SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Thales, a leading French multinational electronics company, has introduced its FlytX avionics suite to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for integration into HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and future helicopters like the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). This cutting-edge avionics system promises to enhance cockpit operations, reduce pilot workload, and improve safety for HAL’s helicopters.

At the heart of Thales FlytX lies a human-centric design philosophy that prioritizes intuitive interactions and task-oriented interfaces. The system meticulously presents only relevant and necessary information when needed, minimizing distractions and cognitive overload for pilots.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the development of a 40mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for use with 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGL) and Multiple Grenade Launchers (MGL) with Local Private companies/industries that has local manufacturing facilities.

The HEAP Grenade is designed to provide anti-personnel lethality up to more than 5 meters from the point of explosion with adequate hit density. It is fitted with a reserve battery-based advanced Point Detonating and Self-Destruction (PDSD) Fuze.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar announced the commencement of Project-76, an ambitious initiative to develop indigenous conventional diesel submarines. This project marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in submarine manufacturing.

Project-76 will serve as the successor to Project-75I (India), which is currently underway and involves the acquisition of six next-generation submarines from either Germany or Spain. These submarines will be manufactured in India under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement. The experience and expertise gained from Project-75I, along with the advancements made in India’s submarine design and development capabilities, will serve as a strong foundation for Project-76.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy has confirmed its ambitious project for the Next-Generation Destroyer (NGD), a massive 10,000-ton warship slated to become the successor to the currently under construction Project-15B program.

Under the leadership of Vice Adm Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, the NGD program is still in its conceptual stages, but exciting details are emerging, hinting at a transformative future for Indian naval warfare.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Spanish state-owned defense giant Navantia, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is set to offer its Juan Carlos I landing platform dock (LPD) to the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy issued a request for information (RFI) for four LPDs in 2021, and Navantia is aiming to provide technology transfer (ToT) to L&T to enable the manufacture of the LPDs in India.

“We are ready to offer our Juan Carlos I LPD to the Indian Navy, and we are confident that it meets the requirements of the Indian Navy,” said José Porto, managing director of Navantia India. “We are also prepared to provide ToT to L&T so that the LPDs can be manufactured in India.”

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Addressing the 77th Annual Technical Meeting of the Indian Institute of Metals and National Metallurgist Awards (IIM-ATM 2023 and NMA) held at KIIT, Bhubaneswar, experts shed light on the challenges and solutions surrounding the production of AMCA titanium bulkheads.

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, India’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet project, demands the production of large, high-strength titanium bulkheads. However, current infrastructure limitations include the lack of a 50,000-ton machine Currently, only one such machine exists anywhere in the world, that is developed by Arconic Defense which provides F-35 bulkheads, which are manufactured in a single piece by Arconic remarked another expert.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

VL SRSAM Vertical Launch Unit (VLU) is to support and launch eight (8) Canisterised Missiles (CMs) from a floating platform. The VL SRSAM VLU is mounted on the ship deck. The VLU houses the eight (8) Canisterised Missiles (CMS), Plume Deflector, and Plenum.

An Integrated VLU was fitted into the VLU supporting structure at ITR, Balasore and was tested for hangfire condition in May 2022. The hangfire test was successful and found no plume leakage through any part of VLU during the 7 seconds of the Hangfire event. Post this hangfire event, the VLU was sent back to LnT for assessing the post-study.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Faced with crippling Western sanctions that have severely hampered its arms exports, Russia is seeking to bypass these restrictions by manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and other smaller weapon systems in India. This strategic move aims to revive Russia’s flagging weapons export business by utilizing India’s manufacturing capabilities and tapping into its growing defence market.

Russia’s defence industry has been hit hard by Western sanctions imposed in response to its invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions have significantly curtailed Russia’s ability to export its weapons systems, traditionally a major source of revenue for the country’s economy.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to its offensive capabilities, the Indian Navy has received the green light from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to procure the Medium Range Anti-Ship Missile (MRAShM). The DAC, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of these advanced missiles on November 30, 2023.

The MRAShM is an indigenously developed lightweight Surface-to-Surface Missile that will serve as a primary offensive weapon onboard Indian Naval Ships. It is designed to strike a wide range of targets, including warships, merchant vessels, and coastal fortifications.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The German air force, also known as the Luftwaffe, is planning to bring three of its most advanced aircraft – the A400M, A330 MRTT, and Eurofighter Typhoon – to India as part of the country’s international Tarang Shakti exercise. If the timing of the exercise does not coincide with the Luftwaffe’s plans, the aircraft may be deployed to India for “local flying” activities instead.

The A400M is a large military transport aircraft capable of carrying a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, troops, and equipment. It is currently on offer to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under an MTA tender that was issued earlier this year.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move to modernize its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army has received the green light from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to procure a state-of-the-art Towed Gun System (TGS). The DAC, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of these advanced guns on November 30, 2023.

The new TGS is expected to be lighter, more versatile, and feature-packed compared to the existing artillery systems. This enhanced firepower and precision will significantly bolster the Indian Army’s ability to defend its borders and deter potential adversaries.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer, is estimating that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to procure 25-30 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for which Embraer has offered its C-390M Cargo Transporter. The IAF is facing increasing pressure from China on its north-eastern border, with austere airfields in the region requiring rugged transporters. The C-390M, with its maximum carrying capacity of 26 tonnes, is well-suited for these demanding operations.

“We believe that the C-390M is the perfect solution for the IAF’s MTA requirements,” said a senior Embraer executive. “The aircraft is proven, reliable, and versatile, and it offers the best value for money.”

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that the indigenous content in the second batch of LCA-Tejas Mark 1A will be further increased to over 70%. The aim is to reach at least 80% by the end of the production of the aircraft.

This is a significant increase from the 55% indigenous content in the 40 older Tejas Mk1 fighter jets that are already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF had placed orders for 83 Tejas Mk1A in 2021, which will feature 65% of indigenous content.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK), a Jabalpur-based ammunition manufacturer, has successfully developed a NATO Standard 1000 kilogram aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This marks a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, as it will be the highest calibre ammunition to be inducted by the IAF.

Currently, the IAF uses a 450 kg aerial bomb as its standard ordnance. The new 1000 kg bomb will provide the IAF with a much-needed capability boost, allowing it to deliver more powerful strikes against its adversaries.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman C.B. Ananthakrishnan expressed his openness to collaborating with the private sector to expedite the development of a 6th generation fighter aircraft.

Responding to a query regarding HAL’s potential partnership with private industry, Ananthakrishnan acknowledged the evolving nature of 6th-generation fighter jet technology and the lack of definitive design specifications. He emphasized that HAL will decide on engaging with private industry once the conceptual framework and required capabilities are clearly defined.