SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

Chennai-based space startup Agnikul is gearing up for a historic launch! They have confirmed that their sub-orbital rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD, will lift off from Sriharikota sometime between March 22nd and 28th, 2024. This will mark India’s second private space launch, following Skyroot’s successful Vikram-S launch.

Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by a revolutionary engine – the Agnilet. This engine holds the distinction of being entirely 3D-printed, a single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic marvel. Unlike traditional sounding rockets that require launch rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD will take off vertically, following a predetermined path and performing a series of precise maneuvers during its flight..

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A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has highlighted a growing concern for India’s air defense capabilities. The report, published in February 2023, stated that China’s production of the J-20A Mighty Dragon, its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, is outpacing that of the United States’ F-22 Raptor.

The F-22 Raptor was the first operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft globally. However, China’s J-20A program has seen a rapid increase in production, with estimates suggesting China already surpassed the US in the number of operational J-20s by 2023. According to IISS, China had over 150 J-20As by February 2023. Aviation magazine Scramble further reported that China might have built as many as 250 J-20s by the end of 2023, exceeding previous production projections. This rapid expansion of China’s stealth fighter fleet poses a significant challenge to regional airpower dynamics.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the successful amendment of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday. This revision reflects an increase in the contract value from Rs 2,700.87 crore to Rs 5,077.95 crore.

The original LCA IOC contract, signed in March 2006, has already been fulfilled. HAL delivered 20 LCA Tejas aircraft to the IAF under this agreement.

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In a significant move towards enhanced interoperability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army are set to synchronize their maintenance crews for common platforms in their fleets. This announcement was made by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri during a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale of Bharat Shakti.

This initiative aims to optimize maintenance processes for platforms like the ALH-Dhruv helicopter, currently operated by both the IAF and the Army with separate maintenance crews. By combining expertise and resources, the synchronized crews will be able to:

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India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a missile test scheduled between March 19 and March 21, 2024, within a designated area of 155 kilometers. While the exact nature of the test remains unconfirmed, analysts speculate it could involve an air-launched platform like a fighter jet, hinting at the possibility of an air-to-air missile (AAM) or air-to-surface missile (ASM) system being evaluated.

The NOTAM, along with the mentioned 155-kilometer designated area, suggests the missile might be launched from an airborne platform. This sparks speculation about the nature of the upcoming test.

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In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s indigenous defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated a staggering ?15,000 crore for the advancement of the country’s 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This move underscores India’s commitment to fostering self-reliance in defense manufacturing and underscores its ambition to emerge as a formidable player in the global aerospace arena.

The AMCA project marks a pivotal milestone in India’s defense modernization efforts, positioning it as the third Indian fighter jet program, following the successful development trajectories of Tejas Mk1A and MkII, the latter currently under development. With the AMCA, India seeks to establish itself as a key player in the domain of advanced combat aircraft, reducing dependence on foreign imports and enhancing its strategic autonomy.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious AMCA program, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has received a significant boost with the government’s approval of funds. This unlocks the development of a next-generation fighter jet crucial for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) future.

The initial tranche of a ?15,000 crore multi-phase funding will be directed towards establishing a new assembly line for the AMCA. This includes acquiring machinery and materials needed for assembly of first few jet. ADA and HAL aim for an aggressive timeline, targeting ground testing of the first AMCA prototype by early 2027. Flight trials are expected to commence in 2028 with one prototype manufactured per year. The final two prototypes will be near or pre-production ready, incorporating many production-standard components.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

The Indian defense establishment is actively pursuing the development of an indigenous Electromagnetic Launch System (EMALS) for its proposed IAC-III aircraft carrier. This move, if successful, would make India the third country after the US and China to possess this next-generation technology.

The Indian Defence Minister recently inspected a scale model of the EMALS system developed through a collaborative effort between state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), private sector companies, and academia. Both BEL and the Indian Navy are actively seeking funding to integrate this indigenous system into the 65,000-ton IAC-III carrier.

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On March 7, 2024, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a large no-fly zone encompassing areas over the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean region. This NOTAM, effective on March 13, 2024, designates a restricted airspace spanning 3,550 kilometers, hinting at a possible missile test.

While the specific details of the test are not officially confirmed, experts speculate that it could involve either the Agni-V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) or the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

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India’s quest for self-reliance in underwater warfare takes a new turn with Project-76, a program to design and build next-generation conventional diesel submarines. However, unlike previous projects, the design phase will be handled solely by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB), bypassing the country’s premier submarine builder, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

While MDL, with its experience in constructing over 8 submarines, initially expected to play a key role, officials have confirmed their exclusion from the design phase. However, they express eagerness to participate in manufacturing once the WDB finalizes the design.

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The Adani Group has spoken to the Financial Times in response to critical Indian media reports surrounding their export of Hermes 900 UAV aero-structures and subsystems to Israel. The company emphasizes that the UAVs in question are designed solely for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Various media outlets have alleged that these drones possess armed capabilities and may have been used for bombing targets. However, IAI, the developer of the Hermes 900 platform, notes that while it offers a 450kg payload capacity suitable for various applications, the company has never explicitly confirmed the ability to be armed.

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The Indian Army is gearing up for battle, not with new tanks, but with a significant power boost for its existing fleet of T-72s. A proposed 2300 crore (US$2.8 billion) plan will see nearly 1000 of these workhorses receive a 1000-hp engine upgrade, replacing their current 780-hp models.

The heart of the upgrade is the new engine, developed indigenously by retaining core components but swapping out peripheral systems like cooling and intake. This cost-effective approach retains reliability while adding vital muscle. Extensive testing ensures the upgrade is battle-ready.

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Russia has extended an offer to India for its RITM-200 series Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, potentially providing a clean and efficient energy source for the nation’s growing needs. This offer presents an interesting crossroads for India’s energy roadmap, raising questions of feasibility, safety, and geopolitical implications.

The RITM-200 is a PWR-based SMR, capable of generating up to 350 MW of electricity. Its compact size and modular design allow for faster construction and deployment compared to traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. Additionally, Russia emphasizes the proven track record of this technology, citing its successful application in powering their new generation of nuclear icebreakers.

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In a significant move to strengthen its maritime capabilities, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently cleared the procurement of 15 C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) for the Indian Navy and Indian Coastguard. This deal, valued at Rs. 29,000 crore, promises to enhance India’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and search & rescue operations, while also bolstering its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The C295 comes in two configurations: the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA). Both configurations contribute to strengthened national security. The MSA emphasizes surveillance and reconnaissance, while the MPA adds anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

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The ongoing war in Ukraine has sparked debate about the future of tanks in modern warfare. While images of destroyed Russian armor dominate headlines, Indian Army officials offer a nuanced perspective, attributing the losses more to “poor tactics” than inherent flaws in the technology.

The battlefield in Ukraine has seen extensive use of drones and man-portable anti-tank missiles like NLAWs, posing a significant threat to unaccompanied tanks. These weapons, coupled with artillery strikes, inflicted heavy losses on Russian tank formations, particularly in the early stages of the war.