SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

As the world accelerates towards an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, collaboration between nations with complementary strengths has become crucial. Axel Bååthe, Head of The Rainforest, envisions immense possibilities for collaboration between India and Sweden in these burgeoning fields. His insights highlight the synergy that could arise from combining Sweden’s innovation ecosystem with India’s growing technological prowess.

“India is shaping up as a global powerhouse when it comes to the software and tech industry,” Bååthe notes, emphasizing the country’s significant strides in software development, AI, and robotics. With its expansive talent pool, robust startup ecosystem, and government-led initiatives like Digital India, the country has positioned itself as a leader in innovation.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has consistently maintained a fleet of approximately 450 fighter jets, ensuring a balanced posture against the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, the aging of its frontline aircraft and the need for modernization present a significant challenge. While the IAF grapples with a dwindling squadron count and upcoming retirements, the PAF is also under pressure to address its aging fleet and modernize for future operational requirements.

The backbone of the PAF for decades, the Mirage III and Mirage 5 fleet, once over 150 aircraft strong, is now over 50 years old. France has ceased providing used airframes and spare parts, which had previously enabled the PAF to sustain these jets. The fleet’s reliability is increasingly in question, with mounting crashes in recent years signaling the end of its operational lifespan.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

In a significant upgrade to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet, the aircraft will soon be equipped with advanced radar warning systems and missile detection capabilities. This development addresses a critical gap in the aircraft’s defensive systems, as the Su-30MKI has lacked a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) until now. The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System (DC-MAWS), which will significantly enhance the survivability and situational awareness of the IAF’s frontline fighter jets.

The DC-MAWS is a cutting-edge system designed to operate in the mid-infrared (IR) spectrum, enabling precise identification of approaching missiles across generations. Its dual-color capability uses spectral data from two IR bands to efficiently differentiate missile threats from non-threatening sources such as sunlight reflections or background radiation. This dramatically reduces false alarms, ensuring pilots receive accurate and actionable warnings.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The INS Chakra II, a Russian-made Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine that was leased to India for a period of ten years, has become the subject of speculation after its return to Russia in June 2021. Recent satellite imagery has revealed the submarine alongside Russia’s Oscar II-class submarine, the K-442 Chelyabinsk, at the naval base in Bolshoy Kamen, a town located in Russia’s Primorsky Krai. The sighting has raised questions about the future of the vessel, which was returned after a decade of service with the Indian Navy.

INS Chakra II, originally named K-322 Nerpa by the Russian Navy, was leased to India under a 10-year agreement that commenced in 2012. This Akula-class submarine, with its advanced stealth, speed, and firepower, was a valuable asset for the Indian Navy, adding significant operational capability to India’s underwater fleet. The lease agreement was part of India’s strategic relationship with Russia, aimed at enhancing the Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine capabilities.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which is leading the development of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) for the Indian Navy, is planning a CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) variant of the aircraft. This effort aligns with the Indian Navy’s potential transition to CATOBAR configuration for future aircraft carriers.

India’s existing aircraft carriers—INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant—operate on the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration. The upcoming second indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-2, is also expected to retain this STOBAR configuration. However, plans for the third indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-3, indicate a shift to CATOBAR operations, potentially featuring an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

In a significant boost to India’s defense indigenization efforts, Bengaluru-based SpaceFields Pvt. Ltd has been selected by the Indian Navy through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative to develop low-cost indigenous pyrotechnic systems for naval applications.

This collaboration aligns with the Indian Navy’s vision to enhance operational capabilities while reducing dependence on imported defense technologies, fostering self-reliance in critical areas.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to take the next step in the development of the Futuristic Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) but awaits the issuance of Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQRs) from the Indian Army. Following the Defence Acquisition Council’s (DAC) Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) accorded on September 3, 2024, the FRCV program is now ready to progress toward its next stages.

The FRCV is a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s modernization efforts, designed to replace its aging tank fleet and provide enhanced operational capabilities for future conflicts. The PSQRs, which outline the operational and technical requirements of the FRCV, are a critical step in defining the project’s scope and ensuring alignment with the Army’s strategic objectives.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Army is actively exploring the development of multi-functional robotic systems designed to safely clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive devices. These systems aim to enhance operational efficiency and safeguard personnel engaged in high-risk mine clearance activities, reflecting a shift toward leveraging advanced technology in modern military operations.

