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SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy is poised to achieve a significant milestone with the commissioning of the first ship of the Survey Vessel Large Project, INS Sandhayak, on February 3, 2024. Designed and constructed indigenously by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), INS Sandhayak represents a triumph of indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and a major stride in enhancing the country’s maritime prowess.

The Survey Vessel Large Project heralds a new era in coastal and deep-water hydrographic survey capabilities for the Indian Navy. These survey ships, exemplified by INS Sandhayak, are equipped to conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys of ports, harbor approaches, and navigational channels. Beyond traditional survey duties, they are also proficient in surveying maritime limits and collecting vital oceanographic and geographical data crucial for defense applications.

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SOURCE: PTI

Indian space startups Dhurva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace have successfully tested their P30 Satellite Platform and high performance green propulsion systems respectively onboard ISRO’s POEM initiative.

Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, in a statement, said the successful testing of ‘Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Payloads – Technology Demonstrator’ (LEAP-TD) will help embark on its satellite mission. The statement said Dhruva Space has validated the P-30 platform and its various subsystems in-orbit and the results were confirmed by reception of telemetry and beacon data at the ground station of the Thiruvananthapuram-based Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).

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SOURCE: AFI

India’s relationship with China has been complex and often fraught with tension. Former Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale recently reignited debate by suggesting that India may have made a “critical strategic mistake” by being among the first nations to recognize the newly established Communist government in 1949.

Gokhale argues that India rushed into recognition without securing guarantees on existing agreements, leaving its position vulnerable. He criticizes the lack of clarity in India’s objectives and highlights the missed opportunities to identify potential discrepancies. Additionally, he mentions the US’s advice to seek guarantees, suggesting India may have neglected crucial safeguards.

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SOURCE: PTI

Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande on Thursday said the Indian Army is going through a transformational change and has laid out a broad outline of the road map for it to further strengthen the operational preparedness.

He was addressing a gathering at the parade of Reunion and Commemoration of Bombay Sappers War Memorial Centenary in Maharashtra’s Pune city. He also said the absorption and integration of Agniveers into the Army regiments and other units is an important issue which is being given special attention.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A shadow of uncertainty hangs over the highly anticipated deal for 31 MQ-9A Sea Guardian and Sky Guardian drones between India and the US, with reports suggesting a potential Congressional block due to alleged Indian involvement in attempts to harm CIA assets and a pro-Khalistani extremist. While both sides officially maintain that the deal is not yet formally suspended, the whispers of blockage raise significant questions and concerns.

According to sources, the US Congress might have put the brakes on the drone deal, citing India’s alleged connection to threats against American personnel and a known extremist. However, Sources close to the deal offer conflicting reports. While “The Wire” reports a Congressional blockade, others suggest no official notification has reached India. This ambiguity fuels speculation about the deal’s fate and the true nature of US concerns.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Africa’s skies are abuzz with the roar of fighter jets, and at the heart of the action is Nigeria, caught in a fascinating duel between India’s Tejas Mk1A and China’s JF-17. This contest for Nigeria’s favour transcends mere aircraft sales; it’s a strategic tango with far-reaching implications for regional dynamics and global power plays.

Nigeria’s Air Force (NAF) seeks a replacement for its ageing fleet of Chinese-supplied Chengdu F-7s, copies of the MiG-21. They need a versatile platform, a potent successor to tackle security threats and assert regional influence. Enter the Tejas Mk1A and JF-17, both vying for this lucrative contract.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is spreading its wings wider, aiming to bolster its capabilities with crucial “force enablers” like Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and aerial tankers. In a recent interview, Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary emphasized the importance of these platforms in maintaining and enhancing the IAF’s operational prowess.

“Force enablers like AWACS and Tankers have to be inducted in required numbers so that capabilities are not degraded,” declared Choudhary, echoing the IAF’s commitment to acquiring and nurturing these vital assets. His words resonate with the understanding that AWACS and tanker aircraft provide critical aerial support, extending the reach and effectiveness of frontline fighter jets.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian defense landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift in the development of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). After the Tapas MALE UAV program’s closure, the Defense Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) that has proposed to develop a HALE Platform is also facing Challenges that might see MoD opening doors for private players to take the lead in this crucial domain.

