SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s submarine prowess, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) are set to engage in a competitive design race for the Indian Navy’s upcoming Project-76. This ambitious project envisions the procurement of 12 next-generation submarines in two phases of six each.

DRDO has received the green light to collaborate with the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) to develop a new indigenous conventional submarine design. Drawing inspiration from the successfully concluded SSN nuclear attack submarine’s design phase, DRDO’s design is expected to incorporate cutting-edge technology and advanced capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is actively exploring the possibility of offering its Archer Short Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SRUAV) to fulfil the Indian Navy’s requirement for a Naval Aerial Robotic System (NARS). The NARS program seeks a modular UAV capable of operating from aircraft carriers, and the Indian Navy has tentatively expressed a need for 10 such systems.

The Archer SRUAV, renowned for its versatility and endurance, is being considered as a potential candidate. However, to adapt to the demanding career environment, significant modifications would be necessary. These include incorporating folding wings to optimize deck space and reinforcing the undercarriage to withstand the rigors of carrier landings.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a bid to bolster its fighter jet fleet amidst ongoing shortages, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to extend the service life of its MiG-29UPG fighter jets. The service branch plans to implement a second life extension program to increase the operational lifespan of these aircraft from 40 to 50 years.

Originally slated for retirement in 2027, the MiG-29UPG fleet will now remain in service until 2035. This decision comes in response to the IAF’s pressing need for fighter aircraft, as the induction of the Tejas MkII, its intended replacement, is facing delays.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Indian defence startup, Zeus Numerix, has made significant strides in drone technology by developing 3kg and 5kg ammunition specifically designed for swarm drone operations. The company claims that these payloads can be integrated into a variety of drones, including those used for agricultural purposes, transforming them into potent weapons platforms when required.

A key component of this development is the company’s Ejector Rack Mechanism (ERM). Zeus Numerix has introduced three variants: ER8 Agnibaahu, capable of carrying one 3kg ammunition; ER25 Agnibaahu, designed to carry one 5kg ammunition; and ER55 Agnibaahu, which can carry two 3kg and one 5kg ammunition. Both the ERM and the ammunition have undergone rigorous testing and have been certified as per MIL-STD 800, a stringent military standard for equipment.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The race for India’s massive Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender is heating up, with the Pentagon making a strong push for Boeing’s F-15EX fighter jet. This comes as the US seeks to break into the Indian fighter jet market, which has remained largely elusive for American manufacturers for the past 70 years.

Pentagon officials are keenly aware of the IAF’s lukewarm reception to the F-21 fighter jet, seen as a minor upgrade of the F-16V. Additionally, the recent loss of the F-18 E/F jets in Indian Navy’s carrier-borne fighter jet contract to the French Rafale M dealt a blow to US aspirations. The MRFA program represents a crucial opportunity for the US to finally gain a foothold in the IAF’s fighter jet fleet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Saab India is aiming to leverage the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for local manufacturing of F-414 engines by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) from GE Aerospace as a key advantage in its bid for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

The strategic importance lies in the fact that the Gripen-E fighter jet, offered by Saab, also utilizes the same 4-GE-39E turbofan engine developed by General Electric. While HAL is aiming for an 80% ToT on the F-414 engines, primarily for the upcoming Tejas MkII fighter jets, Saab sees an opportunity here.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India and the United States have taken significant strides in advancing priority co-production projects, including the crucial GE F-414 engine, which is set to power India’s next-generation Tejas Mk-2 aircraft. This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing India’s defense capabilities while strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The US-based company GE Aerospace has provided its cost estimate for the co-production deal of the F-414 engines. Negotiations on the final pricing are expected to be completed soon, paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to locally manufacture the engines in India within the next three years. The co-production arrangement includes an impressive 80% Transfer of Technology (ToT), which will significantly boost India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities in the defense sector.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Lockheed Martin has unveiled an ambitious proposal to provide India with a highly specialized variant of its C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, tailored specifically for special operations. The offer comes in response to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender.

The U.S. defence giant is keen to capitalize on the IAF’s existing experience with the C-130J, which has been successfully employed by the National Security Guard (NSG) for rapid deployment across India. Building on this foundation, Lockheed Martin proposes the C-130J-SOF, a highly customized version designed to meet the demanding requirements of special operations forces.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has outlined a strategic approach to rotorcraft engine development, focusing on immediate needs while keeping an eye on future technologies. The company has acknowledged the potential advantages of next-generation engines, particularly those capable of powering tilt-rotor aircraft. However, the associated costs and technological complexities have prompted a more conservative approach for current programs like the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).

HAL is currently collaborating with Safran to develop a new turboshaft engine for the IMRH. This engine will be based on current technology, ensuring a balance between performance and affordability. The decision to prioritize this engine stems from the immediate needs of the Indian armed forces and the desire to avoid the substantial investments required for next-generation engine development.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Indian defence technology firm, Johnnette Technologies, is making significant strides in bolstering the capabilities of the Indian Army. Based in Uttar Pradesh, the company has recently completed a training program for the Indian Army to operate its cutting-edge JF-2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The JF-2, touted as India’s first fixed-wing, hand-launched, stealth UAV, is designed to excel in border intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Equipped with day and night thermal imaging cameras, the UAV offers superior surveillance capabilities. Its anti-jamming and anti-spoofing features, coupled with a crash-resistant avionics bay, ensure its reliability and durability in challenging environments.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are set to collaborate on the development of an indigenous airborne electronic warfare (EW) pod for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.

The EW pod is designed to be integrated into the inner tower of the LCH, providing crucial electronic countermeasures to protect the helicopter from radar-guided missiles and other threats. Notably, the pod’s cylindrical, streamlined design will ensure its compatibility with other rotary-wing platforms, expanding its potential applications beyond the LCH.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has emerged as a potential supplier of helicopters for the Argentine Navy, as confirmed by the Chief of General Staff of the Argentine Armada, Contralmirante Carlos María Allievi.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has extended an offer to the Argentine Army for its ALH-Dhruv and LUH helicopters to replace the ageing Bell UH-1 fleet. To enhance the prospects of securing the contract, HAL has proposed technology transfer for the local assembly of these helicopters. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the South American market, where several countries have expressed interest in its products.