SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has stipulated stringent conditions for considering Russia’s offer of the advanced AL-41 and Product 177S fifth-generation aircraft engines for its Su-30MKI fleet upgrades, according to sources cited by idrw.org. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have informed Russia that any deal must include at least 80% Technology Transfer (ToT), significantly higher than the ToT provided for the AL-31F engines currently manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Su-30MKI. Additionally, India insists that Russia deploy its engineering team to complete testing of the Product 177S engine in India, as the engine is still under development and not cleared for mass production.

Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) has pitched the AL-41 (AL-41F1, used in the Su-35) and the Product 177S, a new-generation engine with elements of the AL-51F1 (developed for Russia’s Su-57), as potential powerplants for India’s 240-strong Su-30MKI fleet and the indigenous AMCA, a fifth-generation stealth fighter under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to India’s tactical missile capabilities, the Indian Army is reportedly planning to procure a longer-range variant of the indigenously developed Prahaar missile system. Despite earlier expectations that 300mm guided rocket systems like the Pinaka Mk-II would render 150km-class tactical missiles redundant, sources indicate that a 200km-range version of Prahar, tentatively named Pranash, is actively in development and remains very much on the Army’s radar.

The move underscores the Army’s continued emphasis on enhancing its precision-strike capabilities for short-range battlefield scenarios, especially along the volatile borders with Pakistan and China. The Prahaar missile, which currently has a range of about 150 kilometers, is designed for rapid deployment and precision strikes on high-value tactical targets, such as enemy command centers, air defense systems, and logistics hubs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious Project-75I, aimed at bolstering the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities, has run into rough seas yet again. The cost of the German-origin U-214NG submarines—recently declared the winner in the Navy’s tender for six next-generation submarines—has reportedly soared to nearly $1.3 billion per unit, a significant jump from the $800 million estimated when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) floated the original tender in 2021.

This escalation has driven the total projected cost of the program to nearly ?70,000 crore, up from the earlier estimate of ?43,000 crore made over a decade ago. The sharp increase is attributed to a combination of factors including inflation, currency fluctuations, and the inclusion of advanced technological upgrades, notably an indigenously supported Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key laboratory under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has proposed the development of an uprated 10kN (approximately 850 kgf) turbofan engine, according to sources close to the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org). This new aero-engine, a scaled-up variant of GTRE’s existing 450 kgf (4.5kN) Small Turbo Fan Engine (STFE), also known as the Manik engine, is intended to power Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programs.

While its specific application remains undefined, the engine’s development signals India’s ambition to enhance its indigenous propulsion capabilities for advanced unmanned platforms. The proposed 10kN turbofan engine builds on the success of the STFE, a twin-spool, non-afterburning engine designed for subsonic cruise missiles and UAVs. The STFE, which has been flight-tested successfully in October 2022 on the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), delivers a thrust of 4.5kN and is optimized for long-endurance missions at subsonic speeds (around 0.8 Mach).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

According to sources close to idrw.org, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is exploring the possibility of converting an older prototype of the HJT-36 Yashas, an intermediate jet trainer, into a light attack variant aimed at export markets. This move is driven by the growing demand for cost-effective aircraft capable of conducting counter-terrorism operations in uncontested airspace.

The HJT-36 Yashas, designed as a Stage-II trainer to replace the aging Kiran MkII jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF), features five hardpoints— one under the fuselage and four under the wings—with a payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb). This configuration makes it a viable candidate for adaptation into a light attack role.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing India’s air defence capabilities with the development of a truck-based variant of the Vertical Launch Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM), a derivative of the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). According to sources cited by idrw.org, the truck-mounted VL-SRSAM, designed with a 50 km range, is slated for its first trials later in 2025 or early 2026.

Initially developed to meet the Indian Navy’s requirement to replace the aging Israeli-origin Barak-1 Point Defence System, the VL-SRSAM has proven its mettle in naval trials, including a successful test-firing from an Indian Naval ship off the Odisha coast in June 2022. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army (IA) have expressed interest in this system, requesting trials of the truck-based variant integrated with their respective radar grids for enhanced air defence coverage. This article explores the development, significance, and potential adoption of the VL-SRSAM by the IAF and IA, as well as its role in India’s multi-layered air defence architecture.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing India’s artillery capabilities with the development of the Pinaka IV, a next-generation guided rocket system designed to achieve a 300km range. According to sources cited by idrw.org, the Pinaka IV, slated for trials beginning in 2028, will incorporate advanced features to evade enemy air defence systems, drawing inspiration from tactical missiles like the Pralay. This article explores the Pinaka IV’s potential, its unique capabilities, and its strategic significance in light of recent conflicts, such as the interception of Pakistan’s Fatah-II rocket by India’s Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) system.

The Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system, named after Lord Shiva’s bow, has been a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s artillery since its induction following the Kargil War. Evolving from the Pinaka MkI (40km range) to the Guided Pinaka (75–90km) and the upcoming Pinaka MkIII (120km), the Pinaka IV represents a transformative step, extending the system’s reach to 300km and positioning it as a cost-effective alternative to tactical ballistic missiles. Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with private industry partners like Solar Industries Ltd., the Pinaka IV is engineered to deliver precision strikes against high-value targets, including command centers, logistics hubs, and enemy fortifications.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are working on plans to develop a cutting-edge Electronic Warfare (EW) system designed to jam and potentially neutralize Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, according to defense sources. AWACS, often described as flying radar stations, are critical assets for air forces, providing real-time situational awareness by broadcasting powerful radar signals to detect and track aircraft.

