News Beat
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 Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a laboratory under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully completed studies on a 3D thrust vectoring nozzle system. Designed for potential integration into both manned and unmanned fighter jets, this system allows for thrust manipulation in all three axes—pitch, yaw, and roll—providing aircraft with enhanced manoeuvrability and agility.
GTRE’s latest development offers a strategic leap forward in India’s aerospace capabilities, promising operational advantages in air combat scenarios and potentially aiding in the nation’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development within Indo-French defence relations, France has extended its expertise and advanced technologies to support the Indian Navy’s ambitious submarine acquisition programs under Project-76 and Project-77. Project-76 envisions the acquisition of 12 next-generation conventional diesel-electric submarines, planned in two phases with six submarines in each phase, while Project-77 focuses on developing nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) to bolster India’s strategic deterrent capabilities. France’s willingness to provide its cutting-edge pumpjet propulsion technology for both programs underlines its commitment to a deeper, long-term defence partnership with India.
Project 76 aims to elevate the Indian Navy’s conventional submarine fleet through the induction of advanced diesel-electric submarines with enhanced stealth and operational capabilities. France has been keen to support India in this endeavour, offering expertise honed through decades of experience with its own Barracuda and Scorpène-class submarines. In particular, France has proposed its pumpjet propulsion technology, a quieter alternative to traditional propellers, which significantly reduces acoustic signature and enhances underwater stealth. This technology is particularly advantageous for conventional submarines, as it allows them to operate undetected in hostile waters, providing a critical edge in India’s underwater warfare capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring options to refurbish its fleet of Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters in collaboration with Russia, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff. As one of the largest and most powerful helicopters in the world, the Mi-26 plays a crucial role in the IAF’s logistics and operational capabilities, especially for transporting large equipment, and heavy cargo, and providing relief during disaster situations. However, ageing airframes and the need for modernization have made refurbishment essential to extend the operational life of these helicopters.
JSC Russian Helicopters, the Russian company responsible for the Mi-26’s manufacturing and servicing, is working closely with the IAF to determine the optimal approach for refurbishment. Air Chief Marshal Singh noted that specialists from JSC Russian Helicopters have invited IAF officials to assess their facilities in Russia as part of a comprehensive plan to refurbish the Mi-26 fleet. This visit will allow India to evaluate the capabilities of JSC Russian Helicopters’ maintenance infrastructure and collaborate on a tailored refurbishment program for the Indian fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has introduced an innovative missile, named “Teaser,” which is being hailed as a breakthrough in guided weaponry due to its unique guidance technology. Unlike conventional guided missiles, the Teaser relies on an external optical sight rather than a built-in homing sensor, a design that sets it apart in the world of lightweight, tactical missiles. IAI has expressed intentions to establish partnerships with international manufacturers, especially focusing on India as a strategic production base for both local and export markets.
The Teaser missile is designed for deployment by infantry units, with capabilities suited for battalion-sized forces and special operations. Weighing under five pounds and equipped for shoulder-launched deployment, it represents a highly portable, low-cost solution for ground forces. Teaser uses Automatic Command to Line-of-Sight (ACLOS) guidance and is steered by an operator using an external sight called the “Teaser-Sight,” allowing precise guidance up to a range of 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles). A key advantage of this guidance system is that it does not depend on GNSS, making it resistant to GNSS jamming or spoofing — a critical feature in electronic warfare environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India and Armenia are reportedly in discussions for the sale of HAL-made Dornier Do228 transport aircraft, according to sources familiar with the program who spoke to idrw.org. The proposed sale reflects growing defence ties between the two countries, with Armenia seeking to bolster its transport capabilities amid regional challenges.
The Armenian Air Force operates a limited transport fleet, with only three Ilyushin Il-76 heavy transport aircraft in service. While the Il-76 provides substantial heavy-lift capabilities, Armenia faces a gap in tactical and light transport options for smaller cargo and personnel. Adding the Dornier Do228 would help fill this gap, offering a more versatile platform for low-cargo transport needs, medical evacuation, and troop movement within the region.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
To extend the operational relevance of its Mirage-2000 fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to integrate advanced munitions currently deployed on its Rafale jets, including the SCALP-EG long-range cruise missiles and Hammer precision-guided smart bombs. This modernization initiative is aimed at reinforcing the Mirage-2000’s capabilities as a frontline fighter until it is phased out over the next decade, by which time the domestically developed Tejas MkII is expected to assume a similar role.
The Mirage-2000 fleet, one of the most reliable platforms in the IAF’s inventory, already utilizes the Israeli SPICE-2000 smart bomb kit. However, integrating the SCALP-EG and Hammer bombs will provide it with advanced, battle-proven firepower that complements the existing arsenal.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
JSR Dynamics Private Limited, a leading Indian aerospace and defence company, has announced its ambitious plans to develop a cutting-edge jet-powered bomb. This innovative weapon system is designed to significantly enhance the range and precision of conventional bombs.
