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In a landmark decision, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced plans to establish its own space station, named Bharatiya Antariksha Station, in orbit around Earth. This ambitious project is slated to commence in 2035 and aims to become operational by 2040.

The announcement was made by ISRO chief S Somanath during a recent interview. He emphasized that the upcoming space station will play a pivotal role in India’s space exploration endeavors, enabling long-duration human spaceflight, conducting scientific research, and developing new technologies for space exploration.

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The Indian Army has gained a significant boost in its artillery capabilities with the induction of a new Mounted Gun System (MGS). Developed by the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar, the MGS is a self-propelled artillery system based on a solo 8×8 high mobility vehicle. It is equipped with a 152 mm/52 caliber Towed Artillery Gun, which offers accurate target acquisition and destruction of enemies.

Prior to its induction into the Indian Army, the MGS underwent rigorous testing to ensure its performance and reliability. Technical trials were conducted at NCAT (VRDE) and on beaten desert and cross-country tracks at PFFR. Firing trials were also carried out at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges (PFFR), evaluating the system’s range, consistency, arc of fire, and direct firing capabilities.

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Tata Advanced Systems (Tata Aerospace & Defence) will be showcasing a range of armoured mobility vehicles to Indian and International Defence forces at its Chinchwad facility in Pune in the upcoming weeks. The company will be showcasing the Mine Protected Vehicles carrier, which offers NIJ Level 3 protection and features ten gun firing points. It incorporates a special V-shaped hull for blast resistance. The Mine Protected Vehicles carrier has been offered in the export market and has already been inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Paramilitary Forces.

In addition to the Mine Protected Vehicles carrier, Tata will also be showcasing the Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Vehicle (WHAP), the Infantry Protected Vehicle (IFV), and the Light Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (LAMV). The WHAP is a fully amphibious vehicle that can be used for a variety of missions, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and combat support.

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Amidst the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world, including the Israeli-Hamas clashes and the Russian-Ukraine war, the United States is actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with Indian defence sector companies. The pressures on the U.S. Military-Industrial Complex (MIC), exacerbated by depleting stocks due to simultaneous engagements on multiple fronts, have prompted a keen interest in India’s capabilities as a significant player in the global defence market.

India, unlike some nations, has maintained a neutral stance in both the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the Russian-Ukraine war. Despite being one of the largest operators of Soviet/Russian-origin weapons, India has refrained from taking sides, opting for a careful and observant approach. The country has been closely monitoring export inquiries and orders for Indian-made small arms ammunition, ensuring that such transactions are transparent and adhere to international norms.

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The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) is planning to convert its Multi-Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS) rifle into a Single Caliber Individual Weapon System (SCAWS) of caliber 6.8mm and 7.62mm (39 & 51). This move is aimed at addressing the Indian Army’s requirements for a more versatile and effective rifle.

The MCIWS rifle was developed by ARDE in response to the Indian Army’s need for a rifle that could fire different calibers of ammunition. The rifle can currently fire 5.56mm x 45mm, 7.62mm x 39mm, and 6.8mm x 43mm ammunition.

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In a recent address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of the LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft, emphasizing its role in bolstering India’s domestic defense capabilities and enhancing the country’s position in the global export market.

The LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft, built and inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) just a month ago, has garnered positive attention from the international media. This recognition serves as a significant boost to India’s efforts to export the fighter jet, which has previously faced lukewarm responses due to limited operational deployment within the IAF itself.

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Airbus S.A.S. and Tata Advanced Systems have announced a strategic partnership to enhance India’s defense supply chain and develop new products to meet the country’s defense requirements. This collaboration will focus on developing capabilities for acquiring raw materials, manufacturing detailed parts, establishing sub-assembly and assembly facilities, and prioritizing the production of electric harnesses.

“We are excited to partner with Tata Advanced Systems to strengthen India’s defense supply chain,” said Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, Head of the C295 Transport Aircraft Programme for Airbus. “This partnership will help us to develop the capabilities we need to meet the growing demand for military transport aircraft in India.”

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The Indian Navy is set to acquire Meteor and Scalp missiles for its Rafale M fighter jets, which are currently being negotiated with the French Dassault group. The Meteor is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) that is designed to engage enemy aircraft at very long distances. It is one of the most advanced BVRAAMs in the world, and it is currently deployed on the Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.