Tata Advanced Systems (TAS), a subsidiary of Tata Aerospace & Defence, has proposed converting its existing TATA HA-ISR aircraft into a fully unmanned ISR platform. This aircraft boasts an impressive range of 1800 nautical miles, an endurance of 6-7 hours, and a maximum payload capacity of 1000 kg. It is designed to operate at an altitude of 41,000 feet, making it ideal for HALE operations.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army Design Bureau (ADB) is rapidly becoming a powerhouse of innovation, spearheading close to 350 defense programs in collaboration with 450 Indian defense private and public sector companies. Modeled after the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), the ADB has taken on the mantle of spearheading major Army-related research and development, with impressive results.

The Indian Army has ambitious plans for the ADB, envisioning it to evolve into a major project developer, akin to the WDB which designs and builds warships and submarines for the Navy. This shift towards self-reliance is a key strategic objective, driven by lessons learned from the pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary, in a recent interview, expressed optimism about the upcoming local production of the F414-GE-INS6 engine, a powerful turbofan capable of propelling next-generation fighter jets.

“We are confident that the development of a local engine in a class of F414-GE-INS6 will happen,” declared Choudhary, his words echoing the IAF’s commitment to reducing dependence on imports for critical aeronautical technologies. This marks a significant shift in India’s defence strategy, paving the way for a future where the country builds its engines to power its military aircraft.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has witnessed a significant leap in its air combat capabilities, fueled by the indigenous development of the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). In a recent interview, Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary hailed the Astra Mk1 as a “tremendous shot in the arm” for the IAF, highlighting its impact on bolstering India’s aerial defence.

The Astra Mk1, developed by the DRDO, boasts an impressive range of 110 km, putting it far ahead of the IAF’s legacy R-77 and MICA missiles, both limited to 80 km. This enhanced reach significantly expands the IAF’s engagement envelope, allowing it to strike enemy aircraft before they enter its operational range. This critical advantage becomes even more pronounced when compared to Pakistan’s primary BVRAAM, the AIM-120C-5, with a comparable range of 105 km.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army’s air defence arsenal is set for a significant upgrade with the upcoming trials of the indigenously developed Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile. After successful developmental tests last year, the system is poised to undergo crucial user trials by June 2024, paving the way for potential induction within the next few years.

Developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, VSHORAD marks a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in air defence technology. The man-portable system is designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats like helicopters, drones, and fixed-wing aircraft, offering crucial battlefield protection to troops on the ground.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a significant boost in its offensive power with the upcoming BrahMos-NG Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). In a recent interview, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari expressed the IAF’s keen interest in the missile, highlighting its potential to transform strike capabilities.

The BrahMos-NG ALCM stands out for its significantly lighter weight compared to its predecessor, the BrahMos-A. While the BrahMos-A tips the scales at a hefty 2.5 tons, limiting its compatibility to Su-30MKI fighters, the BrahMos-NG sheds nearly a ton, bringing its weight down to around 1.5 tons. This crucial reduction in weight unlocks a game-changing advantage: universality.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant stride towards innovation in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, Kanpur-based Endure Air Systems has introduced the Sabal-10 and Sabal-20 small electrically propelled tandem-rotor aerial vehicles. Engineered primarily for cargo and observation applications, these drones promise to redefine logistics and surveillance capabilities. With a distinctive design and advanced features, the Sabal series showcases the potential of electrically powered UAVs in addressing contemporary challenges.

The Sabal series stands out with its tandem-rotor configuration, offering enhanced stability and maneuverability. These compact drones are equipped with a unique boom rail system, allowing users to attach cargo securely. The boom rail innovation plays a pivotal role in the autonomous operation of the UAVs. Users can load cargo onto the boom rail, and the drone will autonomously fly to its designated destination, execute a precise landing, release the cargo by raising its boom rail hooks, and then return to its next point of take-off.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a major boost in its short-range combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of additional Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAMs). This domestically manufactured weapon system marks a significant step towards self-reliance in military technology and opens doors for future exports.

The ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) is a highly manoeuvrable, within-visual-range missile designed for dogfighting. It serves as the IAF’s go-to weapon for close-quarters aerial combat, ensuring the safety of pilots and the effectiveness of their missions.

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