Monthly Archives: August 2024
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Defence Analyst Ranesh Rajan, speaking to idrw.org, has suggested that Pakistan’s plans to procure the Chinese FC-31 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet following its recent acquisition of the J-10CE indicate that India’s purchase of Rafale fighter jets has unsettled the top brass of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). This development comes after the PAF’s acquisition of 25 single-seat J-10CEs, which was initially portrayed as a counter to India’s acquisition of 36 Rafale jets.
The PAF’s procurement of the J-10CE, a single-engine multirole fighter, was viewed as a reaction to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) induction of the Rafale, a twin-engine multirole fighter with advanced capabilities. However, Rajan points out that the real motivation behind the purchase was the poor performance of the PAF’s JF-17 fighters, which have reached the end of their product development stage and underperformed during the 2019 conflict with India.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Lockheed Martin has unveiled an ambitious proposal to provide India with a highly specialized variant of its C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, tailored specifically for special operations. The offer comes in response to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender.
The U.S. defence giant is keen to capitalize on the IAF’s existing experience with the C-130J, which has been successfully employed by the National Security Guard (NSG) for rapid deployment across India. Building on this foundation, Lockheed Martin proposes the C-130J-SOF, a highly customized version designed to meet the demanding requirements of special operations forces.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has outlined a strategic approach to rotorcraft engine development, focusing on immediate needs while keeping an eye on future technologies. The company has acknowledged the potential advantages of next-generation engines, particularly those capable of powering tilt-rotor aircraft. However, the associated costs and technological complexities have prompted a more conservative approach for current programs like the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
HAL is currently collaborating with Safran to develop a new turboshaft engine for the IMRH. This engine will be based on current technology, ensuring a balance between performance and affordability. The decision to prioritize this engine stems from the immediate needs of the Indian armed forces and the desire to avoid the substantial investments required for next-generation engine development.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Indian defence technology firm, Johnnette Technologies, is making significant strides in bolstering the capabilities of the Indian Army. Based in Uttar Pradesh, the company has recently completed a training program for the Indian Army to operate its cutting-edge JF-2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The JF-2, touted as India’s first fixed-wing, hand-launched, stealth UAV, is designed to excel in border intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Equipped with day and night thermal imaging cameras, the UAV offers superior surveillance capabilities. Its anti-jamming and anti-spoofing features, coupled with a crash-resistant avionics bay, ensure its reliability and durability in challenging environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The United States Department of State has approved the potential sale of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sonobuoys to the Government of India, valued at an estimated $52.8 million. This approval was announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a notification to Congress.
The Indian government has requested the purchase of AN/SSQ-53G High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-62F HAASW sonobuoys, AN/SSQ-36 sonobuoys, technical publications and data documentation, US Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related logistics and program support services.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
In a significant step to bolster maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, India and Japan have agreed to co-develop an advanced underwater surveillance system. The decision was announced during the recent 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial meeting between the two countries.
The proposed system will have the capability to monitor not only surface vessels but also underwater movements of platforms. This development comes amid growing concerns over China’s increasing submarine activities in the region. Japan has been particularly wary of Chinese underwater platforms being used for surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) (R&DE(E)), a premier research organization under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has made significant strides in developing small-scale demonstrator technologies for Electromagnetic Launch Systems (EMALS). These technologies hold the potential to revolutionize aircraft launch operations, particularly for naval applications.
R&DE(E) has successfully developed a scaled technology demonstrator that can launch payloads up to 400 kg (equivalent to a UAV) within a short span of 16 to 18 meters. The focus is now on scaling up these technologies to create a full-fledged EMALS system for naval aircraft carriers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are set to collaborate on the development of an indigenous airborne electronic warfare (EW) pod for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.
The EW pod is designed to be integrated into the inner tower of the LCH, providing crucial electronic countermeasures to protect the helicopter from radar-guided missiles and other threats. Notably, the pod’s cylindrical, streamlined design will ensure its compatibility with other rotary-wing platforms, expanding its potential applications beyond the LCH.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India has emerged as a potential supplier of helicopters for the Argentine Navy, as confirmed by the Chief of General Staff of the Argentine Armada, Contralmirante Carlos María Allievi.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has extended an offer to the Argentine Army for its ALH-Dhruv and LUH helicopters to replace the ageing Bell UH-1 fleet. To enhance the prospects of securing the contract, HAL has proposed technology transfer for the local assembly of these helicopters. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the South American market, where several countries have expressed interest in its products.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has developed the guided Pinaka system, a highly accurate artillery rocket system with a range of 90 kilometers. This system is now attracting significant attention from Eastern European countries. While DRDO remains tight-lipped about the specific countries involved, sources indicate that negotiations are ongoing with at least two nations in the region.
The growing interest follows India’s success in exporting the Pinaka system to Armenia, a deal that has spurred interest in other countries as well, including those in Southeast Asia. The guided Pinaka system, which was initially an unguided rocket, has been transformed into a high-precision weapon through the integration of a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) kit developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a laboratory under DRDO.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Marine Electricals (India) Limited has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cummins India to jointly manufacture and supply pumps for Indian Navy ships. This collaboration aims to strengthen India’s indigenous defense capabilities and meet the growing requirements of the naval fleet.
Under the terms of the MoU, Marine Electricals will be responsible for manufacturing pumps specifically designed for naval applications. Cummins India, a global leader in power solutions, will provide its expertise and technology to support the manufacturing process. The partnership will also include supply, commissioning, and after-sales services for the pumps, ensuring their optimal performance and reliability.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is setting its sights on a groundbreaking tactical innovation: deploying loitering munitions from its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft. This concept, already being explored by the United States Air Force (USAF), has the potential to transform the IAF’s offensive capabilities.
Loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones, are small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) armed with explosives. They can loiter over an area for extended periods, waiting for targets before attacking.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to enhance the underwater capabilities of the Indian Navy’s Kilo-class submarines with the upgraded USHUS-2 sonar suite. This state-of-the-art system, developed by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), will replace the older USHUS sonars on the remaining 3 Kilo-class submarines.
Currently, five of the nine frontline Kilo-class submarines, also known as EKM-class, are equipped with the earlier version of the USHUS sonar system out of which Two have been retired or transferred.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for comprehensive maintenance services for its fleet of 73 PC-7 MKII aircraft. This tender, identified by the reference number AirHQ/85902/1/ENGBT(LGSPC7), falls under the Miscellaneous Services category and will be conducted as a single-stage bidding process.
The EOI seeks to engage qualified contractors who will be responsible for delivering extensive maintenance services for the PC-7 MKII aircraft. These aircraft are integral to the IAF’s training operations and are stationed at two key locations which are Air Force Academy (AFA) Hyderabad and Air Force Station (AFS) Tambram.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Navy has significantly enhanced its surveillance capabilities by installing a state-of-the-art radar on its INS Mysore, a Delhi-class guided-missile destroyer. The newly integrated Lanza-N 3D air surveillance radar, developed by Spanish company Indra, forms part of the vessel’s comprehensive mid-life upgrade.
This installation marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s modernization efforts. The Lanza-N radar, renowned for its long-range and precision, will provide the INS Mysore with superior situational awareness, enabling it to detect and track aerial threats at greater distances.
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