Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army has initiated a strategic move to acquire and develop a cutting-edge Multi Barrel Loiter Munition (MBLM) System, a next-generation unmanned aerial platform designed to enhance its precision strike capabilities. Loiter munitions (LM), often referred to as “kamikaze drones,” are pre-fitted with warheads and can loiter over a designated target area, striking with pinpoint accuracy upon confirmation. This advanced system offers a tactical advantage by eliminating the need for additional personnel and allowing for mass deployment in battlefield conditions.
Loiter munitions represent a significant leap forward in modern warfare. Unlike traditional artillery or missile systems, these munitions can hover or loiter in the air over potential targets, gathering real-time intelligence before delivering a precise strike by crashing into the target. This ability to sense and strike dramatically improves the accuracy and effectiveness of the system, reducing collateral damage and ensuring high-value targets are neutralized.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Recent claims from Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace giant, have drawn attention to the slow pace of its upgrade programs. Dassault has stated that it would take up to 8 years to replace the current RBE2 Active Phased Array Radar (RBE2 AESA) on the Rafale jets with India’s indigenously developed Uttam AESA radar, raising concerns over the speed of French aerospace projects. The announcement has brought back memories of the protracted Mirage-2000 upgrade program, which also faced delays and cost overruns.
Defence expert Ranesh Rajan, speaking to idrw.org, noted that this slow pace is not an isolated case. He recalled the lengthy process of upgrading 50 Mirage-2000 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF), a program that took over 8 years and became almost as expensive as purchasing brand new jets. According to Rajan, Dassault’s aerospace programs are notorious for their high costs and lengthy upgrade cycles, particularly when it comes to incorporating new technologies or configurations in their aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India is at a critical juncture in its aerospace development with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to develop a fifth-generation indigenous fighter jet. The project demands advanced technology, especially in propulsion systems. While India has successfully partnered with General Electric to procure the GE F-414 engines for its Tejas Mk2 and initial AMCA prototypes, a long-term solution for an indigenous engine for the AMCA is still lacking.
In this context, India might have missed a significant opportunity by not negotiating with Russia for the local development of a low-thrust variant of the AL-51F1 engine, formerly known as the “Izdelie 30”, which powers Russia’s Su-57 Felon fighter jets. The AL-51F1 engine has been hailed as a technological marvel, offering unprecedented capabilities that could have been adapted for India’s next-generation fighter jets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its tank-based offensive capabilities with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 1,500 new-generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) launchers, marking a strategic move to bolster its operational readiness. Sources indicate that the accompanying missile count could reach a staggering 20,000 units, making this a critical acquisition aimed at modernizing India’s armoured warfare capability.
In addition to ATGMs and launchers, the RFI also seeks simulators, underscoring the Army’s intent to incorporate advanced training systems. These simulators will help improve training efficiency and operational preparedness, ensuring that Indian forces remain at the forefront of anti-armour warfare tactics.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the third phase of India’s Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission, a critical step toward enhancing the country’s land and maritime domain awareness. This initiative, aimed at both civilian and military applications, will significantly bolster India’s surveillance capabilities, allowing for greater monitoring of both domestic and international activities across land and sea borders.
The ambitious proposal involves the launch of at least 52 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). These satellites will serve a wide array of surveillance functions, including monitoring enemy movements and tracking infrastructure developments in regions of strategic interest to India. The total cost for this extensive surveillance program stands at ?26,968 crore.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
AeroArc, a leading robotics company based in New Delhi, has unveiled its new covert unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform, the Trishul X. This cutting-edge drone is designed to provide soldiers with superior tactical awareness and operational efficiency while minimizing cognitive load.
Following the successful delivery of 700 Trinetra D drones to the Indian Army, AeroArc has developed the Trishul X as a locally produced version of the American Skydio X10. The Trishul X is equipped with a high-resolution thermal imager and up to a 64MP electro-optical camera, ensuring exceptional low-light performance. It offers an extended range, improved battery life, and enhanced resilience, making it a valuable asset for various military missions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Ratan Naval Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons and one of India’s most influential business leaders, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. His death marks the end of an era for India’s business world, but his legacy in leadership, philanthropy, and nation-building remains unparalleled.
