SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India is on the brink of a significant milestone as its Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile, developed indigenously in collaboration with various DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners, is set to enter Limited Scale Production. This cutting-edge Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) has been hailed as a game-changer in India’s air defence capabilities and a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in advanced military technology.

Adani Defence, a prominent player in the Indian defence industry, has been chosen as the production partner for the VSHORADS missile system, adding to the success of the nation’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is gearing up to unleash a formidable array of Made In India weapon systems on its latest creation, the Armed Archer-NG Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Archer-NG, set to roll out later this year, is lined up to be equipped with a diverse range of weapon systems to make it a potent combat UAV, capable of tackling a variety of missions.

The Armed Archer-NG is designed to carry a payload of up to 300kg with its four hard points, providing the flexibility to integrate different combinations of weapon systems. One of the key weapons in the arsenal of the Archer-NG is the Third Generation “Fire & Forget” UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM) Anti-Tank Guided Missile. With a range of 4km, this missile is capable of taking out soft-skin targets, vehicles, bunkers, tanks, windows, and fast-moving targets, making it a versatile and lethal tool on the battlefield. DRDO has also planned three more variants of this missile, with an extended range of over 6km, further enhancing its potency.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s defence capabilities are set to receive a significant boost as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) prepares to conduct trials of the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missiles. These advanced missiles were originally ordered from France to equip the Rafale fighter jets, but they have now been selected for integration into India’s indigenously developed LCA Tejas fighter jets as well.

The HAMMER missiles have gained prominence in the Indian defence arsenal after fresh orders were placed in 2021 for their procurement, extending beyond the initial purchase of the Rafale jets. HAL, one of India’s premier aerospace and defence organizations, has taken on the task of incorporating these powerful munitions into the LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Philippines, an archipelagic nation strategically located in the Western Pacific, is taking a significant stride towards bolstering its naval capabilities. With a focus on enhancing its maritime security and asserting its presence in the region, the Philippine Navy is considering the procurement of French-developed Scorpène class submarines. This potential acquisition marks a crucial milestone in the country’s quest to modernize its defence forces and safeguard its territorial waters.

A recent visit by a team of specialists to the facilities of the Naval Group in France signals the Philippines’ keen interest in exploring the option of locally constructing these state-of-the-art submarines under a license agreement. The Scorpène class submarines are renowned for their advanced technology, stealth capabilities, and operational flexibility, making them an attractive choice for countries seeking to strengthen their underwater warfare capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is eagerly seeking a prominent role in the Indian Air Force’s plans to acquire 60-80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). The IAF had issued a Request for Information (RFI) to interested vendors, and offers have been received from Lockheed Martin with its C-130J Super Hercules, Embraer with its C-390M, and Airbus with its Airbus A400M Transport Aircraft. These aircraft have the potential to be manufactured locally in India through tie-ups with HAL, a state-owned aerospace and defence company.

HAL’s interest in the MTA procurement comes after it was left out of the C-295 Transport aircraft deal, which will now be manufactured in India by Airbus-Tata Defense Consortium in a new facility in Dholera, near Ahmedabad. This facility marks India’s first private manufacturing unit for military aircraft, representing a significant step forward in the country’s indigenous defence production capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a laboratory under the aegis of the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has embarked on an ambitious journey to complete the development of the Dry Kaveri engine by the end of 2025 or early 2026. The Dry Kaveri engine, boasting a thrust of 46kN, holds immense promise for India’s aviation and defence sectors. GTRE aims to integrate the engine into a platform for in-flight testing, marking a critical milestone in its development.

In a significant step towards realizing this vision, DRDO signed a crucial deal with Godrej Aerospace in September 2022 to manufacture eight Kaveri engines. These engines will facilitate more trials, allowing the GTRE team to refine and fine-tune the engine’s performance before the planned completion of all tests by 2025.