SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Army is poised to enhance its armoured capabilities with the introduction of the Arjun MkI Main Battle Tank (MBT) powered by the indigenous DATRAN 1500Hp engine, expected to enter production from 2028 onwards. This development comes in the wake of challenges faced with the supply of engines from Germany, marking a pivotal moment for India’s defence sector.
The Arjun tank, named after the legendary warrior from the Indian epic Mahabharata, has been a project of national pride but also one fraught with delays and technical challenges. Initially, the Indian Army had placed orders for 118 units of the upgraded Arjun Mk1A MBTs, which were expected to be powered by German-made MTU engines. However, MTU, the German engine manufacturer, ceased production of the engines used in the older Arjun MkI MBTs and was not willing to resume for what they considered a minor order size, leading to a significant delay in tank deliveries.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is set to incorporate a unique “Beast Mode” configuration, as per Air Force planners. This loadout emphasizes maximum firepower at the expense of stealth, providing enhanced capabilities for specific mission profiles.
Beast Mode refers to a combat configuration where the AMCA carries a significantly higher payload of bombs and missiles on external hardpoints. Unlike its typical stealth mode, where weapons are housed in internal bays to minimize radar cross-section, this configuration prioritizes firepower over stealth.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to introduce the Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42), an aircraft designed to serve dual roles as both an advanced training platform and a light combat-capable fighter. The HLFT-42 will be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, enhancing its ability to detect and engage multiple targets, along with a suite of weapons, making it a formidable asset in combat scenarios.
This aircraft is not only tailored for the Indian Air Force’s training needs but is also designed with an export market in mind. Its adaptability allows for customization according to specific customer requirements, making it scalable, interoperable, and configurable. This flexibility is expected to appeal to a broad range of international buyers looking for cost-effective, yet advanced fighter trainers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent interview with SUNO News HD, Commodore (R) Syed Muhammad Obaidullah of the Pakistan Navy made bold claims regarding the superiority of the Chinese-supplied Hangor-class submarines over the French-designed Scorpène-class submarines operated by the Indian Navy. According to Obaidullah, the edge lies in the Chinese Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.
However, this narrative requires a deeper examination of the technology at play. The Hangor-class submarines, an export variant of China’s Type 039A Yuan-class, are indeed equipped with AIP, but the specifics of this technology merit scrutiny.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for underwater warfare, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Diehl Defence are set to redefine submarine self-defense with their Interactive Defense and Attack System (IDAS). This innovative system, which allows submarines to engage aerial threats while submerged, has caught the attention of several countries, including India, which is poised to leverage this technology in its naval expansion plans.
Traditionally, submarines have been vulnerable to aerial threats like ASW helicopters equipped with dipping sonar and lightweight torpedoes. IDAS breaks this paradigm by enabling submarines to counter these threats without breaking the water’s surface, thus maintaining stealth.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recently released film “Sky Force,” starring Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya, and Sara Ali Khan, has rekindled interest in one of the most tumultuous chapters of Indo-Pak relations – the 1965 war. While the movie celebrates the valor and victory of India’s armed forces, it also brings to light a somber moment from that conflict, the tragic loss of an Indian Chief Minister, Balwantrai Mehta.
“Sky Force” has not only been a box office hit but also a cultural phenomenon, with audiences leaving theaters chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram,” reflecting a surge of national pride. However, this pride comes with a reminder of the war’s grim realities, including the incident that claimed the life of Gujarat’s then-Chief Minister.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
On the night of March 28, 2024, Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans embarked on what was supposed to be a routine long-range ferry mission aboard a MiG-29 aircraft, heading towards Exercise Gagan Shakti-24. The mission took an unexpected turn when, 20 minutes into the flight and at an altitude of 28,000 feet (8.5 km), the aircraft’s canopy suddenly detached. This left Hans exposed to the harsh conditions of high-altitude flight, including temperatures plummeting to minus 35° to 40° Celsius, the risk of decompression sickness, hypoxia, and the severe wind blast affecting his vision.
