SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Indian defense experts are urging the government to prioritize developing its own fighter jets instead of locally manufacturing foreign aircraft under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. Ranesh Rajan, a prominent analyst, spoke to idrw.org, highlighting the critical need for an Indian alternative to the French Rafale fighter jet, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) desires.

Rajan argues that simply manufacturing foreign jets under license, like the Rafale, offers minimal benefits to the Indian aerospace industry. “Local manufacturing of any foreign fighter jets under the MRFA tender will not teach Indian Industry anything,” he asserts.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited, a leading technology company based in Chennai, has unveiled the Vajra Shot, a groundbreaking handheld anti-drone jammer. This innovative device is poised to redefine the landscape of drone defense with its unique software-defined functionality.

Unlike traditional jammers that operate on fixed frequencies, the Vajra Shot boasts the ability to adapt its interference output frequency through software. This adaptive capability allows it to effectively neutralize a wide range of standard and non-standard unauthorized drones, making it a versatile tool for countering evolving drone threats.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aircraft manufacturer, is set to complete the delivery of the last four light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1) trainers to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by March 31, 2025. These twin-seater jets will play a crucial role in training IAF pilots and can also be used as fighters if needed.

HAL has already delivered four LCA Mk-1 trainers to the IAF, utilizing stock engines from the Air Force. However, the delivery of the remaining four trainers will be done by March 31, 2025. but the delivery of 10 more from the second batch of Tejas Trainer might face some delays due to issues with the supply of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace. Due to delays, deliveries are expected to occur in the first and second quarters of 2025.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is set to modernize and export its older T-72 tanks, which have served as its main battle tank for decades. A senior defense official revealed to Sputnik India that these tanks will be upgraded domestically and then offered to foreign buyers.

India currently possesses around 2,500 T-72 tanks, which were first introduced into its army in the 1970s. Despite their age, these tanks are still considered highly reliable and continue to be in demand globally. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Far East Asia have expressed interest in acquiring the T-72, even as India prepares to phase them out of its forces.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The delivery of Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces further delays due to a recent development involving a key component. According to a report by The Print, Denmark has placed an export ban on the engine charge amplifier, a crucial component of the Tejas Mk-1A aircraft.

The Ministry of Defense has taken up this issue with the Danish government through the Indian embassy, seeking a resolution to the export ban. In response to the embargo, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas fighter jets, has contracted a local firm to indigenize the production of the engine charge amplifier.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed that fresh trials for the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system will be completed by the end of 2026. Following the successful completion of these trials, the Indian Army is expected to place orders for five QRSAM weapon systems, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as the manufacturer.

The QRSAM system, developed by DRDO, is a cutting-edge air defence missile designed to protect mobile formations and high-value assets against aerial threats. The system is particularly crucial for the Indian Army, offering quick reaction capabilities with its ability to “Search on Move,” “Track on Move,” and “Fire on Short Halts.” This allows the system to be deployed rapidly and respond to emerging threats without the need for a fixed position, making it ideal for dynamic battlefield environments.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has commenced work on the Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), which is set to bring significant improvements to India’s anti-tank capabilities. According to reports from idrw.org, this new iteration of the Nag ATGM will be mounted on the BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle and is expected to incorporate several performance enhancements, including a minor range increase and a reduction in weight.

One of the notable developments in the Nag Mk II program is that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been appointed as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP). L&T has a long-standing association with DRDO in the development of the Nag ATGM series, having also been the DcPP for the Nag Mk I.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Maraal Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an IIT Kanpur incubated startup, has showcased its innovative Solar Powered Fixed Wing Drone. This groundbreaking technology offers a significant endurance of 12-16 hours, making it ideal for various applications such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), maritime scientific research, search and rescue, mapping, environmental protection, and agriculture.

The MARAAL-3 is a high-altitude solar-powered unmanned aircraft capable of reaching a service ceiling of up to 5 kilometers. It can be launched from any location with a small runway of approximately 200 meters. Equipped with high-definition optical and infrared cameras, state-of-the-art sensors, and a ruggedized design, the MARAAL-3 is ready for round-the-clock missions, including border patrolling, target tracking, maritime surveillance, and navigation.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

According to a report by The Sunday Guardian, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is experiencing second thoughts regarding the proposed acquisition of 31 units of the MQ-9B Reaper drones, manufactured by General Atomics. The potential deal, which includes control stations, missiles, and auxiliary equipment, is valued at an estimated $30 million per drone. However, recent developments on the global stage, particularly the ease with which Houthi rebels in Yemen have allegedly been able to bring down these drones, are causing alarm in both South Block and North Block, the administrative nerve centers of India’s government.

One of the key factors driving the Indian military’s push for the MQ-9B Reapers was the ongoing tension with China, particularly following the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which highlighted the need for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities along the India-China border. With the ability to carry out both surveillance and strike missions, the MQ-9B seemed like a powerful addition to India’s arsenal. However, the performance of these drones in Yemen has raised critical questions about their viability in high-threat environments.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

AviaTraining Solutions Pvt Ltd has announced strategic partnerships with two leading European gyrocopter manufacturers, Aviation Artur Trendak from Poland and Carpenerie Pagotto from Italy. These collaborations grant AviaTraining Solutions exclusive rights to assemble and manufacture these advanced gyrocopters in India.

The company plans to establish a state-of-the-art assembly line near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This facility will be the first of its kind in India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aerospace industry. The assembly line will not only cater to the domestic market but also position India as a key exporter of gyrocopters to countries across the SAARC region, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Radar Development Establishment (IRDE) has issued a call for competent Indian industries to partner in the design and development of low radar cross-section (RCS) and low drag conformal domes for high-speed aerial platforms.

Conformal domes are essential components for housing electro-optical (EO) payloads on high-speed aircraft. These payloads, which typically include infrared (IR) and visible cameras, require a streamlined and aerodynamic enclosure to minimize drag and RCS, ensuring optimal performance and stealth.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Precision Electronics Limited, a leading Indian technology firm, has successfully developed a new indigenous Tactical Cellular Surveillance System (TCSS) equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the Indian Armed Forces. This groundbreaking system is poised to revolutionize intelligence gathering and surveillance operations for the country’s defense forces.

The TCSS is designed to provide real-time intelligence and surveillance capabilities in challenging environments, such as border areas, conflict zones, and urban settings. The system leverages advanced AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data collected from various sources, including cellular networks, CCTV cameras, and other sensors.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has recently cleared the procurement of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet development program. These aircraft are poised to replace the retired MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 squadrons, which were either numbered out or reassigned to different aircraft types.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already begun the induction of the 83 Tejas Mk1A jets that were initially approved. The formation of the third Tejas Mk1A squadron is planned to be deployed on the Western border with Pakistan, showcasing the IAF’s strategic intent.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) declaring a no-fly zone over a designated area of 1645 square kilometers from September 25, 2024, to September 30, 2024. The NOTAM indicates that a missile test is imminent.

While the specific details of the missile test remain undisclosed, it is widely speculated that India is preparing to conduct a trial of one of its ballistic missile systems. The extensive area covered by the NOTAM suggests that the missile may have a long range.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the commander of the Brazilian Navy, has expressed interest in collaborating with India’s Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) for a major refit of its Scorpène-class submarines.

Brazil operates the Riachuelo-class submarines, which are based on the French Scorpène design. The Indian Navy also has a fleet of six Kalvari-class submarines, which are essentially the same as the Riachuelo-class.