SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Last year India’s homegrown Akash Air Defence System was featured in the Export list for the first time while indented Customers remained a mystery until now. BDL and DRDO Still Remain tightlipped about the customer and the Order Value along with the Variant that has secured orders for the Akash Air Defence System, but people familiar with the program have now confirmed that it was Armenia that placed the order for the Akash Air Defence System. The Armenian military has opted for the Army variant of the Akash system, which features an integrated truck-based configuration instead of the trailer-based variant used by the Indian Air Force.

For some time name of Sudan as a potential buyer of the Akash Air Defence System was going around but that was not substantiated officially.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army (IA) has taken a leap forward in firepower and tactical flexibility with the unveiling of its in-house developed Automated Twin Weapon Firing System. This innovative system promises to revolutionize combat operations in diverse scenarios, from anti-drone defense to securing vulnerable and remote areas.

The system’s defining feature is the twin-weapon mount, capable of simultaneously wielding INSAS rifles. This firepower duplication translates to enhanced suppression capability and quicker target neutralization, particularly against fast-moving threats.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the repair, refurbishment, and life extension of its Russian-made R-73 and R-27 air-to-air missiles. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities and lifespan of these crucial weapons systems, ensuring the IAF’s continued air dominance.

The EOI specifically seeks proposals for joint ventures (JVs) between Indian companies and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of the missiles. This collaboration is expected to leverage the expertise of both parties, ensuring high-quality repair, refurbishment, and life extension work while also promoting technology transfer and fostering the development of India’s defense industry.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in talks with Armenia for the potential sale of missile systems, following the successful conclusion of deals for Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and ATAGS artillery guns earlier this year.

While DRDO officials have not publicly confirmed the specific missile types being offered to Armenia, People familiar with the matter told idrw.org that India is keen on providing the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile and the Pralay Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM).

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant stride towards bolstering the capabilities of the Indian Army and expanding its global footprint, the Kalyani Group, through its subsidiary Bharat Forge, has locally manufactured the Kalyani M4 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).

This indigenously developed APC is not only tailored to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army but also showcases a host of improvements and design changes that set it apart from its counterparts, particularly those offered by the Paramount Group. With an eye on international markets, Kalyani Group is now poised to export the Kalyani M4 to Middle Eastern and African countries.

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The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has partnered with a private company in India to develop the necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs) for integrating the Kaveri engine into the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the program, which is gearing up for limited flight trials of the aircraft equipped with the indigenous Kaveri engine for technological demonstration purposes.

Integrating a new engine into an existing aircraft is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. The air inlet, propulsion subsystem, and engine must be seamlessly integrated to achieve optimal performance and safety.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army has unveiled a novel and innovative drone system designed to deceive enemy radar systems, showcasing its commitment to encouraging in-house technological advancements. This system, mounted on quadcopter drones, uses Luneburg lenses to mimic the radar cross-section (RCS) of the Indian Army’s own helicopter fleet, such as gunships and utility helicopters.

The key principle behind this system lies in its ability to create false radar echoes that mimic the signature of actual helicopters. By deploying these “decoy drones” equipped with Luneburg lenses, the Indian Army can mislead enemy radar operators into believing that a larger force of helicopters is present in a specific area. This deception can serve several tactical purposes, including:

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed a significant name change, reflecting its ambition to expand its capabilities into the space domain. The proposed new name, “Indian Air and Space Force” (IASF), would mark a major shift in the organization’s focus and highlights its commitment to becoming a comprehensive aerospace power.

This move comes at a time when the strategic importance of space is rapidly increasing. Recent conflicts have clearly demonstrated the decisive role space-based assets can play in modern warfare. From satellite communication and navigation to intelligence gathering and precision targeting, space capabilities have proven to be Force multipliers, significantly impacting the outcome of military operations.

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DRDO’s recent monthly bulletin publication has once again generated buzz with its prominent display of the Agni-5 MkII missile on a poster. This move is seen as a strategic tease, hinting at the significant advancements India has made in its missile technology.

The Agni-5 MkII is a highly anticipated upgrade to the existing Agni-5 missile. It represents a significant leap forward in India’s strategic capabilities, allowing the nation to expand its reach without attracting excessive international attention.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army recently unveiled a novel Hybrid Anti-Drone System at the Inno Yodha 2023 event in New Delhi, showcasing its commitment to staying at the forefront of counter-drone technology. This innovative system has been integrated into the upgraded ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs), further enhancing their capabilities.

This hybrid system combines various technologies to effectively detect, track, and neutralize drones in the battlefield. It utilizes a combination of radar, electro-optical sensors, and radio frequency jammers to provide a comprehensive defense against aerial threats.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant step towards enhancing its technological capabilities, the Indian Army has adopted an AI-based solution for Military Objects Detection System (MODS) in satellite images. This innovative technology, developed in-house, facilitates real-time detection and classification of military objects, empowering commanders at all levels to make informed decisions swiftly.

The MODS system marks a remarkable advancement in the Indian Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. By employing artificial intelligence, the system can automatically scan vast amounts of satellite imagery, identifying and categorizing military assets with precision. This real-time data stream provides tactical commanders with a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield, enabling them to formulate effective strategies and respond to threats promptly.

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HAL, in collaboration with Bengaluru-based New Space Research & Technologies, has revealed the specifications for its ambitious project to transform the Kiran MK-II intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft into the CATS OMCA (optically-manned combat aircraft). This project marks a significant development in India’s pursuit of cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

Operating within the UHF Band (450MHz-500MHz), the UHF Data Link boasts a range exceeding 100 kilometers in the Telemetry-Only mode. This mode transmits critical data such as aircraft status, mission parameters, and audio communication. Additionally, the system operates at a range of 10 kilometers or more when transmitting both Telemetry and Video data, providing real-time situational awareness.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India has issued several Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the closure of airspace for missile testing activities throughout December 2023. These NOTAMs indicate potential tests for various missile systems, raising questions about the specific types and intended purposes.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled a significant upgrade for the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets, showcasing a new glass cockpit at the recent Avionics Expo in New Delhi. This modernization program aims to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities in various aspects, including:

Enhanced Navigation Guidance: The new glass cockpit features a state-of-the-art Mission Computer with embedded Omni-mode Graphics (OMG) technology. This facilitates improved navigation guidance by integrating with indigenous systems like the LDP-41 Mission Planning System and Smart Multi-Function Display (SMFD).

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently deployed its A321 fleet, currently awaiting transformation into the Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS), for an unexpected task: ferrying Indian Army soldiers. These six Airbus A321s, formerly commercial aircraft operated by Air India, still bear remnants of their past lives with the familiar Air India livery, albeit with the addition of the Indian Air Force’s emblem on the mid-fuselage.

While the exterior may seem unchanged, significant changes are underway within. The IAF is meticulously upgrading the A321s with advanced military-grade avionics and preparing them for their future role as the Netra MkII AEW&CS. This internal transformation, slated for completion in 2025, will equip the aircraft with sophisticated surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.