SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Lockheed Martin’s enduring pursuit of India’s Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender remains a focal point in the global aerospace industry as the company continues to advocate for its proposed variant, the F-21. Amidst rising production levels at Lockheed’s factory in Greenville, South Carolina, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, the company sees sustained interest in the iconic F-16 fighter aircraft.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to all global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) later this year as part of its ambitious plan to procure 114 jets with Transfer of Technology (TOT).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

At the recent Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo, it has been confirmed to idrw.org that two private sector giants, Tata and Bharat-Forge, will serve as Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) for the Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program. This announcement marks a crucial advancement in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and modernization efforts.

The genesis of this development can be traced back to the Defense Acquisition Council’s (DAC) decision last year, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which greenlit the procurement of the FICV for the Indian Army.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Kalyani Group, a leading Indian defence contractor, has embarked on an ambitious project to bolster the Indian Navy’s firepower. The company is currently designing and developing three indigenous naval guns under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This government-funded initiative aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign arms imports.

Kalyani Group officials, in talks with idrw.org, expressed their desire to translate their proven expertise in artillery guns to the naval domain. The company aims to deliver world-class naval guns tailored to the Indian Navy’s specific requirements.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program is gearing up for further expansion. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are moving forward with plans to procure 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This necessitates an increase in engine production by General Electric (GE).

Prior to finalizing the new order, HAL and GE officials will be meeting in Bangalore to address lingering issues from the previous engine contract. This includes delays experienced by the HAL in receiving the 99 F404-IN20 engines ordered in 2021 for the initial batch of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets. The delays were attributed to supply chain constraints and COVID-19 disruptions impacting GE’s global operations.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A recent video released by the Bharat Shakti defense website on their factory tour of the Kalyani Group showcasing their unique Multi-terrain Artillery Gun (MArG) 155mm 39 calibre gun system. Notably, the video features a MArG 155 – BR variant equipped with what appears to be an autoloader system, a significant development compared to previous iterations.

The autoloader, if confirmed, would eliminate the need for manual loading of shells and charges into the gun, potentially improving firing efficiency and crew safety. This advancement aligns with the ongoing trend of automation in artillery systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy showcased an interesting training solution at the recent MILAN Technical Exposition (MTEX 2024). The Naval Armament Depot utilized a decommissioned Russian-supplied Kh-35E (Kh-35E, 3M-24E) anti-ship missile, repurposed as a sea-skimming target for air defense drills.

The Kh-35E, typically launched from ships or aircraft, was employed in this instance as a low-flying practice target for other warships. These targets, skimming just below 10 meters above the water, simulate real-world anti-ship missile threats, allowing crews to hone their air defense systems and missile interception skills.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The geopolitical landscape of the Caucasus region is once again under the spotlight as Azerbaijan’s bid to acquire fighter jets from Pakistan raises concerns about stability and peace in the region. The potential acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Generation 4.5 jets by Azerbaijan, combined with Armenia’s strategic positioning near the West and India, underscores the delicate balance of power in this volatile region.

Reports suggest that Azerbaijan is considering a significant purchase of JF-17 Thunder jets from Pakistan, with estimates ranging from 18 to 40 aircraft in a deal worth up to $1.5 billion. If realized, this deal would mark one of the largest export orders for the JF-17 fighter jets, surpassing Myanmar’s previous order of 16 jets from China. The move signifies Azerbaijan’s ambition to modernize its air force and enhance its military capabilities, particularly in light of recent conflicts in the Karabakh region.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to deliver the first upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jets next month, marking a significant step forward in its indigenous fighter program. However, the anticipated procurement of an additional 97 jets beyond the existing 83 order has triggered a chain reaction throughout the Tejas ecosystem.

To meet the potential demand, HAL is encouraging its network of 85 private vendors to ramp up production capacity. Key players like Dynamatic Technologies, VEM Technologies, Alpha Tocol, L&T, National Aerospace Laboratory, and Tata Advanced Materials Ltd. are set to expand their capabilities to cater to the projected production of 180 Tejas Mk1A jets within the next 6-7 years.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army recently announced a significant step in its modernization efforts with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of 1054 Light Vehicle GS 4X4 700-900 Kg (Hard Top).

