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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

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to plug its aerial refuelling gap with a temporary solution from France. In 2024, the IAF plans to finalize a wet lease agreement for one Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft from the French Air Force. This lease, with an extension option of three years, will provide much-needed aerial refuelling capabilities while the IAF pursues a long-term procurement plan for six additional tanker aircraft.

The French offer comes as a welcome respite for the IAF, which has been grappling with a deficit of tanker aircraft for some time. The A330 MRTT is a proven and versatile platform, capable of refueling a wide range of IAF fighter jets, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Jaguar. This enhanced refuelling capacity will significantly extend the range and operational flexibility of the IAF’s combat aircraft, allowing them to strike deeper into enemy territory and remain airborne for longer durations.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace giant, is gearing up for a major offensive in the Indian defense market with a comprehensive campaign aimed at securing both the Indian Navy’s 26-jet Rafale M deal and the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) much larger Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

Dassault is close to finalizing a deal for 26 Rafale M fighter jets for the Indian Navy, which will operate from the country’s aircraft carriers. This, combined with the IAF’s existing fleet of 36 Rafales, will bring India’s total to a formidable 62, further solidifying Dassault’s presence in the country.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), under Tata Aerospace & Defence, proudly announces the successful readiness for dispatch of its Tata Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (QRFV) to the Indian Army. The significant achievement was shared by Tata on Twitter, stating, “TASL has successfully delivered the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle to the Indian Army.”

The Tata QRFVs, designed and manufactured at the Tata Advanced Systems facility in Pune, have demonstrated their operational readiness in challenging terrains. Impressed by the performance and capabilities of these vehicles, the Indian Army has placed a reorder with TASL for a larger quantity, marking a substantial expansion of the fleet.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India and Tanzania are stepping up their military cooperation, with a recent visit by Tanzanian Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob John Mkunda, laying the groundwork for exploring a range of defence opportunities. The potential collaboration holds significant implications for both nations and the wider East African region.

While weaponry is at the forefront of the discussions, the potential for collaboration extends beyond mere hardware sales. India has expressed interest in sharing its expertise in training, maintenance, and technology transfer, fostering a deeper understanding and partnership between the two military establishments.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The skies above India are buzzing with anticipation as Dassault Aviation gears up to defend its title in the country’s upcoming Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. The French aerospace giant, riding high on the success of its existing Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF), is confident of clinching the lucrative $20 billion deal for 114 locally assembled fighter aircraft.

Dassault Aviation isn’t merely dreaming; it has several aces up its sleeve. Cost optimization stands out as a major trump card. Thanks to the infrastructure and technological advancements funded by the initial Rafale contract for 36 jets, the MRFA version can be produced at significantly lower costs. This financial edge could prove decisive in a competition known for its intense cost scrutiny.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is embarking on a significant modernization program for its fleet of MiG-29K fighter jets, partnering with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) for a crucial upgrade: the integration of a cutting-edge GAN-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

This marks a shift towards self-reliance, as the radar is under development for the IAF’s Tejas MkII program and will be customized for the Mig-29K with minimal changes.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to India’s maritime surveillance capabilities, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, has confirmed the upcoming induction of two Hermes 900 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) by February 2024. These advanced drones, ordered from Adani Defence, mark a crucial step towards strengthening India’s aerial intelligence gathering and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Hermes 900 program exemplifies a successful collaboration between Indian and Israeli experts. The drones will be manufactured in India under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Elbit Systems, a leading Israeli defence technology company. This agreement ensures 60% indigenous content in the drones, bolstering India’s self-reliance in the critical defence sector.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Dassault Aviation, the French aircraft manufacturer, is currently laser-focused on finalizing crucial orders for the Indian Navy: the 26 Rafale M fighter jets. These high-priority acquisitions will equip the newly commissioned INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and bolster India’s maritime defence capabilities.

In a competitive race for a place on the new Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the Rafale M emerged victorious. Chosen over the American F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, the Rafale M’s performance and compatibility with INS Vikrant’s design proved decisive. These 26 aircraft will form the backbone of the Indian Navy’s carrier-borne air power, significantly enhancing its offensive and defensive capabilities.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), riding high on the recent sale of the Akash Air Defence System to Armenia, is now in advanced talks with another undisclosed country for its acquisition, according to sources familiar with the program. This potential deal, following closely on the heels of the Armenian contract, marks a significant surge in India’s defence exports and cements the Akash system’s position as a sought-after technology in the global arms market.

