SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The highly anticipated BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is set to commence testing within the next two years. This announcement was made by A. Maksichev, co-director of the BrahMos joint venture on the Russian side, in a statement to TASS news agency.

The BrahMos-NG is a formidable weapon, weighing in at 1.3 tons and capable of being launched from any fighter aircraft. It is particularly designed to integrate seamlessly with the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30MKI fleet. With a remarkable range of 290 kilometers and a blistering speed of Mach 3.5, the BrahMos-NG is poised to become one of the deadliest air-launched cruise missiles in the world.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army has initiated a Request for Information (RFI) to bolster its domestic defense capabilities by seeking indigenous production of advanced 125mm Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) ammunition. This critical component is essential for enhancing the firepower of the country’s T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks.

The RFI emphasizes the need for ammunition with superior Depth of Penetration (DoP) capabilities, a crucial factor in defeating modern armored vehicles equipped with advanced protection systems. By localizing the production of this essential munition, the Indian Army aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and create opportunities for domestic defense industries.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

A fierce competition is brewing for the Argentine Army’s upcoming utility helicopter acquisition program. European aerospace giant Airbus Helicopters has officially submitted a bid for its H145M multi-purpose helicopter to replace the aging Bell UH-1H Iroquois fleet.

The H145M, renowned for its versatility and advanced avionics, is set to face stiff competition from India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has offered its ALH-Dhruv helicopter. This development marks a significant opportunity for both companies to expand their global footprint.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army is taking significant steps to enhance the survivability of its fleet of T-90 main battle tanks (MBTs) in the face of evolving battlefield threats. To counter the growing menace of shaped grenades, guided missiles, and FPV drones, the Army plans to equip these tanks with specialized mesh screens and nets. These protective measures will shield the engine and transmission compartment, as well as the vulnerable aft part of the turret.

India operates approximately 1,100 T-90 MBTs, which are undergoing phased upgrades to the MS configuration. This modernization initiative aims to bolster the tanks’ capabilities across multiple domains. Earlier this year, a notable milestone was achieved with the delivery of the first batch of 10 T-90 Mk-III MBTs by the state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL).

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

William L. Blair, Vice President & Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin India, recently highlighted a significant advantage that the F-21 fighter jet could offer to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. The F-21, Lockheed Martin’s advanced version of the F-16V, is powered by the General Electric F110-GE-129 afterburning turbofan engine. This engine, Blair noted, could provide an added edge due to the IAF’s existing familiarity with General Electric’s engines, specifically the F404 and F414 engines that power India’s Tejas Mk1A and MkII fighter jets.

Although the F110-GE-129 engine is not directly based on the F404 and F414 engines, Blair emphasized that the growing General Electric (GE) supply chain in India, which is being developed to maintain and support the F404 and F414 engines, will play a crucial role. This supply chain infrastructure will enable India to manage and maintain the F110-GE-129 engines more effectively within the country, reducing reliance on external support and enhancing operational efficiency.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Velmenni, a frontrunner in Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) technology, has secured a substantial grant from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the iDEX initiative. This funding marks a significant step towards revolutionizing secure wireless communication for the Indian Navy, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced in modern warfare.

The iDEX program serves as a launchpad for innovation within India’s defense sector. By fostering the integration of cutting-edge technologies like Velmenni’s Li-Fi, this initiative aligns perfectly with national ambitions like Make in India, Startup India, and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Washington later this month, where he is expected to address the critical issue of delays in the supply of GE-F404 turbofan engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the American firm General Electric (GE). This delay has become a primary factor impacting the delivery timeline of 83 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF), a deal valued at ?46,898 crore that was finalized in February 2021.

The GE-F404 engine is the heart of the Tejas Mk1A, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA). Under the agreement, the IAF is to receive 83 upgraded Tejas Mark-1A jets from HAL, with deliveries originally expected to commence in 2023. However, the delay in engine supply from GE has posed a significant hurdle in meeting the delivery schedule.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Lekha Wireless has made significant strides in the field of wireless communication by successfully demonstrating the capabilities of its Software Defined Radio (SDR) with advanced Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) radios to the Indian Army.

