SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant move towards diversification, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a state-owned Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in India, has announced plans to develop 4×4 protective mobility vehicles (MPVs). These MPVs, similar in concept to the iconic HUMVEE used by the US Army, are part of AVNL’s strategy to broaden its product range and meet the evolving needs of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army has expressed interest in acquiring more MPVs in the light to medium category class. These versatile vehicles are known for their ability to operate in a variety of challenging terrains while providing crucial protection to personnel. To align with the modernization efforts of the Indian Army, AVNL aims to co-develop these MPVs with cutting-edge powerpack technology.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

S. Somnath, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), In an interview with Asianet News Tamil, Somnath shared an intriguing anecdote about ISRO’s SPF. ISRO’s SPF left such a profound impression that NASA, the renowned United States space agency. ISRO had send its SPF to United States for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite project. To everyone’s surprise, NASA was so impressed by the SPF’s capabilities that they decided to retain it after the request.

Designed and developed in-house by ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), this fixture plays a crucial role in the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) of spacecraft.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has provided more information about India’s Tactical Interdiction and Attack Air Vehicle (TIA-AV). This low-observable, multi-role autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is currently under development by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt Ltd for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The technical specifications of the TIA-AV have been unveiled, showcasing its impressive capabilities. The UAV will have a service ceiling of 6 km above mean sea level (AMSL), a cruise speed of 170 kmph, an endurance of over 6 hours, and a range of 400 km. These specifications make it a versatile and potent asset for various missions.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata (D63), the lead ship of the Kolkata-class destroyer, made a significant stop at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta. This visit carries important implications, especially in the context of promoting the BrahMos supersonic missile system, a collaborative Indo-Russian project.

During its stay in Jakarta, INS Kolkata demonstrated its strategic capabilities by opening its front Vertical Launch System (VLS). This impressive display was met with keen interest from Indonesian Navy officials who had the opportunity to board the ship.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Mahindra’s version of the Wheeled Armored Amphibious Platform (WhAP), developed in collaboration with DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization), is making significant progress as it heads towards user trials conducted by the Indian Army.

The Mahindra-DRDO WhAP is part of a broader initiative to enhance India’s defense capabilities through indigenous manufacturing and technology transfer. While it shares the basic design of the TATA-DRDO WhAP, Mahindra’s version incorporates several distinctive features, differentiating it from its counterpart.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Skyroot Aerospace, the pioneering Indian space launch startup, has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to launch the Vikram-1 rocket. The company recently completed wind tunnel testing at the CSIR-NAL (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories) facility in Bengaluru, marking a crucial step in the development of the launch vehicle.

The wind tunnel testing process is a pivotal element in the validation and optimization of the Vikram-1 rocket’s design. It provides essential data on the rocket’s aerodynamics, structural integrity, and control systems, allowing engineers and scientists to fine-tune the vehicle for optimal performance during launch.

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.