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The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, the US Air Force’s ambitious 6th generation fighter jet program, has stirred discussions due to its potential costs. US Air Force recently estimated the cost of each NGAD fighter to be around $300 million per unit. However, this figure has sparked concerns about the affordability and long-term viability of the program, especially since the NGAD’s intended fleet is expected to consist of approximately 200 fighters.

While addressing these concerns, US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall highlighted that no definitive price threshold has been set for the NGAD fighters. He offered a more measured perspective, stating, “I’ll just give you this off the top of my head: The F-35 kind of represents, to me, the upper bounds of what we’d like to pay.” The F-35, considered one of the most advanced 5th generation fighters, currently averages around $82.5 million per unit in the latest production lots, making it a valuable comparison.

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The Dornier aircraft, manufactured by HAL, the largest aerospace and defence manufacturer of India, and operated by the Indian Navy, made its debut at the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS2024), Malaysia, from 12-14 September. This marked the first time that an aircraft manufactured by HAL participated in this prestigious aviation event.

The Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, along with the Chief Minister of Selangor, visited the HAL booth and interacted with High Commissioner B N Reddy and the HAL officers. They expressed their appreciation for India’s maiden and active participation in the SAS2024.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making significant strides in the realm of space tourism with the development of a reusable space tourism rocket and capsule. Drawing inspiration from its successful Gaganyaan mission, ISRO aims to provide an unforgettable experience for space enthusiasts by taking them to the edge of space.

The reusable rocket and capsule will transport customers to a minimum altitude of 100 kilometers, which is considered the boundary of space. At this height, passengers will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of zero gravity for approximately 3.5 minutes. The entire flight duration is estimated to be around 8.5 minutes.

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Space Philic Private Limited, an Indian space-tech startup, has introduced the RUPAK Launch Vehicle, a versatile dual-use system designed for both civilian and military space operations. The RUPAK is a significant addition to India’s growing space technology landscape.

Alongside the RUPAK, Space Philic has also showcased the Engine Shakti, Engine Vibhu, and GP-300 technologies. These components are integral to the RUPAK launch vehicle, demonstrating the company’s comprehensive approach to space exploration.

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The RBU-6000 Smerch-2 is a naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) rocket depth charge system of Soviet origin, developed in the 1950s. Despite its age, it continues to serve as a key component in the Indian Navy’s ASW arsenal, raising questions about the balance between modernization and reliance on older yet proven technologies.

The RBU-6000 is known for its distinctive 12-tube launcher mounted on a pedestal, a remote-controlled system that is fed from a below-deck magazine via a hoist system. This launcher, unlike its predecessors, has the advantage of being highly maneuverable. It can rotate and elevate, with stabilization to account for the ship’s pitch and roll, allowing for more precise targeting without needing to steer the entire ship—a significant improvement over earlier fixed-mount systems. The launcher is controlled by a fire control system integrated with sonar input, which enhances its effectiveness against submarines and underwater threats.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-run aerospace and defense company, is poised to receive a significant upgrade in its status. According to a senior finance ministry official, HAL is likely to be elevated from its current Navratna category to the coveted Maharatna category by the end of 2024.

The Maharatna status confers greater operational and financial autonomy on a company’s board. This includes the authority to make project investments up to Rs 5,000 crore without seeking government approval. In contrast, Navratna companies are limited to making autonomous project investments of up to Rs 1,000 crore.

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Jaideep Maolankar, a retired Naval Aviation Commodore and former sole and Chief Test Pilot for the LCA-Navy program, has expressed frustration over the slow progress of the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program. In a recent post on X, Maolankar highlighted the program’s delays and questioned the government’s intentions for India’s Second Aircraft Carrier (IAC2).

Maolankar emphasized the importance of the TEDBF program for the IAC2, stating that it is a crucial component of the carrier’s capabilities. He criticized the government for not sanctioning the TEDBF program yet, despite mentioning the IAC2 in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meetings.

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SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently revealed the intricate details behind the production of India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Tejas Mark IA. According to the company, each Tejas Mark IA aircraft is composed of a staggering 14,837 parts. This astonishing figure underscores the complexity and precision involved in the manufacturing process.

