SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is seeking the Indian Army’s approval to develop an unmanned ground combat vehicle (UGV) based on the country’s Arjun Mk 1A main battle tank.

The proposal, put forward in 2022 by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), envisions a UGV leveraging the Arjun Mk 1A’s robust design and capabilities. This new unmanned platform would be specifically tailored for India’s harsh desert terrain along the western border, where the Arjun Mk 1A is currently deployed.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is evaluating a potential upgrade package for its fleet of 12 Boeing P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. This upgrade, designated Increment 3 Block 2, promises significant improvements in the P-8I’s ability to detect, track, and engage even the most advanced submarines.

Boeing, the manufacturer of the P-8I, has reached out to several P-8 operators worldwide, including the Indian Navy, to promote this upgrade package. The focus lies on bolstering the aircraft’s capabilities for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) has achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with the successful initial testing of its fixed-wing swarming UAV stack. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize aerial combat operations.

The core of NRT’s achievement lies in its MOSAIC intelligence suite. This suite empowers UAVs to conduct decentralized fused teaming missions. During the initial tests, various modules of the MOSAIC system were evaluated for their ability to create combat mass and achieve air-launched effects.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is setting its sights on ambitious plans to co-develop a new engine for the 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This next-generation engine is poised to be a game-changer, boasting the highest DRY thrust (75kN) among contemporary aircraft in its weight class (around 25 tons).

AMCA is required to have a Supercruise Capability and the High thrust engine’s power will enable the AMCA to achieve supercruise, exceeding the speed of sound without engaging the afterburner. This translates to greater fuel efficiency and combat range during high-speed missions.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is taking a significant step towards enhancing the safety and autonomy of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Through its Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), DRDO has issued an “Expression of Interest” (EOI) inviting collaboration from reputed Indian industry partners.

The core objective of this project is to design and develop a “Sense and Avoid System” specifically for medium and high altitude long endurance UAVs. This system will be crucial for ensuring safe airspace integration by enabling these UAVs to detect and avoid potential collisions with other airborne objects.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is taking a significant step towards developing high-energy laser weapons. Through its Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting Indian vendors to participate in the design and development of a Large Aperture Beam Control System (LBCS) for a High Power Laser (HPL).

Located in Hyderabad, CHESS is a DRDO laboratory dedicated to research and development in the domain of high-energy systems and futuristic weaponry. This EOI signifies India’s commitment to developing Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) as a part of its ongoing defence modernization efforts.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology is gaining momentum, with significant advancements in its Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) program. Recent successful trials of the land-based variant from a truck-mounted launcher demonstrate progress towards a robust cruise missile arsenal.

Following the successful validation of the Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) from submerged platforms last year, India has now validated the land-based ITCM system. This critical milestone signifies the operational readiness of the land-attack variant.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-run aerospace company, has partnered with Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research and Technologies to develop a next-generation weapon system – the Air-Launched Flexible Asset (Swarm), or ALFA-S.

These compact drones, measuring between 1 and 2 meters long, boast folding wings for efficient storage within canisters mounted on Indian Air Force aircraft. The pilot releases the drones at a safe distance from enemy defenses. Once airborne, the drones deploy their wings and utilize battery power to reach speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to extend the operational life of its single remaining squadron of Mi-35 attack helicopters until 2030. This decision comes as the IAF transitions its attack helicopter fleet towards more modern platforms.

Previously, the IAF operated two squadrons of the Mi-25/35 helicopters, a Soviet-era design. However, one squadron was phased out in 2019-20 following the induction of a more advanced attack helicopter, the Boeing AH-64E Apache.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards bolstering its strategic capabilities, India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), recently achieved a milestone with the successful flight test of the New Generation Ballistic Missile Agni-Prime. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in India’s defence strategy, as Agni-Prime is poised to revolutionize the country’s ballistic missile program.

Agni-Prime represents a paradigm shift in India’s missile technology, primarily due to its innovative rail launch capability. According to insiders familiar with the program who told idrw.org that, Agni-Prime will be the first ballistic missile to be operationalized for rail launch, a feature that promises unparalleled mobility and strategic flexibility. This advancement is poised to significantly enhance India’s deterrence posture, particularly in scenarios involving potential threats from neighboring Pakistan and the contested region of Tibet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced a significant shift in the Tejas Mk1A fighter program. Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) CB Ananthakrishnan confirmed that the Uttam AESA Fire Control Radar (FCR) will replace the Israeli ELM-2052 AESA radar starting from the 41st Tejas Mk1A aircraft onwards.

The Uttam AESA FCR represents a major milestone in India’s defence indigenization efforts. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this indigenous radar has completed 125 flight tests on two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas prototypes.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to strengthen its air defense capabilities with the procurement of advanced medium-range surveillance radars. This initiative emphasizes the IAF’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats, including drone warfare.

The IAF prioritizes acquiring these radars from domestic sources. The key requirement is a detection range exceeding that of currently deployed systems. The ideal radar should offer a primary detection range of at least 200 kilometers and a secondary detection range exceeding 300 kilometers.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, has provided an update on the timeline for the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet program. According to Ananthakrishnan, the first deliveries of the Tejas Mk2 to the Indian Air Force (IAF) are expected by the end of 2029. This schedule hinges on the successful completion of key development milestones.

The first Tejas Mk2 prototype is currently planned to roll out by the end of 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for 2026. Following this, the aircraft will undergo a rigorous developmental flight test program lasting approximately 2-3 years. This extensive testing phase is crucial for ensuring the aircraft’s performance and airworthiness before production can begin.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move towards self-reliance in strategic defence capabilities, India embarked on an ambitious project in February 2015: the indigenous construction of six nuclear-powered attack submarines. This program, known as Project 75 Alpha, marks a major milestone for India’s underwater warfare capabilities.

Collaborating with esteemed partners such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), and the Indian Navy, India’s endeavor aims to realize the development of a formidable 6000-ton displacement submarine. Endowed with cutting-edge technology and a versatile arsenal, these nuclear attack submarines are poised to redefine undersea warfare capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed, through Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, that progress is being made on the indigenously developed HAL Prachand (LCH) attack helicopter. While 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) models are currently undergoing evaluation by both the IAF and the Indian Army, some minor issues are being addressed.

The IAF has identified some areas for improvement on the LCH platform. These are categorized as “minor issues” and are currently being addressed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer. Additionally, the IAF and Indian Army have jointly requested further enhancements to the Prachanda’s capabilities.