SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Several Indian companies, Including Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), have set their sights on participating in PT PAL Indonesia’s upcoming Scorpène submarine production. This interest stems from India’s own experience with the Naval Group’s technology transfer program, which successfully enabled the domestic construction of six Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines.

As per information provided to idrw.org, Many Indian MSMEs that have participated in the Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarine program have told Naval Group that they can supply much of the equipment that will be required for local manufacturing of the latest variant of the Scorpène submarines that Indonesia will acquire.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Russia is making renewed attempt to woo India with its Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet, positioning it as the ideal successor to the aging MiG-29 fleet. This comes as India, along with several other nations, grapples with the need to replace their MiG-29s. The Su-75 Checkmate, unveiled in 2021, is a single-engine, lightweight stealth fighter that Russia touts as the ideal replacement for the MiG-29. Last year, design patents revealed a potential redesign, hinting at ongoing development efforts.

Russia has its sights set firmly on India, a long-standing partner and a nation actively seeking a replacement for its MiG-29 fleet. A 2021 Checkmate advertisement featuring pilots from potential buyer countries, including India, underscored Russia’s strategic marketing approach.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to host its first-ever multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, this August. The event, featuring participation from ten countries including the US, Germany, and France, is set to be a stage for a fierce competition between Boeing and Airbus for a lucrative aerial refueling contract.

The IAF is actively seeking to bolster its aerial refueling capabilities, aiming to acquire six new tanker aircraft to complement its existing fleet of Il-78MKIs. This push comes as India seeks to project its airpower further and maintain operational flexibility in its vast region.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce, has set the record straight regarding the engine for India’s Zorawar Light Tank. He confirmed that the MTU 8V199 TE21 engine is indeed powering the Zorawar tank. Zino also confirmed that engine was delivered to L&T OEM of the Light Tank Program .

Earlier media reports suggested a switch to a Cummins engine due to delays in obtaining German export clearance (BAFA) for the MTU engine. Mr. Zino clarified that while there were initial delays, these have been resolved. The MTU engine delivering a powerful 600 kW (804hp) output, has now been integrated into the Zorawar platform as per information given by Mr. Zino to Indian Media.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking the expertise of Indian private sector companies to undertake substantial repairs on two of its IL-76 aircraft, which have sustained significant damage to their undercarriage and associated airframe structure. These aircraft are currently grounded at the Chandigarh airbase, and the IAF is looking for an industrial partner to carry out the necessary repairs on-site.

The two IL-76 aircraft, essential for the IAF’s transport and logistics capabilities, have been rendered non-operational due to heavy damage. This situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has disrupted the supply chain and repair services from Russia, the original equipment manufacturer of the IL-76 aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Jaguar fighter jets, has acknowledged that the decision on the future of these aircraft rests with the IAF. The company has expressed its commitment to supporting the IAF’s choice, regardless of whether it involves continued operation or eventual retirement of the Jaguar fleet.

The IAF holds the unique distinction of being the world’s only remaining air force to operate Jaguar fighter jets. These aircraft are powered by the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk.102 afterburning turbofan engines.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant progress on India’s indigenous Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM). Following successful trials last year, DRDO reportedly conducted two more tests in the past 12 months, showcasing an improved range.

The latest iteration of the SLCM boasts a range of 500+ kilometers, allowing it to strike targets deep within the enemy territory or at sea. This extended range significantly enhances India’s offensive capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy’s plan to acquire additional P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) has been put on hold. Instead, the Navy has opted to procure nine new Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft based on the Airbus C-295 transport platform.

These MRMR aircraft, developed by Airbus, will provide the Navy with enhanced capabilities for various missions including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and maintaining maritime domain awareness. Additionally, they will be equipped with DRDO-developed Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Communications Intelligence (COMINT), and special operations.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is set to receive a boost in its maritime surveillance capabilities with the indigenous Tapas MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) UAV. According to reports, the Navy has decided to place an initial order for four units of the Tapas, developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

These Tapas UAVs will be maritime variants, equipped with navy-specific sensors and electronic warfare (EW) suites. This will enable them to perform critical tasks such as patrolling vast swathes of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and keeping a watchful eye on surface and subsurface activities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian government is poised to equip the Indian Army with a significant boost in firepower. A critical cabinet committee meeting in August is expected to approve the purchase of 100 additional K9 Vajra tracked, self-propelled howitzers.

This repeat order follows the successful delivery of the first 100 K9 Vajras by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in 2022. These howitzers, built using technology transferred from South Korean defense major Hanwha Defense, were originally intended for desert deployment. However, their adaptability was proven during the 2020 standoff with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh. To ensure optimal performance in the harsh mountain environment, the Army procured winterization kits for the deployed K9s. These kits, consisting of nine essential items, safeguard batteries, oils, and lubricants from extreme cold (down to -20°C) and prevent freezing.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Lockheed Martin which is vying for a major contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to supply 40-80 new medium transport aircraft (MTA) to replace its ageing fleet of Soviet-era An-32s has identified two potential Indian partners Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) and state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for local manufacturing of its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

TLMAL is a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin. The company has a successful track record, serving as the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies for all new Super Hercules aircraft manufactured in Marietta, Georgia, USA. This existing partnership positions TLMAL as a strong contender for the local production of C-130Js in India.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards advancing India’s defence capabilities, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has initiated the procurement process for the components necessary to develop the CATS Warrior Loyal Wingman prototype. According to information provided to the IDRW team, HAL aims to roll out the prototype by early 2026, adhering to the planned timeline.

The CATS Warrior, part of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), represents a leap forward in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. Designed to operate as a “loyal wingman,” this UAV will accompany manned aircraft on missions, enhancing their capabilities and survivability. The project, which commenced in 2018, garnered significant attention during its showcase at Aero India 2021.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Embraer has cast aside plans for an immediate expansion of the C-390 military transport aircraft. Their focus remains on maximizing the capabilities of the current design to meet operational needs. This decision comes as Embraer actively pitches the C-390 to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for their medium transport aircraft requirement.

The C-390 boasts a 26-tonne concentrated load capacity and a 23-tonne distributed load capacity, along with impressive airdrop performance. These specifications fall squarely within the IAF’s 18-30 tonne requisition. To further solidify their bid, Embraer has partnered with Mahindra in India for potential local production of the C-390.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is buzzing with activity after receiving a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a staggering 156 LCH Prachand light attack helicopters. But HAL isn’t resting on its laurels. They’ve already begun looking ahead, tweaking the LCH platform for potential future technologies, even if the armed forces haven’t explicitly requested them yet.

Drawing lessons from the recent Ukraine conflict, HAL anticipates a growing demand for integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with attack helicopters. This would likely involve large display screens and helmet-mounted displays for enhanced situational awareness. HAL is proactively preparing the LCH for this integration, confident that such a request from the Indian armed forces is on the horizon.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is set for a significant boost in its firepower with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) expected to approve the procurement of nearly 2,000 155mm terminally guided munitions (TGMs) later this year. This move marks a major stride towards self-reliance in critical defence technology.

Last year, the Army took a crucial step by issuing Project Sanction Orders (PSOs) to five domestic companies under the Make-II procurement scheme. These companies – Munitions India Ltd (MIL), Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd (ADSTL), Bharat Forge Ltd, Economic Explosives Ltd, and Premier Explosives Ltd – were tasked with developing prototypes of 155mm TGMs.