SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to recommend to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) a crucial change in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This recommendation involves reducing the scope of the Request for Proposal (RFP) and limiting it to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that already meet its stringent operational and technical criteria.

By narrowing the focus, the IAF aims to expedite the procurement of 110 advanced fighter jets, a program critical for addressing the depleting strength of its combat fleet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has marked a significant milestone with the completion of ground-based testing for the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, designed for the Astra MkIII Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). However, according to sources close to idrw.org, the journey from ground to sky might take longer than anticipated.

The transition to air-to-air flight trials is fraught with complexities, requiring not just the integration of the missile with various fighter aircraft but also compatibility with their radar systems. This is particularly crucial for the Astra MkIII, which is engineered to engage targets at extended ranges – surpassing the 300km mark for strategic assets like AWACS and in-flight refueling aircraft, and over 200km for conventional fighter-sized targets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s cutting-edge defence technology firm Tonbo Imaging has exported its Vault anti-UAV system, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s defence exports. Among its confirmed customers is Armenia, which has procured the system to bolster its counter-drone capabilities in the face of evolving aerial threats.

The Vault system is an AI-enabled counter-UAV solution designed to detect, track, and neutralize hostile airborne threats, such as UAVs, RPAs, or UAS, providing robust protection to the area under its surveillance umbrella.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bangalore-based aerospace company Q-Alpha Aerospace is set to showcase a scaled-down model of its groundbreaking RHH-150 Air-Breathing Variable-Range Multi-Role Agile Hypersonic SWARM UCAV at the upcoming Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. This unveiling marks a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), highlighting advancements in hypersonic propulsion, SWARM capability, and multi-role versatility.

The RHH-150 represents the pinnacle of modern aerial combat technology. Designed for reconnaissance, strike, and support roles, it combines hypersonic speeds with unparalleled agility and advanced AI systems to deliver mission-critical capabilities across diverse operational scenarios.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The L&T Nexter consortium has introduced the TRAJAN, a state-of-the-art 155mm/52cal towed howitzer, which is now a significant contender in the Indian Army’s Towed Gun System (TGS) tender. This development comes at a time when the Indian military is looking to bolster its artillery capabilities with modern, reliable, and locally manufactured systems.

TRAJAN is based on the renowned CAESAR ordnance, bringing to the table the combat-proven artillery technology currently used by the French Army and several other forces globally. This howitzer has undergone rigorous evaluation by the Indian Army, involving extensive firing and mobility trials across various terrains and under diverse climatic conditions. The system has been tested for its ability to deliver enhanced firepower, showcasing quicker response times, longer range, and improved accuracy, which are critical in modern warfare scenarios.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant modernization push, the Indian Army has started replacing its long-serving Dragunov sniper rifles with the more advanced Sako TRG 42, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum. This transition marks a strategic upgrade in the Army’s sniper capabilities, aiming to enhance precision, range, and effectiveness in various operational theaters.

The Dragunov SVD, a semi-automatic rifle of Soviet origin, has been a mainstay of the Indian Army’s sniper units since its induction in the mid-1980s. Known for its reliability and ease of use, it has served through numerous conflicts, providing Indian snipers with a dependable weapon. However, with evolving combat scenarios and the need for greater accuracy and range, the Indian Army has decided to move towards the Sako TRG 42.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Negotiations between General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the local manufacturing of the F-414 engines have encountered a significant hurdle. Sources at idrw.org have revealed that GE has demanded an increase in the contract price to incorporate 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the engines.

The price for manufacturing 99 F-414 engines in India, which was earlier agreed upon at $1 billion, has now escalated to approximately $1.5 billion, a difference of $500 million. This sudden price increase has caused delays in finalizing the deal, as price negotiations remain ongoing.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a strategic pivot aimed at optimizing costs while enhancing capabilities, the Indian Army is considering deferring the purchase of high-cost tactical missiles in favor of the domestically developed Guided Pinaka rocket system. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently been authorized to expand the Pinaka family with two new variants, one with a range of 120 kilometers and another extending to 300 kilometers, both incorporating advanced guidance systems.

