SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Indian Navy and DRDO officials have engaged in discussions regarding the incorporation of long-range air defence interceptor missile systems into future frontline warships. This initiative aims to integrate extended-range interceptor missiles developed under the Extended Range Air Defense System (ERADS) program by DRDO.

The missiles being developed include the ERSAM (Extended Range Surface to Air Missile) and XRSAM (Extra Long Range Surface to Air Missile), designed to counter various targets, including enemy fighters, AWACS, and anti-ship missiles.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Atim Kabra Director – Strategy and Business Development at Astra Microwave Products Ltd, based in Hyderabad, has officially announced the ongoing development of Active Protection Systems (APSs) designed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization).

The APSs, equipped with both hard-kill and soft-kill capabilities, are expected to be handed over to DRDO by the end of this financial year. Following that, they will undergo extensive Non-Combat Non-Communicative (NCNC) trials in conjunction with DRDO technology, which may take approximately 1 to 1.5 years.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, a Defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) firm, has announced its groundbreaking achievement of developing India’s first truly indigenous conventional submarine.

The Midget submarine prototype, designated as MS-X02A, is scheduled to be commissioned by December 2024. It is expected to play a vital role in covert maritime missions, such as the infiltration of combat swimmers and the placement of limpet mines on target vessels.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Once again, Russia has reaffirmed its previous proposal to supply additional Mig-29K fighter jets to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements. This offer comes in response to rival proposals made by Dassault Rafale M and Boeing for their respective aircraft, the Rafale M and F-18 E/F Superhornet, to fulfil the Indian Navy’s order for 26 fighter jets.

Russia’s updated offer includes equipping the Mig-29K with new and improved RD-33 engines. These engines provide a higher thrust of 91kN compared to the current engines’ 88kN, which also addresses concerns raised by the Indian Navy regarding the wearing of parts at high speeds.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to approve plans for the development and production of an electro-optical (EO) satellite weighing between 150-200 kg. This satellite will serve as a space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) asset, providing backup support in case primary military satellites become disabled.

Under the project named Veda, or Vehicle for Defence Application, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is already engaged in the development of a three-stage, solid-propellant rocket. This rocket is designed to deploy defence satellites into lower orbits, enabling various applications such as surveillance, communication, and navigation for the Indian armed forces.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is likely to declare the winner of the tender for its deck-based fighter jet requirements for its aircraft carrier later Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend this year’s Bastille Day Parade in Paris as the guest of honor on July 14 in France but the deal will not be inked this year as per information provided by people familiar with the matter to idrw.

Although the signing of the agreement is anticipated to take place in 2024, While the announcement of the preferred bidder is anticipated during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France, the finalization of the deal will likely be postponed until after the upcoming general elections. This decision aligns with the standard practice of deferring major defence contracts during the election period to avoid potential controversies and political implications.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has embarked on the development of a Long-Range Multiple Rocket Launcher program. The project aims to create solid-fueled 300mm rocket projectiles equipped with various warheads, surpassing the performance capabilities of the Russian BM-30 Smerch heavy self-propelled 300mm multiple rocket launcher.

According to sources familiar with the matter have told idrw that, DRDO will focus on developing 300mm rockets with firing ranges of 120km and beyond, which will play a crucial role in the upcoming Integrated Rocket Force. The unguided 300mm rockets will undergo enhancements in terms of navigation and targeting systems, incorporating improved tactical and technical features.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

British aerospace and defence company, Rolls-Royce, is currently under scrutiny for alleged corruption in the procurement process of the Hawk 115 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force and Navy. The allegations suggest that intermediaries were involved, and the company made illicit payments to swing the deal. This information was revealed in a First Information Report (FIR), and a British court order from 2017 also mentioned the company’s alleged complicity.

If found guilty of the violations, Rolls-Royce could face severe consequences. It may be debarred from undertaking any Government of India projects for the next five years, and a penalty would eliminate any possibility of the company engaging in a joint development venture for the new engine of India’s AMCA 5th Generation fighter jet program.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Ministry of Defence of the Government of India has expressed its intention to procure approximately 5,000 Fire & Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGMs) along with 500 Launcher Systems that will be adapted on BMP-2/2K vehicles.

In a Request for Information (RFI) issued, the purpose is to finalize the Specific Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determine the procurement category, and identify potential Indian vendors capable of supplying Fire & Forget ATGMs and Launcher Systems adapted on BMP-2/2K within three years from the contract’s award. The expected quantity is approximately 1,750 Fire & Forget ATGMs along with 175 Launcher Systems adapted on BMP-2/2K per year.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is anticipated to approve the development of a comprehensive Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program by mid-2024. This decision will follow the conclusion of all tests conducted by the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) UAV, the precursor technology demonstrator project for the UCAV.

Last year, the SWiFT completed its inaugural flight from the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka. The test exhibited flawless performance, including take-off, way-point navigation, and a smooth touchdown, all while operating in a fully autonomous mode.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Akash-NG, a short-range mobile surface-to-air missile system (SRSAM) developed by DRDO, is set to receive clearance for production. Officials from BEL have stated that a deal for production may be finalized within the next three months. The last test of Akash-NG in 2021 yielded successful results, with system performance validated through data captured by various radar, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems deployed at ITR, Chandipur.

During the test, Akash-NG demonstrated its all-weather capability by successfully engaging a high-speed unmanned aerial target, even in adverse weather conditions. Notably, the missile employed an indigenous RF Seeker, highlighting its technological advancements.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), a long-range precision-guided anti-airfield weapon. Now DRDO plans to see that SAAW will be incorporated into a mother missile, known as the Smart Weapon Multi Carrier (SWMC), which will unleash multiple SAAW projectiles to selectively neutralize enemy targets such as ammunition depots while minimizing collateral damage.

This innovative concept of a mother missile with miniaturized missiles equipped with independent seekers significantly enhances the range and versatility of the SAAW system.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army, which currently operates four regiments of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, is set to procure two additional regiments with an extended range of 800km. This move highlights the Army’s commitment to strengthening its offensive capabilities and enhancing its operational reach. The deployment of the 3rd and 4th BrahMos regiments in 2016, equipped with the Block III variant of the missile, bolstered India’s defence capabilities along the China border in the northeast region.

The Block III variant of the BrahMos missile introduced trajectory maneuvering and steep-dive capabilities, specifically tailored for mountain warfare scenarios. Following India’s inclusion in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, the software limitations were lifted, resulting in an increase in the missile’s range from 290km to 450km.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is currently engaged in discussions with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) for the acquisition of the Long-Range Artillery (LORA) surface-to-surface missile system.

Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) ‘MALAM’ division, this sea-to-ground and ground-to-ground missile system offers a long-range ballistic capability jointly developed with India. With its versatile applications and impressive precision, the LORA system has already been successfully inducted into the Indian Navy.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and General Electric (GE) are set to sign an agreement that will pave the way for the development of infrastructure to support the production and testing of the new F414-INS6 engine for the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet in India. While India is not the first country to locally assemble this engine, South Korean company Hanwha Techwin has also signed an agreement with GE to manufacture F414 engines for the KF-X aircraft.

GKN Aerospace, based in Trollhättan, Sweden, also plays a role in local engine production. They manufacture the RM16 fighter engines for the JAS 39 Gripen, which are based on the GE F414 aero-engine. The RM16 engine has been tailored in collaboration with GE and Gripen manufacturer Saab for the Gripen-E fighter jet, which entered production in 2021. GKN Aerospace completed the successful first engine run for the advanced RM16 engine last year. However, the components manufactured locally remain consistent in both agreements.