SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Dynamics and Aeroelasticity Group within the Airframe Directorate of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the structural integrity and performance of India’s indigenous combat aircraft. The group is tasked with conducting structural dynamic, flutter, and aeroelastic response analyses, as well as coordinating testing activities for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Airforce Mk-1, LCA Airforce Mk-2, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programmes.

Modern aircraft design demands rigorous analysis to ensure structures can withstand dynamic loads and remain free from vibration and flutter across the entire flight envelope. For the LCA Mk-2, this process is particularly critical due to the inclusion of an additional control surface—a canard—which requires detailed aeroelastic characterization to validate its performance and safety.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Officials from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) have told idrw.org that the organization is confident in its ability to develop and deliver the Kaveri 2.0 engine within five to seven years, provided that the Indian government approves funding and the Indian Air Force (IAF) backs the program.

Speaking to idrw.org, an official closely associated with the current Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE) project revealed that GTRE aims to achieve final certification for the KDE by the end of 2026. Once certified, the engine will be flight-tested on an older LCA-Tejas Mk1 platform as a demonstrator to showcase the maturity of the technology and its potential evolution into Kaveri 2.0.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant leap forward for India’s defense capabilities, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat has confirmed that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEWs) that can be mounted on airborne platforms. This ambitious initiative will bolster India’s ability to neutralize aerial threats with pinpoint precision using energy-based technologies.

This confirmation aligns with earlier revelations by idrw.org, which reported that DRDO is working on megawatt (MW)-class LDEWs intended for integration onto larger aircraft platforms such as the Airbus A320, with the initial focus on developing kilowatt (kW)-class systems for rotary and smaller fixed-wing platforms.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant revelation regarding India’s fifth-generation fighter program, Dr. S.V. Ramanamurthy, Director of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), has confirmed that the proposed engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will deliver a maximum thrust of 120 kilonewtons (kN)—not 110kN as widely reported in the media.

This clarification provides new insight into India’s ambitions for its next-generation combat jet, with the upgraded thrust level indicating enhanced performance characteristics such as higher supercruise capability, improved payload capacity, and better agility. Dr. Ramanamurthy’s remarks were aimed at dispelling recurring speculation and outdated figures frequently cited in defense circles and reports.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Indian Air Force (IAF) issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of three High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) under the Make in India initiative, marking a significant step toward enhancing India’s aerial surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.

These advanced, solar-powered, unmanned platforms are designed to operate in the stratosphere, providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), acting as airborne data relays for other unmanned systems, and supporting Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT) missions. This move underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology and positions HAPS as a game-changer for military operations along its borders and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Noida-based defense startup Veda Aeronautics Private Limited (VAPL) has commenced delivery of its cutting-edge Sureshastra Mk1, a jet-powered, catapult-launched swarm drone, to the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliant defense technology.

Veda Aeronautics is fulfilling a ?300 crore contract awarded by the IAF in August 2023 for 200 units of the Smart Unmanned Munitions System (S-UMS), also known as Sureshastra Mk1. With specifications including a 3.5-meter length, 3-meter wingspan, 90 kg weight, and a range exceeding 150 km, the Sureshastra Mk1 is poised to enhance the IAF’s precision strike capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Allison Transmission has been chosen to supply its advanced 3040 MX cross-drive transmission for all three Government-funded original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) participating in India’s Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) prototype programme. This landmark selection underscores Allison’s expertise in delivering high-performance mobility solutions for modern military applications.

The FICV programme is a critical initiative to modernise the Indian Army’s armoured fleet by replacing its aging BMP-II Infantry Fighting Vehicles with cutting-edge, domestically manufactured combat vehicles. Designed to enhance operational capability, the FICV aims to deliver superior mobility, firepower, and survivability on the battlefield.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken a significant step toward advancing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Airforce Mk2 programme by issuing a tender for the development of its Iron Bird facility. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to evaluate and simulate the Integrated Flight Control System (IFCS) of the LCA Mk2, a critical component in ensuring the aircraft’s performance, safety, and operational readiness.

