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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move towards bolstering India’s indigenous aviation capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has voiced robust support for the co-development of a new jet engine under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. However, the latest developments indicate a strategic shift in the approach to this ambitious project.
The plan now involves partnering with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to design the core of the engine, while Indian scientists and engineers focus on developing the low-pressure (LP) side of the engine. This collaboration aims to leverage international expertise for the more complex aspects of the jet engine, particularly the combustor core and high-pressure components, which are critical for performance and efficiency.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Maharatna defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), is making significant strides towards securing a contract for the supply of Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The contract is expected to be signed in the second quarter of 2025, marking a major step towards replacing the aging fleet of World War II-era Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
The LUH is designed and developed by HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre, with the goal of addressing the operational requirements of the Indian Army Aviation Corps and the Indian Air Force. The helicopter has already received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) in February 2021, a milestone that has paved the way for the ongoing finalization of its certification.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the Annual Press conference held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Monday, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, made a significant announcement regarding the Army’s artillery modernization efforts.
General Dwivedi revealed that the Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its firepower with the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). He stated, “If everything goes as planned, we hope to sign a contract for approximately 307 ATAGS, worth around ?8,000 crore, before the end of this financial year.”
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key research organization under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has confirmed significant advancements in its Dry Kaveri Engine, which boasts 75% commonality with the original Kaveri engine. The improvements made in the Dry Kaveri have addressed many of the challenges faced by the Kaveri, ensuring its readiness for future defence applications, including the development of cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
One of the key highlights of the Dry Kaveri Engine is the substantial progress made in overcoming the previous limitations faced by the Kaveri engine. GTRE has confirmed that all the major issues of the original Kaveri engine have been rectified in its dry variant, making it a more reliable and efficient propulsion system. Dry Kaveri has been subjected to rigorous testing, and according to GTRE, the engine has performed admirably, showcasing its capability to meet the demanding requirements of future defence platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The latest iteration of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CATS Warrior, showcased as a full-scale demonstrator, has introduced several significant modifications aimed at enhancing performance and stealth capabilities. These changes reflect HAL’s commitment to advancing India’s indigenous drone technology, particularly for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) needs.
One of the most apparent alterations in the new CATS Warrior model is the redesign of the air intake. The earlier designs featured a more angular, stealth-focused intake, which has now been replaced with a smoother, curved design. This change appears to slightly compromise the stealth aspect, as the engine might be more visible than in previous models, potentially increasing radar cross-section. However, this redesign is not without its benefits.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent development on social media, particularly on the platform X (formerly Twitter), handles believed to be backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have initiated a misinformation campaign targeting India. Among the claims made by these accounts is a particularly bold assertion that “Bangladesh has reclaimed 1,008 km² of territory occupied by India during recent border clashes.”
This claim, which lacks any substantiation from official sources or independent verification, is part of a broader strategy to spread disinformation and stir up anti-India sentiment. The narrative being pushed suggests a scenario of territorial shifts following supposed border skirmishes, an event that has not been reported or confirmed by any credible news outlet or governmental body from India, Bangladesh, or international observers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Astr Defence, an emerging name in India’s defense manufacturing sector, has announced that the production of its latest product, the Phantom pistol, is now in full swing. This compact firearm, which comes equipped with an innovative red dot sight, marks a significant step forward in providing Indian civilians with high-quality, home-grown self-defense options.
The Phantom pistol has been designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, offering a sleek profile that does not compromise on capacity or accuracy. The inclusion of a factory-calibrated red dot sight is particularly noteworthy as it positions the Phantom as India’s first pistol with such a feature, enhancing shooting precision and reducing the time needed for target acquisition.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
India’s indigenous Anti-Tank Missile, Nag Mk 2, the third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile successfully completed its field evaluation trials at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan in the presence of senior officers of the Indian Army.
There were three field trials conducted, with the missile systems destroying all the targets precisely- maximum and minimum range, thus validating its firing range.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
India conveyed to Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Md Nural Islam, that New Delhi observed “all protocols and agreements” with regard to security measures at the border, including while fencing, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.
The Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Md. Nural Islam, was summoned by the MEA on Monday to the South Block on Monday, at 2:00 pm.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
After stopovers in Goa and Kochi on India’s western coast, the entire French carrier strike group (CSG) centred around aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle cast off on 9 January 2025 for the next phase of Mission Clemenceau 25 in the Indian Ocean. It set the course for the Indonesian arc, where it would conduct the exercise ‘La Perouse’.
A few hours after setting sail, the CSG carried out cooperation activities with the Indian Navy at sea and in the air. The French CSG destroyer conducted a joint navigation exercise with the Indian frigate INS Mormugao, during which the two ships practised tactical evolution manoeuvres. The two ships also deployed their respective onboard helicopters to carry out a cross-decks manoeuvre, as per the statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Monday emphasised the strong bond between America and India, stating that America sees its future with India, and India sees its future with America, adding that the two nations are better when they are together.
He highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties, saying that the more connections Americans have with Indians, the more opportunities will arise for economic and educational exchanges.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Monday batted for “reconciliation” in violence-hit Manipur even as he asserted that “synergised” efforts from the security forces and “proactive” initiatives by the government have brought the situation in the state under control.
Gen Dwivedi, addressing the media ahead of the Army Day, said he was hopeful that new Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will take the necessary steps for reconciliation. The Army chief said “cyclic” incidents of violence are continuing in Manipur and the Army is focusing on bringing peace to the region.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Southern Command of the Indian Army held its Investiture Ceremony at the Bombay Engineers Parade Ground in Pune on Saturday featuring Robotic Mules, a quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle designed for reconnaissance and perimeter security. The robotic mules are also expected to take part in the Republic Day parade this year.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army is set to host the Army Day Parade 2025 in Maharashtra’s Pune for the first time on 15 January, as part of its rotation to different cities starting with Bengaluru, followed by Lucknow in 2024. Traditionally held in Delhi, the parade began rotating to different cities in 2023, starting with Bengaluru, followed by Lucknow in 2024.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Indian Army, set to celebrate its 77th Army Day on January 15, is showcasing its significant technological advancements as part of its ongoing commitment to operational excellence and self-reliance, a release said on Sunday. In 2023, the Indian Army declared the “Year of Technology Absorption” and has now extended this initiative for another year, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms.’ These efforts are part of the broader “Decade of Transformation” (2023-2032), aimed at redefining India’s defence capabilities.
Operating across varied terrains–from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan and jungles of the Northeast–the Indian Army faces unique operational challenges, leading the Indian army to a driving in-house innovation.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Five Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces on Sunday in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, said the Police. According to the Superintendent of Police, Bijapur, Jitendra Yadav, “5 Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces. The bodies of 2 female naxals and 3 male naxals have been recovered. The identification of the deceased is yet to be done.” Additionally, the SP said that several automatic and other weapons and explosives were from the forests under the National Park area of the Bijapur district. “1 SLR rifle, 12 bore rifle, single shot rifle, BGL launcher and other arms and ammunition have been recovered,” said the official.
Sharing details from the encounter, SP Jitendra Yadav said, “Based on the intelligence about the presence of naxals in the Bandepara-Korenjed forests under Madded police station area of the national park area of Bijapur district on January 11, a security force team had gone on an anti-Maoist operation.” “During the operation, today Sunday morning, an exchange of fire began between the security forces and the Naxalites in the Bandepara-Korenged forest, which continued till 3-4 pm,” said the SP.
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