SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

IIT Jammu’s deep-tech startup, SAP Aerospace, has proposed the development of a new Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone named “Black Bird.” This Tier II UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) has the potential to significantly enhance India’s aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Black Bird is classified as a MALE UAV, designed to operate at medium altitudes up to 5 kilometers (16404.20 ft) . This altitude range enables the UAV to perform a wide array of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to environmental monitoring and disaster management.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is on the cusp of securing substantial orders for its indigenously developed LCH Prachand attack helicopter. The Indian Army and Air Force (IAF) are expected to place significant orders, and HAL is already looking towards the export market.

With the Indian Army and IAF poised to finalize orders for a combined 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, HAL is confident of attracting international interest. This confidence stems from a common trend in the defense market – many countries wait for a system to be adopted and validated by the local military before placing export orders.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is mulling over placing additional orders for Mahindra Defence’s Armado ALSV (Armored Light Specialist Vehicle) in response to the rising incidents of sniper attacks and ambushes in the Kashmir valley.

Mahindra Defence Systems commenced deliveries of the Armado to the Indian armed forces in June 2023. The initial contract, secured in March 2021, involved supplying 1,300 vehicles for ?1,056 crore. The Indian Army’s consideration of further orders highlights the effectiveness of the Armado in addressing security concerns in Kashmir.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s Zorawar Light Tank program has taken an interesting turn with reports suggesting two potential engines in the running. While Rolls-Royce, through its MTU division, confirmed the supply of the MTU 8V199 TE21 engine as initially planned, export data reveals the presence of Cummins VTA903E-T760 engines also being shipped to India.

The MTU engine boasts a powerful 600 kW (804hp) output, while the Cummins T760, a modified version of the VTA903E-T750, delivers a close 567kW (760 HP). Both companies claim their engines have been supplied for the program.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) has aced a significant test, showcasing its prowess in the high-altitude drone delivery domain. Their recent accomplishment not only surpasses a previous record but also bolsters India’s self-reliance in drone technology.

NRT successfully conducted flight operations for a 100 kg Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) class Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) at Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass at a staggering 19,024 feet.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian-developed Astra MkII, a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), is nearing its final hurdle before user trials, according to internal sources at DRDO. This indigenous missile is poised to become the mainstay of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) BVRAAM arsenal.

The Astra MkII has undergone a rigorous testing process, including captive trials, separation trials, unguided dual-pulse motor trials for various ranges, and seeker trials. These tests have validated the missile’s core functionalities, paving the way for full-scale testing against target drones.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is bolstering its coastal defenses with the acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. This marks a significant development in the Philippines’ modernization efforts to address maritime security concerns.

The PMC is currently taking delivery of three batteries of the shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile. Each battery comprises four launchers, each housing three missiles with a staggering range of 290 kilometers. This translates to a significant increase in the Philippines’ ability to deter and counter potential threats at sea.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is contemplating acquiring a fleet of pre-owned Mirage 2000 fighter jets from Qatar, along with spare M53 engines, to fortify its ageing fighter squadrons. This potential deal comes amidst concerns about the longevity of the IAF’s existing Mirage 2000 fleet, many of which are nearing the end of their service life due to engine limitations.

Qatar has proposed selling its fleet of 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighters, including nine single-seat 2000-5EDAs and three dual-seat 2000-5DDAs. These jets are particularly attractive because they come with 14 Snecma M53-P2 afterburning turbofan engines – vital components for extending the operational life of the IAF’s current Mirage 2000 fleet.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy’s much-anticipated INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine, is set to see a delay in its induction. Launched in April 2022 from the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, in collaboration with the Naval Group of France, the submarine was initially expected to join the Indian Navy in early 2024.

The INS Vagsheer began its sea trials in May 2023, a crucial step before its official commissioning. However, recent reports suggest the induction has been pushed back to November or December of this year. While the official reasons for the delay haven’t been disclosed by MDL, sources speculate it might be due to the integration and testing of indigenous equipment.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy’s underwater arsenal is set for a potential boost with renewed talks on acquiring additional Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines. State-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is reportedly in advanced discussions for a deal estimated at a whopping ?35,000 crore (US$4.19 billion).

While the final price might see some reduction after negotiations later this year, each upgraded Kalvari-class submarine is expected to cost between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion. This marks a significant jump of over 62% compared to the six Kalvari-class submarines previously acquired by India at a cost of ?23,652 crore (US$4.1 billion in 2023). This translates to a cost per unit of ?3,942 crore (US$680 million in 2023).

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Bengaluru-based Tardid Technologies Pvt Ltd made a splash at Eurosatory 2024, showcasing its innovative AI-based solution for naval vessels: PRESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS OF HULL & MACHINERY (PAH&M). Tardid’s motto for PAH&M, “Sweat in peacetime so you can relax in difficult times,” aptly summarizes its philosophy. This system aims to prevent potential problems at sea by proactively monitoring a ship’s hull and machinery.

Naval vessels endure a unique set of challenges compared to commercial ships. They operate in harsh conditions, experience extreme maneuvers, and are constantly exposed to corrosive environments. This results in significantly higher fatigue on a naval vessel’s hull compared to its commercial counterparts. Furthermore, fatigue cracks typically begin on the surface in the short term but move deeper within the metal over extended periods.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

State-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) is set to license produce the Russian KAMAZ-53949 Typhoon-K vehicle in India. Having successfully completed internal trials of the locally manufactured Typhoon-K, AVNL is now poised to offer this advanced military vehicle to the Indian Army.

The Typhoon-K motor vehicles are designed to provide integrated logistics support to combined arms and special units, including peacekeeping formations, in various environments. These vehicles are versatile, capable of carrying personnel and military cargo, and serve as a basic chassis for mounting various technical systems and weapons.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting airspace usage between July 17 and 26, 2024, sparking speculation about a possible missile test. The designated area encompasses both the ‘AD Launch Site’ in West Bengal and the APJ Abdul Kalam Island launch pad off the coast of Odisha.

This has led analysts to believe that the test might involve the AD-1 Interceptor missile, a crucial component of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Phase-II program. The inclusion of both launch sites in the NOTAM suggests the possibility of interceptor and target missile launches from separate locations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled the first images of its highly anticipated Zorawar Light Battle Tank. Developed in collaboration with private sector giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the Zorawar is poised to undergo army trials following the successful completion of internal testing.

Designed for swift maneuverability in high-altitude regions, the Zorawar is a compact powerhouse weighing in at 25 tons. It packs a punch with a 105mm gun, ideal for engaging enemy targets. The tank boasts advanced optics from French company Safran Paseo, enhancing situational awareness for the crew.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is mulling a significant increase in its initial requirements for the Stryker combat vehicle. Talks are currently underway with the potential manufacturer to develop an army-specific variant of this 8-wheeled armored personnel carrier, with a Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement for indigenous production in India.

Initial discussions centered around procuring 350 Stryker vehicles. However, the Indian Army is now considering doubling this number to 530 units. This substantial increase reflects the army’s growing interest in the Stryker’s capabilities and its potential to equip 10 battalions.