SOURCE: AFI

Big Cat Wireless, an innovative leader in 5G technologies, has joined forces with Forge, a dynamic incubator, to embark on a groundbreaking project aimed at transforming the strategic digital communication systems of the Indian Navy. This partnership emerged following Big Cat Wireless’ success in the iDEX DISC 8 Challenge, where they were recognized as one of the winners.

In 2019, the Indian Navy conducted the Theater Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX), a massive endeavor designed to evaluate the combat readiness of its naval units. This complex exercise involved the participation of over 50 ships, submarines, aircraft, and ground forces. It was a rigorous test of the Navy’s operational capabilities, highlighting the critical role of effective communication systems in coordinating operations seamlessly.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India’s Air Force operates a formidable fleet of aircraft, including the Bison, MiG-29, and Su-30 MKI, which play a pivotal role in the nation’s air defence. These aircraft are equipped with the R-73 E missile, a short-range air-to-air missile of significant importance. In line with the Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) scheme, there is a growing need to manufacture these missiles within the country. To achieve this, the proposal is to produce the R-73 E missiles under the “Make III” procedure outlined in Chapter III of the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP 2020).

The R-73 E missile, known for its exceptional performance, is a critical component of India’s air defence strategy. Developed by the Russian Tactical Missiles Corporation, this short-range air-to-air missile has a range of 30 kilometres, and its latest version, the RVV-MD, extends this reach to 40 kilometres. This missile is designed for dogfights and is capable of engaging air targets from any direction, day or night, even in challenging electronic countermeasure (ECM) environments.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In the bustling city of Amritsar, a trailblazing defense startup, DG Propulsion, is making waves with its innovative mini-jet turbine engines tailored for military applications. With a focus on enhancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and bolstering defense efforts, DG Propulsion has introduced a trio of potent engines – DG J20, DG J40, and DG J60 – each designed to meet the unique demands of modern military technology.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a poignant moment in the history of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the iconic MiG-21 Bison aircraft took their final flight over the skies of Uttarlai in the Barmer district of Rajasthan. The occasion marked the end of an era as these legendary aircraft soared alongside the formidable Su-30 MKI, bidding a fond farewell to their service in the IAF.

Despite the IAF’s ongoing commitment to maintaining three MiG-21 squadrons, comprising around 50 aircraft, a significant change has been set into motion. With the retirement of the MiG-21 Bison, one of these squadrons, No. 4 Squadron IAF, also known as the “Oorials,” based at Uttarlai Air Force Station in Barmer, Rajasthan, has been officially number-plated. This decision reduces the total number of active squadrons to just two.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India’s defense landscape is undergoing a transformation, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) poised to present a compelling proposal at the upcoming meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The proposal includes a request for approval to acquire an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, Super-30 upgrades for 84 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft, and other critical enhancements, marking a significant stride in India’s modernization efforts.

The 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets are a follow-up to the 73 Tejas Mk1A units that received the green light for acquisition in 2021. The IAF, in collaboration with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is poised to determine whether any substantial modifications are required for these new jets or if they can be tailored to boost indigenous content, effectively minimizing the potential for system obsolescence. This commitment to indigenization reflects India’s resolve to strengthen its self-reliance in the defense sector.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a strategic move, Armenia is turning to India to tap into its expertise in modernizing Soviet and Russian defense equipment and integrating them with Western systems. This collaboration aims to bolster Armenia’s defense capabilities, particularly in light of concerns about potential regional conflicts.

Armenia operates a fleet of Russian T-72B3 tanks but has experienced significant losses to loitering ammunition deployed by Azerbaijani forces. Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry stated that the Armenian army lost 260 tanks and armored vehicles, 277 artillery and rocket systems, 60 air defense systems, one S-300 long-range air defense system, 11 command and control and observation posts, and eight ammunition depots.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Navy is actively exploring collaboration with the private sector for the development of Replenishment at Sea (RAS) and Fuelling at Sea (FAS) capabilities. The primary aim of these initiatives is to enable fleet ships to sustain prolonged periods at sea, bolstering the Navy’s operational capabilities.

RAS and FAS operations involve fleet tankers and auxiliary vessels equipped to replenish ships while they are underway. This replenishment includes the transfer of fuel, provisions, stores, and spare parts, allowing naval vessels to remain deployed at sea for extended durations. These operations are crucial for maintaining the readiness and endurance of the fleet.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India’s commitment to bolster its defense capabilities continues with Project Cheetah, an ambitious initiative that aims to equip its fleet of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Heron medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with precision weaponry developed in India. Under this project, India seeks to enhance the operational capabilities of the Heron UAVs by integrating indigenous weapons systems, fostering self-reliance in defense technology.

