SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to conduct additional trials of the Rudram-II air-to-ground missile in 2025, expanding its integration to include the Mirage-2000-5 fighter jet. The rocket, currently integrated only with the Su-30MKI, weighs 800 kilograms and carries a 200-kilogram warhead.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is keen to broaden compatibility across its fleet, so DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) are working in tandem to facilitate integration with the Mirage-2000-5.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Lockheed Martin, the globe’s leading defence contractor, is intensifying its efforts to persuade the Indian Air Force (IAF) to procure its latest iteration of the F-16, known in India as the F-21 or F-16 Dash V. In a significant proposal, the company has committed to setting up a production line in India capable of manufacturing three to four F-16 jets each month if India opts for this fighter.
This production promise is particularly appealing given the IAF’s current shortfall in its fighter squadrons. Currently, the IAF operates with only 29-30 squadrons out of the targeted 42 needed to effectively secure its borders with both Pakistan and China. Lockheed Martin’s proposal could allow India to increase its fleet by 36 to 48 aircraft annually, significantly addressing the rapid depletion of its combat air power.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to conduct live trials of the HELINA anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) from its indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), known as “Prachand”. The HELINA, or Helicopter-based NAG, is a third-generation fire-and-forget missile, designed to tackle armored threats with precision and effectiveness.
The HELINA missile system has been in development for years as part of India’s push towards self-reliance in defense technology. In 2022, a significant milestone was achieved when HELINA was successfully flight tested from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), accurately engaging a simulated tank target. This test not only validated the missile’s design but also its integration with helicopter platforms, proving its operational readiness.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Russian state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has confirmed the participation of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet at the upcoming Aero India 2025 airshow in Bengaluru next month. This announcement reignites speculation about India’s potential renewed interest in the Su-57, following the country’s exit from the joint Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program with Russia back in 2018.
After India withdrew from the FGFA program citing delays and a lack of sufficient expertise, Russia continued the project alone, shouldering the financial burden. The Su-57 made its operational debut in 2020, joining an exclusive club of nations with fifth-generation fighters, alongside the United States and China. To date, approximately 27 Su-57s have been inducted into Russian service, each equipped with advanced weaponry like the hypersonic Vympel R-37 missile.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The strategic waters of the Indian Ocean are witnessing a significant shift in naval capabilities, particularly in submarine warfare, as the Pakistani Navy is poised to take a lead in possessing more submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems in the near future.
Currently, the Pakistani Navy boasts three Agosta-90B-class submarines, which are equipped with the French-supplied MESMA (Module d’Energie Sous-Marin Autonome) AIP system. These submarines offer enhanced underwater endurance, a critical advantage in modern naval warfare. Adding to this fleet, Pakistan is set to receive eight Hangor-class submarines from China, which will feature the advanced Stirling-powered AIP system, further expanding its underwater strategic capabilities. This means that by the end of the current schedule, Pakistan will have eleven AIP-equipped submarines in operation.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In an unprecedented celestial event that occurs once every 144 years, the year 2025 marks a significant moment in India’s cultural and spiritual calendar with the MahaKumbh, reflecting the divine interplay of planetary alignments and stellar constellations. This astronomical phenomenon, believed to amplify spiritual energy, coincides with a pivotal moment in India’s maritime history, aligning perfectly with Bharat’s Raksha Sutra for enhancing the Indian Navy’s global maritime security prowess.
January 5, 2025, is not just another day but a cardinal point in India’s maritime journey. The Indian Navy is set to commission three state-of-the-art (SOTA) combat platforms in a grand ceremony at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai (NDMB). This event underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities through indigenous innovation and shipbuilding prowess.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has further solidified its position in the defense sector by securing additional orders valued at Rs. 561 crore since its last announcement on December 23, 2024. These new contracts underscore BEL’s pivotal role in India’s defense modernization efforts.
With these recent acquisitions, BEL’s order book for the current financial year (FY25) now stands at a significant Rs. 10,362 crore. This accumulation not only reflects the growing trust in BEL’s capabilities but also indicates a robust demand for its products within the defense sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts to reduce the distance between the hearts of the people of the union terrorirorty and Delhi, and asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally.
Mr Singh was addressing the ninth armed forces veterans’ day rally at the Tanda Artillery brigade in Akhnoor sector near here.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
India is not looking to reduce the number of troops along the northern frontier in winter, the country’s army chief said on Monday adding that it will review summer deployment based on outcome of negotiations with China.
Four years ago, 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed during border clashes following which both sides stopped patrolling several points on the border in Ladakh to avoid new confrontations, while moving tens of thousands of new troops and military equipment closer to the freezing mountainous region.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Women officers in the Army are performing exceedingly well and the force is looking at increasing their induction, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said Monday while playing down concerns of a senior commander who flagged “problems” facing the units commanded by women officers.
In an unprecedented move, Lt General Rajeev Puri, a Corps Commander, had written a five-page letter to Eastern Army Commander Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari listing a series of issues impacting Army units commanded by women officers in the eastern sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mumbai on Wednesday, during which, he will dedicate three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard.
He would later interact with the Mahayuti legislators, especially after the landslide victory in the state Assembly elections. Thereafter, he will inaugurate the International Society for Krishna’s Consciousness (ISKCON) temple at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
US President Joe Biden cited taking the Quad to the “next level” among the major foreign policy achievements of his outgoing administration and noted that hosting the leaders at his home for the last summit showed “we’re really friends.”Biden on Monday said he strengthened America’s bilateral and multilateral alliances and partnerships, such as NATO and the Quad; forged new ones, such as AUKUS with the United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280) and Australia, and weakened America’s adversaries, such as Russia, China and Iran.
He also spoke at length about his decision to pull the US out of Afghanistan, ending the country’s longest war.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday justified replacing an iconic painting of Pakistan’s surrender in the 1971 war at his office in Raisina Hills with a new artwork titled “Karam Kshetra”.
The painting on the 1971 war was removed from the Army chief’s lounge in December and it was subsequently installed at the Manekshaw convention centre.The shifting of the historic painting had anguished many Army veterans and the decision came under some criticism.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A man from Kerala, employed by the Russian Military Support Service, has reportedly been killed, one of his relatives claimed on Monday.
Binil TB, an electrician from Thrissur, has died, his relative Saneesh told reporters. However, there was no official confirmation. Multiple state government agencies have said they have not received any official information.The news comes amidst efforts to repatriate Binil and his cousin, Jain TK, who were stranded in the Russia-Ukraine war zone.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
The Keel-Laying ceremony of a Training Ship (Yard 16101) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai on January 13, 2025. With a range of 7,500 nautical miles, the ship will be equipped with specialised facilities such as a training bridge for cadets, a chart house, and dedicated classrooms to ensure a high-quality learning experience at sea. It will also play a crucial role in the training of 70 under-trainee officers, including women officers, after their basic training ashore.
The ship with a length of 107 meters will be capable of achieving a maximum speed of 20 knots. It will also feature state-of-the-art machinery and advanced technological systems, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems, a multipurpose drone, Integrated Bridge System & Integrated Platform Management System. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Director General (Material & Maintenance) Inspector General HK Sharma, in the presence of the Director (Shipbuilding), MDL and other senior officials from the ICG and MDL.
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