Monthly Archives: January 2025
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a notable development for this year’s Aero India air show, the United States Air Force has officially confirmed through its website that flight demonstrations of the F-35A Lightning II will not take place at Aero India 2025, corroborating an earlier report by idrw.org. However, in a twist of events, ‘The Hindu’ has clarified that while the F-35 fighters will indeed participate in the event, they will be featured solely in a static display, with no aerial maneuvers planned.
Reports from ‘The Hindu’ indicate that two F-35s will be present at the air show, but they will remain grounded, offering visitors an opportunity to observe the aircraft up close rather than in flight. This decision aligns with the information previously shared by idrw.org, which suggested that no flight demonstrations were scheduled for the F-35A at this year’s event.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Amidst the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s administration’s keen interest in expanding U.S. arms sales to India, there’s speculation that the long-delayed deal for local production of the Stryker Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) could finally move forward. This potential agreement comes into the spotlight despite the fact that India’s indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shown superior capabilities in technical comparisons.
The Stryker APC, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, has been on India’s radar for enhancing its mechanized infantry capabilities, especially along its contentious borders with China and Pakistan. U.S. officials have been keen to promote this deal as part of the broader strategic partnership between the two nations, which includes defence cooperation, technology sharing, and countering regional security threats. The proposal includes not just the procurement of the Strykers but also setting up manufacturing in India, which aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, although with significant American oversight and technology transfer.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant step towards bolstering indigenous capabilities in drone technology, Indian startup IG Drones has announced the sale of its Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and First-Person View (FPV) drones to the Indian Army. This development aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and comes amid rising concerns over the use of foreign components in critical defense systems.
The deal is particularly noteworthy in light of an incident last year, where an Indian Army drone, suspected to contain Chinese-manufactured components, was reportedly hijacked near the Line of Control (LoC). The incident raised alarms about the vulnerabilities posed by foreign-origin systems, including risks of cyber espionage and compromised operational security.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant leap forward for India’s propulsion technology, SpaceFields has announced the successful hot-firing of its pioneering AeroSpike solid rocket engine. This achievement marks a new chapter in the country’s aerospace capabilities, demonstrating both innovation and practical application in rocket propulsion.
The static-test campaign took place at SpaceFields’ Propulsion test facility located at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Challakere, Chitradurga district. The AeroSpike engine, with its unique design, features a 168mm diameter and a length of 1.36 meters, employing an HTPB-based composite propellant known for its efficiency and stability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
As India strives to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, it is time to establish a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) fund for the defense sector. This fund should not only cater to state-run defense organizations like DRDO but also extend support to the private sector, startups, and academia. A well-structured R&D fund can unlock the potential of India’s defense ecosystem, fostering innovation and accelerating the development of cutting-edge military technologies.
India’s defense sector has often lagged in technological innovation due to limited resources and reliance on imports. A dedicated R&D fund would encourage indigenous development of advanced systems like AI, hypersonics, cyber defense, and UAVs.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for the aerospace industry in India, Dynamatic Manufacturing Limited recently welcomed Mike Broetzmann and Thomas Jacobi, both Manager-Profiles from Airbus’ ToW (Transfer of Work), for a Gemba review of the Airbus PAG Profiles Project.
The visit, which took place at Dynamatic’s facilities, marked a crucial step in the ongoing collaboration between the two entities. Mike Broetzmann took the opportunity to inaugurate new machinery aimed at enhancing production capacity for the project. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ramp up the manufacturing capabilities for Airbus’s PAG (Profile and Assembly Group) components, specifically tailored for their aircraft programs.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a startling incident at a Russian airport, security officials have seized a bottle containing radioactive Thorium-232, with radiation levels measured at fifteen times the permissible limit. The substance was found in the luggage of a tourist who claimed innocence, stating that the material was simply “volcanic beach sand” collected during her visit to India.
The incident unfolded at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, where routine security checks have become more stringent following global security concerns. As part of these measures, the bottle was detected during a scan that triggered a radiation alert. Upon further examination, it was confirmed that the contents were indeed Thorium-232, a naturally occurring radioactive element which, in this instance, posed a significant health risk due to its concentration.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a candid interview with idrw.org, an anonymous serving Indian Naval official has expressed concerns over the suitability of the Rafale M fighter jet for operations on India’s aircraft carriers. According to the official, the decision to procure the Rafale M was made despite known limitations, echoing a pattern observed with the earlier acquisition of the MiG-29K.
