SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army has unveiled a novel and innovative drone system designed to deceive enemy radar systems, showcasing its commitment to encouraging in-house technological advancements. This system, mounted on quadcopter drones, uses Luneburg lenses to mimic the radar cross-section (RCS) of the Indian Army’s own helicopter fleet, such as gunships and utility helicopters.

The key principle behind this system lies in its ability to create false radar echoes that mimic the signature of actual helicopters. By deploying these “decoy drones” equipped with Luneburg lenses, the Indian Army can mislead enemy radar operators into believing that a larger force of helicopters is present in a specific area. This deception can serve several tactical purposes, including:

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed a significant name change, reflecting its ambition to expand its capabilities into the space domain. The proposed new name, “Indian Air and Space Force” (IASF), would mark a major shift in the organization’s focus and highlights its commitment to becoming a comprehensive aerospace power.

This move comes at a time when the strategic importance of space is rapidly increasing. Recent conflicts have clearly demonstrated the decisive role space-based assets can play in modern warfare. From satellite communication and navigation to intelligence gathering and precision targeting, space capabilities have proven to be Force multipliers, significantly impacting the outcome of military operations.

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DRDO’s recent monthly bulletin publication has once again generated buzz with its prominent display of the Agni-5 MkII missile on a poster. This move is seen as a strategic tease, hinting at the significant advancements India has made in its missile technology.

The Agni-5 MkII is a highly anticipated upgrade to the existing Agni-5 missile. It represents a significant leap forward in India’s strategic capabilities, allowing the nation to expand its reach without attracting excessive international attention.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army recently unveiled a novel Hybrid Anti-Drone System at the Inno Yodha 2023 event in New Delhi, showcasing its commitment to staying at the forefront of counter-drone technology. This innovative system has been integrated into the upgraded ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs), further enhancing their capabilities.

This hybrid system combines various technologies to effectively detect, track, and neutralize drones in the battlefield. It utilizes a combination of radar, electro-optical sensors, and radio frequency jammers to provide a comprehensive defense against aerial threats.

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In a significant step towards enhancing its technological capabilities, the Indian Army has adopted an AI-based solution for Military Objects Detection System (MODS) in satellite images. This innovative technology, developed in-house, facilitates real-time detection and classification of military objects, empowering commanders at all levels to make informed decisions swiftly.

The MODS system marks a remarkable advancement in the Indian Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. By employing artificial intelligence, the system can automatically scan vast amounts of satellite imagery, identifying and categorizing military assets with precision. This real-time data stream provides tactical commanders with a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield, enabling them to formulate effective strategies and respond to threats promptly.

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HAL, in collaboration with Bengaluru-based New Space Research & Technologies, has revealed the specifications for its ambitious project to transform the Kiran MK-II intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft into the CATS OMCA (optically-manned combat aircraft). This project marks a significant development in India’s pursuit of cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

Operating within the UHF Band (450MHz-500MHz), the UHF Data Link boasts a range exceeding 100 kilometers in the Telemetry-Only mode. This mode transmits critical data such as aircraft status, mission parameters, and audio communication. Additionally, the system operates at a range of 10 kilometers or more when transmitting both Telemetry and Video data, providing real-time situational awareness.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India has issued several Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing the closure of airspace for missile testing activities throughout December 2023. These NOTAMs indicate potential tests for various missile systems, raising questions about the specific types and intended purposes.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled a significant upgrade for the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets, showcasing a new glass cockpit at the recent Avionics Expo in New Delhi. This modernization program aims to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities in various aspects, including:

Enhanced Navigation Guidance: The new glass cockpit features a state-of-the-art Mission Computer with embedded Omni-mode Graphics (OMG) technology. This facilitates improved navigation guidance by integrating with indigenous systems like the LDP-41 Mission Planning System and Smart Multi-Function Display (SMFD).

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently deployed its A321 fleet, currently awaiting transformation into the Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS), for an unexpected task: ferrying Indian Army soldiers. These six Airbus A321s, formerly commercial aircraft operated by Air India, still bear remnants of their past lives with the familiar Air India livery, albeit with the addition of the Indian Air Force’s emblem on the mid-fuselage.

While the exterior may seem unchanged, significant changes are underway within. The IAF is meticulously upgrading the A321s with advanced military-grade avionics and preparing them for their future role as the Netra MkII AEW&CS. This internal transformation, slated for completion in 2025, will equip the aircraft with sophisticated surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

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India’s Astra Mk1, a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air missile (BVRAAM), is gaining traction among nations that operate Russian Sukhoi Su-30 variants, signaling a growing interest in Indian-developed defense technologies. This surge in interest comes following significant orders from the Indian Air Force (IAF), one of the world’s largest operators of the Su-30 family of aircraft.

The Astra Mk1’s emergence as a viable alternative to Russian BVRAAMs stems from India’s strategic decision to move away from the Russian-made R-77 BVRAAMs. Recognizing the technological edge of Western BVRAAMs, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was tasked with developing the Astra BVRAAM, a missile capable of matching the performance of Western counterparts like the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

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The Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), based in Ahmednagar, India, has undertaken a project named Mounted Gun System (MGS). This project aims to develop a state-of-the-art artillery system for the Indian Armed Forces.

The VRDE MGS has been compared to other contemporary MGS systems currently in operation around the world. This comparison highlights the strengths and potential of the Indian system.

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The Indian Army’s Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) BMP-2 Sarath has undergone a significant upgrade, enhancing its combat capabilities. The most notable improvement is the increased capacity to carry two Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) instead of the previously integrated single missile.

This upgrade represents a step towards modernizing the Army’s ATGM arsenal, transitioning from second-generation systems to more advanced third-generation fire-and-forget models. This shift focuses on enhanced accuracy, range, and lethality against enemy armor. Notably, the Army is also actively developing indigenous third-generation ATGMs, further bolstering its self-reliance in this critical area.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

A high-level delegation led by Lt. General Osama Askar, Chief of the General Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, visited the BrahMos stall at EDEX2023, a major international defense exhibition held in Cairo, Egypt.

During the visit, Lt. General Askar showed keen interest in the BrahMos Weapon System, a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Joshi, Deputy CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, briefed the delegation on the system’s features and capabilities.

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As the nation eagerly awaits the grand spectacle of the Republic Day Parade in 2024, the Defense Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad is preparing to leave a lasting impression with a stunning tableau showcasing a myriad of defense innovations. This tableau promises to be a remarkable visual representation of India’s cutting-edge defense capabilities, capturing the essence of the nation’s commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement in the defense sector.

At the heart of this tableau is a dynamic mount missiles display, featuring meticulously crafted models of various missile systems developed by DRDO. These missile models are strategically positioned on a rotatable stand, allowing them to rotate 360 degrees without touching each other. The tableau’s floor will be transformed to simulate a desert landscape, emphasizing the versatility of India’s defense technology.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Airbus-321 fleet has commenced frequent sorties to calibrate the equipment being installed on the aircraft as part of the Netra Mk2 program. The program involves converting six Air India A321 commercial planes into Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.

The Airbus-321 fleet has already been stripped out of its commercial avionics and upgraded to military-grade. The aircraft will start receiving airborne sensors along with the main AESA radar from DRDO from next year.