By equipping standard bombs with a powerful jet engine, JSR Dynamics aims to significantly increase their effective range. This engine-assisted propulsion system will enable these munitions to strike targets at greater distances, offering strategic advantages on the battlefield.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Kalyani Group has recently emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the Indian Army’s procurement program for the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) 155x52mm artillery gun, while the Tata Group has been designated as the second-lowest bidder (L2). This contract represents a major milestone in India’s Indigenous defence manufacturing efforts, particularly as ATAGS is poised to become the backbone of India’s artillery modernization strategy.
With a substantial order of 307 units, 184 of which will be manufactured by Kalyani Group, the company is well-positioned to further establish itself as a leading player in global artillery systems, buoyed by a recent order for 84 ATAGS units from Armenia. The deal with Armenia marked the gun’s first international export, setting the stage for more foreign sales as the Kalyani Group holds talks with multiple countries interested in the ATAGS platform.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s defence and aerospace industry, Germany is in talks with partner nations that could allow India to join the 6th-generation Future Combat Air System (FCAS), or Système de Combat Aérien du Futur (SCAF) program, as an observer country.
However, before India can gain this status, Germany needs approval from France and Spain, both of whom are co-developers in the program. If granted observer status, India would gain unique insights into the development of a next-gen fighter system while also opening up opportunities for its private sector to participate in the program’s supply chain.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Boeing Defense has indicated that it may soon withdraw its F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet from contention in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets. This potential decision comes as Boeing faces the prospect of shutting down the Super Hornet production line by 2027, primarily due to a lack of new orders and limited interest from potential international customers. Consequently, Boeing is shifting its focus to the F-15EX, a platform it hopes will have broader appeal in India and other markets.
In response to reduced demand, Boeing has already planned a gradual winding down of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet production line in St. Louis. Initially scheduled for closure in 2025, a recent order from the U.S. Navy for 17 additional Super Hornets has extended production to early 2027. These new aircraft are expected to be delivered from late 2026 through spring 2027. However, the limited contract represents the final push for the Super Hornet, and Boeing has been slowing the production rate, from two aircraft per month to around one-and-a-half, as it prepares to transition its workforce toward other programs.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s artillery modernization program, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has agreed to match the lowest bid (L1) price set by Bharat Forge Ltd for the ?6,000 crore contract to supply 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) to the Indian Army. The contract will now be split between the two companies, both of which were development partners of the gun, in a 60:40 ratio.
Bharat Forge, which emerged as the L1 bidder, will produce 184 ATAGS units, while TASL will manufacture 123 units. The split, based on their contributions to the gun’s development under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will see Bharat Forge handling a larger share of the order valued at over ?4,000 crore, while TASL will manufacture guns worth approximately ?2,000 crore.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Rubin Design Bureau, a prominent Russian shipbuilding company, has presented the Indian Navy with an innovative hybrid vessel concept known as the Border and Offshore Submersible Sentry (BOSS). The BOSS project, which uniquely merges the functions of a submarine with those of a surface patrol vessel, aims to fulfil both peacetime and combat roles for the Indian Navy or Coast Guard. With a particular focus on multi-functionality, BOSS could serve as an asset for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and training missions.
The BOSS vessel represents the largest variant in Rubin’s hybrid fleet, with an impressive length of 72 meters and a surface displacement of approximately 1,300 tons. Its considerable size enables it to host a range of capabilities typically reserved for specialized military platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a bid to meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirement for additional airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), Bombardier Defense has proposed its Global 6000 business jet as a base platform for the Netra Mk1A, India’s next-generation indigenous AWACS. The IAF currently operates three Netra Mk1 AWACS based on the Embraer ERJ145 platform and had planned to acquire six more of the upgraded Netra Mk1A systems. However, production of the ERJ145 has been discontinued, raising challenges for the IAF in procuring new units on this platform.
Despite the Bombardier Global 6000’s advanced capabilities and proven role in similar configurations like the Saab GlobalEye, sources indicate that the IAF may still pursue the used ERJ145 market to maintain fleet commonality with its existing Netra Mk1 units.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s Indigenous defence production capabilities, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key R&D arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be getting Limited scale production of the Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) from Private sector company by early 2026.
The 400-kg thrust class Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) developed by GTRE is specifically designed for subsonic Cruise missiles and UAVs. Subsonic cruise missiles are used to deliver warheads over long distances and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. They fly at speeds below the speed of sound, typically around 0.8 Mach and the same engine will also be used on the SwiFT UAVs to serve in various roles, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, making them indispensable for military operations that demand agility, precision, and endurance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move to enhance the combat capabilities and reliability of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in collaboration with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in Russia, is set to undertake an ambitious upgrade program. Dubbed the “Super Sukhoi” project, the modernization will encompass various critical system upgrades, including a significant overhaul of the fly-by-wire (FBW) system, which has been identified as a crucial area for improvement.
This step comes a decade after former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, highlighted a “design flaw” in the Su-30MKI’s FBW system. In 2012, Air Chief Marshal Browne raised concerns about the FBW issue and noted that this problem had been escalated to the design agency in Russia. The enhancement of the FBW system in the Super Sukhoi configuration aims to rectify these issues, improve reliability, and enable advanced combat capabilities.
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