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’s (GTRE) plan to develop the Kaveri 2.0 engine for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet raises questions about its strategic rationale. With a targeted thrust output of 90kN, the Kaveri 2.0 seems like a logical upgrade for the Tejas Mk1A, which currently uses American F404 engines. However, the bigger picture paints a more complex story.
Looming large is the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This 5th generation fighter requires a much more powerful engine, with estimates suggesting a thrust requirement of around 110kN. Furthermore, reports indicate that GTRE might collaborate with an international partner for the AMCA engine, potentially leading to a core capable of generating a mighty 130kN thrust. This future-proof engine could even be adapted for India’s potential 6th generation fighter program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is on the cutting edge of counter-drone technology with the development of high-power microwave (HPM) weapons. This Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system boasts the potential to neutralize a range of aerial threats.
Internal documents confirm that Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will be able to effectively take out and disable hobbyist drones and commercially available quadcopters used for malicious purposes. DEW also will be powerful enough to disable Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE)drones, often used for surveillance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A plane spotting enthusiast (vabb_spotter IG) has captured an image of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed Dornier Do 228 aircraft sporting an unusual feature of a hump on the upper fuselage, aft of the main body.
The presence of the standard under-fuselage 360-degree maritime surveillance radar confirms the aircraft belongs to the Indian Navy. Speculation is rife about the purpose of the hump, with some suggesting it houses a satellite uplink system. This would be particularly useful given the aircraft’s frequent flights over vast stretches of ocean, enabling real-time transfer of observation data collected by its robust sensors.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is gearing up for a crucial study related to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. This project focuses on integrating the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) onto the Mk1A variant.
The study will explore the feasibility of incorporating both single and twin ASRAAM configurations on the Tejas Mk1A. A crucial aspect of the study will involve conducting an ASE analysis for the proposed configurations. This analysis assesses the interaction between the aircraft’s structural flexibility and aerodynamic forces, ensuring safe and stable flight characteristics with the added weight and configuration changes of the ASRAAMs.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a significant step towards self-reliance by seeking domestic manufacturers to produce spare parts for its fleet of Rafale fighter jets. This initiative involves collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and is expected to culminate in a meeting with the Chandigarh-based 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) next month.
The IAF has identified a specific list of components crucial for ongoing maintenance. These parts are primarily those that require periodic replacement and are not mission-critical systems like engines or onboard computers. Additionally, some ancillary equipment that doesn’t directly impact core functionalities are also included.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a Request for Technical and Commercial Proposal (RTCP) for a significant upgrade package for its Jaguar Darin-III fighter jets.
The IAF seeks a new missile to enhance the close-combat capabilities of the Jaguar with ‘Next-Generation Close Combat Missile’ NGCCM integration. NGCCM is a license-produced version of the MBDA ASRAAM air-to-air missile. While previous media reports have mentioned NGCCM integration with the Jaguar has been completed, this tender suggests either live-fire testing hasn’t been conducted or previous trials were limited to captive flights (missile mounted but not fired).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Lockheed Martin, a leading global aerospace and defence company, is signalling its intent to strengthen its ties with India’s research, industry, and academic sectors. Randy Howard, Vice President of Global Pursuits at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, recently highlighted their exploration of “advanced transfer of technology opportunities” with Indian partners.
This collaboration could encompass a wide range of cutting-edge technologies like Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) a life-saving technology that automatically takes control of an aircraft to prevent ground collisions, significantly enhancing flight safety for Indian pilots.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) is set to receive a significant boost in its capabilities with the imminent arrival of the BrahMos supersonic missile system, according to local media reports, BrahMos shipment will arrive today (19/04/2024) from IAF Transporter Aircraft. This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization efforts of the AFP, particularly in the face of ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The BrahMos missile system was first ordered in 2021, is expected to be shipped by the end of March 2024, as confirmed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) will take the lead in operating the BrahMos Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) system, with the Philippine Navy planning to acquire its own BrahMos system in a separate deal.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move to strengthen Indian ground forces amidst border tensions with China, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced a collaborative effort with India to develop Stryker armored vehicles.
The program reportedly focuses on the Stryker M-SHORAD (Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense) variant. This highly mobile air defense system, equipped for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats, will be built on a new Stryker A1 chassis jointly developed by both nations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) plan to develop a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAV program through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model seems to be hitting a roadblock. This initiative, intended to leverage private sector expertise for indigenous military equipment development, is facing an unexpected hurdle – a preference for foreign collaboration among some potential Indian participants.
The MoD’s push for private involvement comes after the setbacks faced by the previous Tapas program led by DRDO’s ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment). Delays and technical shortcomings plagued Tapas, prompting the MoD to seek a new approach. The SPV model was envisioned as a way to leverage private sector expertise and expedite the HALE UAV program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is making strides in aerial warfare with the development of a new turbojet-powered loitering munition. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), essentially a flying bomb, boasts impressive capabilities designed to enhance the Indian military’s offensive edge.
With a range exceeding 100 kilometers, the drone can hit targets well beyond the immediate battlefield, offering strategic flexibility. Designed to function effectively day and night, even in harsh weather conditions, the drone ensures mission readiness in diverse scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
French defence giant Naval Group has unveiled a compelling proposition for the Indian Navy’s upcoming Scorpene-class submarines. Their proposal centres on lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, offering significant operational advantages over the conventionally used lead-acid batteries.
This collaboration leverages established expertise. Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), having already constructed six Scorpène-class submarines for the Indian Navy (known as the Kalvari-class), will serve as the local partner for building these next-generation vessels.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Greece has extended an offer to India to acquire its fleet of French-made Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets. This offer comes amidst a significant modernization effort for the Hellenic Air Force, which recently placed orders for both Rafale and F-35 jets.
General Dimitrios Houpis, Chief of the General Staff of the Defense Forces for Greece, visited India this month and presented the offer as per people familiar with matter told idrw.org. Greece in 2000 purchased 15 Mirage 2000-5s from Dassault Aviation, including five two-seat 2000-5BG trainers and ten single-seat 2000-5EG fighters.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced significant progress on its Light Tank project, codenamed Zorawar. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, confirmed that the tank is currently undergoing rigorous internal testing at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Hazira facility.
Designed for rapid deployment in challenging terrains, the Zorawar prioritizes mobility. It achieves this through a combination of strategic air transportability, extended cruising range, and exceptional maneuverability with low ground pressure. This allows the tank to be swiftly operational in even the most remote locations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
French defence giant Naval Group has entered the fray for a major Indian Navy contract, offering its M940 Oostende mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) in partnership with an undisclosed Indian shipyard. This move comes in response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Navy last year to bolster its mine-warfare capabilities with the acquisition of 12 MCMVs built in Indian shipyards.
The Indian Navy’s latest attempt to procure MCMVs follows at least three previous unsuccessful endeavours. This renewed push underscores the critical need to modernize the Navy’s mine-countermeasure fleet to effectively safeguard India’s vast coastline.
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