Idrw Team
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Navy is set to rely on its MiG-29K fleet as the primary carrier-based fighter aircraft until the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) enters service around 2035. This decision highlights the Navy’s approach to maintaining operational readiness while bridging the gap to the future generation of indigenous carrier-based fighter aircraft.
The MiG-29K, a naval variant of the Russian-origin MiG-29, serves as the backbone of the Indian Navy’s air wing. Operating from INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant, these aircraft are crucial for fleet defense, air superiority, and strike missions. Despite facing criticism over maintenance issues and reliability concerns, the Navy has undertaken several measures to enhance the fleet’s availability and performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a significant development for India’s naval aviation, Dassault Aviation has agreed to demonstrate technological upgrades in the Rafale M (Marine variant) within 18 months of the anticipated signing of the deal, expected next month. The deal will provide the Indian Navy with state-of-the-art fighter jets to operate from its aircraft carriers, enhancing its maritime capabilities.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy will benefit from the commonality between the Rafale variants already in service and the incoming Rafale-M units. Both the Rafale-M and the IAF’s Rafales are equipped with advanced systems and weaponry, ensuring interoperability and logistical efficiency.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Army is set to procure around 800 Mounted Gun Systems (MGS), reinforcing its artillery capabilities with high-mobility, self-propelled howitzers. These MGS units are specifically designed for enhanced battlefield mobility and firepower, crucial for modern warfare. The Army’s move to integrate these systems is partly driven by the changing dynamics of warfare, particularly in the aftermath of the Ukraine-Russia war, where traditional towed artillery has been vulnerable to drone attacks.
Despite these advancements, the Indian Army’s artillery modernization strategy remains multifaceted, as it continues to pursue both Mounted Gun Systems and Towed Gun Systems (TGS). The Army is working on procuring 1400 TGS units in multiple phases, underlining the continued relevance of towed artillery for specific operational needs.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is preparing to enhance its amphibious capabilities by acquiring a new fleet of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). A decision on whether to opt for an entirely indigenous design or to collaborate with foreign partners for the project is expected soon. These versatile platforms are envisioned to serve not only as key assets for amphibious operations but also as command centers for various military and humanitarian missions.
In 2021, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a Request for Information (RFI) for procuring four LPDs for the Navy. The RFI limits participation to Indian shipyards, allowing them to partner with foreign entities for designs and technical expertise. The project is an essential part of the Navy’s modernization efforts to meet its operational requirements in amphibious warfare, disaster relief, and unmanned platform deployment.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
New Delhi-based startup Botlab Dynamics has made impressive strides in drone technology with the development of a lightweight Nano Drone designed for precision surveillance and reconnaissance operations. These Nano Drones are compact yet powerful tools that can be deployed swiftly to scan and secure potential infiltration and exfiltration routes for India’s defense forces. The Indian Navy is currently leading the testing of these advanced Nano Drones and is expected to place orders in the near future, marking a major step in the integration of indigenous technology into India’s security apparatus.
Botlab Dynamics won the prestigious iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) Challenge, where the company’s Nano Drone stood out for its innovative design and strategic applications. The iDEX initiative, an arm of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), encourages technology startups to develop cutting-edge solutions for the Indian armed forces. Botlab Dynamics met this challenge by designing a Nano Drone that weighs less than 250 grams and covers a range of up to 2 kilometers, making it an ideal tool for field operations in high-stakes scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is taking significant strides to modernise its artillery capabilities with plans to procure 12 regiments of the longer-range Pinaka Mark II Multi-Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This new acquisition follows the successful development of the Pinaka Mk-II rocket by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a major advancement over the earlier Pinaka Mk-I version. With a range of up to 70 km, the Pinaka Mk-II is designed to provide the Indian Army with enhanced firepower and strategic reach on the battlefield.
The Pinaka Mk-II rocket is an indirect fire, free-flight artillery rocket system designed to neutralize a variety of area targets at distances ranging from 20 to 70 km. The new rocket is compatible with the existing Pinaka MBRS launch vehicle and ground systems, with minor modifications made to accommodate the increased range of the Mk-II. This compatibility ensures a seamless integration of the new rocket into the army’s current artillery framework without the need for an entirely new infrastructure, thus making the upgrade both cost-effective and efficient.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In an impressive stride towards self-reliance and innovation in defense technology, KalBhroz Electric Pvt Ltd, an Indian firm specializing in electric propulsion systems, has unveiled state-of-the-art electric outboard motors and submersible pumps that surpass traditional systems. These advanced systems not only align with the Indian Navy’s shift toward more sustainable and high-performance solutions but also showcase the prowess of Indian technology in modern naval applications.