While the exact identity of the interested nation remains under wraps, reports suggest Oman has expressed keen interest in acquiring the Akash system. Initial rounds of discussions have already concluded, paving the way for deeper negotiations. Both India and Oman are reportedly eager to finalize the deal, with BDL aiming to secure a firm contract by 2024.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to take on the waves with its Utility Helicopters-Maritime (UHM) program, a maritime variant of the versatile ALH Dhruv chopper. This crucial project aims to provide the Indian Navy with 60 next-generation helicopters tailored for coastal and offshore operations, boosting India’s maritime defence capabilities.

The UHM program is on a fast track, with the rollout of the prototype scheduled for October 2024 and the second prototype following suit by April 2025. This rapid development timeline puts the UHM on course for full operational readiness by 2025-2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s naval modernization efforts.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitions for its naval power take a turn, as it enters talks with British engineering giant Rolls-Royce to power its upcoming Second Aircraft Carrier (IAC-II) with the MT30 marine gas turbine. This potential shift marks a significant departure from the American General Electric LM2500 engines used in the current INS Vikrant.

The MT30 boasts superior fuel efficiency compared to the LM2500, a crucial factor for extended operations at sea. However, this advantage comes at a price tag almost 1.5 times higher. Additionally, while IAC-II’s design will largely mirror Vikrant’s 45,000-ton displacement, the choice of engines signifies a strategic decision beyond immediate operational needs.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a remarkable display of technological prowess, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed the successful combat trial of Varunastra, an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine heavyweight torpedo (HWT). The trial, conducted on June 6, 2023, by the Indian Navy, marked a significant milestone as the torpedo, fired from a submarine, precisely hit an underwater target. This achievement underscores the combat worthiness and capability of Varunastra, showcasing its ability to meet the Navy’s operational requirements.

The combat trial of Varunastra represents a critical phase in the testing and validation of this homegrown anti-submarine torpedo. The successful launch from a submarine and the precise hit on an underwater target validate the torpedo’s performance in real-world scenarios, affirming its reliability and effectiveness in naval operations.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant achievement for India’s drone technology landscape, Bengaluru-based startup NewSpace Research and Technologies National has successfully completed the Winter Solstice flight test campaign for its solar-powered High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) prototype. This milestone was achieved as part of the Ministry of Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) challenge, conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga. The sub-scale demonstrator model showcased an impressive 21+ hours in the air, meeting all design goals for long-endurance flight.

The successful completion of the Winter Solstice flight test marks a pivotal moment for India’s venture into the stratosphere. NewSpace’s HAPS prototype, developed as part of the Combined Air Teaming System (CATS) programme under the unmanned drone warfare initiative, has met all design goals, unlocking new possibilities for high-altitude, long-endurance flight capabilities.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A Mumbai-based company, Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd, has successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its quadcopter drone with a historic takeoff from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The drone not only soared from the mighty carrier but also completed a seamless landing on another ship, marking a significant milestone in India’s drone warfare ambitions.

The demonstration wasn’t just about showcasing the drone’s technical prowess; it served as a glimpse into the Indian Navy’s vision for integrating drones into its operations. The Navy envisions these drones playing a crucial role in the Naval Shipborne Aerial System (NSAS), enhancing its capabilities in various domains:

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Tejas MkII program is experiencing an acceleration in progress following the realization of funds from September onwards. Recent developments, coupled with insights from individuals familiar with the program and vetting of tenders by idrw.org, shed light on the components and timeline associated with the Tejas MkII program. With a focus on enhancing the capabilities of the indigenous Tejas aircraft, the program is poised to achieve significant milestones in the coming years.

The Tejas MkII program has seen a surge in activity, particularly in the procurement of essential components. Recent tenders issued by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) highlight the acquisition of critical elements, including LRUs, Data Acquisition systems, elevon, actuators, rudder actuators, Unified video cum Digital Data Recorder (UVDR) MkII, Hydraulic seals for flight control actuator, components for the Centre fuselage, Aircraft Mounted Accessory Gear Box (AMAGB), and Low-Profile Head-Up Display (LPHUD). These components are slated for delivery from early 2024 to mid-2024.

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