SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are engaged in discussions for an additional order of 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This potential surge in orders comes as a resounding endorsement of the LCA-Tejas program and holds the potential to rejuvenate its image in the global export market.

The decision to explore an additional order of 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets signifies a significant milestone for the program, as it comes in the wake of the initial order for 83 jets that were placed in 2021. This augmented order not only underscores the IAF’s confidence in the capabilities of the LCA-Tejas but also paves the way for the aircraft’s enhanced recognition and acceptance on the international stage.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s pursuit of indigenous military capabilities is driving the development of its Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Class Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). As the nation gears up for user trials of the Tapas UAV with the Indian Armed Forces, a new contender, the Archer-NG (Next-Generation), is emerging on the horizon, posing both challenges and prospects for India’s UAV capabilities.

The Tapas UAV, known as the BH-201, has garnered attention for its capabilities, but it is not without its share of challenges. The UAV aims to achieve an operating altitude of 30,000 feet and an endurance of more than 24 hours. However, current flight tests have indicated that the UAV falls slightly short of these targets. Achieving these operational requirements remains a priority, and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is working on enhancing the engine’s capacity to meet these goals.

One of the noteworthy features of the Tapas UAV is its T-shaped tail assembly and shoulder-mounted wings design. This design is intended to offer inherent stability and improved control during flight, especially in pitch. However, weight optimization remains a challenge for the Tapas program. Despite ongoing efforts, the UAV’s weight has not been brought down to the desired levels, and this factor could impact its operational efficiency.

Parallel to the Tapas program, the development of Archer-NG has been pursued. The Archer-NG UAV features a Single Engine Twin Boom (SETB) configuration, which has garnered attention for its potential benefits. The twin-boom design enhances structural support, minimizes flexing, and provides efficient mounting of tail assemblies. These features contribute to better flight stability and control.

Archer-NG’s focus extends beyond intelligence and surveillance capabilities; it also incorporates the potential for armed strikes.
The competition between Tapas and Archer-NG is of strategic importance as India seeks to bolster its indigenous UAV capabilities. The Armed Forces’ desire to procure around 97 MALE Class UAVs underscores the significance of this development. While Tapas offers promise, Archer-NG’s more advanced design and stability could provide a compelling alternative.

Time is of the essence for both programs. To secure its position, Archer-NG must swiftly demonstrate its operational readiness and meet the specified requirements. Tapas, on the other hand, needs to overcome its weight challenges and achieve the intended operational capabilities quickly to maintain its competitive edge.

NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The realm of international defence collaboration is witnessing a new dawn as the United States expresses keen interest in partnering with India for the development of future weapons programs. This burgeoning partnership, poised to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries, reflects a growing synergy in their strategic and defence objectives.

The most recent manifestation of this collaborative endeavour is the co-development of Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs, designed for surveillance missions and capable of air recovery after fulfilling their mission objectives, represent a successful initial step towards bolstering joint defence initiatives.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to initiate a transformative process by procuring six pre-owned aircraft that will be subsequently converted into aerial tankers. The upcoming tender will be floated within the next six months as per media reports.

HAL’s partnership with IAI, an Israeli company with expertise in aviation technology, will play a pivotal role in the certification and conversion process. Once acquired, the pre-owned aircraft will undergo comprehensive upgrades, receiving new avionics and engines to extend their operational lifespan by 25 to 30 years. With the addition of advanced avionics and engines aircraft will be equipped with military-grade state-of-the-art technology, ensuring the continued effectiveness of its aerial fleet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has moved closer to choosing the Russian NPP Zvezda K-36 ejection seats for integration into the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets earmarked for the Argentine Air Force if ordered are placed. The K-36DM ejection seats, manufactured by NPP Zvezda, are renowned for their advanced zero-zero capabilities, ensuring safe ejections even at zero speed and altitude.

These seats are currently utilized in the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fleet, demonstrating their reliability and efficiency. However, some recalibration of the ejection seat firing sequence may be required to seamlessly integrate them into the Tejas Mk1A aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move to enhance its anti-tank capabilities, the Indian Army has recently placed orders for cutting-edge Israeli anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). These missiles, known for their extended range and enhanced armour-penetration capabilities, are set to bolster the Army’s firepower, providing a potent deterrence against armoured threats on the battlefield.

The Indian Army had previously inducted Israeli Spike LR-2 launchers and missiles, which boasted a formidable ground strike range of 5.5 kilometres. The latest order for these advanced ATGMs marks a follow-up to this procurement. The acquisition has been facilitated through Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd (KRAS), a joint venture (JV) company between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL) a subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael) Ltd.
This collaboration ensures that 90% of the missile components are locally sourced, reflecting India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance defence cooperation with other nations, India has extended a significant offer to Brazil by proposing its indigenously developed 155mm/52cal Mounted Gun System (MGS). The offer was made to General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva, the Commander of the Brazilian Army, who is currently on a state visit to India.

