SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a remarkable achievement, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a prominent player in India’s shipbuilding industry, has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for pioneering a novel procedure in the final alignment of the Propeller Shaft on a Destroyer Class Vessel while in Dry Dock. This groundbreaking innovation not only underscores MDL’s commitment to excellence but also highlights the ingenuity of the shipyard’s own engineers.

The patented procedure represents a significant leap forward in the domain of shipbuilding, particularly in the critical aspect of aligning the Propeller Shaft. This innovation is pivotal for the proper functioning and performance of naval vessels, especially Destroyer Class vessels known for their agility and firepower. The traditional methods of aligning the Propeller Shaft often involve complex processes, but MDL’s engineers have successfully introduced a streamlined and efficient approach.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is setting its sights on the burgeoning Indian civil helicopter market with its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, confirmed the company’s efforts to secure civil certification for the LUH within the next three to four years.

This ambitious goal is being pursued alongside the ongoing military certification process. HAL is actively engaging with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s civil aviation regulator, to ensure smooth progress towards dual certification.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

The Indian Navy has taken a cautious approach to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) acquisition, recently inducting two Elbit Systems Hermes 900 StarLiner units for extensive evaluation before committing to further purchases. These drones, assembled locally in Hyderabad, represent a significant milestone in India’s quest for indigenous drone technology.

The two Hermes 900 units were assembled in Hyderabad by Adani Defence and Aerospace, marking a significant step towards India’s “Make in India” initiative. However, the Navy is not rushing into further purchases based solely on this fact.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India has ramped up its defense export push to the Philippines, offering local manufacturing of attack helicopters, artillery guns, and bulletproof vests during recent talks. This comes after India secured an order for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and offered its LCA-Tejas fighter jets and ALH-Dhruv helicopters. To incentivize the deal, India has also offered a soft loan with a low interest rate and a long repayment period.

This move highlights India’s growing ambitions in the defense export market and its efforts to forge closer military ties with the Philippines.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

The Indian Army is gearing up to enhance its combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of a Canister Launched Anti-Armor Loiter Munition System (CLAAMS). The project, expected to be launched through a global tender soon, aims to bolster the army’s arsenal with advanced loitering munitions, a category of weaponized drones capable of extended flight and precise targeting.

The Indian Army already possesses experience with loitering munitions, having previously procured and operated systems like the indigenous Nagastra-1 from Solar Industries and ALS-50 from Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Additionally, the Polish Warmate Loitering Munition developed by WB Electronics has been inducted into service. This experience provides valuable insights and operational context for the upcoming acquisition.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

In a significant move towards self-reliance in the Indian aerospace sector, PTC Industries Limited and the Accessories Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Lucknow, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to focus on indigenization efforts.

This strategic partnership signifies a concerted effort to locally manufacture aviation-grade raw materials like titanium, nickel-based super alloys, and special steels. Additionally, the collaboration will encompass the domestic production of crucial components, spares, sub-assemblies, and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for HAL’s aircraft and helicopter programs.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company, has issued a tender for the design, development, and supply of several critical systems for its upcoming Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) programs. These advanced helicopters are intended to replace aging Russian platforms and bolster India’s airpower capabilities.

The 13–16 tons IMRH is being conceived as a replacement for Mil Mi-17 utility helicopters, which form the mainstay of the Indian military’s heavy-utility rotorcraft fleet.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

The Indian Army is poised to acquire additional Air Defence Tactical Control Radars (ADTCRs) to bolster its air defense capabilities. This crucial decision is now cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on February 16th.

Developed by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) of DRDO, the ADTCR is a game-changer in air surveillance. This 3D AESA radar boasts the following key features:

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to boost its arsenal and self-reliance with the planned procurement of Crystal Maze (CM) II missiles under the Make-III initiative, emphasizing indigenously manufactured (IM) components. This program allows Indian firms to participate in defense production either through collaboration or technology transfer (ToT) with foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The Crystal Maze missile is a highly capable air-to-surface weapon with a range of around 100 kilometers. Currently manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel, it equips IAF fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Mirage 2000, providing them with a potent long-range strike capability.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

Military aviation expert Andreas Rupprecht, also known as Rupprecht Deino, has stirred the pot with his recent comments on China’s enigmatic FC-31 fighter jet. He suggests that the 5th generation aircraft, once touted as a potential competitor to the F-35, might be taking a surprising turn.

According to Deino, the FC-31’s future production might be closely tied to the J-35, a carrier-based variant under development for the Chinese Navy. He believes the FC-31 was always intended as a land-based export version, potentially benefiting from advancements seen in the J-35 but lacking carrier-specific features like folding wings and catapult compatibility.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.

The Indian Army recently conducted trials of the improved version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) at the Pokhran field firing range, as reported by the Times of India. This development comes alongside the successful demonstration of the NAMIS tank destroyer, solidifying India’s advancements in indigenous anti-tank weaponry.

While details of the specific range improvement remain undisclosed, the upgraded Nag ATGM belongs to the third generation, potentially offering advantages in accuracy, lethality, and countermeasure resistance compared to its predecessor. Its existing “fire-and-forget” capability and tandem warhead design for top-attack engagements ensure effectiveness against armored targets.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The delivery of 118 Arjun Mk1A tanks to the Indian Army has been delayed due to a snag in engine production by German company MTU. The MTU 838 Ka-501 engines originally intended for the tanks are no longer in production, and restarting production would take longer than the desired delivery timeframe due to supply chain shifts towards newer engine variants.

In September 2021, the Indian Army placed an order for 118 Arjun Mk1A tanks. While the DRDO has some extra MTU 838 engines from previous procurements, these will only suffice for the initial batch of tanks scheduled for delivery from September 2024 onwards. This timeline is now likely to be impacted.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The ambitious project to manufacture AK-203 rifles in India under the Make in India initiative has reportedly encountered significant roadblocks due to financial constraints and challenges related to indigenous content. This development raises concerns about the future of one of India’s key defense projects and its potential impact on the country’s military modernization efforts.

Reports suggest that the high costs associated with royalty payments and technology transfer have rendered the project financially unsustainable. Compared to alternative weapons available to the armed forces, the current pricing model indicates that India could acquire three foreign-made rifles for the cost of one domestically-produced AK-203. This significant cost disparity throws the project’s viability into question, particularly in light of tight defense budgets.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India and France, two key players in the Indo-Pacific region, have signed a significant agreement to co-develop advanced sensors and surveillance capabilities for joint missions. This strategic partnership aims to enhance maritime security and situational awareness in the vast Indo-Pacific, a crucial step in ensuring regional stability and deterring potential threats.

The agreement paves the way for collaborative efforts in developing next-generation sensor technologies. These high-tech sensors will have the capability to monitor both military and merchant marine traffic, providing valuable data on vessel movements and activities. Additionally, the focus will extend to developing advanced underwater sensors capable of tracking submerged vessels, further strengthening intelligence gathering and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Indian Army, embarks on a three-day visit to the United States tomorrow, with defense projects high on the agenda. Among the programs both countries are exploring is a significant upgrade for the M777 ultra-lightweight howitzer.

Currently, India operates the 155mm 39 caliber towed gun variant of the M777. However, discussions are underway to extend its capabilities with a 155mm 52 caliber upgrade. BAE Systems, the manufacturer of the M777, confirms ongoing conversations and acknowledges the potential benefits of a longer-range variant.