Remote-controlled robotic systems have emerged as vital tools in dealing with hazardous environments, offering the capability to neutralize explosive threats while keeping human operators at a safe distance. Their adoption significantly increases the area that can be cleared of explosives, minimizing risks to soldiers and ensuring the effective execution of missions in challenging terrains.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a key research and development arm of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), continues to make significant strides in the design and development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). ADE has developed various UAV platforms, including tactical UAVs, surveillance UAVs, and target drones, catering to a wide range of mission profiles with versatile payload combinations and endurance capabilities.

As part of its ongoing efforts, ADE is now focusing on the development of Multi-Function Phased Array Radar (MPAR) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) radomes for its Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV platform.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Pune-based defense technology company Aethrone Aerospace has successfully conducted harbour trials of its aerial delivery system for 50 kg underwater autonomous targets. This milestone marks a significant advancement in integrating aerial platforms with underwater unmanned systems, showcasing the company’s ability to deliver autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) via airborne systems.

The trials demonstrated the system’s capability to accurately deliver 50 kg payloads designed for underwater operations. The next phase involves testing the technology with manned helicopters, a critical step toward operational readiness. Aethrone Aerospace also plans to extend this capability to shipborne unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enabling the deployment of swarms of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) in maritime environments.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Army is moving forward with plans to extend the service life of its SMERCH ammunition system, in collaboration with private Indian vendors. This initiative is part of the Army’s broader efforts to ensure the continued operational readiness of its artillery systems while concurrently developing advanced alternatives to replace older systems.

The SMERCH, a Russian-made multiple rocket launcher system, is one of the core elements of India’s artillery capabilities, but with its ammunition nearing the end of its service life, the Indian Army has set in motion a process to extend the operational life of the ammunition.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Navi Mumbai-based Elcome Integrated Systems Pvt. Ltd. has been chosen by the Indian Navy through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative to develop the Advanced Flight Control (AFC) Deck Lighting System for aircraft carriers. This project represents a significant step in modernizing and indigenizing critical systems essential for safe and efficient aircraft operations on naval platforms.

The AFC Deck Lighting System will be designed to integrate advanced technologies, offering greater efficiency, reliability, and compatibility with modern naval aviation requirements.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Navy is taking a significant step forward in modernizing its capabilities by exploring the induction of a new class of autonomous submarine vessels in the 100-ton range. These small, highly maneuverable warships are designed to bolster coastal defense and conduct operations in shallow waters, aligning with India’s maritime security needs.

The new vessels, each weighing approximately 100 tonnes, will be equipped with advanced combat capabilities, including weapons, mine clearance systems, and surveillance equipment. Defence sources informed India Today that these unmanned vessels are expected to play a key role in monitoring and countering activities of adversarial forces across multiple fronts.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

India’s Guided Pinaka missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has emerged as a highly cost-effective and precision-guided artillery weapon, with a unit cost of ?70 lakh. This positions it as a competitive alternative to similar global systems like the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary round developed by Lockheed Martin, which costs approximately ?1.2 crore per unit.

When compared to Lockheed Martin’s GMLRS Unitary, the Guided Pinaka proves to be a more cost-effective solution, with the unit price being approximately 60% lower. The GMLRS Unitary round, priced at around ?1.2 crore per unit, delivers precision strike capability with a 200-pound warhead and a range exceeding 70 kilometers. The cost differential becomes even more significant considering that the Guided Pinaka, priced at ?70 lakh per unit, offers the same range and mission capabilities, making it a formidable competitor in the market.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue concluded today in New Delhi, fostering closer ties between the two nations. The meeting was co-chaired by Indian officials Piyush Srivastava and Vishwesh Negi, alongside their UK counterparts Ben Mellor and Shimon Fhima. Among the significant developments, the UK expressed strong support for Rolls Royce’s proposal to collaborate with India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) on developing a 6th-generation jet engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

India’s ambitious AMCA project, a 5.5-generation stealth fighter jet program, requires a 110kN class engine to meet its performance and stealth requirements. Rolls Royce, renowned for its expertise in aviation propulsion systems, seeks to co-develop this next-generation engine, enhancing India’s defense manufacturing capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative. The proposed collaboration aligns with India’s search for an international partner to support its indigenous technological advancements.