Monthly Archives: March 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has unveiled a new challenge through iDEX ADITI Edition 1.0, specifically targeting Indian startups. This initiative focuses on the development of a next-generation defensive technology for the Indian Air Force (IAF) – an Expendable Active Decoy (EAD) swarm with electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.
The primary objective of this challenge is to develop a swarm of high-speed drones equipped with chaff dispensers and electronic warfare payloads. These drones would be deployed to overwhelm and confuse enemy air defence systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India has signed a crucial contract with Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies (NSRT) under the iDEX initiative. This agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening the Indian Navy’s surveillance capabilities with the design and development of an indigenous High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS).
This project aligns perfectly with the Government of India’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India). Developing a domestic HAPS program reduces dependence on foreign technology and fosters indigenous innovation in the critical aerospace sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army’s Army Aviation Corps is poised to enhance its operational capabilities with the impending arrival of its first squadron of Apache attack helicopters. Scheduled to be raised in Jodhpur on March 15, this development marks a significant milestone in India’s defense strategy. With the delivery expected in May this year, the Indian Army is gearing up to integrate these formidable aircraft into its fleet.
According to Indian Army officials, the initial batch of Apache helicopters, numbering six units, is slated to be delivered from the United States. This procurement underscores India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and strengthening its defense posture. The addition of Apache helicopters is expected to bolster the Indian Army’s aerial firepower and reconnaissance capabilities significantly.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Marking a significant milestone, the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fighter jet successfully completed its Low-Speed Taxi Trials (LSTT) on Monday, according to prominent defense journalist Anantha Krishnan M.
These initial trials pave the way for the aircraft to undergo more rigorous Ground trials, including High-Speed Taxi Trials (HSTT), before its much-anticipated first flight, tentatively scheduled for March 18th or soon after.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for faster and more efficient runway repairs with plans to procure Foldable Fiberglass Mats (FFM) from local private sector companies. This innovative technology, slated for acquisition by next year, promises swift recovery of runways damaged by unforeseen events, ensuring uninterrupted air operations.
Imagine a lightweight, rapidly deployable mat made from a special fiberglass-polyester resin composite. That’s the essence of FFMs. These rigid mats are woven and cut to specific shapes, enabling quick and efficient coverage of large craters on runways.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of the upgraded Su-30 MKI fighter jet. LRDE has confirmed the effectiveness of its Vapor Cycle Cooling System (VCM), designed to manage the heat generated by the aircraft’s powerful new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
The VCM, designated G2A, is a closed-loop system capable of absorbing a substantial 10.5 kW of heat load. This innovative technology is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the AESA radar, which generates significant heat during operation. A prototype of the VCM was successfully showcased at the Aero India 2021 exhibition, demonstrating its readiness for integration.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is gearing up for a technological leap with significant investments in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to solidify its control over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This strategic move aims to safeguard Indian interests and deter adversaries from exploiting vulnerabilities in the region’s vast underwater domain.
A key focus will be the development of next-generation IUSS (Integrated Undersea Surveillance System) Seabed arrays. These advanced sensor networks will blanket the seabed, providing real-time, comprehensive monitoring of maritime traffic. This will significantly enhance the Navy’s situational awareness and ability to detect potential threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to embark on a significant phase in India’s indigenous defense aviation program with the anticipated commencement of the metal cutting exercise for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) prototypes within the next six months. This development comes on the heels of the program receiving official clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) this month, as reported by Janes.
The approval from the CCS signifies a crucial step forward in the AMCA project, paving the way for the initiation of key activities, including metal cutting and the establishment of assembly lines and jigs. Speaking on the imminent progress, HAL’s spokesperson highlighted, “Other activities such as setting up the jigs and assembly line will also start. We will also start the process of setting up the supply chain for the program.”
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
In a move to bolster bilateral defense ties, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has offered assistance to Bangladesh in maintaining its fleet of MiG-29SE fighter aircraft. This offer comes at a crucial time for the Bangladesh Air Force, as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted the supply of spare parts for its Russian-origin aircraft.
The Bangladesh Biman Bahini currently operates eight MiG-29SE variants, which received life extensions in Belarus in 2021. However, these aircraft have seen limited upgrades over the past two decades. India’s offer of maintenance support underscores the growing strategic cooperation between the two nations and could potentially ease Bangladesh’s reliance on Russia for defense needs.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is accelerating production of the LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft. The state-owned aerospace company aims to deliver six Tejas Trainers this year, part of an 18-aircraft order from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Following the delivery of the first Tejas Trainer (LT-5201) last October, HAL has prepped two more (LT-5202 & LT-5203) for delivery. These aircraft have successfully completed low-speed taxi trials, with a fourth (LT-5204) nearing completion.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India and Germany recently held their High Defence Committee (HDC) meeting in Berlin, marking a significant step forward in their bilateral defence partnership. During the meeting, officials from the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) presented a proposal for India’s Mounted Gun System (MGS) tender.
KMW’s proposal centers around the AGM Iveco 8×8, a mounted gun system built on an 8×8 wheeled chassis. This system boasts several features that cater to the Indian Army’s specific requirements:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is embarking on a crucial project to enhance the combat capabilities of its armoured regiments. The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a premier DRDO laboratory, is spearheading the development of a Battlefield Situational Awareness System (BSAS) as part of the “Advanced Vetronics for Futuristic AFVs” project.
The BSAS is a comprehensive system designed to provide real-time battlefield awareness to crew members operating Armoured fighting vehicles. This heightened awareness will significantly improve their decision-making capabilities in dynamic combat situations.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
The much-anticipated Indian-made fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is inching closer to reality. In a recent interview with The New Sunday Express, Krishna Rajendra, Project Director, AMCA, revealed the ambitious yet achievable timeline for the program.
If all goes according to plan, the AMCA’s maiden flight is slated for September 2028, marking a significant milestone for Indian aerospace ambitions. This ambitious target hinges on a successful four-and-a-half-year development period.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Russia’s Yantar Shipyard has finally launched long-delayed sea trials for the Indian Navy’s first Project 11356 frigate, the “Tushil.” The warship was seen departing the shipyard in a recent video, marking a significant milestone after over a year of setbacks.
The “Tushil’s” construction was originally slated for completion in August 2023. However, the project encountered multiple delays. Initial setbacks due to COVID-19 pushed the timeline back by nine months, and the ongoing war in Ukraine caused further delays of six months.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is encountering a slight delay in the first flight of its upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, according to prominent defense journalist Anantha Krishnan M. The originally planned internal company deadline for this month appears out of reach.
While the maiden flight might slip to mid-March, the good news is that the first newly built aircraft’s sortie could be witnessed by Prime Minister Modi, possibly even remotely.
Continue reading