Brazil initiated an acquisition program last year to procure 36-wheeled self-propelled howitzers, signalling its intent to modernize and strengthen its artillery capabilities. The primary objective of this program is to acquire a new mobile artillery system that offers enhanced deployability and can effectively engage targets at a maximum range of 40 km. The Brazilian Army’s plans involve outfitting three companies of the Artillery Division and the Mechanized Brigade with these advanced systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is gearing up to enhance its security capabilities by investing Rs 490 crore in the procurement of counter-drone systems. These cutting-edge systems will be deployed not only on warships like the INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant but also at naval bases ashore. This strategic move is aimed at countering threats posed by enemy drones, a concern that has prompted both the Army and Air Force to acquire similar anti-drone systems.

The Request for Information (RFI) document released by the Ministry of Defence outlines the intention to acquire Counter Drone Systems (Soft Kill) for deployment across Indian Naval warships and establishments ashore. With this step, the Navy acknowledges the rising significance of countering enemy drones not only at sea but also at its various bases situated across the country.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone as its Nag anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) completed all flight and user trials required for induction into the Indian Army.

Developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and the DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), the Nag ATGM was conceived in the 1980s to fulfil the Indian Army’s requirement for a versatile, vehicle- and air-launched ATGM with a formidable maximum range of 4 km.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s plans to integrate the indigenously developed Kaveri engine with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas fighter jet prototype is still on as per the latest information provided to idrw.org. According to sources familiar with the program, limited flight trials are expected to be conducted by the end of this decade, serving as crucial technology demonstrators.

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) took a significant step forward in this direction by signing a pivotal agreement with Godrej Aerospace in September 2022. This collaboration entails the manufacturing of eight Kaveri engines, intended for conducting extensive trials. These trials are part of the broader objective to conclude all tests by 2025.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Honeywell India, a prominent US contractor in the aerospace and defence sector, has expressed its keen interest in participating in India’s upcoming 5th generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project, a collaborative effort between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to develop a cutting-edge indigenous fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Suneet Hazra, the Director of Aerospace and Defence at Honeywell Technology Solutions Aerospace India, has confirmed the company’s enthusiasm for contributing to the AMCA initiative. Honeywell India is currently engaged in discussions with HAL regarding various Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs, and the company is also exploring potential roles in the AMCA project.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards enhancing its defense capabilities, Kenya is exploring the procurement of the LCH Prachand multi-role light attack helicopter from India. Aden Bare Duale, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence, is currently in India and is set to visit the state-owned facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore. During this visit, he will be introduced to the LCH Prachand helicopter, a state-of-the-art aircraft that could potentially bolster Kenya’s security infrastructure.

The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) has exhibited keen interest in acquiring the LCH Prachand helicopter from India under the Line of Credit framework. This initiative offers countries, especially African nations, the opportunity to procure Indian-developed military equipment and weaponry through flexible repayment options. This approach enables nations to acquire the advanced tools they need to ensure their security and defense capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its airlift capabilities, the IAF is now considering a significant shift in its plans to procure Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to replace its ageing fleet of Soviet-era An-32 transport aircraft. This contemplation stems from the evolving demands in airlift capabilities, prompting the IAF to engage in a comprehensive six-month study alongside stakeholders like the Indian Army.

Originally, the IAF had placed an order for the Airbus C295M Light Transport Aircraft as a replacement for the outdated Hawker Siddeley HS 748. The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 was chosen to take on the role of a medium-sized turboprop airliner, catering to the IAF’s transportation needs in the 60’s.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The groundbreaking GE-HAL jet engine deal, marking the first-ever technology transfer of its kind between India and the U.S., is poised to receive U.S. Congressional approval in the coming days, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti.

The recent expiration of the legal notification period on August 27 allowed U.S. Congress members the opportunity to raise objections to the transfer of technology for the GE F-414 engine to India. It is noteworthy that both Republicans and Democrats have rallied their support for the deal, underscoring its significance. With these political endorsements, the path is being cleared for the rectification and clearance of this landmark agreement.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As tensions continue to rise in regions operating T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) due to geopolitical developments, Indian private sector companies are stepping up to offer their expertise in refurbishing and servicing these critical military platforms. With concerns mounting over the availability of spares and support, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, companies like Director Airbornics Defence & Space (ADSL) are positioning themselves to address this pressing need.

One of the primary challenges these countries face is the limited availability of spares and maintenance support for their T-72 and T-90 MBTs, both of which are widely used across different armed forces. In this scenario, Indian companies are recognizing the opportunity to provide solutions that can ensure the operational readiness of these Armoured vehicles.