Tata was not just a business tycoon; he was a visionary who transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse while maintaining its deep commitment to social responsibility. Under his leadership, the group expanded its footprint in industries as diverse as steel, automotive, information technology, and aerospace, all the while upholding the values of trust and ethical business practices. His contributions went far beyond business, leaving an indelible mark on India’s industrial landscape and society at large.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Indian Air Force (IAF) C295 transport aircraft on Friday successfully conducted an inaugural landing at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NIMA). The C295 was traditionally welcomed by the cannon salute of the fire brigade and the Sukhoi 30 jets did a flypast over the southern runway of the airport.
The function was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, DCM Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol, CIDCO chairman Sanjay Shirsat, Shiv Sena MP Shrirang Barne and NCP MP Sunil Tatkare among others.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The body of a missing Indian Coast Guard pilot has been recovered over a month after a helicopter belonging to the maritime security agency crashed into the Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast, officials said on Friday.
Three crew members went missing after the ALH MK-III helicopter fell into the Arabian Sea off Porbandar on September 2. While the bodies of two crew members were recovered subsequently, a search continued to trace Rakesh Kumar Rana, the pilot in command of the mission.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Laos.
During the meeting, PM Modi extended his condolences on the loss of lives due to Hurricane Milton in the US and also discussed strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation in regional matters. The meeting highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between India and the US, reaffirming their commitment to working together on global and regional challenges.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Vowing to introduce a reciprocal tax if elected to power, former US president Donald Trump on Thursday alleged that India, among all major countries, imposes the highest tariffs on foreign products.
“Perhaps the most important element of my plan to make America extraordinarily wealthy again is reciprocity. It’s a word that’s very important in my plan because we generally don’t charge tariffs. I started that process, it was so great, with the vans and the small trucks, etc. We really don’t charge. China will charge us a 200 per cent tariff. Brazil is a big charger. The biggest charger of all is India,” Trump said in a major economic policy speech in Detroit.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
After Nagaland and Mizoram, some organisations have also opposed the erection of fencing in the Naga-inhabited areas along the India-Myanmar border part in Manipur. The Naga Village Chief Federation Manipur (NVCFM) strongly opposed the fencing of the border along the India-Myanmar border in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.
NVCFM spokesman Darthot Peter on Friday said that a unanimous resolution was adopted in the second assembly of the Federation recently vehemently opposing the India-Myanmar border fencing in Manipur’s Naga inhabited areas.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
A UN peacekeeping base in Lebanon came under fire from Israeli forces but Indian peacekeepers there are reported safe. However, two Indonesian peacekeepers at the base, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters in Naqoura, were injured on Thursday when an Israeli tank fired at an observation tower, directly hitting it, Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said. “The injuries are fortunately — this time — not serious, but the peacekeepers remain in the hospital,” he said.
Israel is on an increasingly intense ground offensive against the Lebanon-based Hezbollah, and the UNIFIL peacekeepers stationed on the Lebanese side along the so-called Blue Line that divides Israel from Lebanon and Syria are caught in the middle of the conflict. Israel asked the UNIFIL to vacate some of its bases, but the peacekeepers have so far remained in positions as mandated by the UN Security Council.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Two Agniveers were killed when a shell from an Indian field gun exploded during firing practice at the Artillery Centre in Maharashtra’s Nashik district, police said on Friday.
The incident occurred at the Artillery Centre in the Nashik Road area on Thursday afternoon, an official said. Agniveers Gohil Vishwaraj Singh (20) and Saifat Shit (21) were killed in the blast, he said. A team of Agniveers was firing an Indian field gun when one of the shells exploded. The duo sustained injuries and were taken to MH Hospital, Deolali, where they were pronounced dead, the official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
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The Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Friday expressed deep concern over the theft of a gold-plated crown gifted by Prime Minister Modi to the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Satkhira, Bangladesh, in 2021 during his visit to the country.
The Indian High Commission also urged the Bangladesh interim government to investigate the theft and recover the crown, and take action against the perpetrators. “We have seen reports of theft of the crown gifted by PM Modi to Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple (Satkhira) in 2021 during his visit to Bangladesh.
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