The Light Vehicle GS 4×4 700-900 Kg (Hard Top) holds strategic importance as it is designed to provide essential mobility to the armed forces, particularly in challenging environments such as hills, high altitudes, cross-country terrain, and desert conditions. Its versatile design and robust construction make it well-suited for rapid deployment of small teams during conventional and counter-insurgency operations, catering to the dynamic and evolving security landscape of the nation.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to equip its Tejas light combat aircraft with the latest weaponry, thanks to a recent collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paves the way for the Software Development Institute (SDI) of the IAF to spearhead the integration of powerful new weapons and sensors into the Tejas Mk1A fighter fleet.

The SDI will play a crucial role in testing and integrating next-generation missile systems like the Astra Mk-III (BVRAAM with 300km+ range), Tara smart ammunition series (250kg, 450kg, 500kg variants), Rudram anti-radiation missiles, Rudram-II air-to-surface missiles, and even the BrahMos-NG next-generation air-launched cruise missile. This comprehensive upgrade promises to significantly enhance the Tejas’ combat capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Germany’s deputy foreign minister, Tobias Lindner, has announced the German government’s intention to reform its export control rules, aiming to streamline the process for India to purchase weapons from German companies. This move comes in response to recent challenges faced by Indian procurement projects due to delays and restrictions in obtaining German-made equipment.

Germany, known for its stringent export control regulations, has historically placed restrictions on the export of weapons and military equipment. However, recognizing the strategic partnership between India and Germany, Lindner emphasized the need to facilitate smoother transactions between Indian buyers and German manufacturers.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is mulling a proposal from Greece to acquire its recently decommissioned Mirage 2000 fighter jets. This potential deal, discussed during Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s recent visit to India, could offer valuable resources for sustaining the IAF’s existing Mirage 2000 fleet until its planned retirement in 2035.

Details remain fluid, but reports suggest Greece is offering the 18 jets at highly attractive prices. An IAF team would need to inspect the stored aircraft before any agreement is finalized.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Adani Defence and Aerospace, in collaboration with Elbit Systems, is poised to bolster its partnership and respond to the Indian Army’s pressing requirement for 800 Mounted Gun Systems (MGS). The Officals of the Adani Defence have confirmed Plans to offer their own Mounted Gun System (MGS), which is likely based on Elbit’s renowned ATMOS 155mm/52 calibre truck-mounted howitzer, with ToT levels leading to local manufacturing.

According to Elbit Systems, the ATMOS boasts the flexibility to be mounted on various high mobility 6×6 or 8×8 truck chassis, tailored to the preferences of the customer. The system’s protected cabin is designed to accommodate a crew of 2-6 personnel, comprising a driver, commander, and additional crewmembers, along with their equipment and armaments. Notably, the cabin is equipped with an advanced air conditioning system capable of regulating temperature for optimal crew comfort and operational efficiency.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a move to woo the Indian Air Force (IAF) in its ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, Boeing is offering the F-15EX Eagle II with India-specific enhancements and the potential to integrate Indian-made weapons systems. This comes as the US aircraft manufacturer competes with other contenders like the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon for a lucrative contract of 114 jets.

Boeing officials highlight the F-15EX’s ability to adapt to India’s specific operational needs. While details remain undisclosed, this could include adjustments to avionics, sensors, or communication systems to better suit the IAF’s requirements.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Embraer C390 Millennium, a multi-mission transport aircraft, is gearing up for a potential entry into the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. During a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with Indian aerospace giant Mahindra, Embraer officials highlighted their plan to source over 60% of the aircraft’s systems and components from Indian companies if selected. 

This commitment to localization aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative and could be a key factor in the IAF’s decision. Furthermore, Embraer sees India as a strategic partner for exploring growth opportunities beyond just the MTA program.