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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) annual report for 2022-23 sheds light on a crucial development for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program: the Swayam Raksha Kavach Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite. This article explores the details of this vital system and its significance for the LCA Mk1A.
The name “Swayam Raksha Kavach” translates to “Self-Defense Armor,” aptly reflecting the suite’s role in protecting the LCA Mk1A from electronic threats. Developed domestically, the suite integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance the aircraft’s survivability in modern warfare scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is poised to take a significant step towards modernizing its artillery capabilities with the imminent release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new 155mm/52 calibre towed gun system, as People familiar with the matter informed idrw.org. This news follows an earlier Request for Information (RFI) issued in December 2022.
The RFI emphasized the Indian Army’s commitment to self-reliance by mandating procurement from local industry. This move aligns with the government’s push for “Make in India” initiatives in the defence sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s ambitious program to develop the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) reportedly faces an unexpected hurdle – cost. According to India-today media reports, the program’s proposal for Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance, seeking approval for a budget of nearly ?15,000 crore, had encountered opposition.
Sources suggest this resistance came from multiple fronts, including a section within the Indian Armed Forces itself. Concerns reportedly revolve around the program’s high financial demands.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a positive development for India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has confirmed the successful completion of the AMCA’s Critical Design Review (CDR). This crucial stage signifies the finalization of the aircraft’s design, paving the way for its physical realization.
With the design phase behind them, the ADA can now focus on manufacturing the AMCA. The exciting news is that metal cutting, the initial step in the manufacturing process, has already begun. This signifies a significant leap forward in the AMCA program timeline.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
China’s space ambitions took a step forward with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) reportedly patenting a design for a super heavy-lift launch vehicle strikingly similar to SpaceX’s Starship.
This new Chinese launch vehicle, envisioned as part of the Long March 9 family, would utilize clusters of 26 reusable engines for its first stage, mirroring the architecture of SpaceX’s Super Heavy booster. The design details were previously presented by officials from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the nation’s primary space contractor.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The US Navy’s search for a replacement for its long-serving Boeing T-45 Goshawk jet trainer appears to be nearing a key milestone. Budget documents released earlier this month indicate a potential procurement start date as early as 2026 for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program.
This development comes nearly six years after the Navy initiated its investigation into a T-45 replacement. Interestingly, the focus is not on a carrier-launched aircraft. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) seeks a twin-seat, land-based jet trainer capable of simulating carrier landings for both Navy and Marine Corps pilots.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
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Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is gearing up for a significant milestone in Indian shipbuilding. The state-owned shipyard is on track to deliver the first of its indigenously built Project-17 Alpha (P-17A) frigates, named “Mahendragiri,” by mid-2025, with an estimated delivery date of August 2025. This marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in India’s defense sector.
GRSE is making steady progress on the remaining P-17A frigates. The second and third ships are currently at 55% and 43% completion stages, respectively, with anticipated deliveries in February and August of 2026.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program is taking a significant step towards self-reliance. Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), has confirmed that HAL will transition from the Israeli ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to the indigenously developed Uttam AESA radar starting with the 41st Mk1A unit.
This marks a major milestone in India’s quest for self-sufficiency in critical defense technologies. The Uttam AESA radar, developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), has successfully completed over 125 flight tests on the Tejas Mk1 aircraft, with a few more tests remaining. Importantly, the radar has already received production clearance, paving the way for its integration into future Mk1A jets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The much-anticipated first flight of the Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet has a target date. Dr. Jitendra Jadhav, Director of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), recently spoke with Anantha Krishnan M of Tarmak Media House, revealing a projected timeframe for the maiden flight.
According to Dr. Jadhav, the Tejas Mk-2’s first flight is now expected to occur sometime between September and October of 2025. This news comes after previous delays in the program’s timeline.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In the murky world of clandestine operations and covert strategies, the recent revelation surrounding the killing of Riyaz Ahmed, a prominent Lashkar-e-Taiba commander, has once again brought to light the intricate maneuvers of intelligence agencies. According to reports from British daily newspaper- Guardian News, Ahmed’s demise in September last year was allegedly orchestrated by RAW, India’s external intelligence agency, utilizing a tactic straight from the Islamist playbook – branding him an infidel.
The modus operandi, as per Pakistani authorities, unveils a chilling narrative of manipulation and radicalization. The alleged assassin, Muhammad Abdullah, a 20-year-old from Lahore, purportedly fell prey to the siren call of extremism through a Telegram channel believed to be frequented by individuals seeking to join the ranks of the Islamic State (IS). Unbeknownst to him, this virtual sanctuary had been infiltrated by RAW agents, casting a web of deceit that ultimately led to Ahmed’s demise.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A social media post featuring US and UK soldiers alongside the British Defence Advisor in Islamabad, Pakistan has been generating controversy. The image, reportedly taken in Pakistan-occupied territory claimed by India, has drawn criticism and sparked a temporary suspension of the Defence Advisor’s account.
The specific details surrounding the photo and the reason for the account suspension remain unclear. However, the location of the picture has become a major point of contention.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) has reported that six F-16 fighter jets sustained minor damage during a powerful earthquake on April 3rd, 2024.
The 7.2-magnitude quake, the strongest to hit Taiwan in 25 years, struck the eastern coast near Hualien, where the ROCAF’s 5th Tactical Composite Wing is based. This wing operates a fleet of F-16Vs and F-5 fighter jets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully test-flown the first production variant of its Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet program. However, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans for the Tejas program continue to evolve.
While the IAF is expected to formally order an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets later this year, their desire for even more advanced capabilities is driving discussions for further modifications. These proposed changes could potentially lead to the designation of a new variant – the Tejas Mk-1B.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
According to a recent Ministry of Defence (MoD) report, India is developing a new Long Range Surface Air Missile (LRSAM) system designed to neutralize airborne threats at extended ranges. This weapon system will be a welcome addition to the Indian Navy and Air Force’s arsenal, bolstering their ability to counter a wide array of aerial attacks.
The LRSAM system, being indigenously developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), boasts impressive capabilities. It’s envisioned to effectively engage not only high-flying aircraft and ballistic missiles but also low-flying, sea-skimming anti-ship missiles and even anti-ship ballistic missiles. Design reviews for crucial sub-systems and rocket motors are reportedly complete, signifying significant progress in the development process.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in the aerospace sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently articulated a bold vision during the Times Now Summit themed “India Unstoppable.” His announcement centred around the exploration of opportunities to export indigenous engine technologies developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
During his address, Minister Rajnath Singh disclosed that he had instructed DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and HAL to investigate the feasibility of exporting the Kaveri and F-414 engines. This directive marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence strategy, emphasizing not only the aspiration for self-sufficiency but also the ambition to emerge as a global exporter in the aerospace domain.
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