The 300km variant of the Guided Pinaka, which will utilize a 300mm diameter, has particularly caught the Army’s attention. Its larger size not only allows for an increased payload but also ensures compatibility with existing launch platforms, including those used in high-altitude areas. This development comes as the Army seeks versatile, yet cost-effective solutions for both conventional and, potentially, tactical nuclear strikes, given its strategic positioning along contentious borders.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to India’s artillery capabilities, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has announced that two major contracts for the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system are slated for signing before the fiscal year concludes on March 31. These contracts, valued at Rs 5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and Rs 4,500 crore for area denial munitions, underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its military’s operational readiness and self-reliance.

This contract, amounting to Rs 5,700 crore, will supply the Indian Army with ammunition boasting a strike range of 45 kilometers. The high-explosive pre-fragmented shells are designed to maximize damage through fragmentation upon impact, making them highly effective against both personnel and light armored vehicles. This upgrade will significantly extend the reach and lethality of the Pinaka systems currently in use.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is forging ahead with developing India’s hypersonic missile program across multiple configurations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) appears to be taking a measured approach. According to an IAF official quoted by idrw.org, the service is not currently prioritizing the development of air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles. Instead, the IAF focuses on land-based hypersonic missile systems for near-future induction.

Developing air-launched hypersonic cruise missiles presents significant technological challenges, primarily in the area of miniaturization. Current hypersonic missile systems are large and heavy, making it difficult to adapt them for air-launched platforms. The official emphasized that achieving a weight of less than 1.5-2 tons—a critical parameter for operational deployment—is a long-term goal.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a move to further strengthen military ties with its neighbour, India has proposed supplying the Nepal Army with ‘Made in India’ AK-203 assault rifles. This proposal comes as an upgrade from the currently used INSAS rifles, which have been the standard issue for the Nepalese Army since India began supplying them in 2001.

Since 2001, Nepal has received approximately 26,000 INSAS rifles under a generous arrangement from India, where New Delhi subsidized 70% of the cost. These rifles have been pivotal in the Nepalese military’s operations, making Nepal the second-largest operator of INSAS rifles after the Indian Army. However, as of July 20, 2020, the Nepali Army transferred 600 of these rifles to the Nepali Armed Police Force, indicating a shift or expansion in the use of this equipment.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has shed light on the engine strategy for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, as reported by idrw.org. According to an ADA official, the current plan involves equipping the TEDBF with the General Electric F-414 engine, which produces 98 kN of thrust. This decision aligns with the program’s updated timelines, aiming for a rollout of the aircraft in late 2028 or mid-2029.

The F-414 engine, which will already be used in Tejas MkII and AMCA MkI aircraft, offers a proven technology for the TEDBF, which is designed to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements for a carrier-based fighter. The choice of this engine ensures that the TEDBF can begin production by 2034 without delays due to engine development issues.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy’s ambition to procure 12 LCA-Navy Trainer aircraft for deck-based training of its fighter pilots is encountering delays, as per insights shared by a naval official with idrw.org. The primary reason for this delay is the Navy’s insistence on the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) completing rigorous testing and finalizing the configuration of the aircraft before it can be cleared for production, even in limited numbers.

ADA has so far manufactured three LCA-Navy aircraft, including two trainers and one single-seater variant. These have been employed as technology demonstrators (TD) for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program. They are instrumental in collecting crucial data and validating systems and features demanded by the Indian Navy for carrier operations.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent statement to idrw.org, an official from Saab India outlined the possibility of coexistence between the Gripen-E and India’s indigenous Tejas MkII within the Indian Air Force (IAF), particularly in light of the upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 110 jets. This perspective comes at a time when many defence analysts argue that acquiring the Gripen-E might lead to unnecessary duplication of fleet capabilities.

The Gripen-E and Tejas MkII fall into the same weight class, with the Gripen-E having a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 16.5 tons and the Tejas MkII slightly higher at 17.5 tons. This similarity has sparked debates regarding the strategic necessity of purchasing the Gripen-E when India is actively developing its advanced fighter, the Tejas MkII, which offers marginally better range, endurance, and weapons-carrying capacity.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a move to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and expand its footprint in the global defence market, India has proposed its domestically manufactured Dornier 228 aircraft to meet the operational requirements of the Malaysian Coast Guard. This offer not only includes the sale of the aircraft but also encompasses the establishment of maintenance facilities and the transfer of technology, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships.

The Dornier 228, a twin-turboprop STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) utility aircraft, has been a significant asset for the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Air Force, primarily used for maritime patrol, search and rescue, and surveillance operations. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under license from its German origins, this aircraft has proven its reliability and versatility across various terrains and climates.