SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is seeking an innovative Indian startup to develop a next-generation underwater vehicle under its Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. This groundbreaking project aims to create an Underwater Launched Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (ULAUV) capable of enhancing India’s underwater military capabilities.

The ULAUV is designed to be deployed from underwater platforms, significantly extending their reach and capabilities. Imagine a submarine discreetly launching a drone to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, or even carry out reconnaissance missions. This ULAUV will be a game-changer for underwater ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is prioritizing the development of long-range missiles and robust communication networks following a critical lesson learned from the events of February 27th, 2019. During that engagement, communication blackouts significantly hampered IAF operations.

The 2019 incident exposed a vulnerability in the IAF’s communication systems. Scrambled MiG-21s lost contact with control, vectored Su-30MKIs flew “deaf,” and Mirage 2000Is, the first to detect enemy JF-17s, lacked crucial information due to communication limitations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Chinese research vessel ZHOUNG SHAN DA XUE has reportedly entered the Bay of Bengal and is currently moving past Campbell Bay. The purpose of its mission and its planned route remain unclear.

Meanwhile, another Chinese research vessel, XIANG YANG HONG 03, is expected to enter the Indian Ocean Region via the Malacca Strait. Its arrival coincides with a previously announced Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by India, restricting airspace in the region from July 17 to 26, 2024, for a potential missile test.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards bolstering its off-road mobility with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 24 units of the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) SHERP-N 1200, also known as the ATOR N1200. This robust vehicle is being indigenously manufactured by JSW Gecko Motors Pvt Ltd, marking the JSW Group’s foray into the Indian defense sector.

JSW Gecko Motors, a subsidiary of the leading JSW conglomerate, recently acquired a majority stake in Gecko Motors, an established player in the extreme off-road vehicle domain. Production of the ATOR N1200 is underway at JSW Gecko’s newly established manufacturing facility in Chandigarh, Punjab.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Indian startup Omnipresent Robot Technologies is making waves in the defense sector with its development of Artificial Intelligence for Machine Learning (AIML) software for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This innovative solution promises near real-time updates derived from satellite imagery, potentially revolutionizing the IAF’s situational awareness.

The software, designed for satellite-based solutions, will be a game-changer for the IAF. Imagine this: satellites surveying border areas constantly feeding information into the AI. The AIML software will then analyze the imagery, detecting developments like new infrastructure or military equipment deployment in near real-time. This critical information will be delivered to the IAF, empowering them to make intelligent decisions based on the latest intel.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited (TAAL) has secured a contract for the modification and installation of advanced instrumentation on a fleet of helicopters. The undisclosed Hyderabad-based company awarded the contract, which involves equipping twelve Kamov-31 helicopters with the SARANG Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system.

Developed indigenously by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (Hyderabad) under the Samudrika program, SARANG is a sophisticated ESM system specifically designed for Indian Navy helicopters. This project will significantly enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of the Navy’s rotary wing assets.

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.