News Beat
News Beat reporting is an idrw.org initiative to let our Readers to report News Based on Actual facts but some how has not been reported in Main Stream Media .
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
An Indian Navy team is set to visit ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) facilities in Germany this month to inspect the U-212/214 submarines offered for India’s Project-75I tender. This project seeks next-generation submarines to bolster India’s naval prowess.
The U-212/214 class submarines boast a unique design featuring a one-and-a-half hull configuration. The pressure hull, the core of the submarine, is built with non-magnetic steel, enhancing stealth capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is rapidly climbing the ranks of global artillery shell manufacturers, currently sitting as the third largest behind Russia and China. This newfound prominence, however, comes with challenges amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Recent success stories include a $225 million deal with Saudi Arabia for artillery ammunition and a private Indian company securing a contract from the US Army for its Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS), a crucial propellant for 155mm artillery guns. Indian-made ammunition stands out due to its NATO compatibility and modern manufacturing processes, leading to significantly fewer duds (faulty shells).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Border Security Force (BSF) of India is reportedly considering acquiring at least two C-295M transport aircraft, subject to approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, according to information provided to idrw.org.
The BSF currently operates a fleet of over 20 helicopters for transportation and other missions. They also have a single Embraer 135 BJ business jet, likely used for VIP transport. However, a Beechcraft Super King Air aircraft was unfortunately lost in a crash in 2015.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
)
India is poised to embark on a new chapter in its defence exports with the imminent delivery of its Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to Armenia. This marks a significant milestone, as Armenia becomes the first export customer for the indigenously developed Akash system.
Reports suggest deliveries could commence as early as next year, potentially setting the stage for a robust defence partnership between India and Armenia. However, the groundwork for this collaboration is expected to begin sooner, with training for Armenian personnel on operating the Akash system and its radar likely to commence later this year.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Airbus Defense & Space finds itself at a crossroads following its recent triumph in India’s defence procurement landscape, where it secured a significant contract for 15 C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) destined for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy. While this achievement marks a milestone for Airbus, the company now faces the challenge of navigating complex market dynamics and strategic considerations, particularly in its aspirations to develop a maritime patrol variant based on the A320 airliner platform.
The decision to explore the design and development of a maritime patrol aircraft derived from the commercial A320 airliner reflects Airbus’ strategic response to evolving customer demands and emerging opportunities in the maritime surveillance domain. With growing interest from France and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Airbus aims to capitalize on its expertise in aircraft manufacturing and defence technology to meet the evolving requirements of maritime security.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Kalyani Group, a leading Indian industrial conglomerate, is making strides in the field of underwater technology with the development of the SEA EXPLORER, a multi-mission underwater glider.
The SEAEXPLORER is designed to be a powerful and cost-effective solution for oceanographic and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) applications. It operates as an autonomous sensing platform, silently gliding through the water column for extended periods, collecting valuable data.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Following the successful development of the Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) and ongoing work on the Astra MkII and MkIII, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has conveyed a new requirement to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The IAF desires a common close-combat air-to-air missile (CC-AAM) that can be integrated across its entire fighter jet fleet. This domestically developed missile would ideally feature a next-generation infrared (IR) seeker for enhanced target acquisition and tracking capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and Nigeria, a 33-member delegation led by Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Abuja from March 7. The visit comes in response to Nigeria’s expressed interest in fostering collaborative ties with the Indian defense industry, signaling a new chapter in bilateral defense cooperation.
The composition of the delegation underscores the breadth and depth of India’s defense capabilities, with leading defense Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private companies including HAL, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Goa Shipyards, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, L&T, Bharat Forge, and MKU Limited forming part of the contingent. Their presence underscores India’s commitment to exploring new avenues of partnership and enhancing defense collaboration with Nigeria.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a recent address at the NDTV Defence Summit 2024, Dr Samir V Kamat, the Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), emphasized the pressing need for the development of advanced sensors and radars capable of detecting stealth fighter jets and hypersonic cruise and glide weapons. Kamat’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of modern warfare and the crucial role played by technology in maintaining strategic superiority.
Kamat articulated the perpetual challenge faced by defence establishments worldwide, describing it as a “Cat and Mouse Game.” As platforms employing stealth and hypersonic technologies become increasingly prevalent, there arises a corresponding demand for sensor technologies capable of neutralizing these sophisticated threats. The asymmetrical nature of modern warfare necessitates a continuous cycle of innovation and adaptation to counter emerging threats effectively.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s ADA is exploring the development of both manned and unmanned variants of its 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. While the manned version awaits final funding approval, DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has proposed an unmanned AMCA concept – a potentially groundbreaking technology.
The Unmanned AMCA, if developed, would be the first of its kind – a 5th generation fighter jet controlled entirely by an “Electronic Pilot” and ground commands. This eliminates the need for a human pilot onboard, potentially reducing risks and offering tactical advantages.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a new challenge through iDEX ADITI Edition 1.0, targeting Indian startups. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) by seeking the development of a Range Extension Kit (REK) for existing 250 kg High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) bombs.
The core objective of this challenge is to develop a rocket or engine-assisted REK equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) head for terminal guidance. This kit will be designed to:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Mats Palmberg, Chairman and Managing Director of Saab India, recently shed light on the Swedish defense giant’s position in India’s ambitious Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project. With cautious optimism and a commitment to partnership and innovation, Saab India eagerly awaits the government’s next move in this pivotal defense procurement endeavor.
Saab India’s journey in the MRFA project began with the submission of a comprehensive response to the Request for Information (RFI) in 2018. Since then, the company has engaged in extensive consultations with the Indian Air Force, striving to refine and clarify its proposal to align with the nation’s strategic objectives and operational requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army set to order an additional 100 South Korean-developed K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, but debates are intensifying over the need for a shift towards greater reliance on self-propelled artillery. Lessons from the Ukraine War, where towed howitzers have proven vulnerable to counter-battery attacks, emphasize the importance of agility and survivability for modern battlefields.
Wheeled self-propelled howitzers offer potent firepower and enhanced mobility compared to traditional towed systems, but lack the armored protection and off-road capabilities of tracked platforms. India’s ambitious modernization plans include acquiring over 800 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, and a significant increase in its tracked artillery fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a new challenge through iDEX ADITI Edition 1.0, targeting Indian startups. This initiative seeks the development of a next-generation weapon system for the Indian Air Force (IAF) – a helicopter-launched drone with Man-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capability.
The primary goal is to equip Mi-17 class helicopters, a mainstay of the IAF, with a launch-and-forget or pilot-in-the-loop controlled drone solution. This armed drone should be capable of carrying a minimum warhead of 50 kilograms and strike targets at a distance exceeding 40 kilometers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a new initiative under iDEX ADITI (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX) – Edition 1.0. This program specifically targets Indian startups with the challenge of developing a high supersonic to hypersonic ramjet engine for fixed-wing flying objects used by the Indian Navy.
The project aims to achieve self-reliance in a critical defence technology – hypersonic propulsion systems. This technology is crucial for developing next-generation missiles and high-speed aircraft capable of exceeding hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above).
Continue reading