Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development, Indian Air Force (IAF) officials have raised concerns over the use of a single-engine LCA-Tejas aircraft as a Flying Test (FTB) for the upcoming Kaveri Afterburner variant, which is being developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). The IAF has advised GTRE to avoid testing the engine on older Trainer aircraft of the Tejas aircraft, as the engine is not yet certified for manned platforms.
According to sources familiar with the program told idrw.org, the IAF’s objection stems from the fact that the Kaveri Afterburner variant is still in the early stages of its limited flight testing phase, and using a single-engine aircraft like the Tejas for this purpose poses significant risks. IAF officials have recommended that the engine be tested either on a twin-engine platform, where one engine is a Kaveri and the other a stable, certified engine, or on an unmanned platform to minimize risks during the initial phases of testing.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Bangalore-based Dynamatic Technologies Limited has entered into a partnership with Perth-based manufacturer Orbital UAV to acquire their Orbital 150cc Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE). This strategic move aims to power a long-endurance, low-altitude unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance aerial vehicle (UAV) being developed by Dynamatic Technologies.
The Orbital 150cc HFE is a compact and powerful engine capable of operating on various fuels, including gasoline, JP5, JP8, and JetA. Its versatility and efficiency make it an ideal choice for powering UAVs that require extended flight times.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has taken a significant step towards showcasing its capabilities in the autonomous domain by commencing work on the ‘SWAYAT’ project. This pilot Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) project aims to demonstrate CSL’s expertise in autonomous technology and its potential applications in maritime operations.
CSL has allocated a substantial amount of ?35 crores from its Research & Development/Innovation initiatives fund to support the development of the SWAYAT USV. This investment underscores the company’s commitment to driving innovation and exploring new frontiers in shipbuilding.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
As the Indian Air Force (IAF) continues to face delays in the materialization of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, concerns are growing over whether this long-awaited procurement will ever come to fruition. With time running out, there is increasing pressure on the IAF to rethink its priorities. Instead of waiting for the MRFA tender to proceed, the IAF has an opportunity to collaborate with the Indian Navy’s Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program.
This indigenous project not only offers a viable solution for both services but also aligns with India’s self-reliance goals. Moreover, a closer look at the specifications of the Rafale and TEDBF reveals striking similarities, suggesting that the TEDBF could meet many of the IAF’s requirements at a fraction of the cost and with greater strategic advantages.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s submarine technology, the Secretary of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) jointly inaugurated a cutting-edge Land-Based Submarine Battery Test Facility at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam.
The event was graced by the presence of the Director General (Naval Systems and Materials), the Director of NSTL, and other esteemed scientists from the organization. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test submarine batteries based on lithium-ion technology, a development spearheaded by NSTL.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defense manufacturer, has taken a significant step towards expanding its global footprint with the establishment of a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Inaugurated by India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, on July 11, 2023, this office is strategically positioned to serve as a hub for HAL’s operations and engagements in the wider Southeast Asian region.
This move is not only aimed at promoting HAL’s products but also at enhancing India’s defense cooperation with regional nations, providing a platform for other Indian Defense Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to showcase their capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a display of the strong diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives, newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in India on an Indian Air Force (IAF) civilian airliner. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, notably retains the iconic Air India livery, highlighting an intriguing chapter in its history.
The Airbus A321, which carried President Muizzu to India, was once part of Air India’s fleet but was not sold to the Tata Group when they took over the national carrier. Instead, the aircraft was retained by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to serve as a strategic asset for the IAF’s future Netra MkII Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Indian Air Force proved its capability to strike down Chinese spy balloon type targets at a very high altitude of 55,000 plus feet along the eastern front recently. In early 2023, the US government had used a fifth generation F-22 Raptor fighter jet to shoot down a Chinese spy balloon over the sea. The IAF had been holding discussions on the issue of tackling the challenge posed by such balloons which fly at very altitude and also held discussions with the American Air Force last year Defence sources told ANI that the Indian Air Force used a Rafale fighter jet to shoot down a Chinese spy balloon type target over the area of responsibility of the Eastern Air Command a few months ago.
The force used a relatively smaller balloon in size than the Chinese spy balloon which was shot down by the US Air Force. The balloon was released in air with some payload tied to it and it was then shot down using an inventory missile at an altitude of over 55,000 feet, they said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India will be among the leading exporters of defence equipment in ten years, and the imports will come down to five to ten per cent, DRDO chairman Samir V Kamat said here on Saturday. Kamat said the country’s defence imports have been decreasing, and out of the capital acquisition budget last year, nearly 90 per cent was used on indigenous systems.
Kamat was speaking at Chhatrapati Shahu College of Engineering, where he inaugurated the Defence Innovation Challenge for Excellence (DICE) organised by the Marathwada Accelerator for Growth and Incubation Council (MAGIC).
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
After powering ISRO’s space missions for more than five decades, India’s largest engineering firm Larsen and Toubro has now set its eyes on the international market, particularly the next International Space Station.
L&T was earlier in talks with Jeff Bezo’s Blue Origin for supplying orbital launch capabilities and space habitat solutions but the negotiations ran into some difficulties. “Some remnants of that discussion continue till today but now with NASA. So, we are also hopeful that when the US requires its next space station, Indian firms will have a role to play in the supply chain,” Vikas Khita, Vice President, L&T Precision Engineering and Systems, told PTI.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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In a first, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) will operate 220 MW capacity small nuclear plants for private players who will provide both funding and land for the project, a senior government official has said.
A development on this front is likely by this year-end or early 2025, the official told PTI. “The funding and land for the nuclear plant will be made available by the private player but the plant will be managed by NPCIL,” the official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday took a critical view of the United Nations, saying it was “like an old company”, not entirely keeping up with the market but occupying the space. During an interaction at the Kautilya Economic Conclave here, he also said that two very serious conflicts are going on in the world. “And where is the UN on them, essentially a bystander,” the minister said.
In response to a query on the possible outcome of the US elections, he said the US actually has “made a shift”, geopolitically and in its economic outlook, and irrespective of the outcomes in November, many of these trends will “intensify” in the days to come.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Sunday said that artificial intelligence (AI) will be a profound factor for the world, after nuclear weapons.
Participating in the third edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave, organised by the Institute of Economic Growth and the Finance Ministry, on its third and final day, S Jaishankar said that AI is going to be the next big thing and countries should be prepared to deal with its after-effects.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday greeted Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived in New Delhi for his first bilateral visit to India. S Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Mr Muizzu’s commitment to strengthening the India-Maldives relationship. He also expressed confidence that Mr Muizzu’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will bring a new boost to their friendly ties.
Sharing pictures with Mr Muizzu, S Jaishankar on X wrote, “Pleased to call on President Mohamed Muizzu today at the start of his State Visit to India.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Five spectators died, and 230 others were hospitalised due to dehydration at an air show in Chennai, held to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force, authorities stated. The air show, intended to be a thrilling display of the Indian Air Force’s aerial prowess, turned tragic as the combination of high temperatures and overcrowding overwhelmed attendees.
Lakhs of people were left stranded in Chennai after the grand air show came to standstill due to poor coordination by traffic authorities. Several parts of the city witnessed similar occurrences as the massive crowd, gathered at Marina Beach, struggled to disperse after the event.
Continue reading