To assemble such a sophisticated aircraft, HAL employs a wide range of specialized tools and equipment. The company has indicated that 11,000 tools are required to ensure the accurate and efficient production of the Tejas Mark IA. This vast arsenal of tools highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating this cutting-edge fighter jet.

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India’s drone industry is at a critical juncture, grappling with the delicate balance between national interest and vested interests. Recent interactions with top defense officials have highlighted the growing importance of drones as a strategic asset, but also exposed the challenges posed by a fragmented and often misguided industry.

The realization that drones are a “must-have” technology from a national security perspective has spurred calls for a more cohesive and focused approach. Past missteps, characterized by a reliance on cheap Chinese products and a lack of support for indigenous development, have compromised India’s self-reliance in this vital sector.

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Chennai-based Dream Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. has introduced its groundbreaking “Atom” Green Monopropellant Thruster, a cutting-edge propulsion system that utilizes a HAN-based (Hydroxylammonium Nitrate) non-toxic green fuel. The Atom thruster is designed to deliver efficient and eco-friendly propulsion for space missions, offering thrust levels starting from 1 Newton (N), catering to various satellite and space vehicle applications.

The Atom thruster stands out in an industry traditionally reliant on hydrazine, a highly toxic and hazardous fuel commonly used in space propulsion systems. Dream Aerospace’s adoption of HAN-based fuel marks a significant advancement in reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety. HAN, a high-performance monopropellant, is known for its non-toxic properties and easier handling compared to hydrazine. This makes the Atom thruster a much safer option for satellite operators and manufacturers, while also reducing the risk to ground personnel during fuel handling and transportation.

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Exercise Yudh Abhyas, a joint military exercise between India and the United States, is currently underway from September 9th to 22nd, 2024. One of the key participants in this exercise is the 25th Fighter Squadron, the only A-10C unit within the Pacific Air Forces command that is stationed in India. This squadron, known as the “Assam Draggins,” has a fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with the nation’s past.

Established in 1941 as the 25th Pursuit Squadron, the unit first saw combat over Southeast Asia in 1942. A significant milestone occurred on January 11, 1942, when the squadron embarked on the SS President Coolidge, becoming part of the initial deployment of US forces to leave the United States mainland after the declaration of war. By late March, the 25th Pursuit Squadron had arrived in Karachi, India, and commenced wartime operations.

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General Atomics, a leading manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has announced its plans to invest in India’s economy and contribute to the country’s drone manufacturing capabilities. As part of this commitment, the company has pledged to source over 30% of the components for its drones from Indian companies.

In addition to local sourcing, General Atomics will also provide expertise and consulting services to assist India in developing its own high-tech drones. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign imports.

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Suhas Tejaskanda, the CEO of Flying Wedge, has announced that the company has decided to abandon its previous mock-up design for the FWD 200-B bomber in favor of a new liner design. This shift in design is aimed at optimizing the bomber’s goals and weight capacity.

While the earlier design featured four 20-inch propellers, the new design incorporates two 24-inch propellers. This change has the added benefit of increasing landing gear clearance, improving the overall performance and safety of the bomber.

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The Indian Army has recently showcased its newly inducted UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), manufactured by Adani Defence. This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.

The ULPGM is the first in a series of PGMs specifically designed for drone carriage. With an effective range of 2-6 kilometers and weighing between 5-8.5 kilograms, it boasts a 2-kilogram warhead. This PGM is equipped with IIR seekers and kinetic capabilities, making it a versatile weapon for various tactical missions.

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The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, culminating in the removal of the elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has reignited concerns about the country’s expansionist ambitions. Radical Islamist groups, now in power, have openly expressed their desire to establish a “Greater Bangladesh,” a territory that would encompass parts of India’s northeastern region.

While Bangladesh lacks the military might or resources to directly invade India, its sheer population of over 171.2 million – significantly larger than that of the entire northeastern region – poses a significant demographic threat. The proposed “Greater Bangladesh” would include West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.

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