Monthly Archives: March 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program is taking a significant leap forward with state-owned MIDHANI and DRDO’s Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) at the forefront of developing next-generation alloys for its stealthy aerostructures. These cutting-edge materials will be instrumental in making the AMCA a formidable 5th-generation fighter jet, evading enemy radar detection.
MIDHANI is no stranger to contributing to India’s indigenous aircraft development. They have already successfully developed and supplied crucial materials for the AMCA program, including 12 slabs of titanium. This showcases their expertise in crafting specialized alloys that meet the demanding specifications of advanced fighter jets.
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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of recent flight trials of the high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) named ‘ABHYAS.’
Conducted at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha, the trials focused on achieving key mission objectives. This included validating the effectiveness of a revised, robust configuration utilizing a single booster design. This streamlined approach not only reduces complexity but also paves the way for cost-effective production.
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Indian jet engine startup Dg Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL) has achieved a significant milestone with its second patent, titled “A Power System for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle Comprising Micro Gas Turbine and Fuel Cell.” This innovative technology holds the potential to revolutionize the future of mobility by offering enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and a cleaner environment.
According to DPPL founder Prateek Dhawan, “The integration of a micro gas turbine and fuel cell in a hybrid electric vehicle promises enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and a cleaner future for mobility.” This hybrid system combines the best of both worlds: a fuel cell provides a quick response like a battery, while a micro gas turbine extends the vehicle’s range significantly.
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In a development raising concerns, a Pakistani Navy ship, PNS Rizwan (A294), has been spotted undertaking an inward journey from China. While the exact purpose of the voyage remains unclear, analysts believe it could be linked to intelligence gathering activities in the Arabian Sea.
The ship’s features, as reported by Open Source Naval Intelligence Tracker (OSNIT), point towards potential espionage applications. The presence of tracking radars suggests the vessel might be equipped for telemetry and intelligence collection.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Nearly twelve years have passed since India first tested its Agni-V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in 2012, marking a significant milestone in the country’s strategic defense capabilities. Since then, the Agni missile series has undergone several advancements, culminating in the recent testing of the Agni-V Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) variant in 2024.
The journey of the Agni missile series began with the testing of the Agni-V ICBM in 2012, providing India with the capability to strike targets anywhere within mainland China. Despite capping its range at 5000km initially, subsequent advancements and modifications have enhanced the missile’s capabilities significantly. Though officially capped at 5,000 km, analysts believe the technology could potentially reach 8,000 km with a lighter payload.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s fleet of IL-76 heavy transport aircraft, procured from the Soviet Union in the 1980s, are nearing the end of their service life. To address this, India is in discussions with Russia to undertake a significant overhaul program.
The IL-76 fleet, nearing 40 years of service, faces issues with Low availability due to Existing D-30KP engines that contribute to limited operational time along with that it also has Outdated avionics that are Incompatibility with modern civilian air traffic control systems that restricts its operation in international airspace.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently showcased a new weapon system at Exercise Bharat Shakti: a 250kg High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) bomb equipped with a Range Extension Kit (REK).
The REK extends the operational range of the HSLD bomb, allowing Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots to engage targets from a safer distance. The REK integrates with the HSLD bomb’s existing guidance systems, including GPS and Inertial Navigation System (INS), for precise targeting.
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India’s quest for a homegrown 5th generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has taken significant strides in recent years. This journey, however, wasn’t without its challenges. The seeds of the AMCA program were sown in 2008 when the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) received initial approval for its development.
Recognizing the need for experience in crafting such an advanced aircraft, India opted for collaboration with Russia in 2007. The plan was to co-develop a stealth fighter based on the Su-57. This joint venture, christened the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, faced roadblocks. The Indian Air Force (IAF) expressed concerns about the engine capabilities and overall stealth design offered by the Su-57 platform.
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is taking a bold step towards the future of rocket propulsion, announcing a collaborative effort with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) to develop hybrid and electric propulsion systems. This tripartite initiative signifies India’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance in the space sector.
This move comes on the heels of ISRO’s successful 2022 test of a 30 kN hybrid rocket motor, demonstrating the organization’s potential in this exciting new technology. Hybrid rockets combine solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer, offering several advantages over traditional propulsion systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the NDTV Defence Summit 2024, Arun Ramchandani, Executive Vice-President of L&T Defence, delivered a compelling address shedding light on the critical need for India to modernize its shipbuilding capabilities to keep pace with global counterparts, particularly China. Ramchandani’s insights underscored the urgency for India to adopt cutting-edge technologies and streamline processes to enhance the speed and efficiency of its shipbuilding endeavours.
Ramchandani’s assessment of India’s shipbuilding capacity painted a stark picture, highlighting the significant gap between India and China in this critical sector. He emphasized that to bridge this disparity, India must embrace modern technologies and foster a conducive ecosystem that facilitates rapid scale-up and deployment of naval platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a new initiative through iDEX ADITI Edition 1.0, specifically targeting Indian startups. This challenge seeks the development of a next-generation underwater vehicle – a prototype AUV based on the Indian Navy’s “Jalkapi” design.
The Jalkapi AUV is envisioned as a self-sustaining underwater vehicle capable of extended missions at sea. This initiative aims to leverage Indian expertise to develop a functional prototype that fulfils the following critical requirements:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India has taken a significant step forward in missile technology by issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) to develop a Laser Beam Rider Guidance System with an Eye-safe Laser Range Finder (LBRG System with ELRF). This pioneering system aims to provide precise line-of-sight laser guidance to missiles, enhancing their accuracy and effectiveness in various operational scenarios.
The Laser Beam Rider Guidance System offers a sophisticated approach to missile guidance, utilizing a spatially encoded laser beam to convey critical information necessary for the missile to determine its position relative to the beam and navigate towards the intended target. This innovative technology holds particular relevance for short-range air defence and anti-tank systems, where precision and agility are paramount.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Plans to secure order for the manufacturing of 240 AL-31FP jet engines soon, further bolstering India’s self-reliance in the defense sector. These engines will be used to power the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets, forming the backbone of the nation’s air defense.
The order comes after HAL successfully secured contract for 80 RD-33 engines for the upgraded MiG-29UPG fighter jets. The new AL-31FP engines will replace existing ones on over 110 Su-30MKI jets that have reached the end of their designated operational life. Notably, these replacement engines will boast a higher degree of indigenization compared to their predecessors, signifying a significant step towards India’s goal of self-sufficiency in defense equipment manufacturing.
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The stage is set for a significant milestone in India-Brazil relations, as the two nations prepare for their first-ever 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi next month. This historic event, confirmed by Brazilian Ambassador Kenneth Haczynski Da Nobrega, underscores the growing importance of defense cooperation within their burgeoning economic partnership.
A key area of collaboration lies in the realm of submarine maintenance and technology. Brazil currently operates Scorpene-class submarines, while India possesses a well-established domestic submarine program. Negotiations are underway between the two navies to potentially sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would encompass:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The French Air and Space Force has decided to extend the operational life of its Mirage 2000D fighter jets comes as welcome news for countries like India, which rely heavily on this aircraft. The move ensures a continued supply of spare parts and potentially delays the jet’s overall retirement, benefiting nations with Mirage 2000 fleets.
France, the world’s largest Mirage 2000 operator, had previously planned to transition entirely to the Dassault Rafale. However, recent discussions with Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer, have focused on securing a steady flow of spare parts and equipment to extend the Mirage 2000D’s service life into the mid-2030s.
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