The Scalp is a long-range air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) that is designed to hit high-value and strongly protected targets deep inside enemy territory. It is a highly accurate and versatile missile that can be used against a variety of targets, including land-based targets, ships, and airfields.

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In a momentous occasion marking its 60th year of service to the nation, Air Force Station (AFS) Yelahanka witnessed a significant milestone with the inauguration of a Full Motion Simulator (FMS) for Dornier aircraft. This state-of-the-art simulator will revolutionize training standards and enhance aerospace safety for Dornier pilots.

The inauguration ceremony was held on November 24, 2023, and was presided over by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. The FMS, designed and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is a sophisticated training system that accurately recreates the flight dynamics and cockpit environment of the Dornier aircraft.

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In a significant development for India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, the United Kingdom has renewed its offer to collaborate on the development of a new-generation engine for the fighter jet. This proposal was discussed during the annual India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting held in New Delhi on November 24, 2023.

Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane, co-chaired the meeting alongside his UK counterpart, Mr David Williams, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. During the discussions, the UK reiterates its interest in partnering with India to develop a cutting-edge engine for the AMCA, a fifth-generation fighter jet designed to bolster India’s air defense capabilities.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to take a major step towards bolstering its combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of 97 additional LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. The Rajnath Singh-led defense acquisitions council is expected to grant the ‘acceptance of necessity’ (AoN) for the purchase when they meet on the 30th of this month.

The AoN is a crucial step in the procurement process, signaling the government’s approval for the purchase and paving the way for further negotiations. Once the AoNs are granted, the tendering and commercial negotiations will take place before the three deals are submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the final nod.

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The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is strategically investing in the development of long-range air-launched weapons systems to counter the growing deployment of advanced air defense systems by India. In particular, the Harbah NG anti-ship cruising missile (ASCM) and the Taimur air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) are emerging as key components of Pakistan’s defense strategy to maintain a robust deterrent against evolving regional threats.

India’s substantial investment in long-range air defense systems has expanded its capability to monitor the entire airspace of Pakistan, including aircraft take-offs and landings. This poses a significant challenge for Pakistan, given the limited depth of its airspace. To address this, the PAF is strategically focusing on the development and deployment of advanced and long-range air-launched weapons.

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After confirming the development and maiden trial of the submarine-launched Cruise missile (SLCM) with a range of 402 earlier this year, DRDO is advancing its work on the development of a Air launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) based Variant that can be launched from Fighter jets.

The 1-ton ALCM will come minus its Solid Booster and will need to be ejected from the Pylon It will reduce weight by 300kg making it efficient to be used on any fighter type that IAF desires. DRDO already developed Two more Variant Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) and Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) that are based on the SLCM. ALCM will feature slightly different airframes that are optimised for Air Launched.

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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is intensifying efforts to significantly increase the indigenization content of the Kalvari class submarines, aiming to elevate it from the current 32% to an impressive 60%. Sanjeev Singhal, the Director of Finance at MDL, confirmed this ambitious plan, highlighting the progress made in indigenizing critical components and expressing the commitment to enhance India’s self-reliance in submarine construction.

MDL has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to indigenize key components of the Kalvari class submarines, a crucial step towards reducing dependency on foreign imports. Singhal revealed that out of the Major 165 equipment, 30 have already undergone successful indigenization processes. The ongoing efforts encompass a broad spectrum of components, including combat systems, integrated combat systems, attack periscope, search optronics mast, sonar and navigation equipment, communication equipment, and the essential HP air compressor.

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The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) of India is gearing up for a renewed effort in the development of a thrust vectoring nozzle (TVN) after facing setbacks in its previous attempts. Thrust vectoring technology holds immense significance in enhancing the maneuverability and performance of fighter aircraft, making it a crucial aspect of aero-engine applications.

In the late 1990s, GTRE initiated discussions with U.S. engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for the development of a thrust vectoring nozzle. However, these talks did not progress further due to the imposition of sanctions on India following its nuclear tests. Subsequently, in 2015, GTRE entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russian JSC Rosoboronexport/JSC Klimov for joint development of a Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring Nozzle. Despite these efforts, the challenges persisted.