Idrw Team
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
he Indian Air Force (IAF) is aiming to significantly reduce its dependency on foreign weapons systems over the next 15 years by transitioning to domestically developed air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as indigenous guidance bombs for both its indigenous and imported fighter jets. This initiative aligns with India’s larger push for self-reliance in defense, marking a decisive move towards local development and production of advanced armaments.
An IAF official, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, confirmed that significant progress has already been made in this direction, with state-owned defense organizations and private sector firms actively contributing to the development of these systems. However, the official acknowledged that a full transition to 100% Indian-made weapon systems for the IAF’s combat fleet could take 15 to 20 years.
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The BrahMos missile, which first took to the skies as the PJ-10 in 2001, has become a cornerstone of India’s missile arsenal. According to BrahMos Aerospace, the missile system has now completed 110 successful trials across its various platforms, including the shore-based, air-launched, and ship-launched variants. Over its 23-year journey, BrahMos has evolved from a 290-kilometer range missile to a longer-range powerhouse, with the current reach extended to 450 kilometers, and plans underway to achieve an 800-kilometer range.
The first test of BrahMos marked the beginning of a robust missile development program that has expanded the weapon’s capabilities in response to evolving security needs. With 110 tests spanning over two decades, the BrahMos missile system has demonstrated its versatility, reliability, and adaptability to different launch environments. BrahMos Aerospace’s rigorous testing schedule has allowed the system to be fine-tuned for maximum operational readiness, making it one of the most tried-and-tested weapons in India’s defense inventory.
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After the successful testing of the Long-Range Air-Launched Standoff Missile (LRAShM), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up for a more ambitious phase of its hypersonic technology program. DRDO plans to conduct extended tests of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) to validate its capabilities over a longer duration.
In 2020, DRDO successfully tested the scramjet-powered HSTDV, achieving a flight duration of 20 seconds at a speed of Mach 6. This milestone demonstrated India’s initial capability to develop and sustain hypersonic flight. Now, DRDO is planning to extend the test duration to 400 seconds, which will allow for comprehensive evaluation of the system’s performance, stability, and range at sustained hypersonic speeds.
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The Research and Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)] of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is progressing with the development of a new radome for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), also known as Tejas, under its ongoing project DRAP (Development of Radome for Advanced Platforms). The new radome aims to enhance the performance and operational capabilities of the LCA by improving the aircraft’s radar and sensor systems.
The radome being developed by R&DE(E) for the LCA is conical in shape, designed to accommodate the advanced radar and sensor systems that are critical for the aircraft’s performance. With a total length of 1972mm and a diameter of 892mm at the fuselage end, the radome is built to meet the specific aerodynamic and functional requirements of the LCA. The shape and size are crucial for ensuring that the radome offers minimal interference with radar signals while maintaining the structural integrity and aerodynamics of the aircraft.
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Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems is positioning its Autonomous Towed Howitzer Ordnance System (ATHOS) as a competitive contender in the Indian Army’s quest to procure 400 Towed Gun Systems (TGS). The ATHOS is a long-range 155mm/52 caliber artillery system renowned for its advanced capabilities. Elbit has pledged to achieve 70% indigenization, significantly lowering costs to make the ATHOS more attractive than the indigenous Dhanush 155mm x 45 caliber gun.
Elbit faces stiff competition from Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Bharat Forge, who are jointly developing a 15-ton variant of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). The ATAGS is a DRDO-developed gun with advanced features such as a higher firing range and quick deployment.
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India’s aerospace research community has achieved a major milestone with the first detailed diagnostics of a single cup sector of a modern annular combustor. The experiment, linked to the Kaveri Engine Program, represents a pivotal advancement in understanding combustion dynamics and stability. This high-resolution diagnostics effort involves leading experts Prof. Saptarshi Basu, Dr. Pratikash Panda, and Prof. S. Chaudhuri. Their work is expected to significantly enhance India’s capabilities in developing efficient, stable, and low-emission combustors for aviation.
The experimental rig for this research is a to-scale 20º sector of an annular combustor designed to emulate the real operational conditions of a combustor used in the Kaveri engine. Notably, the combustor test rig has been equipped with optical access points in both the primary and exhaust zones, enabling a precise view of the combustion process. This optical access is essential for observing flame stability and flow characteristics in a high-speed environment.
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Recent Indian media reports indicate that the ambitious BrahMos-2K hypersonic missile program has been shelved for the time being due to high costs associated with its development. The BrahMos-2K, envisioned as a derivative of Russia’s 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile, was intended to achieve speeds of Mach 6-7—slightly reduced from the Zircon’s Mach 9 capability. However, concerns over the per-unit cost have led the armed forces to reconsider the feasibility of the program.
The Indian Armed Forces have reportedly expressed reservations about the high per-unit cost of the BrahMos-2K missile, which would make large-scale acquisition financially prohibitive. With hypersonic missile technology still in its nascent stages globally, the costs of research, development, and production remain exorbitant.
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The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 program is set to make a significant leap forward in capability with the planned integration of the GE F-414 engine. This engine, which produces 98kN of thrust compared to the 84kN thrust of the GE-404 that powers the current LCA Mk1 and Mk1A, will offer a substantial performance upgrade for the LCA Mk2, enhancing its combat capabilities and operational envelope. In a major boost for India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reportedly in advanced discussions with General Electric (GE) for license production of the F-414 engine in India.