However, their high-powered radar emissions make them “emitters,” rendering them detectable by enemy EW systems. These emissions can be located and targeted, exposing AWACS to jamming or even physical damage from advanced EW platforms.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a bold move to bolster surveillance and deterrence along its northern frontier, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army are set to deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at air bases in Uttar Pradesh, explicitly targeting China.

The strategic selection of Gorakhpur and Sarsawa air bases, announced on March 26, 2025, positions these high-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) closer to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, enhancing India’s ability to monitor the entire border—from Ladakh in the northwest to Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast. This deployment underscores a clear China-centric focus amid ongoing tensions in the region.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Brazil has abandoned its plans to procure India’s Akash air defense missile system and is now negotiating with Italy to acquire the Enhanced Modular Air Defense Solutions (EMADS) system from MBDA, a leading European arms manufacturer, according to official government sources cited by The Rio Times. The decision, confirmed during the lead-up to the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, reflects Brazil’s prioritization of advanced technology and interoperability over its earlier interest in India’s indigenous missile system, despite the two nations’ BRICS partnership.

The Brazilian Army, seeking to modernize its aging air defense capabilities—currently limited to systems like the Gepard vehicles and Igla and RBS 70 NG missiles, which can engage threats only up to 3,000 meters—found India’s Akash system lacking in range and technological sophistication compared to global alternatives. The Akash, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) with a 25–30 km range, gained attention for its role in India’s Operation Sindoor, where it successfully countered Pakistani drones and missiles. However, Brazilian military officials deemed it outdated for their requirements, particularly for defending against modern aircraft, drones, and missiles at higher altitudes and longer ranges.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a strategic move to deepen defense ties with India, Russia has proposed supplying the Indian Air Force (IAF) with its fifth-generation Su-57E stealth fighter alongside the Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) in a Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUMT) configuration. According to sources close to Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) on Russian side, Russia has indicated that an Indian order for the Su-57E would include an offer for the Okhotnik-B, designed to operate in tandem with the fighter to execute deep-strike missions.

The Su-57E, an export variant of Russia’s Su-57 Felon stealth fighter, is a twin-engine, multi-role aircraft designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. Featuring advanced stealth, supercruise capability, and an AESA radar, the Su-57E is positioned as a competitor to Western fifth-generation fighters like the Lockheed Martin F-35. The IAF, which operates a fleet of Russian-origin aircraft, including 272 Su-30MKI fighters, is familiar with Russian technology, making the Su-57E a logical candidate for its modernization plans.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development that could reshape the strategic dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean, India has reportedly offered Cyprus its advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, capable of neutralizing naval threats, including Turkish warships. This move, as highlighted by Turkish international journalist and war correspondent Ardan Zentürk, underscores India’s growing defense and diplomatic alignment with Cyprus, signaling a pointed message to Turkey amid rising regional tensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian PM in over two decades, further amplifies the geopolitical significance of this offer.

According to Ardan Zentürk, India’s offer to supply Cyprus with BrahMos missiles is a calculated move to counter Turkey’s growing influence in the region, particularly its deepening ties with Pakistan. The offer comes at a time when India is strengthening its defense and diplomatic partnerships with countries like Cyprus, Greece, and Armenia, which share concerns about Turkey’s regional ambitions, including its “Blue Homeland” doctrine that seeks to expand Turkish influence in the Aegean, Black Sea, and Eastern Mediterranean.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious nuclear attack submarine (SSN) program under Project-77 is steadily gaining momentum, with two boats now officially cleared for development even as the design phase continues. In a significant strategic shift, the Indian Navy is reportedly moving away from the traditional use of sub-sonic cruise missiles for these platforms, opting instead for high-speed supersonic and hypersonic missile systems to strike deep into enemy territory.

Sources speaking to idrw.org confirm that the Indian Navy has decided against equipping its future SSNs with low-cost sub-sonic cruise missiles, a mainstay in several global SSN fleets for long-range land-attack roles. Instead, the Navy plans to arm its attack submarines with advanced supersonic and hypersonic cruise missiles capable of penetrating heavily defended airspace and destroying High Value Targets (HVTs).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities with the potential addition of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, with deliveries expected to commence in 2029 and conclude by 2031, according to HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Sunil revealed that if the IAF and HAL finalize a deal for these additional aircraft by the end of 2025, production will begin in 2028, supported by HAL’s plan to scale up Tejas Mk1A production to 30 units per year from 2027 onwards.

The Tejas Mk1A, an advanced variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), features upgraded avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, improved electronic warfare systems, and enhanced maintainability. With 83 jets already ordered in a ?48,000 crore deal signed in 2021, the IAF currently operates 40 Tejas Mk1 aircraft, and the additional 97 units would bring the total fleet to 220, significantly bolstering India’s air combat strength amid regional tensions with Pakistan and China.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF), which has historically relied on the Prithvi series of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and recently placed orders for the advanced Pralay missile, is now considering the induction of the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) newly unveiled BM-04 SRBM, according to sources close to idrw.org.

Showcased at the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence exhibition in Hyderabad from February 28 to March 2, 2025, the BM-04 is a technologically advanced, canisterized missile designed for precision strikes against high-value targets, such as enemy airbases, command and control centers, and mobile missile systems. With a range of 400-1,500 km, hypersonic boost-glide capabilities, and a 30-meter circular error probable (CEP), the BM-04 could significantly enhance the IAF’s conventional counterforce capabilities, complementing the Prithvi and Pralay in India’s tactical missile arsenal. However, as the missile awaits its first developmental trials, its induction remains contingent on successful testing and approval by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).