SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India has officially commissioned the INS Arighat, the second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) in its class, following the lead of its predecessor, INS Arihant. Bearing the pennant number S3, INS Arighat represents a significant leap forward in the capabilities of India’s strategic submarine fleet. It is reportedly at least a decade ahead of INS Arihant in terms of technological advancements, thanks to a series of major upgrades to its internal systems that remain classified.

The INS Arighat is powered by an 83 MW pressurized water reactor (PWR), which has been further optimized and refined to enhance its performance and efficiency. The improvements in the reactor not only increase the submarine’s operational endurance but also reduce its acoustic signature, making it harder to detect by enemy sonar systems. Additionally, the sonar and electronic systems on board have received substantial upgrades, providing INS Arighat with improved detection capabilities and situational awareness, crucial for modern underwater warfare.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has become a focal point of growing geopolitical competition, with China’s increasing presence raising concerns for India. This article explores this complex issue, examining recent developments and potential future scenarios.  

The deployment of Chinese research vessels in the IOR has become a frequent occurrence. These vessels, while ostensibly engaged in scientific research, are suspected by some of conducting activities that could have military applications. The graphic accompanying this article illustrates the paths taken by these vessels during their recent surveys, highlighting the extent of their operations.  

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Artemon Aerospace, a Pune-based startup, is making significant strides in the development of loitering munitions. The company has entered the flight testing phase for multiple variants of its loitering munition, aiming to fine-tune the systems through rigorous multi-stage evaluations.

Both hand-launched and canister-launched versions of the loitering munition are undergoing flight tests, ensuring their optimal performance and reliability. Artemon Aerospace is also exploring the potential of multi-configuration launch systems in collaboration with iDEX – DIO and the Indian Navy.

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A significant milestone has been reached in India’s defense sector as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Adani Defence successfully completed trials of the 1000 Kg Gaurav Glide Bomb.

During the tests, the Gaurav glide bomb demonstrated its impressive capabilities by accurately hitting a target located more than 100 kilometers away. This successful outcome paves the way for the commencement of limited serial production of the glide bomb.

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In a significant demonstration of technological prowess, the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Software Development Institute has successfully developed the program for the Software-Defined Radio (SDR) for the LCA-Tejas fighter jet at zero cost, outperforming a Defense Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) that had quoted a staggering 290 crores for the same task.

Air Vice Marshal KN Santosh, Commandant of the IAF’s Software Development Institute, revealed this achievement during an interview with Bharat-shakti. The institute, co-located with the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), has played a pivotal role in the development of advanced software solutions for the IAF.

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In a recent development that has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) belonging to the Indian Army, known as the Switch VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) hybrid tactical drone, inadvertently landed in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir area after losing control due to a reported “technical malfunction.” The incident has prompted a response from both military establishments, with the Pakistan Army recovering the UAV in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and subsequently transporting it to Islamabad for further investigation.

The Pakistan Army quickly responded to the situation by securing the Switch VTOL UAV. The debris of the drone has been sent to Pakistan’s Army Cyber Security team, which is conducting a detailed examination to extract any data that could provide insights into the UAV’s mission and origin. The investigation aims to obtain crucial data, including the launch area and other GPS coordinates, from the UAV’s onboard systems.

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A significant milestone has been reached in the production of India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, the Tejas. GE Aerospace is set to commence deliveries of F-404 engines from this month, with two engines scheduled for shipment. This marks a crucial step in accelerating the production of Tejas aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The US aerospace giant plans to deliver an additional six F-404 engines by the end of March 2025, enabling HAL to deliver at least eight Tejas Mk1 Trainer and Mk1A jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) within the same timeframe.

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India’s decision to prioritize investment in Lottering ammunition systems over unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for combat operations is proving to be a strategic gamble that may pay off in the long run.

The recent Russian-Ukrainian conflict has highlighted the vulnerabilities of UAVs in modern warfare. Despite their initial successes, UAVs have proven to be highly susceptible to sophisticated air defense systems. Last year Indian Air Force’s Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the limited impact of UAVs when faced with multi-layered defenses.

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Delhi-based Indian defense firm Bhumi Entech has developed a groundbreaking mobile Anti-ARM (Anti-Radiation Missile) decoy system to safeguard critical radars from enemy attacks. The system has already been successfully inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) following rigorous trials, demonstrating its effectiveness in countering threats posed by anti-radiation missiles.

The Mini-Truck based Anti-ARM Decoy system is designed to emit a strong electromagnetic signal that mimics the radar’s signature, thereby deceiving incoming anti-radiation missiles. By attracting the missile away from the actual radar, the decoy system protects the vital asset from destruction.

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EndureAir, an innovative company incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, has announced the development of its latest technological breakthrough, the E-Vibhram. This advanced electric-powered UAV is an evolution of the Vibhram family, designed to meet a wide range of operational needs with its high-endurance and multi-role capabilities.

E-Vibhram represents a significant leap in UAV technology, offering a fully electric alternative to traditional helicopter designs. This novel electric UAV is engineered to operate effectively in all weather conditions, making it versatile for various applications, including maritime operations from naval warships.

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In a significant development, the Czech Republic has committed to procuring more ammunition from India to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The announcement follows the successful delivery of Indian-made 125mm HE shells and 20mm mortars to Ukraine from Czech Republic in June.

Earlier this year, India exported a 50,000 of 125mm HE shells and 80,000 120mm mortars to the Czech Republic as part of a defense deal. The Czech Republic has now expressed its intention to increase these orders, leveraging funds from the frozen Russian assets held by the European Union.

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The Indian Navy is poised to finalize a significant deal with the US-based company HawkEye 360, a leader in geospatial analytics, as part of the broader QUAD Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). This collaboration marks a crucial step in bolstering the Indian Navy’s capabilities to monitor and secure the vast and strategically important Indo-Pacific region.

HawkEye 360 is a commercial operator of remote-sensing satellites, known for its cutting-edge technology in detecting, characterizing, and geolocating radio frequency (RF) signals. These signals are emitted by various electronic devices used in communication, navigation, and security systems, making HawkEye 360’s capabilities vital for monitoring maritime activities.

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Indian aerospace startup, DG Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL), has announced that its DG J40 jet engine is in the final stages of production. The company’s Director, Prateek Dhawan, confirmed that the engines are currently undergoing final tuning and are ready for mass production. While DPPL is eager to showcase the engine’s capabilities, customer confidentiality restrictions prevent them from publicly displaying specific applications at this time.

This development comes on the heels of DPPL’s recent selection as an iDEX winner, a significant milestone that will see the DG J40 powering high-speed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The engine’s performance and reliability have garnered significant attention, positioning DPPL as a key player in India’s growing aerospace and defense sector.

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Dynamatic Technologies, a leading aerospace components manufacturer, has confirmed that the first shipment of flight-critical aerostructures for the Dassault Falcon 6X business jet is slated for December 2024. The company entered into a long-term contract with Dassault Aviation earlier this year to manufacture and assemble these crucial components.

The Falcon 6X is a cutting-edge business jet renowned for its exceptional range, efficiency, and advanced technology. This aircraft is poised to redefine the business aviation industry by offering unparalleled comfort combined with superior performance.