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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
For decades, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has maintained that its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons is essential to address the challenges of a two-front war scenario with China and Pakistan. However, in reality, the IAF is struggling to maintain even a 30-squadron fleet, far short of its desired capability.
In a conversation with idrw.org, an IAF official emphasized that instead of revising the 42-squadron benchmark downward—despite arguments about modern jets being more capable than their predecessors—the IAF needs to plan for an even larger force structure. The reasoning lies in the evolving nature of warfare, where modern air defence systems, long-range standoff weapons, and aerial threats necessitate a significant rethinking of force requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Arun T. Ramchandani, Senior Vice President of L&T’s Precision Engineering & Systems IC, has confirmed that L&T has made significant progress in developing an indigenous Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) platform. This platform is part of the Indian Army’s ambitious modernization program aimed at replacing the ageing fleet of Russian BMP-II vehicles. Worth over ?40,000 crore, the FICV program is one of the largest undertakings by the Indian Army, with a requirement for 1,700 advanced FICVs.
Ramchandani stated that L&T’s FICV design is undergoing upgrades to meet the latest specifications in the Army’s Request for Proposal (RFP). With their strong track record in defence technology and engineering, L&T’s FICV could be a key contender in fulfilling the Army’s critical requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has taken a significant step forward in its Kaveri engine program, initiating procurement of critical materials for a demonstration of the Dry Kaveri engine mated with an advanced afterburner section. This effort aims to demonstrate a fully functional engine capable of generating up to 80 kN of thrust, marking a considerable increase from previous test results and positioning the engine as a potential power plant for both indigenous and foreign aircraft platforms.
The Dry Kaveri engine, initially targeted to produce around 46 kN of thrust, has recently achieved up to 49-50 kN in ground trials. With the integration of a new afterburner section, GTRE expects the engine to produce 80 kN of thrust, an increase from the 73 kN it achieved in earlier demonstrations. This performance upgrade is vital to fulfilling the operational requirements of modern fighter jets, including the possibility of powering India’s indigenous platforms like the Tejas Mk1A in single-engine configurations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s ambitious Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program has achieved a significant milestone with clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The program is now poised to seek final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which is expected to be granted sometime in 2025. This development marks a crucial step toward the indigenous development of a fighter jet tailored for operations aboard India’s aircraft carriers.
According to a recent report by The Print, the Indian Navy has received authorization for 87 TEDBF units in the first batch, with plans for an additional 58 aircraft to cater to the Navy’s third aircraft carrier. This phased procurement underscores the importance of the TEDBF in bolstering the Navy’s operational capabilities and ensuring self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy had long shown interest in acquiring advanced fighter jets capable of operating from its aircraft carriers. Among the most ambitious ideas was exploring the potential procurement of the F-35B Lightning II, the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. The F-35B’s ability to take off and land on small surfaces, akin to a helicopter, made it a compelling option to replace the Navy’s ageing fleet of Sea Harrier jump jets and complement the MiG-29K fleet.
According to than Lockheed Martin’s former Vice President, Orville Prins, the Indian Navy received an initial briefing on the F-35 program as early as 2010. At the time, the F-35B variant was under development and showcased advanced features such as stealth, integrated sensors, and STOVL capabilities, designed for operations on smaller carriers like the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Dynamatic Technologies Limited achieved a significant milestone on December 4, 2024, by delivering its first Rear Fuel Tank Assembly for the Dassault Falcon 6X. This accomplishment was celebrated with a handover to Bruno Coiffier, representing Dassault Aviation. The delivery was notably ahead of schedule, reflecting Dynamatic Technologies’ commitment to excellence and precision in aerospace manufacturing.
The event was graced by senior executives from Dassault Aviation, including Bruno Coiffier, Dominique Stefani, Harvansh Batra, Michel Bantegnie, Aravind Kumar Thotal, Vaitheeswaran Venkatasubramanian, Abhishek Sharma, Reynald Houillez, and Vincent Derlon. Their presence underscored the strong partnership between the two companies and the significance of this project in Dassault’s global operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, has arrived at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for a short refit and dry docking, marking another critical milestone in its operational lifecycle. This comes as part of a comprehensive maintenance and modernization agreement between the Union Ministry of Defence and the shipyard, valued at ?1,207.5 crore.
The project will involve extensive upgrades and ensure the carrier remains in peak operational condition, enabling it to continue serving as a vital component of India’s maritime security framework.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Army held its annual Idea and Innovation Competition — Inno-Yoddha 2024-25 — at the Manekshaw Centre here. The event presided over by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi celebrated in-house innovations aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, logistics, and training capabilities.
According to an army official, 75 innovations, selected through rigorous evaluation from unit to Command Headquarters levels, were fielded this year. Among them, 22 outstanding innovations were showcased and felicitated during the event, which will now proceed towards production under the Army Design Bureau’s guidance, aligning with the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘India-first’ policy and the ‘Make in India’ initiative and expressed Russia’s willingness to establish manufacturing operations in India.
Addressing the 15th VTB Russia Calling Investment Forum in Moscow, President Putin drew parallels between Russia’s import substitution programme and India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Continue readingSOURCE: GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers has signed Contract for construction and delivery of second ship from series of the four additional vessel 7500 DWT Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) on 04 Dec 2024 at Hamburg, Germany. The contracts for the remaining two vessels will be communicated as and when the respective contracts signed.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
US President-elect Donald Trump has had a positive political view of India and it is in a much more advantageous position than many other countries to build “deeper” relations with his administration and take forward the bilateral ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.
In an interactive session at industry chamber ASSOCHAM, Mr Jaishankar at the same time noted that like many other countries, India may also have some issues and it will deal with them.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
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The charge d’affaires of the Palestine Embassy in India, Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, on Wednesday, expressed appreciation towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his letter on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
In a statement, Abu Jazer stated that PM Modi had reaffirmed India’s support for the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and also welcomed India’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to Palestine.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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In their first diplomatic talks under a key dialogue mechanism since withdrawing troops from two face-off points, India and China on Thursday reflected on the lessons learnt from the eastern Ladakh border row in order to prevent such face-offs in future.
At the meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs in New Delhi, the two sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas in line with bilateral pacts and protocols.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Indian businesses should take a “balanced” approach in dealing with China as excessive dependence on its supply chain could be detrimental to India’s national interest, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.
In an interactive session at industry chamber Assocham, he said the recent resolution of the issues in the remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh has resulted in “some progress” but there is a need for further discussions.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
An Army ambush party opened fire after observing suspicious movement near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday.
The troops on ambush duty along the possible infiltration routes picked up suspicious movement near Bagyaldara village late on Wednesday night and fired a few rounds. Simultaneously, cordon around the suspected location was strengthened, the officials said.
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