SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Garuda Aerospace, a leading agritech startup based in Chennai, has announced its plans to concentrate on the development of swarm drones, tethered drones, and underwater drones. The company is also gearing up for the inauguration of its new Defence Drone Facility in Chennai.

The Defence Drone Facility, spanning 30,000 square feet, will be equipped with state-of-the-art design, manufacturing, and testing facilities. This facility, developed in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BEML Limited, will focus on indigenizing drone subsystem development and local production of critical components, such as motors, batteries, and transmitters.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army’s aviation wing, which has traditionally operated utility helicopters, took a significant leap forward with the induction of its first dedicated attack helicopter, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), in November 2022. The first LCH squadron, 351 Army Aviation, was moved to Missamari, Assam, located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a strategic area in the Eastern sector. This marks a pivotal shift in the Army’s air power capabilities, enabling more effective combat operations in both high-altitude and challenging terrains.

In a significant move to enhance the Army’s combat aviation strength, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 156 LCHs at an estimated cost of ?45,000 crore. Of these, 90 will be for the Army, and 66 will go to the Air Force. This is in addition to the 15 limited series production (LSP) LCHs currently being procured — 10 for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and five for the Army, at a cost of ?4,264 crore.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Bangalore-based Optics and Allied Engineering Pvt. Ltd.(Optica) has unveiled what appears to be a single sapphire housing designed to accommodate the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. This development marks a significant step forward in enhancing the AMCA’s targeting capabilities and aligning the aircraft with global fifth-generation fighter standards.

The EOTS is a high-performance, lightweight, multi-functional system that provides precision air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting capabilities. Integrated into the front fuselage of the AMCA, the system will feature a durable sapphire window, known for its strength and resistance to damage. The sapphire housing will protect the sensitive targeting system while maintaining a low-drag, stealthy profile crucial for maintaining the aircraft’s stealth capabilities.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Saab India’s Marketing Director for Aeronautics, Rituraj Tyagi, has highlighted the Gripen E’s unique ability to remain relevant in the future through its continuous upgradeability. Tyagi emphasized that fighter aircraft should be adaptable to rapidly evolving technology and that the Gripen E has been designed to meet this challenge.

One of the Gripen E’s key features is the separation of software and hardware upgrades. This allows for independent modifications, ensuring that the aircraft can keep pace with advancements without requiring extensive changes to both systems. A small panel on the aircraft enables ground crews to easily load new software, including both mission-critical and flight-critical functions.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Tata Motors has unveiled a new variant of its WHAP 8×8 (Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Platform), which is set to be delivered to the Moroccan Armed Forces under a contract for 150 units. This development marks a significant milestone for Tata Motors, which has been making strides in the global defense market with its versatile range of military vehicles. The WHAP 8×8 is gaining attention due to its adaptability and combat capabilities, and the Moroccan deal highlights Tata’s growing influence in North Africa.

One of the key modifications observed in the newly revealed WHAP 8×8 model for Morocco is the shift from a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) system, as used in the Indian variant, to a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) configuration. This change is in line with Morocco’s traffic regulations and operational requirements, demonstrating Tata Motors’ flexibility in adapting its products to meet the specific needs of international customers.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Lokesh Machines Limited, a leading manufacturer of firearms and ammunition, has achieved a significant milestone by delivering an order of 550 9×19 mm submachine guns (SMGs) known as ASMI to the Northern Command of the Indian Army.

The company secured the order, valued at Rs 4.26 crore, in mid-June 2024. The development of the ASMI SMG was spearheaded by Col Prasad Bansod from the Infantry School, Mhow, with crucial support from the Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Defence expert Ranesh Rajan while speaking to idrw.org has cautioned India to be wary of shell companies expressing interest in purchasing T-72 tanks from the country. This warning comes as the Indian Army prepares to retire and potentially export several hundred T-72s amidst a global rise in demand for tanks.

The Indian Army currently operates around 2,500 T-72 tanks, some dating back to the late 1970s. These tanks have served alongside over 1,000 T-90s. This once made India the world’s largest operator of both tank classes, which benefit from significant interoperability due to the T-90 being a modernized derivative of the T-72.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Mr. Igor V. Vilnit, CEO of Rubin Design Bureau, Russia, has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Indian industry and the Navy on Project 75I, aligning with India’s “Make in India” and “Self-Reliant India” policies.

