SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed the upcoming induction of the Astra MkII, a new Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, into the Indian Air Force (IAF). Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, made the announcement, corroborating an earlier report by idrw.org.

The Astra MkII is expected to significantly enhance the IAF’s BVR combat capabilities. According to Dr. Kamat, the missile will be inducted within the next 2-3 years. This timeline aligns with idrw.org’s report suggesting user trials are set to begin later this year with production-ready configurations launched from Su-30MKI fighter jets.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a Bengaluru-based laboratory of DRDO, has partnered with ChiStats Labs, a data science and AI startup, to develop a revolutionary system for Aero Gas Turbine Engine (AGTE) health monitoring. This project leverages cutting-edge virtual sensors and artificial intelligence to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

This groundbreaking initiative focuses on creating a comprehensive diagnostic system for AGTEs. The system, built on a robust foundation of AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML), efficiently handles the massive amount of data generated by these engines. This allows for rapid and highly accurate operational assessments, leading to better-informed maintenance decisions. The virtual sensor framework, being developed indigenously, represents a significant leap forward in engine health monitoring.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The competition to supply India’s next-generation submarines heats up as Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) India highlights its edge over rivals. During a press conference in New Delhi, Mr. Khalil Rahman, head of TKMS India, made a clear case for their T-214 submarine.

Rahman’s focus centered on the critical Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, a key factor for underwater endurance. He emphasized that TKMS offered the most crucial aspect: a navy-proven system. The Indian Navy team that conducted Field Evaluation Trials (FET) in Germany reportedly witnessed the T-212 submarine’s operational AIP system, demonstrating its seaworthiness.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Hope springs eternal for the much-anticipated 1200kW Turboshaft Engine being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). According to company sources and the idrw team, the engine’s certification could be achieved by 2026, marking a significant milestone in Indian helicopter engine development.

The 1200kW engine, designated HTSE-1200, is designed to be the powerhouse for future light and medium-weight helicopters in the 3 to 6-ton category. This indigenous engine holds the potential to revolutionize Indian helicopter operations, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and enhancing self-reliance.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Armed Forces are undergoing a significant shift in their primary infantry weapon, transitioning from the 5.56mm INSAS rifle to the new 7.62mm caliber Ugram assault rifle. This change reflects a strategic move back towards a “shoot to kill” doctrine, prioritizing stopping power over incapacitation.

The assault rifle has been a mainstay for frontline soldiers for decades. In India, the military transitioned from the bulky 7.62mm SLR to the lighter 5.56mm INSAS rifle. This shift was partly driven by a change in doctrine, emphasizing incapacitating enemy combatants to reduce battlefield casualties.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian defense sector receives a significant boost with the development of an innovative simulator for unmanned vehicles by Combat Robotics, a Pune-based startup. This project, undertaken under the guidance of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a DRDO laboratory in Bengaluru, signifies a major leap forward in testing and development of autonomous systems.

The groundbreaking simulator stands out for its versatility. It caters to a wide range of unmanned vehicles, including Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This multi-domain capability makes it an invaluable tool for agencies working on developing and refining autonomous systems across various environments.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a significant modernization leap as No. 23 Squadron, the “Panthers,” emerges as the frontrunner to transition to the highly anticipated LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jet.

Currently stationed at AFS NAL, the Panthers fly the venerable MiG-21 Bison – the last variant of this iconic aircraft in IAF service. Their relocation to AFS NAL in June 2024 aimed to streamline maintenance and operations for these soon-to-be-retired jets. Notably, No. 3 Squadron, a sister squadron also stationed at AFS NAL and currently flying MiG-21s, will follow suit and be decommissioned next year.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army has taken a step towards modernizing its infantry equipment by floating a tender to procure 116 Tritium Illuminated (TI) sights for the Tar-21/X-95 assault rifles. These sights are likely destined for two units based in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, a strategically important region.

TI sights are advanced aiming devices that utilize tritium, a radioactive isotope, to provide illumination in low-light conditions. This allows soldiers to effectively engage targets at dawn, dusk, and even during nighttime operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently received a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the supply of 156 LCH Prachand attack helicopters, with 90 units earmarked for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, this might just be the beginning for the Prachand’s journey with the IAF.

The IAF is reportedly reconsidering its plans to procure additional heavy-lift Apache attack helicopters. This opens the door for a potential expansion of the Prachand order. The IAF is impressed with the Prachand’s capabilities and might opt for more indigenous helicopters to fulfill its needs.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is seeking an innovative Indian startup to develop a next-generation underwater vehicle under its Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. This groundbreaking project aims to create an Underwater Launched Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (ULAUV) capable of enhancing India’s underwater military capabilities.

The ULAUV is designed to be deployed from underwater platforms, significantly extending their reach and capabilities. Imagine a submarine discreetly launching a drone to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, or even carry out reconnaissance missions. This ULAUV will be a game-changer for underwater ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is prioritizing the development of long-range missiles and robust communication networks following a critical lesson learned from the events of February 27th, 2019. During that engagement, communication blackouts significantly hampered IAF operations.

The 2019 incident exposed a vulnerability in the IAF’s communication systems. Scrambled MiG-21s lost contact with control, vectored Su-30MKIs flew “deaf,” and Mirage 2000Is, the first to detect enemy JF-17s, lacked crucial information due to communication limitations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Chinese research vessel ZHOUNG SHAN DA XUE has reportedly entered the Bay of Bengal and is currently moving past Campbell Bay. The purpose of its mission and its planned route remain unclear.

Meanwhile, another Chinese research vessel, XIANG YANG HONG 03, is expected to enter the Indian Ocean Region via the Malacca Strait. Its arrival coincides with a previously announced Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by India, restricting airspace in the region from July 17 to 26, 2024, for a potential missile test.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards bolstering its off-road mobility with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for 24 units of the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) SHERP-N 1200, also known as the ATOR N1200. This robust vehicle is being indigenously manufactured by JSW Gecko Motors Pvt Ltd, marking the JSW Group’s foray into the Indian defense sector.

JSW Gecko Motors, a subsidiary of the leading JSW conglomerate, recently acquired a majority stake in Gecko Motors, an established player in the extreme off-road vehicle domain. Production of the ATOR N1200 is underway at JSW Gecko’s newly established manufacturing facility in Chandigarh, Punjab.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Indian startup Omnipresent Robot Technologies is making waves in the defense sector with its development of Artificial Intelligence for Machine Learning (AIML) software for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This innovative solution promises near real-time updates derived from satellite imagery, potentially revolutionizing the IAF’s situational awareness.

The software, designed for satellite-based solutions, will be a game-changer for the IAF. Imagine this: satellites surveying border areas constantly feeding information into the AI. The AIML software will then analyze the imagery, detecting developments like new infrastructure or military equipment deployment in near real-time. This critical information will be delivered to the IAF, empowering them to make intelligent decisions based on the latest intel.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited (TAAL) has secured a contract for the modification and installation of advanced instrumentation on a fleet of helicopters. The undisclosed Hyderabad-based company awarded the contract, which involves equipping twelve Kamov-31 helicopters with the SARANG Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system.

Developed indigenously by the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (Hyderabad) under the Samudrika program, SARANG is a sophisticated ESM system specifically designed for Indian Navy helicopters. This project will significantly enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of the Navy’s rotary wing assets.