Monthly Archives: October 2024
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to initiate flight testing of outer dual rack pylons for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets in 2025, a development aimed at significantly boosting the platform’s close combat capabilities. The new pylons will allow the Tejas Mk1A to carry two Close Combat Air-to-Air Missiles (CCMs), such as the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) or Python-5, on a single pylon, effectively doubling its short-range firepower.
The decision to integrate dual rack pylons followed the successful completion of wind tunnel testing of a scale model of the Tejas Mk1A, equipped with the dual rack configuration. These tests were carried out to gather critical data on aerodynamics and the missile separation process. Additionally, HAL conducted extensive computer simulations to study the effects of dual missile launches on the aircraft’s performance, particularly focusing on the potential for gas ingestion into the engine air intake.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a recent address at the Khatre Memorial Talks, Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), candidly acknowledged a key misstep in India’s fighter jet development strategy.
Kamat stated, “The mistake we made was to develop an engine (Kaveri) and platform (LCA) together.” This misjudgment significantly hampered the progress of the Kaveri engine and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), delaying both projects and preventing the Kaveri from becoming the indigenous power plant for Tejas. That’s never done. You design a platform around the available engine and engine development is a continuous process; that was a rookie mistake.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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Adani Defence, a key player in India’s defence manufacturing sector, is set to commence the production of high-calibre rounds for artillery guns from its facility in Kanpur starting in April 2025. This significant development comes as part of Adani Defence and Aerospace’s broader plans within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
The Kanpur facility has already made significant strides in ammunition production, having commenced the manufacturing of small-calibre ammunition from its units. The upcoming production of high-calibre rounds for artillery guns marks the next phase of expansion for Adani Defence in the defence sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Recent reports suggest that Nigeria is set to become the first export customer for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) built Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). According to the Financial Express, discussions between HAL and Nigerian officials are nearing completion, with an agreement expected to be signed soon. This would mark a significant milestone for India’s defense exports and HAL’s ambitions to establish a foothold in the global defense market.
The Prachand LCH is priced competitively, with HAL quoting $17 million per unit, positioning it as one of the least expensive light combat helicopters in its class. This cost-effectiveness has drawn attention, especially when compared to other light combat helicopters in the global market. For instance, the Eurocopter Tiger, developed by Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) in the 1980s, is often cited as the most expensive helicopter in the light combat class, with a price tag of $73 million. Similarly, the Turkish TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform, costs approximately $45 million per unit. Even the A129 Mangusta, which saw limited production before closing in the early 2000s, had a unit cost exceeding $30 million.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has reached an all-time low, largely attributed to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “strategic myopia” and continued “anti-India rhetoric.” Defense experts in India are now urging the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to reconsider ongoing negotiations concerning the acquisition of Stryker armoured vehicles, a platform derived from the Canadian LAV III and manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C).
The Stryker family of eight-wheeled armoured vehicles, originally designed for the U.S. Army, is produced in a plant located in London, Ontario, Canada. Although the Stryker vehicles under discussion were expected to be locally manufactured in India, defense experts point out that some components and equipment could still originate from Canadian facilities. This potential benefit to the Canadian economy is causing concern among Indian defense experts, who argue that continued economic and defense collaboration with Canada sends the wrong signal in light of the current diplomatic climate.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is seeking private sector expertise to develop adaptive camouflage technology for its Mechanised Infantry, specifically targeting ‘A’ and ‘B’ vehicles. Currently, the vehicles employed by the Army lack advanced camouflage methodologies, leaving them vulnerable to detection in diverse terrain conditions. This new initiative aims to enhance the camouflage standards for these vehicles, enabling them to blend more effectively into their environments through adaptive camouflage technologies.
Camouflage has always been a critical element in military operations, allowing forces to maintain the element of surprise and reduce the chances of detection by enemy forces. However, the Indian Army’s current vehicle camouflage techniques are outdated and not scientifically designed to adapt to different terrains and operational environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking to significantly expand the scope of its flagship Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme and has sought additional funds from the Finance Ministry to sustain and scale up the program. According to sources, the Department of Defence Production (DDP), which oversees the scheme, has already committed 90% of the funds allocated under the original budget for iDEX, signaling the scheme’s rapid uptake and success.
The iDEX initiative, which was launched with a budget of Rs 498.78 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, was designed to encourage innovation and technological development within India’s defense sector by supporting startups, MSMEs, and individual innovators. With the steady success of the program, the DDP has committed nearly Rs 450 crore to ongoing projects, exhausting most of the available funds.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a major boost for the armed forces’ surveillance capabilities, India and the US are set to sign Rs 32,000 crore deals for acquiring 31 Predator drones and setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for them in India. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the acquisition of 31 Predator drones last week, of which 15 will go to the Indian Navy, while the rest will be divided equally between the Air Force and the Army.
The Foreign Military Sales contract with the US government for 31 Predator drones and the MRO is scheduled to be signed tomorrow (Tuesday), defence officials told ANI. The American team of military and corporate officials are in town for the sinking of these contracts, the officials said. Top Indian defence officials, including Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager for the naval systems, are set to be present at the signing ceremony, they said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The diplomatic relationship between India and Canada has reached a historic low, driven by what experts describe as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “strategic myopia,” continued “anti-India rhetoric” and his government’s failure to separate domestic politics from foreign policy.
Given ongoing diplomatic tensions, India on Monday evening decided to withdraw its High Commissioner and “other targeted diplomats and officials” from Canada following Trudeau’s continued “hostility” towards the country.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Hours after deciding to withdraw its High Commissioner and other “targeted diplomats” and officials from Canada, India on Monday expelled six Canadian diplomats.
The reason cited behind withdrawing High Commissioner and other officials by India from Canada was Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s continued “hostility” towards the country. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said “the Government of India has decided to expel the following 6 Canadian Diplomats”.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi on Monday expressed concerns about Pakistan getting equipment and weapon support from China saying it is very surprising how an economy that is “faltering and begging” for international assistance could muster the funds for armed forces’ modernisation.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Indian Navy Chief said they are keeping track of what is happening in the Pakistan Navy.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Ministry of Defence said on Monday that the Indian Navy launched the first ship of the two multi-purpose vessel project, built by L&T, Shipyard at Kattupalli.
An official said that in keeping with the maritime traditions, the ship was launched by Shashi Tripathi President of NWWA. “The ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The ship has been named ‘ Samarthak ’ which means ‘ Supporter’ and is synonymous to the muti-dimensional role envisaged from the platform,” he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, on Monday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would consult opposition leaders and heads of various political parties regarding the “extremely sensitive and critical” issue of India-Canada relations.
In a post on X, Ramesh said, “The Indian National Congress certainly hopes and expects that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take into confidence the Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament and the leaders of other political parties on this extremely sensitive and critical issue of India-Canada relations.”
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
A hardcore Maoist couple carrying a combined bounty of ? 10 lakh, laid down their arms before the security forces in Gadchiroli, here on Monday, top officials said.
The husband-wife duo includes Varun Raja Muchaki, 27, Commander of Bhamragad Local Organisation Squad (LOS) and Roshani Vijya Wachami, 24, Party Member in the same unit, said Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security forces have been relentlessly carrying out intelligence-based joint operations in both the mountainous and valley regions in Manipur and recovering large cache of arms and ammunition, officials said on Monday.
Defence sources said that during the combined operations, the forces recovered 26 weapons, ammunition and war-like stores including AK-47 Rifle, and Carbine Machine last week.
Continue reading