SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

IMAGE CREDIT PRANEETH FRANLIN

In recent trials, the LCA Tejas was seen sporting two indigenously developed Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAM) under its wings, signaling significant progress in integrating of the missile system onto the locally developed fighter jets.

The Astra missile system, developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is poised to be a potent addition to the LCA Tejas’ arsenal, bolstering its air superiority and combat capabilities. The recent trials indicate that the integration process is advancing well, and it is anticipated that live missile tests will be conducted from the aircraft in the near future.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

IMAGE CREDIT TO RESPECTED OWNER

A snapshot of the second Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Trainer, bearing the designation LT 5202 and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has emerged online, showcasing the aircraft in a production-ready state ahead of its anticipated first flight, likely scheduled for later this month.

The LT 5202 trainer follows in the footsteps of the LT 5201, the first-ever series production standard LCA Trainer, which successfully completed its maiden flight on April 5th, 2023, after taking off from HAL airport. The aircraft’s flight, lasting approximately 35 minutes, marked a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aviation capabilities.

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In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s defence capabilities and establishing a global footprint in the defence equipment sector, Bharat Forge, a leading player in the Indian defence industry, has confirmed that it achieved record export sales of defence equipment in the first quarter of the current financial year. This announcement was made by Amit Kalyani, Joint Managing Director at Bharat Forge, during the company’s June Quarter Report Card presentation.

One notable instance of this recognition is Azerbaijan’s recent accusation that India supplied heavy weaponry to its arch-rival Armenia via Iran. This accusation was accompanied by images circulating on the internet that depicted what appeared to be 155mm/39 MArG self-propelled howitzers, developed by Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge. These images highlighted India’s expanding presence in the defence equipment market and the credibility of its products.

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In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s defense capabilities, the indigenous TAPAS UAV, also known as Rustom-II, is all set to undergo highly anticipated User trials later this month. Officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army will collaborate in conducting these trials, marking a crucial step towards the clearance for production. The User trials are scheduled to take place at ATR Chitradurga.

The TAPAS UAV has been developed in response to the tri-services’ Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Tracking, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) needs. With its cutting-edge technology and advanced features, the TAPAS UAV holds the promise of significantly enhancing India’s aerial surveillance capabilities.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) seems to have integrated Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ BNET-AR communication antennae onto its Mig-21 aircraft. These advanced antennae, located on the dorsal hump of the aircraft, provide a robust voice and data-link solution that supports seamless transmission of data, voice, and video services, all while facilitating multiple auto relays.

The variant chosen for this integration is the BNET-AR, an innovative modular multiband Software Defined Radio (SDR) system developed by Rafael. This system is designed to be integrated into a variety of airborne platforms, including fighters, helicopters, and Ground Control Stations. With this technology on board, aircraft become part of a net-centric ecosystem that enables real-time situation awareness and coordinated operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a significant development for India’s defense capabilities, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), CB Ananthakrishnan, has confirmed that the first Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft will be handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as scheduled in February next year.

Underlining the progress of the Tejas Mk1A program, HAL plans to transfer at least two newly manufactured Tejas Mk1A aircraft to the IAF by March 2024. The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, is a testament to India’s indigenous defense capabilities and technological advancements in aviation. The LCA Mk-1A program was contracted by the Indian Ministry of Defence in 2021 at a value of Rs 47,000 crore.

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In a significant stride towards strengthening its operational capabilities, the Indian Army has inducted more Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicles (IPMV) into its fleet. Developed by India’s private sector defense industry giant, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), these IPMVs mark a significant advancement in the indigenous development of military vehicles. The green-liveried IPMVs have been observed in the Sikkim sector, indicating the delivery of these new platforms to the Indian Army.

This development follows the delivery of 8×8 IPMVs by TASL to the Indian Army last year, which were subsequently deployed in the Ladakh sector. The IPMV project is a collaborative effort between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO),. The IPMV is based on the 8×8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), which has been designed and developed indigenously by TASL along with the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), a unit of DRDO.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The LCA-Tejas, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, is set to receive a significant capability boost with the integration of the HAMMER precision-guided munition. Developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, a leading French aerospace and defense company, HAMMER has shown immense potential in enhancing the operational capabilities of fighter jets.

