SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking strides towards enhancing its surveillance capabilities with the issuance of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Indigenous Design, Development, and Manufacturing of High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS).

The need for an innovative solution arises from the absence of technology capable of providing extended and continuous surveillance over an area. High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) emerges as a promising solution—a solar-powered unmanned aircraft system designed to operate at high altitudes for prolonged durations, above the troposphere. Equipped with mission-specific sensors, HAPS offers the potential to significantly enhance the IAF’s ability to fulfil its primary responsibilities and gather mission-critical data.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have confirmed their consideration of the Future Vertical Lift program under Project Lakshya. This development comes after the commencement of work on the 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), which is being developed to meet the requirements of both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. These requirements include replacing nearly 400 ageing Russian-supplied Mi-17-I Medium Class Helicopters over the next two decades.

While no specific timeline has been provided for the Future Vertical Lift program, insiders suggest that the IMRH design may be optimized in the future. This optimization could involve incorporating two counter-rotating rigid blades that rotate in opposite directions, along with a rear pusher prop.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army’s quest for Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) is gaining momentum with the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 800 LAMVs. This acquisition is intended for the Mechanised Infantry and Armoured Corps, following a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army.

Insiders familiar with the matter have revealed that four major domestic automobile companies in India responded to the RFI last year. With the AoN approval in place, the final evaluation and trial phases are expected to commence shortly.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a significant step in bolstering its defence capabilities by issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development and manufacturing of a Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile. 

The IAF’s vision includes the creation of a long-range cruise missile with a range exceeding 1000 kilometres, capable of reaching speeds of up to 0.8 Mach, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness to allow for mass deployment. This missile is expected to feature independent navigation, support multiple types of warheads, and be tailored for land-based targets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army has successfully inducted and operationalized two regiments of indigenous Dhanush artillery systems in high-altitude areas along the Northern Borders. Each regiment comprises 18 guns, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities.

The Dhanush artillery systems, based on the Swedish Bofors guns, underwent extensive validation and testing to ensure their reliability and effectiveness in challenging terrain. These systems have been strategically positioned to enhance India’s defence posture along its Northern Borders.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned Indian company, is planning to carry out trials of the indigenous Helina (the Army version) and Dhruvastra (IAF version) anti-tank guided missile systems from the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. This decision comes despite the weapon system already receiving clearance for operational usage from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform, which shares similar avionics and systems.

Insiders familiar with the matter have revealed that these trials are not aimed at evaluating the missiles’ capabilities in terms of minimum and maximum range. Instead, they are part of a mandatory checklist to approve their operational usage from a new platform, the LCH Prachand, even though these missiles have been tested extensively from the ALH-MkIV Rudra Attack Helicopters.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to bolster its fleet of LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by considering a proposal from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to place orders for an additional 100 aircraft. This move comes after the IAF had already ordered 83 LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets two years ago. However, what’s particularly noteworthy is the shift in focus regarding the engines that power these aircraft.

Traditionally, discussions around military aircraft procurement have often included technology transfer (ToT) agreements for critical components like engines. In the case of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A, the American F404-GE-IN20 afterburning engines had been a key consideration. However, the recent developments suggest a different approach.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to explore the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its Airbus A321 Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) platforms. This initiative, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), marks a pioneering step towards greener aviation practices.

The IAF, in its quest to promote eco-friendly aviation, has embarked on the “Commercial to Green Aircraft Conversion of Six Airbus A-321 Aircraft” project. This endeavour aims to transform conventional aircraft into what is commonly known as “Green Aircraft.” These aircraft are designed and operated with a strong emphasis on reducing their environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon emissions.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development for India’s defence manufacturing sector, AVNL (Armed Vehicle Nigam Limited) has successfully concluded a contract with CVRDE (Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment), a part of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), for the manufacturing and supply of two Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) command vehicles. This contract, valued at a substantial 45 Crore, marks the beginning of an important partnership in bolstering the nation’s defence capabilities.

The successful execution of this initial contract sets the stage for an even more promising future. Following subsequent trials, O.F Medak (Ordnance Factory Medak) is slated to receive a significant workload. They are set to manufacture an impressive 177 ICV command vehicles, estimated to be worth approximately 4000 Crore. 

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to release a tender for the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters, which will serve as the official transport for the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other top leaders of the country. This move comes after the cancellation of the 2013 AgustaWestland VVIP chopper contract in 2014, which resulted in the return of three AW101 VVIP helicopters. Over the past decade, Russian-origin Mi-17 V-5 helicopters have been used for VVIP transport.

United States-based helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky is poised to participate in the upcoming tender for VVIP helicopters. Previously, Sikorsky made an unsuccessful bid to supply its S-92 helicopters in a VVIP configuration to India and is eager to re-enter the competition once the tender is reissued.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview, Satheesh Reddy, the Scientific Adviser to the Minister of Defence, revealed that the Naval Prototype (NP)-5, a Naval Trainer aircraft, has achieved production readiness following its inaugural flight last month. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the development of carrier-based aircraft for the Indian Navy.

The journey towards NP-5’s production-ready status draws from valuable data accumulated over the years from its predecessors, NP1 and NP2. NP1 took to the skies in 2012, followed by NP-2 in 2015. These prototypes served as testing grounds for cutting-edge technologies, including advanced hands-free ski jump take-off and landing flight control modes. Both NP1 and NP-2 showcased their operational capabilities by successfully conducting operations from Indian Aircraft Carriers.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bharat Forge, a leading player in the defence and manufacturing sectors, is set to venture into the development of torpedoes. To achieve this ambitious goal, the company is exploring collaboration with DASTAN Corp. from Kyrgyzstan. Their joint mission involves the co-development and to upgrade Soviet Union/Russian-era CET-65E and TEST71 torpedoes.

The partnership between Bharat Forge and DASTAN Corp. took shape in September 2019, driven by the shared objective of enhancing naval capabilities. Together, they embarked on a journey to conduct joint naval trials for new homing systems tailored for the CET65 and TEST71 torpedoes currently employed by the Indian Navy.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has confirmed the company’s intent to participate in the competitive bidding process for India’s ambitious Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programs, initiated by the Indian Army.

In 2021, the Indian Army issued a fresh Request for Information (RFI) intending to procure over 1,700 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs). This RFI garnered responses from 12 leading companies across the globe. The list of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) includes renowned names such as:

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is gearing up for a remarkable transformation of its ‘Anusandhan’ A319 aircraft, formerly part of Air India’s fleet, which was handed over to DRDO in 2021. The aircraft will undergo structural modifications to serve as a Flying Test Bed for a range of airborne surveillance systems, marking a significant leap in India’s defence capabilities.

The ‘Anusandhan’ flight test bed is poised to receive a series of crucial modifications to accommodate cutting-edge surveillance technologies. These enhancements include:

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bharat Forge, under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Baba Kalyani, is making significant strides in the global artillery market. Kalyani revealed in a recent interview that the company is actively engaged in discussions with approximately 12 countries, primarily from Africa and Southeast Asia, all of which have expressed keen interest in Bharat Forge’s artillery portfolio. The notable Garuda 105 Go Anywhere Gun and the Bharat-52 gun, both developed by Bharat Forge, have garnered substantial attention from these nations.

The Garuda 105 Go Anywhere Gun, recognized as a Mobile Artillery System, stands out as a lightweight, modular, and high-performance howitzer system. Its versatility and adaptability make it an attractive choice for countries seeking modern artillery solutions to meet diverse operational requirements. Several nations have expressed a strong interest in acquiring this innovative artillery system.