The Iron Bird facility serves as a ground-based testbed that replicates the aircraft’s subsystems to simulate real-world flight conditions. By recreating the aircraft’s environment on the ground, the facility enables rigorous testing and validation of systems before they are integrated into the actual aircraft. One of the key subsystems being developed for the LCA Mk2 Iron Bird is the Aircraft Hydraulic System, which plays a vital role in powering flight control surfaces, landing gear, and other critical mechanisms.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s indigenous Zorawar light tank recently gained international attention when it was featured in a presentation slide on mountain warfare equipment during an event hosted by the French Army’s 27th Brigade d’Infanterie de Montagne (27th BIM).

The 27th BIM, a specialized mountain infantry brigade, highlighted the Zorawar among other global systems relevant to high-altitude combat, reflecting its recognition as a notable development in this niche domain. While this does not necessarily indicate procurement interest from France, the inclusion underscores the tank’s growing profile as trials progress, with induction into the Indian Army anticipated by late 2027.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have initiated discussions to modernize the three Israeli-supplied EL/M-2090 AESA Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), mounted on Russian IL-76 A-50E/I heavy-lift jets.

According to sources cited by idrw.org, the technology underpinning these systems, now over 25 years old, is increasingly viewed as a legacy platform despite regular software updates that have kept it operational as the IAF’s only 360-degree coverage AWACS.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the HAL Prachand, is poised for a significant enhancement in its offensive capabilities. A collaborative effort between TridenTech Engineering, IIT Madras, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Reliance Aerospace Limited (RAL), and BILVA Technologies has resulted in the indigenous development of an 80mm unguided rocket.

This new weapon system is slated to arm the Prachand, replacing the existing 70mm calibre FZ275 LGR (Laser Guided Rocket) developed by Thales, a global leader in aerospace technology.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Saab Aeronautics has positioned its Gripen-E fighter jet as a frontrunner in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 advanced jets by highlighting its adaptability and compatibility with Indian-made weapons, including the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) series. Per-Olof Marklund, Director and Head of Technology and Innovation at Saab Aeronautics, emphasized the Gripen-E’s flexible and open avionics architecture, which enables rapid integration of weapons and systems, sometimes in just hours.

This capability, driven by the jet’s unique split avionics architecture, offers India a versatile platform tailored to its self-reliance goals under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to India’s strategic deterrence capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to induct its third indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) later this year, with the fourth expected to join the fleet in 2026. As India’s sea-based leg of the nuclear triad continues to mature, the Navy and associated maintenance shipyards are working diligently to ensure that the SSBN fleet maintains a high operational readiness rate.

According to sources familiar with naval strategic planning told idrw.org, the goal is to maintain at least 80% of the SSBN fleet in a combat surge-ready state, allowing for two submarines to be at sea at all times. This high level of readiness is critical to guaranteeing a credible second-strike capability, a cornerstone of India’s nuclear doctrine.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a leading player in India’s defence and aerospace sector, is making significant strides in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology through its Morphing Wing Loitering Munition (LM) project. A recent case study by Tata Elxsi highlights the company’s innovative approach to designing a loitering munition with a stringent weight target of 2.5 kg, incorporating a morphing wing dihedral and a powerplant mounted on the plane.

Leveraging advanced tools like CATIA, ANSYS Works, and CREO, Tata has undertaken a comprehensive scope of work that includes concept designs, structural simulations, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), electrical distribution, and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings. This project not only showcases Tata’s engineering prowess but also positions India as a potential leader in next-generation loitering munitions, addressing both tactical and strategic needs in modern warfare.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Brazilian Navy has officially denied interest in procuring India’s Nilgiri-class frigates, citing budgetary limitations and a focus on its ongoing fleet modernization program, according to a report by idrw.org. Indian officials had proposed a customized version of the Nilgiri-class warships to Brazil in 2024, with negotiations for 4–6 frigates that included integration of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and technology transfer for local manufacturing.

However, Brazilian officials confirmed to idrw.org that no formal talks have been initiated due to financial constraints and commitments to existing procurement programs, notably the Tamandaré-class frigates and potential acquisition of amphibious warships from the United Kingdom.