SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Defense Analyst Ranesh Rajan, in an interview with idrw.org, has cast doubt on the viability of acquiring 114 Rafale fighter jets under the Make in India program within the framework of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

Rajan argues that the sheer cost of such a large-scale purchase, estimated at around $25 billion, could put significant strain on India’s defense budget. He suggests that prioritizing this acquisition might delay or even derail funding for crucial domestic projects like the Tejas MkII and AMCA fighter jets.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is reportedly developing a mobile reactor technology with wide-ranging applications. While details remain undisclosed by BARC, experts believe it could be a dual-use system, potentially impacting both civilian and military sectors.

The concept of a mobile reactor presents exciting possibilities. It could provide a reliable and continuous power source for remote locations currently lacking access to traditional infrastructure. This could be particularly beneficial for regions with challenging terrain or underdeveloped grids.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army faces a critical gap in its artillery armory – a scarcity of Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs). With only 48 WLRs currently operational and another 12 on order, the force struggles to effectively counter enemy artillery fire.

This deficiency becomes especially concerning when considering the size of the Indian Army. It boasts 59 artillery brigades, each equipped with approximately 48-54 artillery pieces. By 2 025/26, the allotment aims to provide each brigade with just one WLR, leaving a significant portion vulnerable.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Indian startup Edith Defence Systems has secured second place in the prestigious Dare to Dream 4.0 Award competition organized by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This recognition highlights their innovative work in target seeking and proximity sensing technologies.

The winning system is a miniaturized radar payload designed for the Defender X2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This innovative technology offers several key functionalities:

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Zen Technologies Limited, a leading defense training solutions provider based in Hyderabad, is looking to expand its reach beyond land-based combat training. Already a force to reckon with in its domain, with over 40 land-based Combat Training Simulators supplied to the Indian Army, Zen Technologies has set its sights on developing similar systems for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

The company is currently in talks with both branches of the Indian military to create comprehensive training simulators for warship crew and fighter jet pilots. These advanced simulators would provide a realistic training environment, allowing aircrews and naval personnel to hone their skills and practice complex maneuvers in a safe and controlled setting.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) establishing a no-fly zone over the Bay of Bengal region from April 21 to 24, 2024. This move typically precedes a missile test, and experts believe it’s likely connected to the testing of an Indian missile system.

The designated airspace encompasses a 980-kilometer trajectory, hinting at a test for a long-range missile. This characteristic aligns with the profile of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) project by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The ITCM is a sub-sonic cruise missile designed for long-range deterrence.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

VU-Dynamics Private Limited, a manufacturer of defense equipment, has recently introduced two new loitering munitions, the APJK6C100 and the APJK2C40. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are designed for long-range reconnaissance and attack missions.

The APJK6C100 boasts an impressive range of 100 kilometers and an endurance of 50 minutes. This extended reach allows it to strike targets far behind enemy lines. It can carry a 6-kilogram warhead, delivering significant firepower for its size. The APJK6C100 has a maximum altitude of 4 kilometers Above Sea Level Measured (ASML), offering a vantage point for surveillance and attack operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

India’s defense exports have seen a significant rise in recent years, and the country is setting ambitious targets for further growth. In 2023-24, India has set a target of ?20,000 crore for defense exports.

The largest contributor to India’s defense exports is the shipbuilding industry. Exports of ships for the Navy and Coast Guard account for nearly 61% of the total defense exports. This highlights India’s capabilities in shipbuilding and naval architecture.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

India’s ballistic missile defense (BMD) program is set for a significant upgrade with the development of a new Long Range Radar (LRR), according to the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Annual Report for 2022-23. This radar system promises enhanced detection, identification, and tracking capabilities for ballistic missiles.

The LRR’s arrival coincides with the ongoing Phase-II of India’s BMD program. This phase, expected to be operational by 2026-27, will see the induction of two new interceptor missiles, further strengthening India’s multi-layered missile defense architecture. The LRR’s superior detection, tracking, and data transmission capabilities will be instrumental in ensuring the effectiveness of these new interceptor missiles.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense and aerospace company, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation: a zero-emission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) designed for hydrographic surveying and coastal surveillance. This versatile USV boasts eco-friendly operations and the potential for various applications, making it a valuable asset for both civilian and defense purposes.

The USV stands out for its commitment to sustainability. It leverages solar energy harvesting to power its operations, eliminating harmful emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This makes it an ideal solution for environmentally sensitive tasks like surveying and monitoring marine ecosystems.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Coimbatore-based MANO AIRCRAFT is soaring into the future with their innovative Mano-I aircraft. This sleek, 2-seater carbon fiber plane is designed not just for thrills, but also for aspiring aircraft builders.

The Mano-I boasts a tandem seating arrangement, offering pilots a “top-gun” experience with independent control. But MANO AIRCRAFT isn’t just targeting seasoned aviators. The aircraft is specifically designed for ease of assembly, breaking down into five distinct kits – perfect for home-builders looking to embark on an aviation adventure.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

Ethiopia, a nation in the Horn of Africa, is inching closer to becoming the first African country to procure arms from India, according to sources familiar with the program told idrw.org. This potential deal, expected to be finalized by mid-2024, marks a possible turning point in Ethiopia’s military procurement strategy.

While specifics of the agreement remain under wraps, speculations point towards Ethiopia’s interest in acquiring anti-drone systems, small arms, and potentially a more significant weapons system. Traditionally, Ethiopia has relied heavily on Russia and China to fulfill its military needs. This upcoming deal with India signifies a potential diversification of its arms suppliers.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

India’s ambitious S5 class of nuclear-powered attack submarines is inching closer to a critical milestone. With the design stage nearing completion, the program signifies a significant step forward in the country’s naval modernization efforts.

Since at least 2019, whispers of the S5 program have circulated online, with sightings of hydrodynamic testing scale models fueling speculation. These models are miniature representations used to assess a submarine’s underwater performance.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

A computer-generated model of HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), a medium-lift helicopter currently under development, has been revealed. The IMRH is depicted with an optional armament configuration, capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg of weapons externally.

The image showcases at least three hardpoints on each side of the helicopter, suggesting its ability to carry a dual ATGM rack of anti-tank guided missiles. It is also likely to be equipped with pods containing 57 mm and 80 mm unguided rockets, or even a nose-mounted 20 mm cannon.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

India is making significant strides in hypersonic technology with two key programs: the BrahMos-2 hypersonic cruise missile and the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).

Developed collaboratively by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), BrahMos-2 is a next-generation hypersonic cruise missile. This technological marvel is designed to achieve speeds exceeding Mach 7 (nearly 8,650 kilometers per hour) and possess a strike range of up to 600 kilometers.