SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move aimed at deepening their strategic, defence, and security cooperation, India and Australia recently engaged in talks during the second India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue held in New Delhi. A pivotal aspect of the discussions focused on Australia’s offer to co-develop underwater sensors and drones, presenting a collaborative opportunity to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities and monitor the movements of Chinese warships, particularly its submarine fleet, in the Indian Ocean region.

During the 2+2 Dialogue, Australia extended an offer to India for joint development projects in the field of underwater technologies, specifically focusing on sensors and drones. The collaborative initiative seeks to leverage the expertise and capabilities of both nations to bolster maritime security in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

At the Dubai Airshow, which took place in mid-November, Russian officials presented the updated version of the Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter. This aircraft was designed to transport cargo and personnel. This was the first international trade show appearance for the Il-76MD-90A.

Like many planes designed in the Soviet era, the Il-76 has glass at the bottom of the nose to give navigators a good view. Russian officials have confirmed that the new upgraded aircraft has been offered to many current Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter operators, including India, which is looking to replace older ones. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates 17 Ilyushin Il-76s that were procured in the mid-1980s and are expected to be completely retired from service by 2035 onwards.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Public sector major Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has claimed that it is expecting orders for the laser beam riding missile or LBRM being manufactured by BDL under a Joint development programme with Thales, UK from Army Air Defence soon. BDL is expecting orders for 254 crores

The current inventory of MANPADS in IA has only MANPADS of IR homing types. These are susceptible to ‘Trn-based IR Source effects’ of Northern Borders and IR countermeasures of hostile platforms. MANPADS with Laser Beam Riding tech cannot be jammed by such measures and therefore have better survival in the EW environment.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Public sector major Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of India’s indigenous air defence capabilities by commencing Limited Series Production clearance from DRDO for Astra Mark-I Missile. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BDL, is a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile that will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities.

Last Year BDL got a Rs 2,971-crore contract for Astra Mk1, which will be executed in six years. DRDO has completed the transfer of technology on the missile and associated equipment to BDL, and production has already started. BDL is estimated to be able to manufacture 100 units of Astra Mk1 missiles per year and will complete the order book of 500 units by 2027.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to develop a low-cost cruise missile (LCCM) that can be launched from fighter jets, MALE/HALE Class UAVS, and even attack helicopters. The missile is expected to have a range of 100-150 kilometres and will be used to take out low-priority targets.

The IAF is studying the Russian-Ukraine war, where precision-guided munitions (PGMs) and subsonic cruise missiles have been used extensively by the Russian Air Force. This has led the IAF to explore the development of a low-cost cruise missile that can be used to strike targets at a standoff distance.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has confirmed that the first of the Project-17 Alpha stealth frigates, INS Nilgiri, will be delivered to the Indian Navy sometime next year. The remaining three ships in the series will be delivered once per year, with the final delivery expected in 2026.

The Project-17A frigates are among the most advanced warships currently under construction in India. They are designed to provide the Indian Navy with a potent platform for anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare. The frigates are equipped with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors, and modern platform management systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, Colonel Vikram, Vice President of Solar Group Economic Explosives Limited, has confirmed the successful development of a cutting-edge 125 kg pre-fragmented bomb tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF). 

This munition, crafted according to NATO specifications, marks a notable advancement in the military capabilities of the Indian armed forces.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received a tender for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI fighters, which will be manufactured in India by HAL in partnership with the Russian original equipment manufacturers. The 12 Su-30MKI fighters will be procured as CKD kits from Russia, with only the fuselages being manufactured in India. HAL plans to equip these fighters with the “Super 30” upgrade package, which will see major changes to the aircraft internals, including 51 major changes in the equipment and components.

The “Super 30” upgrade package will include new mission computers, a Uttam AESA radar, and full upgrades to the cockpit instrumentation, including touch-based LCD screens. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) have already cleared the upgrade of 84 older Su-30MKI fighters with the “Super 30” upgrade package in the first phase of upgrades.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is planning to develop an Underwater Test and Tracking Range (TTR) to test its torpedoes and other underwater weapons. The proposed TTR will consist of both onshore and offshore facilities and will be located on the eastern coast of India.

The TTR will be used to test a variety of torpedoes, including heavyweight torpedoes and those with thermal navigation systems. It will also be used to test other underwater weapons, such as mines and underwater drones.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd., has successfully established production of the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade (MMHG) as per Transfer of Technology (ToT) obtained from the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). The company has already delivered over 10 lakh units of MMHG to the Indian Army, fulfilling its order.

EEL has also received clearance from the Ministry of Defense (MoD) for the export of MMHG and is currently in discussions with several countries that have expressed interest in the Indian-made grenade. The MMHG is a replacement for the vintage Hand Grenade M 36 and offers several advantages to soldiers in terms of safety, dual-mode capability, and lethality.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

CAT Marine, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Marine, has announced that it is offering its medium-speed and high-performance engines tailored exclusively for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The company says that its engines are well-positioned to meet the Indian Navy’s specifications, ranging from 3 MW to 10 MW in power.

According to CAT Marine, its engines strike a balance between power and efficiency, making them versatile enough to meet the requirements of different vessel types and missions. The company also says that its engines are adaptable and reliable in various operational scenarios, making them a perfect fit for the Navy’s diverse needs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, the Indian Army has approached the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT) in Chennai to develop drones capable of carrying injured or sick personnel from forward stations to base camps. This innovative approach is expected to revolutionize medical evacuation procedures, particularly in challenging and remote areas.

The Army’s request to MIT Chennai stems from the need for a more efficient and rapid evacuation system for injured soldiers. Traditional methods of evacuation, such as helicopters, are often limited by terrain and weather conditions, making it difficult to reach wounded personnel in remote areas.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has issued a notification for a no-fly zone over the Bay of Bengal, indicating a possible missile test. The no-fly zone will be in effect from December 6 to 7, 2023.

The no-fly zone is located approximately 990 kilometres off the coast of Odisha, India. The Indian Navy has advised all ships and aircraft to avoid the area during the no-fly zone.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

General Electric (GE) is poised for a historic production surge as it prepares to fulfil the U.S. Air Force’s purchase of 351 Boeing T-7A Red Hawk trainer jets and meet a contract for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines destined for India’s HAL Tejas Mk 1/1A fighter. This strategic production ramp comes after GE faced challenges in supplying engines to India, as stipulated in a 2021 contract, leading to a brief hiatus.

The F404-GE-IN20 engine, with its cutting-edge features, holds a pivotal role in advancing the capabilities of both the U.S. Air Force’s trainer jets and India’s indigenous fighter aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) intelligence capabilities, the Center for Airborne Systems (CABS) is actively developing a state-of-the-art Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) system. Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon, the Director of CABS, recently provided insights into the ongoing efforts, emphasizing the critical role of the ISTAR platform in modern warfare.

The ISTAR system being developed by CABS is designed to serve as a comprehensive solution for Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition, and Reconnaissance. Its primary function is to intercept enemy signals and provide crucial information to ground commanders. This real-time intelligence empowers commanders to make informed decisions about counterstrikes, offering precise targeting data and facilitating the optimal deployment of weapons.