According to the ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) Annual report, the carriage trials of the HAMMER missile on the LCA-Tejas have commenced. The successful release trial of the munition on LSP7 (Limited Series Production 7) was conducted on March 31, 2022, with PV6 (Prototype Vehicle 6) serving as the chase aircraft. This development comes after idrw.org, first reported on the impending live firing trials of the missile.

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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), responsible for the development of the LCA-Tejas, has confirmed the completion of critical Ground Vibration Tests (GVT) and Structural Coupling Tests (SCT) for the integration of the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile and the Elta SPJ Pod 8222.

The integration of the Astra Mk1 BVR Missile was carried out on LSP-5 (Limited Series Production-5). The successful completion of the GVT and SCT with Astra installed at mid-board (MB) stations, along with other store combinations at remaining stations, has paved the way for the upcoming flight testing.

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TATA Advanced Systems (TATA Aerospace & Defence) has confirmed a major milestone in the “Make in India” initiative by announcing the first flight of the indigenously manufactured C-295 aircraft from the Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Vadodara, Gujarat, in 2026. This development comes as part of a landmark deal signed between Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) in 2021, which will witness the acquisition of 56 C-295s to replace the aging British-era Hawker Siddeley HS 748.

The agreement stipulates that 16 C-295 aircraft will be directly procured from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be meticulously manufactured at Vadodara, marking a significant leap in India’s domestic capabilities and fostering innovation in the aerospace sector.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has confirmed the successful completion of Ground Butt Firing Tests on the LSP-7 (Limited Series Production-7) aircraft. The recent tests involved three different gun firing modes and have been carried out satisfactorily, according to the pre-determined test schedule.

The ground butt firing tests play a crucial role in evaluating the operational capabilities and accuracy of the GSh-23 twin-barrel 23 mm ‘Gasha’ gun, which is an integral weapon system of the LCA-Tejas. The gun, known for its reliability and lethality, is an essential asset for air-to-ground and air-to-air combat scenarios. The completion of these firing tests is a significant step towards achieving full operational capability for the LCA-Tejas.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Army has taken a significant stride in bolstering its battlefield surveillance and transparency capabilities with the induction of the lighter and compact version of the Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) known as SWATHI Mountains. Developed indigenously by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru, this state-of-the-art radar system is specifically designed for operations in mountainous and high-altitude areas, catering to the unique challenges posed by such terrains.

In a remarkable event, Lieutenant General JB Chaudhari, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (CD&S), flagged off the SWATHI WLR in Agra, marking its official inclusion in the Indian Army’s artillery arsenal. This advanced radar system is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the Army’s battlefield surveillance capabilities, enabling it to effectively monitor and respond to threats in mountainous regions.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), the premier aerospace and defense company of India, has achieved a significant milestone by completing the production of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) ahead of schedule. These 15 LCH units are preproduction variants that will soon be utilized by the Indian Army Aviation and Indian Air Force to carry out user trials of this advanced attack helicopter.

The LCH, a twin-engine combat helicopter, is a dedicated platform in the 5-8 tonne class, designed and developed by HAL. The concept of this sophisticated helicopter emerged after the 1999 Kargil conflict, where the demand for a specialized aircraft capable of operating effectively in high-altitude terrains was keenly felt.

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In a significant stride towards enhancing the indigenous capabilities of the Indian aerospace industry, a prominent Indian private sector company has embarked on a mission to develop state-of-the-art rotorcraft crashworthy helicopter seats for military helicopters. This progressive initiative aligns with India’s vision of promoting local development of critical components and parts for its helicopters, bolstering the nation’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The development of these crashworthy helicopter seats comes as part of India’s concerted efforts to ensure the safety and protection of military personnel during critical missions and operations. Meeting the stringent MIL-STD 810 environmental requirements, the seats will be designed with paramount emphasis on comfort, ergonomics, and performance, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of military helicopter operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) long-pending requirement for 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) seems to be nearing a resolution, with Dassault Aviation, France’s principal combat aircraft manufacturer, emerging as a strong contender. Recent developments and growing ties between India and Dassault have positioned the Rafale as a potential choice for the IAF’s MRFA.

The journey towards potentially selecting the Rafale as the MRFA for the IAF is an interesting one, with historical connections. The IAF had originally planned to procure 126 Rafales in 2007-08, but the tender was eventually scrapped in 2015 due to various challenges. However, the IAF went ahead with the purchase of 36 Rafales in 2016, a decision that proved to be crucial for the aircraft’s future in India.