SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The first image of the Kiran UAV, repurposed under the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Optionally Manned Combat Aircraft (OMCA) program, has captured the attention of defense enthusiasts and professionals alike, going viral on X. This striking image showcases the aircraft in a unique two-tone blue scheme, hinting at its transformation from a venerable trainer to a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle.

The aircraft in question, initially manufactured in 1985 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is now nearly 40 years old. Originally designed as the HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 trainer, this jet has been reimagined for modern warfare.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The ambitious Project 75I (P-75I) of the Indian Navy, aimed at procuring six advanced diesel-electric submarines, has seen a dramatic escalation in costs. Initially projected in 2022 to be around ?40,000 crore ($4.89 billion), recent reports now estimate the total expenditure for the project to have soared to an astonishing ?70,000 crore ($8.55 billion).

This significant increase in the budget for the P-75I program, which seeks to enhance India’s underwater capabilities with submarines featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, has raised eyebrows and sparked debates on the fiscal management of defense projects. The project, which has been long in the making, is crucial for the Indian Navy to replenish its aging submarine fleet and to counterbalance regional naval challenges.

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Adani Defence has recently provided a sneak peek into the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) latest innovation, the ULM-ER (UAV Launched Missile – Extended Range), an advanced variant of the existing UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM). This new missile system is designed to significantly extend the operational reach of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in combat scenarios.

The ULM-ER is anticipated to boast an impressive range of over 10 kilometers, a substantial upgrade from its predecessor’s capabilities. This extended range allows for greater standoff distances, thereby enhancing the safety of the launching UAV and providing a strategic advantage in target engagement.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The skies over Bengaluru have witnessed the second flight of the Tejas Mk1A, with keen observers spotting the fighter jet bearing the number ’34’ on its landing gear doors, strongly suggesting this is LA-5034, the second aircraft in the Mk1A series. This milestone marks another step forward in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts, showcasing the prowess of India’s indigenous aircraft manufacturing capabilities.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer, has been pushing forward with production, and there’s an anticipation that the first two Tejas Mk1A jets will be handed over to the IAF by March 2025. This development follows closely on the heels of the first Tejas Mk1A’s successful maiden flight, with HAL confirming their commitment to meet the delivery schedules set by the IAF.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The commissioning of INS Surat, India’s first AI-enabled warship, marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s modernization journey. This cutting-edge stealth destroyer is designed to bolster India’s maritime security by integrating advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, providing the vessel with enhanced operational efficiency, situational awareness, and decision-making abilities.

INS Surat, part of the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class stealth destroyers, stands out for its integration of AI systems capable of Predictive Maintenance where AI system monitors the health of critical machinery and systems, predicting potential failures before they occur. This capability reduces downtime and ensures the ship remains mission-ready.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India is set to secure another major defense export deal, with Indonesia’s defense ministry expressing its intent to acquire the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. According to sources familiar with the matter, a letter has been sent by Indonesia’s defense ministry to the Indian embassy in Jakarta, outlining their interest in a deal worth approximately $450 million. This deal represents a significant milestone not only due to its scale but also because it includes a Transfer of Technology (ToT) provision, marking a first for the BrahMos missile system.

Indonesia’s commitment to purchasing the BrahMos missile system reinforces the growing demand for the world-renowned supersonic cruise missile. With a range of over 290 km, BrahMos is one of the fastest cruise missiles globally and has proven its capabilities in multiple defense systems, including surface-to-surface, air-to-surface, and even submarine-launched configurations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv MKIII, despite not making an appearance in the Republic Day Parade this year, is poised for a significant showcase at Aero India 2025. The helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will feature both in flying displays and static exhibitions at the event scheduled for February 10-14 in Bengaluru.

The decision to exclude the ALH-Dhruv MKIII from the Republic Day parade stems from recent safety concerns following a series of accidents involving the helicopter. This has led to a cautious approach by the Indian military, ensuring that only thoroughly vetted platforms participate in high-profile public events.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

At the highly anticipated Aero India 2025, Jayem Engine, in collaboration with Park Controls and Communication Private Limited, is set to showcase a groundbreaking addition to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. The company will present its Jayem Aero Engine, specifically designed for the Rustom II Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV, marking a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defense capabilities.