As part of Project Cheetah, India plans to develop and integrate an array of indigenous precision weaponry to be carried out in-house after thorough technical studies. These advanced weapons systems are designed to provide the Heron UAVs with enhanced operational versatility and effectiveness.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has taken a significant step towards self-reliance in aircraft maintenance and spares production by issuing an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the design and development of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), spares, and materials used in the Su-30MKI aircraft. This initiative is in line with the “Make in India” program and aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical components.

HAL’s Nasik division has been actively working on developing indigenous spares for the Su-30MKI aircraft, a crucial step in achieving self-reliance in the maintenance and support of this advanced fighter jet. The issuance of this EoI marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to enhance its self-reliance capabilities.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India’s defense sector is gearing up for a significant transformation as it seeks to boost private sector participation in research and development (R&D). The Ministry of Defence is exploring new avenues to fund private sector-led R&D initiatives through an Advanced Defence Acquired Research (ADAR) scheme. This initiative aims to facilitate disruptive research projects, with funding support for projects up to ?500 crore, led by the private industry. The government agencies, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will provide technical expertise to ensure the success of these endeavors.

Private sector participation in the defense industry has long been a focus area for the Indian government. In recent years, significant policy reforms, such as the “Make in India” initiative and the “Strategic Partnership” model, have sought to enhance indigenous defense production. However, to further strengthen India’s defense capabilities and reduce reliance on imports, fostering private sector-led R&D is crucial.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is on the lookout for a qualified engineering service provider to collaborate on the structural design and analysis of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) airframe. This initiative underscores HAL’s commitment to enhancing the indigenous capabilities of India’s defense manufacturing industry.

The selected engineering service provider, acting as the design partner, will undertake the critical task of defining the structural design of the IMRH airframe, starting from the Preliminary Design Phase. This includes the design of both metallic and composite components. The scope of work encompasses various aspects, such as detailed sizing, creating detailed finite element models (DFEM), producing stress analysis reports, generating manufacturable 3D part definitions, incorporating model-based dimensioning in CAD models, developing system models, mapping requirements to CAD geometry, establishing trace links for verification and validation, and creating part and assembly drawings, all while adhering to budgeted weight constraints.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Armed Forces are rapidly evolving and embracing cutting-edge technology to bolster their capabilities. In the last two years, orders exceeding 1,000 crores have been placed for the procurement of Swarm and Loitering Ammunitions from Indian private sector companies. These advanced systems are gaining prominence, especially in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, as India seeks to learn and adapt from global conflict scenarios.

Swarm and Loitering Ammunition, characterized by their ability to coordinate and adapt during missions, are emerging as a game-changing arsenal in modern warfare. The Indian Armed Forces recognize their potential and are actively investing in this technology to enhance their operational readiness.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Dehradun-based India Optel Limited, a prominent Defense Public Sector Unit (PSU), has marked a significant milestone by initiating its maiden export consignment of the Missile Sight 9SH-119 M1 to SCIENCOM FZE in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The exported missile sight system is a critical component designed for the BMP-2 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle, which originated from the Soviet Union. This development underscores India’s growing presence in the global defense market and showcases the versatility of its indigenous defense capabilities.

The Missile Sight 9SH-119 M1 is an advanced optical targeting system specifically developed for the BMP-2 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. These vehicles have been a mainstay in various armed forces around the world, with the Indian Army alone operating more than 2400 BMP-2K “Sarath” units. These Indian-manufactured BMP-2K vehicles were produced under license from the former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to cater to the specific requirements of the Indian Army.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is at the forefront of upgrading India’s Su-30MKI fleet with the “Super-30” upgrade configuration. In a recent development, HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, has confirmed that discussions with the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the upgrade are nearing finalization. The “Super-30” upgrade holds the promise of transforming the Su-30MKI aircraft with an array of advanced systems and equipment, many of which will be sourced locally. HAL’s self-reliant approach and confidence in executing this program without Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are paving the way for a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities.

Key Elements of the “Super-30” Upgrade: The “Super-30” upgrade program for India’s Su-30MKI fleet entails a comprehensive overhaul that encompasses various vital systems and equipment. Key highlights of the upgrade include:

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army is poised to receive the first batch of six AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters, marking a significant enhancement in its aerial capabilities. These helicopters, ordered in 2020, have been eagerly awaited, and the Army is already looking to bolster its fleet with an additional order for 11 more AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters from Boeing that might be contract in early 2024.

Boeing, a prominent U.S.-based aerospace and defense company, had previously delivered 22 Apache E-model helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020. Subsequently, a contract was signed to produce six AH-64Es specifically for the Indian Army. This contract is valued at approximately $930 million and includes advanced features and armaments.