Monthly Archives: March 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Pakistan’s future fighter jet procurement plans remain shrouded in some mystery. While initial reports suggested interest in joining Turkey’s TF-X (KAAN) program, recent developments point towards a potential shift in focus.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief’s recent confirmation of interest in the Chinese FC-31 stealth fighter upon its completion casts doubt on their commitment to the KAAN program. While details are scarce, it appears the PAF may be prioritizing the FC-31.
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NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), a Bengaluru-based aerospace company, has achieved a remarkable feat in Indian aviation history. Their sub-scale High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS UAS) development prototype successfully completed a record-breaking flight test at ATR Chitradurga.
The test surpassed all initial objectives, achieving an astounding flight endurance of over 24 hours. This incredible accomplishment translates to a new national record for India – the longest flight duration ever recorded for an Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured (IDDM) unmanned aerial system (UAS).
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On this day five years ago, India successfully conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test, propelling the nation into an elite group of countries with this advanced technology.
The mission involved a specially designed missile launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, precisely targeting and destroying a small Indian satellite orbiting Earth at an altitude of 350 kilometers and traveling at a phenomenal speed of 24,000 kilometers per hour. This remarkable feat showcased India’s growing prowess in the field of aerospace and defense technology.
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The Indian government has implemented amendments to the Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, following recommendations by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). These changes aim to further promote “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) within the country’s defense industry, while also streamlining the Ease of Doing Business for domestic companies.
These amendments are expected to significantly boost domestic defense production capabilities. By mandating a higher indigenous content threshold and facilitating access to testing facilities, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for Indian companies. Additionally, the requirement for complete know-how of imported components pushes them towards developing indigenous alternatives, furthering the “Aatmanirbharta” goal.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency’s (ADA) AMCA program is making significant strides towards a future-proof fighter jet. The project team is prioritizing two key features: spiral upgrades and modular design, ensuring the aircraft’s continued relevance for years to come.
idrw.org has been told that the AMCA’s design allows for incremental capability additions through “Blocks.” New features and functionalities can be integrated over time, eliminating the need for a complete overhaul until a Mid-Life Update (MLU).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is setting its sights on high-powered directed-energy weapons (DEWs). This development comes as part of a well-defined roadmap with short–, medium-, and long-term goals for harnessing this next-generation military technology.
The current focus is on developing DEWs with a significant power increase, targeting a range of 30-50 kilowatts. This substantial leap in power signifies a move towards more potent DEWs capable of tackling a wider range of threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a leading laboratory of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the development of a critical component – an indigenous track system for 70-ton class Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs).
The track system is an essential element of the Running Gear (RG) system in a Main Battle Tank (MBT) like the Arjun Mk-IA. It acts as a closed loop, driven by a sprocket to propel the tank. Each track link comprises various components like track blocks, rubberized pins, pads, connectors, and clamps.
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Solar Industries India Limited’s (SII) subsidiary, Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), has secured a contract to supply 30,000 units of the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade (MMHG) to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for ?13.983 crore. EEL’s bid of ?4,661 per grenade proved more competitive than Munitions India Limited’s (MIL) offer of ?15.547 crore.
Developed by the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), the MMHG is a versatile grenade designed for both offensive and defensive use. A unique feature is the ability to easily switch between modes by removing or attaching a fragmenting sleeve before throwing.
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Gurgaon-based Pareto Tree Private Limited, winner of the prestigious SPRINT Challenge, has unveiled the HERO Search V1 – a revolutionary Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device designed to safeguard the lives of firefighters, search & rescue teams, damage control teams, and isolated defense personnel. This innovative tool promises to be a game-changer in emergency response, offering critical features that can mean the difference between life and death in dangerous situations.
HERO Search V1 boasts cutting-edge continuous motion sensing technology. No movement goes unnoticed, allowing rescuers to swiftly locate missing or incapacitated individuals even in the most chaotic situations. Gone are the days of agonizing uncertainty; HERO Search V1 provides a vital lifeline in the face of danger.
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Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos has announced a delay in the test launch of its “AGNIBAAN SOrTeD” (Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator) mission. Originally planned for March 22, 2024, the launch is now on hold to allow for additional readiness checks.
In a statement, Agnikul Cosmos cited the need for further preparations as the reason for the postponement. The company says it may require additional time beyond the originally planned NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) window. A new NOTAM will be issued soon to inform of the rescheduled launch date.
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South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has greenlit production of the KF-21, a domestically developed 5th-generation fighter jet. This marks a significant step forward for the nation’s aerospace industry.
The production approval covers the period between 2024 and 2028, with a total estimated cost of W7.9 trillion (approximately $5.8 billion). While the official number of aircraft remains undisclosed, South Korean media reports suggest an initial production run of 20 jets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s domestically developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&Cs) aircraft are generating export interest from South American countries and Indonesia, according to reports. This indigenous platform developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has impressed potential buyers with its capabilities.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already inducted three Netra AEW&C MkI aircraft into service. These platforms provide crucial airborne surveillance and command-and-control functions, significantly bolstering India’s aerial defence capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of its armoured fleet by signing a contract with AVNL for the upgrade of 693 BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
The upgraded BMP-2M variant will feature state-of-the-art armament systems, including an integrated Fire Control System (FCS) and third-generation sighting systems for both the gunner and commander positions.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is making strides towards eco-friendly transportation with the induction of electric vehicle (EV) platforms for local deployments in major Indian cities. However, challenges remain for border areas due to limitations in infrastructure and charging facilities.
Recognizing the environmental benefits of EVs, the army has begun integrating them for local transport needs within major cities. This shift reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to cleaner urban environments.
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Bengaluru-based aerospace startup NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of a 24-hour+ flight by its High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) prototype. This marks a major leap forward in India’s development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with extended endurance capabilities.
The HAPS SCALED, a solar-powered UAV, utilizes a Bushless DC electric motor and boasts a maximum take-off weight of 80kg. During the record-breaking flight over ATR Chitradurga, the HAPS SCALED exceeded all pre-defined test objectives.
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