One of the significant shortcomings of the Rafale M is its non-foldable wings, which restrict its manoeuvrability and storage on the confined decks of India’s current aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. This design flaw necessitates more deck space for each aircraft, potentially reducing the number of aircraft that can be deployed.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is progressing towards its goal of rolling out the first prototype by the end of 2026 or early 2027. Developers at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) are not only focusing on building a state-of-the-art 5th-generation fighter jet but also ensuring it is affordable for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and appealing to global markets.
According to an ADA official speaking to idrw.org, the initial prototypes of the AMCA, equipped with maximum hardware to validate the program, indicate that the production model will be among the most cost-effective 5th-generation fighter jets available. The goal is to provide advanced capabilities—stealth design, sensor fusion, and superior avionics—at a competitive price point without compromising on quality or performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
While India and Indonesia left no stone unturned to take bilateral ties to the next level during the recent visit of President Prabowo Subianto, the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations, the much-touted talks for sealing the deal on BrahMos missiles did not witness much progress. Multiple sources indicate that Jakarta wants further discussions on the multi-million-dollar purchase from Delhi.
Indonesia has sought more time from India to move ahead with the BrahMos missile deal, signalling that additional negotiations are required before finalizing the agreement. Despite the delay, a defence delegation from Jakarta is expected to visit Delhi soon to strategize and iron out the remaining details of the procurement process.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Adani Defence, a leading entity in India’s defense manufacturing sector, has announced that the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), named GAURAV, has now entered the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing India’s precision strike capabilities from the air.
GAURAV, an indigenously designed and developed 1,000 kg class glide bomb, is engineered to strike targets with high precision over long distances. Once launched from an aircraft, GAURAV uses a sophisticated hybrid navigation system, combining Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data, to steer accurately towards its target. This system allows for increased accuracy, even in GPS-denied environments, making GAURAV a formidable weapon in modern warfare scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A recent analysis by the authoritative website globalfirepower.com has spotlighted the global pecking order in aerial military might, evaluating countries based on their total aircraft inventory which encompasses fighter jets, helicopters, and support aircraft. According to the report, the world’s most formidable air forces are led by the United States, with Russia and China securing the second and third positions, respectively.
India has been ranked fourth in this comprehensive assessment, showcasing its significant air power with an inventory of 2,296 aircraft, including helicopters, fighter jets, and support aircraft. This ranking underscores India’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its air force capabilities amidst regional security challenges.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited proudly announces the securing of a significant contract valued at INR 18,70,500 from the Indian Army. This contract marks a pivotal step in the company’s journey towards enhancing the technological capabilities of the nation’s defense forces.
Under the terms of this contract, DroneAcharya will establish a specialized Drone Training Lab dedicated to the training of army personnel. The initiative includes the provision of essential hardware and comprehensive drone flying lessons tailored for military applications. The project officially began on January 27, 2025, with a completion deadline set for March 28, 2025.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), India’s premier defense electronics company, has announced that it has secured additional orders worth Rs. 531 crore since its last disclosure on January 13. These new contracts span multiple domains, reaffirming BEL’s critical role in strengthening India’s defense and technology infrastructure.
With the latest additions, BEL’s total order book has further expanded, demonstrating the trust and confidence reposed in the company by various defense and civilian stakeholders. The company continues to reinforce its position as a key supplier of cutting-edge technology to the Indian Armed Forces and other strategic sectors.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant step towards enhancing India’s naval capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has formally requested the Indian Navy to transfer one of its aging Kilo-class submarines. This move aims to utilize the vessel as a testbed for new technologies under the ambitious Project-76, which plans to introduce a next-generation class of submarines.
Project-76 is envisioned as a leap forward in India’s indigenous submarine manufacturing, focusing on creating advanced, air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped diesel-electric attack submarines. The project represents India’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign technology while bolstering its maritime defense infrastructure.
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