In 2022, Russia withdrew from the Indian Navy’s tender for the construction of six advanced submarines under Project 75I, citing an inability to meet the project’s stringent terms and conditions. The estimated cost of the project was over ?40,000 crore.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The much-awaited rollout of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet has been rescheduled for March 2026, according to sources close to idrw.org. This revised timeline indicates a positive development in the program, with assembly of the first prototype set to begin soon.

According to Prabhulla Chandran VK, director of avionics and weapons systems at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the rollout of the first Tejas Mk2 prototype will occur approximately 18 months from now, placing it in March 2026. This timeline aligns with the program’s original first flight schedule, which was also targeted for 2026. Following the rollout, the Tejas Mk2 will undergo a series of crucial tests, including low and high-speed taxi trials, system checks, and ground engine runs, before receiving clearance for its maiden flight.  

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

DTECH 360, a leading technology company, has announced the launch of Peak Pods, a groundbreaking high-altitude habitat designed for sub-zero temperature regions. Powered by the indigenously developed OASIS Technology, Peak Pods are the first of their kind in the world, offering a safe, comfortable, and sustainable living solution for challenging environments.

Meticulously engineered to enhance resilience, efficiency, and productivity, Peak Pods are ideal for high-altitude military bases, research stations, adventure tourism destinations, and mountaineering expeditions. A significant technological breakthrough, these pods can maintain a comfortable interior temperature of 15°C even in extreme conditions of -40°C, without relying on fuel or electricity.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official, speaking to idrw.org under the condition of anonymity, has stated that the proposal for the Su-75 Checkmate, a single-engine stealth fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, is not being seriously considered by the IAF. The official explained that the Su-75 program requires substantial developmental funding from potential customers, making it financially unfeasible for India.

The Su-75 Checkmate was first revealed in the form of a full-size mockup at the MAKS 2021 airshow and followed by a series of patents in 2022, aimed primarily at the export market. Russia has positioned the Checkmate as a competitor to the American F-35, but the official emphasized that the Russian Air Force has no plans to procure the aircraft. This puts the burden of funding on potential export customers, which complicates its viability for the IAF.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a Space Debris Radar with over 70% indigenous content, marking a significant step towards ensuring the safety of India’s expanding space assets. This radar system is designed to track and monitor space debris, a growing threat to satellites, space stations, and other orbital installations.

As space becomes increasingly congested, the risk posed by debris—ranging from defunct satellites to fragments from past collisions—has become a major concern for spacefaring nations. These objects, often traveling at high velocities, can cause catastrophic damage to operational spacecraft, leading to the loss of valuable equipment and scientific missions. ISRO’s initiative to develop a Space Debris Radar showcases India’s commitment to enhancing the sustainability and safety of its space endeavors.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Dr. D.K. Sunil, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has confirmed that the deal for the F-414 engine with the US firm GE Aerospace is on track to be concluded by the end of this year. The F-414 engine is set to power the Tejas MkII program, a significant upgrade to India’s indigenous light combat aircraft.

While HAL will manufacture the F-414 engine at its upcoming Bangalore facility, the company plans to outsource 40-50% of the program to Indian private sector companies. MTAR Technologies, L&T, Godrej, Azad Engineering and INDO-MIM are some of the Private firms that will be involved in the production of the engine. This strategic move aims to leverage the expertise of various aerospace components manufacturers across the country, fostering a more robust and competitive defence industry ecosystem.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Piotr Wojciechowski, President-CEO of Polish defense company WB Group, has announced that the company has proposed its FLYEYE mini unmanned aerial system (UAS) to the Indian Army. The FLYEYE is a versatile and compact drone designed for a variety of military and civilian applications.

One of the key features of the FLYEYE is its modular design, which allows for easy assembly and disassembly. This makes it highly transportable and can be deployed rapidly in various environments. The drone can be hand-launched without requiring additional equipment, making it suitable for operations in confined spaces and tight areas.