The Jayem Aero Engine is a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine, characterized by its inline arrangement and internal combustion mechanism. This engine has been meticulously engineered to meet the stringent demands of high-altitude, long-endurance missions crucial for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated an ambitious project to develop advanced Military Internet of Things (MIoT) applications utilizing Edge/Edge Server/Central Server-based architectures. This project is a critical step toward integrating modern data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations, enabling real-time decision-making and efficient resource management in military environments.

The proposed solution will incorporate a robust mechanism to capture, process, and manage data from various sensors deployed in the field. The system will process this data at the IoT node level before transmitting it to a central control center or a smart military base for further analysis and storage in a centralized database.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

China’s recent confirmation of the development of a hypersonic air-to-air missile (HAAM) marks a significant advancement in its defense capabilities and presents a notable challenge to India’s air defense and air superiority strategies. Announced on January 19, 2025, through the South China Morning Post, this missile is designed to operate at speeds exceeding Mach 5, equipped to target high-value assets like Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and other strategic aircraft that are often stationed far from conflict zones.

The missile, capable of flying at speeds greater than Mach 5, leverages the advantage of speed and unpredictability, making it extremely challenging to intercept with current air defense systems.The use of arc-heated wind tunnels for testing signifies China’s focus on overcoming the severe aerodynamic heating issues associated with hypersonic travel. Temperatures experienced at such velocities can degrade missile structures or disrupt electronics, but successful management of these conditions suggests a robust, combat-ready missile.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to India’s defense technology landscape, Sisir Radar, a pioneering startup in the space and radar technology sector, has clinched two major Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) challenges. These victories are for the development of L-band and P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems and an innovative Unfurlable Dual Band (L+P) Reflector Antenna, specifically tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Sisir Radar’s success in these iDEX challenges underscores its commitment to advancing India’s capabilities in radar technology for both strategic reconnaissance and operational effectiveness:

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to bring back its HJT-36 intermediate jet trainer (IJT), also known as Sitara, for a flying display at the upcoming Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. This marks a significant comeback for the subsonic trainer, which has been absent from the event for over a decade following technical challenges and developmental delays.

The HJT-36’s appearance at Aero India has been rough for the program, as in 2007, an airshow incident marred its performance. The aircraft veered off the runway after its canopy unlocked during the take-off run, raising concerns about its operational readiness. Subsequently, HAL withdrew the Sitara from Aero India in 2009 due to technical snags, leading to a prolonged hiatus in public demonstrations of the jet.

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Bangalore-based aerospace company Q-Alpha Aerospace has announced its work on the development of the QAL-J10, a cutting-edge multi-stage AI-augmented 10 kN turbojet engine. This engine is designed to revolutionize propulsion systems for unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and drones, while also paving the way for future hypersonic applications.

The QAL-J10 turbojet engine features an afterburner and exhaust choking system, designed with high precision using advanced scientific and mathematical models. According to Q-Alpha Aerospace, the engine has been specifically engineered for compatibility with TBCC (Turbine-Based Combined Cycle) architecture, making it a potential candidate for hypersonic UCAVs in the future.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious Phase-III Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program is making strides with the development of the ADAH three-stage missile, a next-generation interceptor designed to provide robust protection against advanced ballistic threats. The missile incorporates cutting-edge technologies and complex safety-critical systems that ensure its reliability and effectiveness in high-stakes scenarios.

The ADAH missile boasts a three-stage configuration, each stage designed to perform distinct and critical functions in its trajectory. Key innovations include several pyro-activated mechanisms, which are integral for the missile’s operation and safety. These mechanisms ensure the seamless execution of functions such as.

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In a significant stride towards fostering indigenous defense technology, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of India’s leading engineering and construction conglomerates, has announced a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). This partnership is focused on the development of a Flight Laboratory dedicated to the advancement of Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the creation of sophisticated Flight Control Computers (FCC).

L&T, known for its expertise in defense systems integration and manufacturing, is leveraging IIT Kanpur’s renowned aerospace engineering capabilities. The flight laboratory at IIT Kanpur, already a hub for cutting-edge research in aviation technology, will now see an infusion of L&T’s industry know-how to further these initiatives.