Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), provided a detailed update on the much-anticipated Tejas MkII program during a press briefing on Friday. He outlined key milestones for the program and emphasized the need for greater collaboration with the private sector to expedite the production and operationalization of the indigenous fighter jets. The CAS also reflected on past delays in the Tejas Mk1 project and stressed the importance of learning from those experiences to ensure smoother development for future platforms.
Air Chief Marshal Singh confirmed that the Tejas MkII is on track for its first flight next year, marking a crucial step forward for India’s indigenous fighter program. The research and development (R&D) phase for the Tejas MkII is set to conclude by December 2027, with the IAF planning to induct the first units by 2028. The IAF has already committed to acquiring at least 120 Tejas MkII jets, which are expected to fill a vital role in the force’s combat fleet, especially as older aircraft are phased out.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is making significant strides in developing an advanced jet engine that could eventually replace the imported power plants in India’s fighter aircraft fleet. Building on its existing work with the Kaveri engine, GTRE is now focusing on validating the current Dry Kaveri engine with an afterburner to achieve wet thrust performance.
Once validated, the organization plans to secure approval and funding for the development of a new prototype core engine, often referred to as “Kaveri 2.” This engine is expected to meet the needs of India’s combat aircraft, offering a domestic alternative to the U.S.-made F-404 and F-414 engines currently used in the Tejas program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to commence full-fledged developmental trials of the Astra MkII beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile from next year. This significant milestone brings India closer to fielding a state-of-the-art air-to-air missile capable of neutralizing threats at long ranges.
The Astra MkII, an upgraded version of the existing Astra MkI missile, boasts an impressive range of 140-160 kilometres against fighter-sized targets. It has already undergone multiple air-to-air trials, including an unguided mode test to evaluate its Dual-Pulse motor.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), on Friday, provided key insights into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts, particularly in the area of air-to-surface weapons and air defense systems. Speaking at a press conference, the IAF Chief emphasized the ongoing process of inducting various advanced weapon systems and bolstering India’s defensive capabilities against modern aerial threats.
“We are in the process of inducting many types of air-to-surface weapons. Some have already been inducted, and some are being developed. The IAF is committed to inducting them,” Singh said, underscoring the air force’s focus on strengthening its ability to conduct precision strikes against ground targets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has ambitious plans to restructure the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) within the first 100 days of its third term in power. However, resistance from senior DRDO officials has hindered the implementation of these recommended changes.
To expedite the restructuring process, the DRDO headquarters established an Overseeing Committee chaired by Dr Samir Kamat, the organization’s chairman and secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development. This committee, along with thirteen specialized committees led by DRDO director generals, was tasked with ensuring timely implementation of the VijayRaghavan panel’s recommendations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
French defense conglomerate Safran Group is set to make a significant investment in India’s defense manufacturing sector. According to recent reports, the company is planning to establish its first-ever defense electronics unit outside of France, strategically choosing India as its location.
This announcement comes on the heels of a two-day strategic dialogue between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and top French officials, including Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic advisor to President Emmanuel Macron, and Fabien Mandon, Macron’s chief military advisor. The dialogue, held on September 30 and October 1, further solidified the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing sector. Through a collaborative effort with the Indian Navy, MDL has successfully indigenized Main Submarine Batteries, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange and the development of a local vendor base.
Submarine batteries are critical components, providing the primary source of power for propulsion when a submarine is submerged. The Scorpene submarines, built by MDL, initially relied on imported batteries from Hagen Batteries, Germany. However, MDL’s commitment to indigenization, coupled with the Indian Navy’s support, has resulted in a breakthrough.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Pakistan, the glorifier of the face of international terrorism, Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, cannot claim to be a victim of terror and risks facing the consequences of its actions, R. Mythili, the legal officer at India’s UN Mission, said on Thursday.
“Let us not forget the fact that Osama bin Laden, the face of global terror, was found in this country,” she said referring to Pakistan while responding to its attack on India during a session on “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism” at the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly, which deals with legal matters.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to empower India’s defence industry by working hand-inhand with them, and realise the government’s vision of making the country a global manufacturing hub. Addressing the seventh annual session of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) here, he described the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as a reminder to build a strong defence industrial base, which can be bolstered and expanded with time, a defence Ministry statement said.
Singh asserted that the Government, in its third consecutive term, will provide a renewed thrust to its ongoing efforts towards developing a robust, innovative and self-reliant defence ecosystem. He enumerated the steps taken to attain ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, including creation of defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, issuance of positive indigenisation lists (PILs), corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board, handholding of private industries by DRDO, and unveiling of Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia, involving Israel, Iran, and Lebanon, and asserted that “it is important that this conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also confirmed that the country is currently not conducting evacuation processes from Israel, Iran, or other nations amid the tensions.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
At least 28 Maoists were reportedly killed in an encounter with security personnel in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Friday, officials said.
According to the information, the incident took place in the forests of Abujhmad on the border of the Narayanpur and Dantewada districts. The encounter started between 12.30 p.m. and 1 p.m. A large quantity of arms and ammunition, including AK 47 and SLR, has also been recovered.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will embark on a State Visit to India from October 6 to 10 following an official invitation extended by President of India Droupadi Murmu, his office announced on Friday. During his first bilateral visit, Muizzu is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials of the Indian government.
“President Dr Muizzu remains committed to enhancing bilateral ties with nations that play a crucial role in the development and growth of the Maldives, ensuring a dynamic and proactive foreign policy for the nation… Discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and further enhancing the longstanding relationship between the two nations,” Muizzu’s office said in a statement on Friday.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Indian Army is all set to commemorate the 62nd Walong Day with a series of grand events, paying homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought valiantly during the Battle of Walong in the 1962 India-China war, officials said on Friday.
Defence Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Amit Shukla said that the celebrations are set to begin on October 17 with a solemn opening ceremony and wreath-laying at the Walong War Memorial in the Anjaw district in easternmost part of Arunachal Pradesh, the place of remembrance of the bravehearts who laid down their lives defending the country.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
In recognition of its capability to design and build green vessels, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd was awarded a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) by the Transport Department of the West Bengal government on Friday for the delivery of 13 hybrid ferries.
These ferries will be operated by the West Bengal Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (WBTIDCL) on the River Hooghly. The vessels will have a catamaran hull design and will be built with aluminum and Fiber Reinforced Polymer or FRP.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
An exchange of fire was reported between security forces and terrorists in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, officials said. “On 04 Oct 2024, based on intelligence about infiltration attempt, a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched at Gugaldhar, Kupwara. Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged, leading to exchange of firing with terrorists. Vigilant troops carried out effective fire. Operation is in progress,” Chinar Corps, Indian Army posted on X on Saturday
Further details are awaited.
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