SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards bolstering defence cooperation, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his US counterpart, Jake Sullivan, convened for the second meeting under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). The discussions focused on co-production, co-development, and research and development (R&D), underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.

A key highlight of the meeting was the reiterated offer from the United States to jointly develop a new engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) 5th generation program. This proposal aims to rejuvenate discussions that had previously stalled due to high Transfer of Technology (ToT) levels demanded by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Armenia has reportedly approached India to inquire about acquiring theatre quasi-ballistic missiles, a move likely prompted by Azerbaijan’s recent use of the Israeli-made LORA system. The LORA, boasting a range of 400km, emerged as a concern for Armenia during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan’s deployment in the war’s final days, particularly against the Lachin corridor bridge, highlighted the potential threat it poses.

At Aero India 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bharat Electronics and IAI for potential LORA production in India. However, this licensing agreement is likely still in its early stages.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has expressed confidence that the Dry Kaveri engine, once proven on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 Trainer, will pave the way for the development of the more advanced Kaveri 2.0 engine. This progress is crucial for securing additional funding for further research and development.

The current Dry Kaveri engine, equipped with an afterburner, is capable of generating 46kN of thrust in dry configuration and 73kN with an afterburner (wet thrust). Despite these impressive figures, this level of thrust is insufficient to power the Tejas Mk1A or MkII platforms effectively. However, the successful deployment and performance of this engine on the Tejas Mk1 Trainer will demonstrate GTRE’s capabilities and build a strong case for additional investment.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is taking a significant step forward with the formation of a public-private sector consortium for its manufacturing. This innovative approach signifies a new chapter in Indian defense production.

The Ministry of Defence has already issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to gauge industry interest, receiving a positive response with three proposals. The AMCA program will be executed through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) model, integrating private players into the process. This public-private partnership marks a first for India, with the private sector holding a majority stake in the SPV. This consortium will be responsible for assembling and maintaining the AMCA jet once it enters production, expected around 2032-2033.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned aerospace giant, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has proposed developing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) variants of its successful Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) platforms. This initiative aims to provide the Indian Army and Air Force with dedicated unmanned platforms for reconnaissance and cargo missions, allowing the manned versions to focus on high-value tasks.

Equipping the armed forces with unmanned Dhruv and LUH variants would offer several advantages. By delegating reconnaissance and cargo missions to these UAVs, the manned helicopters can be reserved for critical operations demanding human intervention and decision-making, such as combat search and rescue or close-air support.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a premier research institute under CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), is seeking a highly qualified Specialist Consultant to support the development of the SARAS Mk2 multirole Light Transport Aircraft. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced aerospace professional to contribute to a nationally important project.

The SARAS Mk2 project holds immense significance for India’s civil aviation sector. This multirole light transport aircraft promises to enhance domestic air connectivity and cater to diverse operational needs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Brazilian Army is aiming to bolster its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of new Medium Altitude/High Altitude Air Defense Artillery Systems. This project is part of the Army’s Strategic Program for Air Defense.

In April 2024, General Tomás Miguel Paiva, the Army Commander, expressed concerns before the Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense (CREDN) of the Chamber of Deputies. He highlighted the lack of sophisticated medium and high-altitude air defense systems in Brazil. While acknowledging “relative protection” up to 3,000 meters, he emphasized the need for advanced technologies to safeguard the nation’s airspace.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy recently completed its evaluation of Navantia’s S80 submarine, a contender for Project 75I, a program to acquire six next-generation submarines. The evaluation took place at a shipyard in Cartagena, Spain, last week.

A key highlight was Navantia’s showcase of their Bioethanol Stealth Technology (BEST) Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. This land-based demonstration offered a glimpse into their 3rd generation AIP technology, which the company claims surpasses the fuel-cell based AIP offered by its competitor, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA is making a strategic move in the Indian market. The company is reportedly acquiring land near Jewar International Airport for a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to service India’s Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighter jets.

This development comes alongside Safran SA, the engine manufacturer for Rafale, establishing a similar MRO facility specifically for Rafale engines at their existing LEAP engine facility in Hyderabad. This facility, expected to be operational by 2025, caters to civilian aircraft but could potentially handle Rafale engine needs if the numbers justify it.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The joint development and production of the latest Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles between India and the US face a hurdle: engine incompatibility. While both nations expressed interest in the project, India’s demanding terrain necessitates a more powerful engine than the current offering.

The Indian Army requires an engine capable of handling the harsh conditions of its borders, particularly the high altitudes of Ladakh and Sikkim. Caterpillar’s C7 engine, used in current Stryker models, falls short with its 300 horsepower output.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), has proposed an intriguing prospect for India’s shipbuilding industry. If TKMS is chosen for the Indian Navy’s Project-75I tender, Burkhard envisions India becoming a hub for TKMS submarines in the Asia-Pacific region.

TKMS has joined forces with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) to submit a bid for Project-75I. This collaborative effort focuses on building six advanced submarines for the Indian Navy, with an estimated cost exceeding Rs 45,000 crore.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force, operating under the Ministry of Defence, has issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) from Indian firms for the repair, refurbishment, and life extension checks of X-31P air-launched missiles. This initiative falls under the category of ‘Missiles with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Support’ and aims to involve Indian firms through joint ventures (JV) or memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the OEM of the missile. The following paragraphs detail the proposal and its scope.

The primary objective of this initiative is the comprehensive repair, refurbishment, and life extension of life-expired X-31P missiles currently held in various categories. The life extension process will encompass all aspects assigned by the OEM, including but not limited to.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is setting its sights on self-reliance in underwater warfare with Project-76, an ambitious initiative to design and develop a new generation of indigenous conventional submarines for the Indian Navy.

Project-76 will be a collaborative effort between DRDO and the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy. The WDB’s expertise in naval design will be crucial in shaping the submarine’s form and function.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian aviation industry witnessed a significant milestone on March 28th, 2024, with the successful maiden flight of the first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. This marks a crucial step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities.

Following its successful maiden flight, the Tejas Mk1A had to undergo a series of mandatory trials. These tests were crucial in ensuring the aircraft meets all operational requirements and performs flawlessly under various conditions and also validates many of the newer technologies in the jet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Former IAF Marshal Anil Chopra’s suggestion of revisiting the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) has sparked debate. However, sources close to idrw report no reconsideration of the FGFA program for procurement.

Experts maintain India’s decision to exit the FGFA, based on the Russian Su-57, was justified due to technical shortcomings. The FGFA reportedly failed to meet several key requirements, leading to deficiencies unexpected in a 5th generation fighter.