SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

William Blair, Vice President and Chief Executive for Southeast Asia and India at Lockheed Martin has articulated the company’s strategic vision for addressing India’s complex air and missile defence needs. In a recent statement, Blair emphasized Lockheed Martin’s commitment to providing a comprehensive defence solution that integrates advanced systems like the PAC-3 MSE and THAAD to enhance India’s defence capabilities.

Blair underscored Lockheed Martin’s approach to air and missile defence as a “stratified defence solution,” particularly in the context of land-based implementations. The company envisions a layered defence strategy where the PAC-3 MSE (Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement) system would operate as a lower layer beneath the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. This integration aims to provide a robust defence against a range of aerial threats, from short-range to high-altitude ballistic missiles.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to commence developmental trials of the ship-launched anti-ship sub-sonic cruise missile version of Nirbhay within the next 12-18 months. The research and development for this missile have been completed, and the fabrication process is currently underway.

The ship-based sub-sonic cruise missile will be available in two variants: Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) and Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM). DRDO has already developed a Universal Vertical Launch Module (UVLM) that can accommodate both ship-based sub-sonic and supersonic cruise missiles like BrahMos.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a premier Indian defence electronics company, has announced in its annual report that it is developing the Long Range Radar (LRR) known as “SASTRA.” The radar, originally developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed for extended-range search and track capabilities, with a range exceeding 2000 kilometres.

SASTRA is also capable of detecting low Radar Cross Section (RCS) aircraft and platforms, making it a critical asset for India’s defence infrastructure.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is gearing up to approach the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for approval to build 8 to 10 destroyers of the advanced Project 18 class. These warships will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including anti-ballistic missile systems and drone launch capabilities.

Concept details for the Project 18 class warships have emerged, offering a glimpse into their impressive capabilities. A promotional video released last year showcased a graphical rendition of a possible design, featuring a striking canister-based universal Vertical Launch System (VLS) configuration. This innovative design incorporates 144 missile cells, arranged in a three 6×4 VLS 2 layout, positioned at the bow and aft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Lockheed Martin is making a strong case for the F-16V Block 70/72 as a prime contender for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Weight Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. The aerospace giant is highlighting the aircraft’s advanced capabilities, longevity, and potential as an export platform from India.

The F-16, despite its age, has been significantly upgraded with the latest technology in the Block 70/72 variant. Equipped with an AN/APG-83 AESA radar, comparable to those found in fifth-generation fighters, the aircraft boasts enhanced situational awareness and target acquisition capabilities. Coupled with the AN/ALQ-254(V)1 Viper Shield electronic warfare system, the F-16V offers a robust survivability package.  

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided not to focus on or pursue a 6th generation combat aircraft platform that was previously anticipated by 2040. Instead, the IAF will prioritize the development and induction of the 5.5 generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with plans for induction beginning in 2035 and continuing into the mid-2040s.

An anonymous IAF official revealed to idrw.org that the service is now concentrating on the AMCA program, with the initial induction expected to commence from 2035 onwards, with a major chunk of the fleet entering service by the early 2040s. The IAF aims to continue inducting AMCA even into the mid-2040s, thereby pushing back the timeline for any potential 6th-generation program to the early to mid-2040s.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview, Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), announced significant advancements in the development of the DRDO-L&T Zorawar Light Tank. He confirmed that the tank will feature a locally developed 105mm cannon, replacing the Cockerill 105mm High Pressure (HP) cannon that was showcased in the prototype. This move underscores India’s push for indigenization in its defence projects.

Dr. Kamat emphasized that by the time the Zorawar Light Tank reaches the production stage, even more imported systems will be replaced with locally developed alternatives. One such development is the Cummins 750hp engine that powers the tank. The engine will see local production in India, courtesy of the Indian subsidiary of Cummins, further reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s Indigenous defence manufacturing as the DRDO-L&T-developed Composite Combat Infantry Vehicle (CCIV) has completed its internal trials. This cutting-edge armoured vehicle is now poised to compete for the Indian Army’s highly anticipated Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) contract.

The CCIV stands out for its impressive weight-to-power ratio. Despite being equipped with a formidable arsenal including a 30mm automatic cannon, a coaxial machine gun, and a remotely operated weapon station with a 12.7mm machine gun, the vehicle maintains a remarkably low weight of under 18 tons. This is primarily attributed to the extensive use of high-performance composite materials in its construction.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

G. Ramamohana Rao, Director of the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), recently announced significant advancements in the development of the WhAP 8×8 Amphibious Wheeled Armoured Vehicle. Rao highlighted that VRDE is aiming to increase the indigenous content of the WhAP to over 80% in its next iteration, with plans to further raise this to 85-90% within the next 18 months, just before the vehicle enters full-scale production.

The DRDO has already unveiled the second-generation Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), which features a host of improvements over its predecessor. According to Rao, the Indian Army, which has taken delivery of 18 first-generation WhAP 8×8 vehicles, has expressed complete satisfaction with their performance.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), provided key updates on India’s advancements in hypersonic missile technology. Kamat revealed that DRDO’s Hypersonic Glide missile is expected to be ready within the next 3-4 years, encompassing both the completion of its development and its induction into the armed forces.

This significant progress marks a major milestone in India’s defence capabilities, as hypersonic missiles offer unparalleled speed and manoeuvrability, making them a formidable asset on the battlefield. Once operational, the Hypersonic Glide missile will further enhance India’s strategic deterrence and defence posture.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) after securing deliveries of eight GE F-414 engines. HAL is planning to procure additional engines directly from General Electric (GE) to ensure that the developmental trials of the Tejas MkII, scheduled to begin in March 2026, remain on track.

While the initial batch of eight F-414 engines is already in HAL’s possession, the company recognizes the importance of having a sufficient stockpile of engines to support the extensive testing and trials that lie ahead. To this end, HAL plans to acquire an additional 12-20 engines directly from GE. These engines will be kept as reserves, ensuring that the Tejas MkII program can proceed without delays, even in the event of engine-related issues during the developmental phase.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Russia has expressed its intent to participate in India’s ambitious plan to procure 76 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for the tri-services. To this end, the country is offering its advanced Orion-E drone for consideration.

In a strategic move to deepen defence cooperation, Russia is proposing a joint venture with an Indian defence company to manufacture the Orion-E domestically. This partnership aims to achieve a high localization rate of nearly 80%, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.