Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) are in advanced discussions to repurpose one of the IAF’s MiG-29UPG fighter jets as a Flying Test-Bed (FTB) for the Kaveri engine program. This move comes as the IAF aims to prolong the operational life of its MiG-29UPG fleet and support indigenous jet engine development.
Originally slated for retirement in 2027, the MiG-29UPG fleet will now remain in service for an additional eight years, extending its operational role within the IAF. However, one older MiG-29UPG will be dedicated to the Kaveri engine testing program, with plans to modify it for engine trials.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF), grappling with delays in the delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets due to a supply shortage of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace, is now considering extending the service life of its remaining MiG-21 Bison aircraft. The decision comes as the IAF faces the challenge of maintaining operational readiness until sufficient Tejas Mk1A jets are delivered to form a full squadron.
The MiG-21 Bison, which had been slated for complete retirement by next year, will now remain active for a little longer than initially planned. The IAF intends to slow down flying operations of the MiG-21s, ensuring that they remain in service until the Tejas Mk1A squadrons are fully operational.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C), known as NETRA, is on the cusp of achieving Final Operational Configuration (FOC). This significant milestone marks a culmination of nearly seven years of development and testing since the program was granted Initial Operational Configuration (IOC) in 2017.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to achieve FOC for NETRA by the end of this year. This milestone will signify that the system is fully operational and ready to meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategic requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
As the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces increasing security challenges in a complex geopolitical environment, it must make a strategic decision—whether to continue its pursuit of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program for short-term capability expansion or to prioritize long-term investments in indigenous engine programs, force multipliers, and critical infrastructure. The IAF’s new leadership, like their predecessors, has consistently championed the need for more fighter squadrons. However, without robust support systems like airborne warning platforms, aerial refueling, and advanced engine programs, focusing on fighter numbers alone might leave the force unprepared for future conflicts.
The MRFA program, which envisions the procurement of 114 advanced fighters from foreign manufacturers, has been a constant topic of discussion among IAF Chiefs of Air Staff (CAS) over the past few years. The idea behind the program is to address the dwindling number of fighter squadrons and enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities. However, despite multiple public statements, the program has seen little tangible progress, largely due to budgetary constraints, the complex procurement process, and competing defense priorities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Saab, the Swedish defense and security company, has proposed its Sea Wasp Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system to the Indian Navy for underwater mine clearance operations. The Sea Wasp, named after the highly venomous box jellyfish, is designed to effectively locate, identify, and neutralize improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in challenging underwater environments.
Saab is committed to continuously enhancing the Sea Wasp system to address emerging underwater threats. By collaborating with partners, the company aims to incorporate additional capabilities and technologies to ensure the ROV remains effective and relevant in the evolving maritime security landscape.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite counter-terrorism force, is set to bolster its arsenal with the acquisition of 100 AK Mod Kits from Bengaluru-based defense manufacturer, SSS Defence. These kits will be used to upgrade existing AK-47 assault rifles, enhancing their capabilities for specialized operations.
The AK-47, a legendary firearm renowned for its reliability and durability, has been a staple in the Indian Armed Forces for decades. Its widespread use ensures that soldiers are well-trained and familiar with its operation, minimizing training costs and time. Additionally, the availability of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition makes it a practical choice for Indian forces.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Military Engineering Services (MES) has partnered with MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited) to develop a bulletproof vehicle based on the Isuzu V-Cross platform. This high-end armored vehicle, designed for security and protection, is poised to set new standards in the Indian market.
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, a popular double-cab pickup truck in India, serves as the foundation for this armoured vehicle. The standard four-wheel drive system and robust construction make it an ideal platform for modifications. The base model is currently priced at ?19.68 lakh, and the top-of-the-line variant is available for ?23.74 lakh (on-road Delhi).