KalBhroz’s electric outboard motors are designed to meet the increasing demand for reliable, eco-friendly propulsion systems in military and defense applications. Traditional fuel-powered outboard motors, though widely used, pose several challenges, including higher operational costs, significant maintenance, and environmental pollution. KalBhroz’s electric motors eliminate many of these issues, offering a range of benefits that make them highly suitable for naval operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a landmark achievement for India’s defense sector, Nagastra-1, the country’s first indigenous loiter munition, developed by Solar Industries India Ltd, is set to be inducted into the Indian Army’s Infantry. This development marks a significant stride in India’s drive for self-reliance under the Make in India initiative and bolsters the Army’s tactical capabilities.
Nagastra-1, developed by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, represents cutting-edge technology tailored for modern combat needs. Loiter munitions, often referred to as “kamikaze drones,” combine the features of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision-guided weapons, capable of identifying, tracking, and neutralizing targets with high accuracy.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Schiebel India, the subsidiary of Austrian unmanned aerial systems manufacturer Schiebel, is looking to expand its market presence in India beyond military applications. After successfully securing orders for its flagship Camcopter S-100 from the Indian Navy, the company is now targeting the civilian sector, according to Jajati Mohanty, CEO of Schiebel India.
The Camcopter S-100, renowned as a best-in-class Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), has gained extensive operational experience in both military and civilian applications. The system is designed for versatile, high-performance operations across various domains.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
As India strides toward enhanced digital connectivity, the introduction of satellite internet services like Starlink presents both significant opportunities and potential challenges. Developed by SpaceX, Starlink aims to deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote regions using a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. While this technology has the potential to bridge the digital divide, it also raises serious concerns about national security, particularly in sensitive or troubled regions.
Starlink’s ability to function independently of traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure is one of its greatest strengths but also its most pressing challenge. Unlike conventional internet services, which rely on physical networks within a country, Starlink provides connectivity directly via satellites and small ground terminals. This independence can enable unregulated and encrypted communication, posing a serious threat in areas experiencing unrest or conflict. For instance, in regions with ongoing insurgencies or militant activities, access to Starlink could allow hostile actors to bypass government-imposed restrictions, coordinate operations, and evade surveillance.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NRT) has rebranded its High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) project as “ARKA” and is preparing for a key endurance demonstration. The scaled-down version of ARKA, spanning 8 meters, aims to showcase a 7-day flight endurance capability in the coming months. This milestone will further establish India’s advancements in HAPS technology, which bridges the gap between traditional satellites and aerial platforms.
NRT has already achieved a significant breakthrough, completing its first ARKA flight, which lasted over 21 hours. This success demonstrates the platform’s potential to maintain prolonged high-altitude operations, paving the way for its next ambitious goal of a week-long solar-powered mission.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In response to the rising threat of autonomous aerial, surface, and combat vehicles, the Indian Navy has initiated efforts to develop a cutting-edge High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system. This advanced weapon system will be designed to counter the growing capabilities of autonomous systems used by adversaries in modern warfare. The Indian Navy’s request emphasizes the need for a High-Power Microwave weapon capable of neutralizing Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAVs), Autonomous Combat Aerial Vehicles (ACAVs), and Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) at ranges exceeding 5 kilometers.
High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapons are emerging as a critical component in modern electronic warfare. Unlike conventional weapon systems, HPM weapons use directed electromagnetic waves to disrupt or disable electronic systems in target vehicles, often rendering them inoperative without causing physical destruction. This ability makes them particularly effective against drones and autonomous systems that rely heavily on electronic sensors, communication links, and control systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme is set to play a critical role in enhancing the capabilities of Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPAs) by focusing on the design and development of advanced payloads. These new payloads aim to replace the legacy systems currently in use, addressing the increasing demands of modern warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The project will significantly enhance the operational capability, efficiency, and mission readiness of RPAs, ensuring their effectiveness in dynamic and complex battlefield scenarios.
The RPAs in use today are equipped with older, legacy payloads that no longer meet the high standards required for contemporary military and surveillance tasks. These payloads have limitations, such as lower resolution, reduced operational range, and insufficient data processing capabilities, which hamper their performance in modern combat and intelligence-gathering roles. The need for upgrading these payloads has become more urgent, particularly as new technologies emerge and the demands of modern warfare evolve.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Army has initiated a search for state-of-the-art unmanned “surveillance copters” capable of operating effectively in extreme and varied terrains, from expansive plains and arid deserts to the high-altitude reaches of mountainous regions exceeding 4,500 meters. These advanced drones, essential to the Army’s modernization efforts, are intended to bolster surveillance and intelligence capabilities along India’s challenging frontiers, especially in regions where conventional surveillance tools face operational limitations.
The Indian Army’s specifications for these drones reflect the unique operational demands of high-altitude regions, emphasizing resilience, versatility, and cutting-edge technology.
Continue reading