Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Maraal Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an IIT Kanpur incubated startup, has introduced a groundbreaking High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS). This innovative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed to operate at an altitude ranging from 18 to 30 kilometers, offering several advantages over traditional satellites.
One of the key benefits of the HAPS is its low operational altitude, which enables it to provide high-resolution, conclusive, and effective surveillance multimedia. By operating at 18-20 kilometers, the HAPS can offer round-the-clock services similar to a geostationary satellite. With an endurance of up to 12 weeks, it can be deployed for extended periods.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Recently, a Pantsir-S1 air defence system decoy was reportedly abandoned by Wagner Group forces somewhere in the Malian desert. While this event itself drew international attention, what particularly caught the eye of many Indian defense enthusiasts was the striking resemblance of the truck chassis used in the decoy to the TATA 6×6 Heavy Mobility Vehicle (HMV), an Indian-built platform. This raised curiosity about possible connections between Tata Motors and Russian air defense systems, and a closer look reveals a history of collaboration between the two.
The connection between Tata Motors and Russian air defense technology is not new. In October-November 2013, at the Kapustin Yar range of the Russian Ministry of Defense, a variant of the Tor-M2KM Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system was tested on the chassis of a Tata Motors 6×6 vehicle. These tests were designed to assess the platform’s performance under Russian military standards, and the results were impressive. The Tor-M2KM, mounted on the Tata vehicle, successfully demonstrated its ability to engage air targets at a range of 15 km and handle fast-moving targets flying at speeds of 700 m/s. It also showcased its capability to neutralize targets with a heading parameter greater than 6 km at distances of up to 12 km.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent barrage of Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel has underscored the critical need for India to bolster its missile defense capabilities. The Iranian aggression has demonstrated that even a relatively small nation can pose a significant threat to a technologically advanced country using a large number of inexpensive missiles.
India, with its vast industrial base and densely populated cities, is particularly vulnerable to such attacks. While the country has invested in Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems, these systems may be overwhelmed by a large-scale missile attack. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement for low-cost, high-tech interceptor missiles that can be developed and deployed in a shorter timeframe.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India will receive the remaining two squadrons of the advanced S-400 air defense missile system by the end of 2025, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF). In a press conference ahead of the 92nd Air Force Day, Singh attributed the delay in delivery to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized that the S-400 is a complex system that requires all components to be delivered for effective operation.
The S-400, capable of targeting threats up to 400 kilometers, is a significant addition to India’s air defense capabilities. It has been deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan to bolster national security.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s defense manufacturing sector is making significant strides on the global stage, with Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) and Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) leading the way. These units, under the umbrella of Gliders India Ltd. and TCL respectively, have recently secured export orders to several countries.
OPF, a key supplier of parachutes to the Indian Army, has expanded its reach to international markets. For the first time, brake and pilot parachutes worth Rs. 21 crore have been manufactured and exported to Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland. These parachutes are compatible with various fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi, Hawk, and Mig-29.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has temporarily grounded its Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) fleet following a precautionary water landing in Bihar. The incident occurred on October 2, when a Dhruv helicopter deployed for flood relief operations experienced a technical failure.
According to officials, the IAF has suspended training activities involving ALHs until the cause of the incident is thoroughly investigated. Only operational tasks are currently being carried out using the remaining Dhruv helicopters.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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
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: IDRW.ORG
Recent media reports have suggested that the Indian Army has chosen not to deploy its Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters in high-altitude areas due to their limited performance in such regions. However, sources within the Indian Army have clarified to idrw.org that these reports are a misrepresentation of the facts. The Indian Army had never intended to use its Apache helicopters in high-altitude regions, as they were specifically procured to support Strike Corps operations in more suitable terrains.
The Apache AH-64 attack helicopters, globally recognized for their firepower and versatility, were purchased by the Indian Army with a clear operational focus. Contrary to media reports suggesting performance issues in high-altitude environments, Army officials have confirmed that the helicopters were never intended for such roles.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Garuda Aerospace, a leading agritech startup based in Chennai, has announced its plans to concentrate on the development of swarm drones, tethered drones, and underwater drones. The company is also gearing up for the inauguration of its new Defence Drone Facility in Chennai.
The Defence Drone Facility, spanning 30,000 square feet, will be equipped with state-of-the-art design, manufacturing, and testing facilities. This facility, developed in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BEML Limited, will focus on indigenizing drone subsystem development and local production of critical components, such as motors, batteries, and transmitters.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
On the eve of the 92nd Indian Air Force Day, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, addressed the media in a comprehensive press conference highlighting the force’s future roadmap. The press interaction, held a few days before the annual celebrations on October 8, covered various aspects of the IAF’s modernization efforts, operational readiness, and long-term goals. One of the most significant announcements made by the Chief was the Indian Air Force’s ambition to achieve a fully indigenous inventory by 2047, coinciding with India’s centenary of independence.
Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh emphasized the importance of indigenization in the IAF’s long-term strategy. “By 2047, we envision an Indian Air Force that operates with a fully indigenous inventory,” he said, reflecting the government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision. He noted that achieving this goal would require continued collaboration between the IAF, Indian industry, and research institutions, but expressed confidence in India’s growing aerospace and defense capabilities.
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