In this dire situation, Flight Lieutenant Hans demonstrated extraordinary composure. With the Head-Up Display (HUD) and visual references gone, he relied solely on head-down instruments to maintain control of the aircraft. He promptly declared an emergency using the standby radio, navigated away from civilian airspace, and began descending to a safer altitude of 3 kilometers, all while battling severe eye pain due to the wind blast.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
US State Department has said that it is currently evaluating the next steps with regard to Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India. A spokesperson from the State Department told ANI that the US has long supported India’s efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case.
“In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating next steps in this case,” the statement said. “We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice,” the statement added.Pakistani origin businessman Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai that resulted in the death of 164 people, could now be extradited to India.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India and China on Monday announced a series of measures to “rebuild” ties including resuming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer this year and agreeing in principle to restore direct flights, in a significant move aimed at normalising their relations after completing the disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh.
The decisions were announced after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held wide-ranging talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to work towards a “trusted” partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence in their first phone conversation since the American leader’s inauguration last week.
Modi and Trump exchanged views on global issues, including the situation in West Asia and Ukraine, and reiterated their commitment to work together for promoting global peace, prosperity and security, according to an Indian readout.
Continue readingSOURCE: Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce has signed the biggest UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract in its history. The Unity contract stretches over eight years and brings together all elements of research and technology, design, manufacture and in-service support of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy’s fleet of submarines. This contract between Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd and the UK MoD, forms a single, harmonious capability portfolio.
Unity will enable improved focus on simplification and efficiency and better outcomes for the UK Royal Navy. It represents a significant undertaking and investment by the UK government and industry, providing thousands of highly skilled jobs across the country and an enduring commitment for the decades ahead. This is truly a national endeavour.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
Admiral Muhammad Ali, Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, is on an official visit to India as part of the high-level delegation accompanying his Excellency President Prabowo Subianto, the Chief Guest for the Republic Day Parade 2025. During his visit, Adm Muhammad Ali and Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, held bilateral interactions to deepen maritime cooperation and strengthen ties between the two-close maritime neighbours.
The Key areas of discussion between the two naval leaders included advancing joint initiatives like Exercise Samudra Shakti, strengthening operational collaboration, and addressing shared maritime challenges, including piracy and other illegal activities at sea.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Law enforcement officials from the US department of homeland security have started visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey to check for the presence of illegal immigrants, drawing a sharp reaction from some Sikh organisations which see such actions as a threat to the sanctity of their faith.
Some of the gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey are believed to be used as a hub by Sikh separatists along with illegal and undocumented immigrants. Within hours of Donald Trump being sworn in as President, acting department of homeland security secretary Benjamine Huffman in a directive rescinded the Biden administration’s guidelines for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement actions that thwart law enforcement in or near so-called “sensitive” areas. These “sensitive” areas included places of worship like gurdwaras and churches.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
The world’s largest religious and human gathering, the Mahakumbh 2025, is being captured not only from the ground but also from Space. On Sunday night, the International Space Station (ISS) captured awe-inspiring images of the Mahakumbh. These pictures showcase the mesmerizing view of the event, with the world’s largest human gathering along the banks of the Ganga River glowing brightly with lights. Astronaut Don Pettit shared these pictures taken from the ISS on the social media platform ‘X’.
The images show the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh Mela’s lighting and the massive human crowd, transforming the banks of the Ganga River into a unique spectacle. These space-captured images highlight the scale of this religious event on Earth.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The United Naga Council (UNC) on Monday reiterated its opposition to the border fencing along the India-Myanmar border. In Mizoram, an apex student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), on Monday wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging the Central government to reconsider its decision to ‘scrap’ the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and erection of fencing the India-Myanmar border.
UNC President N.G. Lorho once again issued directives to all its units and subordinate organisations to initiate stringent steps to prevent the border fencing activities at their respective jurisdiction in unison without fear and favour.
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