According to sources close to IDRW.org, the commercial terms of the agreement are currently being finalized, with expectations that a formal contract will be concluded within this financial year, likely in June 2025. HAL’s plans to manufacture the F-414 locally, with a high degree of technology transfer, reflect a commitment to reducing dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defence technology.
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In a significant milestone for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently tested a Long-Range Hypersonic Missile, which achieved an impressive speed of Mach 6, or six times the speed of sound. This successful test showcases the missile’s advanced technology and brings India closer to enhancing its strategic deterrence and coastal defence systems.
During the missile’s test flight, various tracking systems were deployed to monitor its performance, and the missile was confirmed to have reached a speed of Mach 6, further validating the progress made by DRDO in hypersonic technology. Hypersonic missiles, capable of flying at speeds greater than Mach 5 (about 6,100 km/h), are considered a significant leap forward in missile technology, as they can travel faster and evade enemy countermeasures more effectively than traditional missile systems.
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In a strategic move to bolster mobility in high-altitude operations, the Indian Army is seeking advanced All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) that can be airlifted by helicopters to remote locations. These specialized vehicles are intended for use in extreme terrains, particularly in high-altitude regions such as the Himalayas, where conventional vehicles struggle to perform effectively. Designed to operate at altitudes up to 17,000 feet, the ATVs are expected to enhance cross-country mobility, support infantry surveillance missions, and serve as mobile platforms for logistics and weapon deployment.
To meet the operational demands in mountainous and high-altitude areas, the Army has specified stringent criteria for the ATVs. The vehicles must meet the following requirements.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to debut the first Ground Test Vehicle and prototype of its 13-ton Medium Lift Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) by 2027. Positioned to meet a range of military and civil aviation needs, the IMRH will be a versatile, indigenous alternative to foreign rotorcraft, with design and operational specifications tailored to Indian Armed Forces’ unique requirements. The IMRH is part of HAL’s broader vision to bolster India’s aerospace self-reliance, expanding domestic production capabilities for advanced aviation technology.
Since its unveiling at Aero India 2023, the IMRH design has undergone significant refinement to enhance both performance and safety. HAL’s recent updates to the design include improvements in aerodynamics and structural safety, which are geared toward making the helicopter more resilient and adaptable across multiple mission types. As HAL aims to meet global standards in helicopter manufacturing, additional design refinements are planned to improve not only the IMRH’s functionality but also its aesthetic appeal, making it competitive with contemporary international models.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is progressing with the development of advanced 120mm and 125mm smooth-bore gun systems to equip India’s upcoming Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) under the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT) program. Both gun variants are smooth-bore, a design choice that enhances projectile velocity and penetrative capability compared to rifled barrels, marking a significant technological advancement for India’s armored warfare capabilities.
The NGMBT/FMBT program is part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armoured corps with cutting-edge, indigenously designed systems. With both 120mm and 125mm smooth-bore options in development, DRDO aims to provide the Indian Army with a flexible choice depending on mission requirements and compatibility with evolving ammunition technologies. The development of these two variants highlights DRDO’s strategy to enhance both firepower and compatibility with future ammunition systems, such as advanced armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) projectiles.
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During 2023-24, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) made significant strides in the development of the RTA-90 regional transport aircraft. Key activities included extensive structural design and analysis, aerodynamic characterization, cockpit mock-up construction, and propulsion system advancements.
The RTA-90’s fuselage underwent detailed structural design and optimization, focusing on critical parameters like weight distribution, material thickness, stress points, deflection contours, and buckling eigenvalues. By simulating various load scenarios and estimating fatigue load spectrums, CSIR-NAL aimed to create a durable fuselage optimized for lightweight and resilient performance. This approach not only enhances the aircraft’s structural integrity but also contributes to fuel efficiency, crucial for regional transport operations.
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The Indian Navy is evaluating Italy’s “Black Shark” torpedo as a potential solution for its Kalvari-class submarines, marking a re-emergence for this advanced heavyweight torpedo in India’s defense considerations. With a requirement for 48 new torpedoes, the Navy is conducting assessments and exploring options as several international contenders—including companies from Germany and France—vie for the contract. Notably, this interest in the Black Shark comes after the Italian company, which was previously blacklisted, has now re-entered the fray.
The Black Shark torpedo was initially evaluated for the Indian Navy in 2008 when it emerged as the leading candidate to fulfill a demand for 98 torpedoes intended to equip the Navy’s then-upcoming fleet of Scorpene-class submarines. The Black Shark, known for its long-range, high-speed performance, and advanced homing capabilities, seemed like an ideal match. However, the project faced a setback in 2013, when allegations of corruption linked to other defense deals with the same Italian company led to a comprehensive review and eventually a blacklisting by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). As a result, the entire acquisition process was suspended, and the case was subsequently referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
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The Indian Navy has made significant strides in indigenization by deciding to install indigenously developed Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) on all its aerial platforms. Among the first platforms to benefit from this upgrade are the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, also known as Romeos. This development marks a leap in the Navy’s efforts to enhance encrypted communication capabilities across its fleet.
The SDRs have been co-developed by the Indian Navy in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). They are already deployed on the Navy’s surface ships, showcasing their reliability and performance. The version installed on aerial platforms like the MH-60R is a miniaturized variant of the surface ship system, optimized for airborne operations.
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