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
The U.S. State Department approved possible military sales to Italy, India and Romania for a combined total of $965 million, the Pentagon said on Monday. The potential sales are: India for MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes for $175 million; Romania for sentinel radar systems for $110 million; and Italy for electronic attack mission system for $680 million, the Pentagon said in separate statements.
The principal contractor will be RTX Corp for the Romania sale and BAE Systems for the Italy sale.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
As part of the ongoing ‘Decade of Transformation’ in the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff on Monday witnessed the rollout ceremony of the overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank, according to a press release from the Indian Army. The successful overhaul of the T-90 Bhishma was conducted by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) at the 505 Army Base Workshop in Delhi Cantonment.
The comprehensive overhaul of the T-90 at the 505 Army Base Workshop represents a significant step in ensuring the operational readiness of the Indian Army’s armoured formations, the press release said. The T-90 tank, is a main battle tank of India’s mechanised forces since 2003, is renowned for its firepower, mobility, and protection. The overhaul process involves stripping the tank down to the last nut and bolt and rebuilding it from scratch.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Airbus will increase sourcing of components from India, which offers plenty of opportunities, according to the aircraft maker’s CEO Guillaume Faury. The European major, which has bagged huge aircraft orders from IndiGo and Air India, doubled its sourcing of components and services from India to 1 billion euros during the period from 2019-2024, he said.
The company has more than 100 suppliers in India. At a press briefing in the national capital on Monday, Faury, who is also the Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), said there are plenty of opportunities in India.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The inauguration of a new runaway in the Maldives built under an airport redevelopment project assisted by India and the official launch of the RuPay card in the island nation on Monday are aimed at boosting economic ties and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian Mohamed Muizzu jointly virtually inaugurated the runway at the Hanimadhoo International Airport and also witnessed via weblink a live transaction using a RuPay payment service card in the Maldives.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that Left-Wing Naxalism is the biggest hurdle in the development of tribal areas and the enemy of the entire humanity. Chairing a review meeting with Chief Ministers of Left-Wing Extremism affected states at Vigyan Bhawan here, Shah said, “If the biggest violation of human rights is due to any one activity, then it is Naxalism.” Stating that Naxalism was fighting its last battle, Shah said, “I want to say with great confidence that by March 2026, with the cooperation of all the concerned states, India will be free from this decades-old menace of Naxalism.”
He said that the graph of Naxalite incidents has decreased between 2014 and 2024 and top 14 Naxal leaders have been eliminated and the benefits of government welfare schemes were reaching the ground. The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Army is documenting weapons of American origin which might have reached Kashmir via Afghanistan, a top Army officer in the valley said here on Thursday. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army’s strategic Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, told reporters that efforts are being made to pursue the issue with the US to track such weapons.
He was responding to a question about the concerns over recovery of US-origin weapons from Afghanistan in the valley. “The process still takes place, and it happens immediately after such a weapon is recovered. As far as the trail is concerned, I think to most people who are discernible, the trail is clear.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Noting that India is playing an important role for de-escalating the situation in the Middle East, Lebanon’s Ambassador Dr Rabie Narsh has said that tensions have escalated in the region as Israel has not been held “accountable” for its actions and that his country does not want the war to spread in the region. Dr Rabie Narsh, Lebanon’s Ambassador to India, told ANI in an interview that there are 3000-4000 Indian nationals in his country and they are safe.
He also said that Indian government had voluntarily proposed humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. Rabie Narsh said that “expansionist mindset of Israel” is the root cause of the situation in the Middle East. He also referred to the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas and said it should be a wake-up call for the international community. “It should be a wake-up call for the international community that enough is enough.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a coordinated effort, troops of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other security forces deployed in Manipur successfully recovered 18 weapons, ammunition, and warlike stores, according to a press release from the Indian Army.
The operation was conducted from October 4 to October 6 across the Churachandpur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts of Manipur. On October 4, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint operation in the Khengmol area of Churachandpur district, recovering one 9 mm pistol, five single-barrel rifles, and five improvised heavy mortars.
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