disrupted the original production schedule, leading to concerns about meeting the delivery timelines set for the Tejas Mark-1A project.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Brazil, with its fleet of over 40 F-5 and 20 AMX aircraft, is considering a strategic shift towards a two-type fighter/strike aircraft fleet in the future. Driven by cost considerations, the country is exploring alternatives to replacing its entire fleet with the Gripen E.
In a potential win-win scenario, Brazil and India could form a strategic partnership that benefits both nations. Embraer, a renowned Brazilian aerospace company, could negotiate a package to set up an C-390 assembly plant in India. This move would not only strengthen India’s aerospace industry but also provide Brazil with a cost-effective option for acquiring advanced surveillance aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s military relationship with the United States has witnessed a significant expansion in recent years, characterized by a surge in arms transfers. According to media reports, India’s arms imports from the US have reached nearly $15 billion in just the past seven years.
This substantial increase in arms transfers reflects a strategic shift in India’s defense procurement strategy, as the country seeks to modernize its military capabilities and enhance its strategic autonomy. The US has emerged as a key supplier of advanced military equipment, meeting India’s growing demand for sophisticated weapons systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pullinam Aerospace Technologies Private Limited (PATPL), a Chennai-based aerospace company, has announced plans to collaborate with the MLRIT Aeronautical Department to develop a 10-seater aircraft. While specific details about the aircraft design remain undisclosed, both companies have indicated their intention to focus on a turboprop configuration.
The partnership between PATPL and MLRIT brings together industry expertise and academic knowledge, paving the way for a promising collaboration in the field of aerospace engineering. The development of a 10-seater aircraft represents a significant step towards India’s goal of becoming a major player in the global aviation industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: GE
The Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited are to be powered by the GE’s LM2500 Engines. Six LM2500 marine gas turbine engine kits will be delivered for assembly and test by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
GE has worked with HAL, which assembles, inspects, and tests all LM2500 gas turbines built for the Indian Navy. The LM2500 gas turbine kits were manufactured at GE’s Evendale, Ohio, facility and assembled and tested by HAL’s Industrial & Marine Gas Turbine Division in Bangalore, India. HAL is one of the world’s leading aerospace companies involved in the manufacture and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters, avionics and aerospace defense equipment.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The United States on Thursday said that the meeting with the Indian Inquiry Committee regarding the alleged foiled assassination plot of the US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was “productive” and America was “satisfied” with the cooperation.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed satisfaction with India’s cooperation in the investigation. Regarding the alleged involvement of an Indian government official in the assassination plan of Pannun, Miller informed that the person “is no longer an employee of the Indian government.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified before a Commission of Inquiry, the MEA on Thursday said what it has heard only “confirms” New Delhi’s consistent stand that Canada has “presented us no evidence” in support of the serious allegations Ottawa chose to level against India and Indian diplomats.
Trudeau on Wednesday acknowledged that he had only intelligence and no “hard evidentiary proof” when he alleged the involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED), allegedly delivered via a drone, has been recovered from the India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Fazilka district, officials said. The AIG of Counter Intelligence, Ferozepur, stated on Thursday that the consignment contained RDX, batteries, and timers. “An IED sent through a drone has been recovered from the India-Pakistan border in Fazilka.
The consignment, loaded with RDX, includes batteries and timers in addition to the bomb. The BSF has handed over the device to the State Special Cell,” the statement read. “The matter is under investigation, and a case has been registered,” it added. Further details are awaited.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday said it was a “constitutional misdemeanour” to have reduced Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory and asserted that it was time to restore its statehood.
His remarks come a day after National Conference leader Omar Abdullah took oath as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, heading the first elected government in the union territory since 2019 when its special status was revoked.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Coast Guard in co-ordination with other agencies has undertaken an exercise along the coast of Goa and Maharashtra to protect the country’s maritime interests and to test the agencies’ collective response to security threats, officials said on Thursday.
The two-day ‘Sagar Kavach’ coastal security drill began on Wednesday, the Coast Guard said in a release.
The Coast Guard is conducting the exercise in co-ordination with the Indian Navy, Customs, Coastal Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Mormugao Port Authority and the Goa government’s Fisheries and Captain of Ports departments, it said.
SOURCE: UNI
Security forces have launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) early morning on Thursday to track down the terrorists after a brief exchange of firing in the Gursai area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. Official sources said that following inputs about the presence of terrorists in the woods of Mohri Shahstar in Gursai on Wednesday night, launched the search operation.
“The hiding terrorists fired a few rounds, which was retaliated, triggering a brief exchange of firing,” they said. Official sources said that the CASO was launched early morning to track the terrorists with the help of drones and sniffer dogs.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
several CRPF personnel sustained injuries when their vehicle toppled into a canal in Pakherpora Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The accident occurred as the CRPF vehicle careened near a police post, causing significant concern among locals and authorities.
Eyewitnesses recounted the crash, with one local describing the scene: ‘Around 10-10.30 am, a car crashed into the canal. The area had about 20 people, many of whom are severely injured and have been referred to Srinagar hospital for treatment.’ The local community expressed frustration, noting that similar incidents have occurred multiple times before.
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