SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

At the Indian Naval Swavlamban2023 event, a groundbreaking innovation captured the spotlight – the EyeROV TUNA, India’s inaugural commercial Underwater Drone/Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), developed by EyeROV Technologies Pvt Ltd. This pioneering technology promises to revolutionize underwater exploration and inspection capabilities.

The EyeROV TUNA is classified as an observation class ROV, boasting the remarkable ability to descend to depths of up to 100 meters while providing high-definition live video feeds. Equipped with dual HD cameras, it offers users multiple real-time perspectives, delivering a comprehensive view of the underwater world. Furthermore, its extended endurance, courtesy of multiple batteries, and an impressive tether length of up to 300 meters make it an ideal choice for a wide range of moderately demanding underwater inspections and operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed Advanced Pilotless Target Aircraft, known as Lakshya-2. This advanced version of Lakshya-1 boasts a range of capabilities that extend beyond traditional target drones. Among its notable features is its potential use as a low-cost unmanned armed drone capable of carrying weapons.

Lakshya-2 is designed to serve as a target for various weapon systems, including radar-guided and heat-seeking Surface-to-Air missiles, as well as Air-to-Air missiles. One of its key functions is to accurately calculate the miss distance of these weapons, providing valuable data for weapon system evaluation.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

A Malaysian delegation led by Deputy Secretary-General (Policy), Mr. Mohd Yani Bin Daud, paid a visit to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). During the visit, the delegation was given a tour of the yard facilities, followed by a presentation.

The discussions primarily focused on the exploration of possibilities for collaborative efforts in co-design, co-production, and co-development within the defense sector. Both India and Malaysia currently operate Scorpène-class submarines, which are French-designed and developed.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Abhishek Modi, the Managing Director of Swadeshi Empresa Private Limited, has seen his company’s fortunes soar following a substantial contract win with the Indian Navy. Swadeshi Empresa recently secured orders valued at 182 crores for the supply of 50 firefighting robots to the Indian Navy. This remarkable achievement has propelled Abhishek Modi into the spotlight.

The success story began when Swadeshi Empresa’s firefighting robot underwent rigorous testing aboard INS Vikrant, where it participated in extensive user trials. Over a span of two months, the robot demonstrated its capabilities in locating and extinguishing fires effectively. The trials proved the robot’s worth as an invaluable asset in combating onboard fires, enhancing safety, and protecting naval vessels.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India has embarked on the testing phase of an updated quartz nose cone, a significant development for the LCA-MkII program. This move signals India’s intent to reduce its reliance on the British company Cobham for such critical components.

The indigenous quartz nose cone, developed within the country, is currently undergoing mandatory testing procedures. Once these tests are successfully completed, the production and supply of these nose cones will be transitioned to Indian private sector companies.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense technology, the Indian Navy has recently signed a procurement contract valued at Rs 2.15 Crores with Radome Technologies, an iDEX winner. The contract is for the procurement of “AI in Aircraft Health Monitoring,” and it underscores India’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology for its naval operations.

The term “Aatmanirbharta” translates to “self-reliance” in English and has been a focal point of India’s defense strategy. It emphasizes the development and procurement of indigenous defense technologies, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, and bolstering the country’s defense capabilities.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant move to boost the production of indigenous Astra MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM), the Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the inclusion of a private sector company as a production partner. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a state-run enterprise, has already received orders for 400 Astra MK-I missiles and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The Transfer of Technology from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to BDL for the production of Astra MK-I missiles has been successfully completed, with production at BDL currently underway.

In response to the IAF’s initiative, DRDO is preparing to replicate the technology transfer process to establish a second production line for Astra missiles. The IAF’s projected order for the second batch is expected to surpass 500 units. This decision stems from the IAF’s desire to replace the Russian-supplied R-77 air-to-air missile across its fleet of 260 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft, as well as integrate the Astra missile into 120 LCA-Tejas aircraft and 36 Rafale fighter jets.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

At the ‘Swavlamban’ seminar hosted by the Naval Innovation and Indigenization Organisation (NIIO), Bitmapper Integration Technologies Pvt Ltd unveiled an innovative AI-based hardware and software solution – the Automated Gun Barrel Cleaning and Inspection Robot. This system represents a significant advancement in damage prognosis and health monitoring for large caliber gun barrels, rocket launchers, and torpedo tubes.

