SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The U.S. Navy has secured a crucial contract modification with Boeing for the final 17 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, marking a potential turning point for the iconic fighter jet’s production future.

This $1.1 billion contract, announced on March 19th, comes after stalled negotiations last year. The deal secures 10 F/A-18F Lot 46 aircraft and an additional seven from Lot 47, ensuring deliveries begin in late 2026 and conclude by spring 2027.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

China’s domestically-produced passenger aircraft, the C919, is making waves in the aviation industry. Built by the state-owned Commercial Aviation Corporation of China (COMAC), the C919 has garnered significant interest, with around 1,200 orders – primarily from domestic airlines. However, its global ambitions might face a hurdle in the form of the world’s fastest-growing aviation market: India.

According to leaked internal company documents, COMAC plans to actively promote the C919 in various Asian markets. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the region’s burgeoning aviation sector. The C919, a narrow-body jet designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families, offers airlines an alternative within the single-aisle aircraft category.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the lookout for a development and production partner. This collaboration aims to create mission systems for a new generation of maritime patrol aircraft based on the C295 platform.

The project envisions two variants of the patrol aircraft, Multi-Mode Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) is a variant intended for the Indian Coast Guard, enhancing their capabilities in various maritime operations. Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) is Designed for the Indian Navy, the MRMR variant will bolster their long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Army is set to procure 550 indigenously-developed ASMI 9×19mm submachine guns (SMGs) from Lokesh Machine Ltd (LKM) at a cost of ?4.6 crore. This marks the first major order for the ASMI, a significant development for India’s defense indigenization efforts.

The ASMI is a domestic 9×19mm SMG designed to utilize the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, a common caliber used by the Indian Army and other security forces across the country. This rimless, tapered cartridge is known for its affordability and widespread availability, making it a popular choice for handguns and SMGs.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Army has signed a contract with Bengaluru-based Tonbo Imaging to equip Dragunov Sniper Rifles (DSRs) with advanced night vision sights. This upgrade will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Army’s snipers.

The EK-Gen2 is more than just a night sight; it’s a Smart Thermal Weapon Sight (STWS) offering advanced features for improved sniper effectiveness. The EK-Gen2’s state-of-the-art thermal imaging core provides superior detection and engagement capabilities compared to older image intensifier sights. This allows snipers to operate effectively in low-light conditions or complete darkness.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Ministry of Defence’s Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) has announced a new challenge under the iDEX DISC-11 initiative. This program seeks technological advancements in two crucial tank components: starter-generators and ultra capacitors.

The challenge focuses on developing replacements for the existing ??-10-1C and ??-18-1C starter-generators currently used in T-72 and T-90 tanks, respectively. These DC electric machines serve a dual purpose.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

CJ Varghese, a distinguished innovator hailing from Kerala, has once again made waves in the realm of defense technology with the recent granting of a patent by the Patent Office of the Government of India. This patent marks a significant milestone in Varghese’s illustrious career, adding to his impressive portfolio of multiple patents, and heralds a breakthrough in the field of artillery defense systems.

The newly patented innovation centers around a Multiple Artillery Rocket Interceptor Kill Vehicle System, designed to counter the threat posed by swarms of artillery rockets with unparalleled precision and efficacy. At its core, Varghese’s system boasts several novel features and technological advancements that set it apart from conventional defense mechanisms.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is poised for a significant shift in its combat capabilities as it grapples with the impending retirement of nearly 200 fighter jets by 2030. This large-scale retirement plan, if realized, could lead to a temporary dip in overall squadron strength.

The crux of the issue lies with the ageing Mirage-III/5 fleet, numbering over 150. These French-origin jets are rapidly approaching the end of their airframe service life. Dassault, the original manufacturer, has ceased production of spare parts for the aircraft and its engines, decades ago further plans to buy retired jets to be used as Spares have not gone ahead thus limiting operational viability of shouldering on for more years.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Baba Kalyani, the Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has set an ambitious goal for India’s defense sector. He aspires to make India the number one manufacturer of artillery in the world by 2030. This vision comes amidst India’s growing defense exports, encompassing artillery guns, drones, and rifles.

“It is my vision and dream to be among the top three artillery exporters in the world,” Kalyani said. “Now we are number one in the business. So we are targeting that in the artillery sector, we will be the largest manufacturer in the world with the best of technologies.”

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari recently addressed concerns regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the IAF’s fleet of Russian-made aircraft.

Chaudhari highlighted the IAF’s proactive approach towards “Indianization,” a strategy that involves manufacturing crucial components for its aircraft within India. This initiative has significantly reduced dependence on foreign suppliers, including Russia, for spare parts. As a result, the Ukraine conflict has had a minimal effect on the supply of spares for many Russian aircraft operated by the IAF.

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.