The company’s technology, which boasts below noise floor communication and an impressive frequency hopping rate of over 5000 hops per second, has garnered significant praise from the Army’s elite technical officers. The demonstrated features, including secure voice communication in LPI/LPD mode and applications like situational awareness and messaging, have left a lasting impression.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India’s pursuit of a 6th generation jet engine for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is taking an interesting turn. While initial plans involved a collaborative effort with a foreign partner, with significant contributions from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a new approach is emerging.

GTREs, the parent organization of DRDO, is now prioritizing the development of a “future-proof” engine concept. This engine is envisioned to not only power the AMCA but also be adaptable for future Indian aircraft platforms. This shift in strategy necessitates a greater focus on advanced afterburner technologies, an area where GTRE’s expertise is still under development.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a groundbreaking achievement for India’s space sector, Hyderabad-based startup TakeMe2Space has successfully assembled the first module of its MOI-TD (Micro Orbital Infrastructure – Technology Demonstration) satellite. This innovative project aims to create the world’s first satellite lab in space, opening up exciting possibilities for research and experimentation.

The MOI-TD is a significant milestone in space exploration, offering a platform for both professional researchers and young students to conduct experiments in the unique microgravity environment of space. Notably, engineers from a Malaysian university and a group of class 9-10 students from an Indian school have already secured their spots as the first customers to utilize this revolutionary facility.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to significantly bolster the capabilities of its MiG-29 fighter jets by equipping them with stand-off ground attack weapons. A recent Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Ministry of Defence, on behalf of the IAF, invites industry partners to collaborate on this project, which will be overseen by the IAF’s No.11 Base Repair Depot.

The IAF has identified an urgent need to upgrade 24 MiG-29 aircraft to carry the High Speed Low Drag (HSLD) Mark-II stand-off weapon, capable of striking targets at a distance of over 180 kilometers. This enhancement requires substantial modifications to the aircraft, including the integration of new hardware and software systems.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

VayDyn, a startup incubated at the IISc-supported AI and Robotics Technology Park (ARTPark), has unveiled its groundbreaking Vyom Nano-Drone. This compact marvel of engineering boasts impressive capabilities, making it a versatile tool for a range of applications.

With a focus on smart autonomy, the Vyom Nano-Drone stands out with its fully autonomous flight capabilities. Its pocket-sized design ensures easy portability, allowing users to deploy it effortlessly in various environments. Equipped with low-latency digital FPV video telemetry, operators can enjoy real-time, high-quality video feeds, enhancing situational awareness.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Bengaluru-based Opendrone Private Limited, operating under the brand name Airbound, has introduced a groundbreaking drone design aimed at revolutionizing rural healthcare delivery. The company’s new Blended Wing Body Tailsitter drone embodies a development philosophy focused on making a deep impact on real lives by addressing the critical issue of healthcare accessibility in remote areas.

Airbound’s innovative drone network is designed to operate without the need for traditional infrastructure, making it ideally suited for remote and underserved regions. The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology facilitates rapid delivery of medical supplies, such as blood, enabling hospitals to extend their reach and potentially transform the landscape of healthcare delivery. The drone takes off like a rocket and flies like a plane, combining the best of both worlds for efficient and effective service.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

A recent video emerging from Ukraine has sparked a flurry of discussions around India’s possible involvement in supplying ammunition to the war-torn nation. The video reportedly shows Ukrainian gunners preparing a 120mm mortar shell manufactured by Munitions India Limited (MIL), a state-owned defense enterprise.

While India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, avoiding direct arms supplies, this discovery suggests a potential indirect route. Sources close to idrw.org claim that these shells were initially supplied to the Czech Republic. Interestingly, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala previously announced the arrival of artillery ammunition in Ukraine, with the first batch reportedly comprising 180,000 shells. Subsequent deliveries are expected to consist of batches between 50,000-100,000 pieces per month, according to Defense Express.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army’s Aviation Corps is eagerly awaiting the delivery of its first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States. Originally slated to arrive between May and June, the six helicopters, procured as part of a $600 million deal signed in 2020, are yet to touch down on Indian soil.

Sources within the Defence Ministry attribute this delay to technical issues encountered by the US side. Consequently, there is still no definitive timeline for the arrival of the first batch of three helicopters.