The Automated Gun Barrel Cleaning and Inspection Robot is a groundbreaking cleaning and inspection system developed entirely in India. This sophisticated robot combines a variety of sensors, deep learning algorithms, and cognitive computing to perform the critical task of cleaning and inspecting gun barrels with remarkable precision.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently provided a glimpse of its ongoing Indigenous Midget Submarine program during a visit by a delegation from the 63rd NDC Naval Course to the MDL facility. This development comes on the heels of a significant milestone earlier this year when MDL successfully pressure-tested the prototype hull of the Midget Submarine as part of a proof-of-concept.

The upcoming MS-X02A Midget Submarine represents a cutting-edge stealth-based platform with minimal acoustic and electromagnetic signatures, emphasizing operational secrecy and efficiency. Equipped with state-of-the-art SONAR, GPS, Inertial Navigation System, and Communication systems, the MS-X02A showcases India’s leading position in submarine technology.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

At the inaugural ‘Swavlamban’ seminar hosted by the Naval Innovation and Indigenization Organisation (NIIO), Pareto Tree Private Limited emerged as a beacon of innovation in the realm of naval safety. Their groundbreaking creation, the Hero Search – Personal Alert Safety System (PASS), has garnered attention for its potential to transform safety protocols in challenging environments.

The Hero Search PASS, developed indigenously by M/s Pareto Tree, leverages advanced motion-sensing technology within a moving vessel to detect falls and promptly alert for assistance. This revolutionary device, specifically designed for firefighters and damage control teams deployed on frontline warships and submarines, has the potential to save lives in critical situations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a significant expansion of its fighter jet fleet with the recent announcement by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari that it intends to acquire an additional 100 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This procurement plan represents a substantial commitment to indigenous aircraft production and marks a milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The Tejas Mk1A, developed by the Aircraft Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a state-of-the-art light combat aircraft (LCA) that has been designed to meet the IAF’s stringent requirements. With advanced avionics, weaponry, and a robust airframe, it is a formidable addition to India’s airpower.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

A Chinese research vessel, the Shi Yan 6, has entered the Malacca Strait and is on its way to visit two Sri Lankan ports, Colombo and Hambantota, as part of an 80-day sea operation in the Indian Ocean Region. This development has raised concerns in India.

The Shi Yan 6 was a significant project under China’s 13th Five-Year Plan for science and education infrastructure construction. Two years after its launch, the vessel embarked on its maiden voyage to the eastern Indian Ocean in 2022.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The sale of 90 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) to Armenia has not only bolstered India’s defense exports but has also shed light on the impressive cost-effectiveness of these guns. Armenia’s procurement of 90 ATAGS guns for a total cost of 1265 crores has revealed the per unit cost of each ATAGS gun to be approximately 14.05 crores. This places ATAGS among the most cost-effective 155mm/52-caliber artillery guns available in the market.

To provide a comparison, India’s domestically manufactured Dhanush 155mm/45-caliber towed artillery guns, produced by the Jabalpur-based Gun Carriage Factory, cost around ?14.50 crore per unit and offer a range of 38 km. In contrast, the M777 ultra-light howitzers imported from the United States come with a price tag of close to 40 crores per unit due to their extensive use of titanium to achieve the required lightweight for air transport by helicopters. The K9 Vajra-T guns cost more than 55 crores per unit.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a remarkable operation last night, an IAF aircraft, an Airbus A321 with its distinctive Air India livery, carried out a life-saving mission in coordination with a team from Army Hospital R&R. The mission’s objective: to swiftly transport a vital liver organ from Goa Medical College to Delhi, where it was urgently needed for a critical transplant. Thanks to the swift and efficient operation, the soldier’s life was saved.

It’s worth noting that the Airbus A321 aircraft in question was formerly part of Air India’s fleet and still bears its original livery. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has acquired a total of six Airbus A321 aircraft from Air India for a unique purpose. These aircraft are slated for conversion into the Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) platform.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant stride towards the development of India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a private sector company has been awarded a contract to manufacture a full-scale model (1:1) for stealth measurements. This milestone marks a crucial phase in the AMCA program’s progress, especially as the final configuration for the aircraft has largely been frozen following the successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in December 2022.

The AMCA program, which has been eagerly anticipated, is currently awaiting clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). However, activities related to the manufacturing of the first prototypes by 2026 are already in motion. This proactive approach underlines India’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense capabilities.