SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

JSR Dynamics Private Limited, a Nagpur-based company specializing in airborne guided weapons, has unveiled a miniature ground-launched missile drone decoy designed to revolutionize air defense training and countermeasures. This innovative system boasts a powerful 150kgf turbojet engine, a range of 300km, and advanced capabilities that mimic real fighter jets.

150kgf turbojet engine provides exceptional speed and maneuverability, making the decoy a realistic target for air defense systems.  The extended range allows for more complex training scenarios and countermeasure deployments over larger distances.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), India’s leading producer of missiles, is in talks with a Sukhoi-30 operator country to potentially export its indigenously developed Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). This news marks a significant milestone for India’s defence export ambitions and highlights the growing capabilities of its domestic aerospace industry.

Developed by DRDO and manufactured by BDL, Astra has been lauded as a superior alternative to the widely used Russian R-77 BVRAAM. With its extended range and advanced counter-electronic measures (ECM) resistance, Astra offers improved aerial combat capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF), in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is embarking on a significant upgrade of its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets.

This ambitious program signifies a major stride towards achieving self-reliance in defence technology, aiming to equip the aircraft with advanced Indian-made systems to bolster its overall capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has greenlit a multimillion-dollar project for the acquisition of advanced engines and the extension of service life for its fleet of MiG-29 frontline fighter jets. This strategic initiative involves collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russian partners.

The approved deal, valued at approximately Rs 5,300 crore, will see the production of new advanced engines for the existing MiG-29UPG fighters in the IAF fleet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s upcoming “Tarang Shakti-2024,” its first-ever multinational air exercise, is set to witness a fascinating rematch between two of the world’s most advanced fighter jets: the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Rafale. This exercise, scheduled for August 2024, will see participation from prominent air forces, including Germany, France, Italy, and the United States.

Both Germany and France have confirmed their participation in Tarang Shakti-2024, bringing their respective Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale jets to Indian skies. This is significant as both aircraft are currently vying for a major deal with the IAF under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which seeks to acquire 114 fighter jets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The ambitious plan to develop a 90-seater regional transport aircraft (RTA) for India faces a major roadblock: a lack of funding. C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), confirmed that the project is currently stalled due to the $2 billion funding requirement yet to be approved.

Ananthakrishnan outlined two potential approaches: a clean sheet design and a derivative design based on an existing aircraft. While the clean sheet design, offering more flexibility but higher costs, would require two phases of development (engineering & prototype manufacturing), the derivative option might be more cost-effective. However, both options remain dependent on securing the necessary funds.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is poised for a major shakeup in its armoured fleet as it grapples with the impending retirement and storage of over 50% of its T-72 tanks within the next 7-8 years. These Soviet-era workhorses, serving as the mainstay of the Indian Army since 1982, are approaching their end of life, while their replacement program, the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT), remains stalled after a decade of delays.

The Army currently operates around 2,400 T-72 tanks, most of which have exceeded their 30-year service life. While extensive overhauls provided an extra 10-15 years, these tanks lack the modern capabilities needed for contemporary warfare. The situation is further complicated by the Russia-Ukraine war, hindering access to critical spares for maintenance and repairs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) are nearing a major deal with GE Aerospace Defence & Systems for the F414 engine, a significant step forward for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs.

GE President Amy Gowder last month confirmed progress on the deal, stating that a detailed technical proposal will be submitted to HAL soon. The final contract, including component specifications and costs, is expected before summer, paving the way for engine production.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Asian race to develop 5th generation fighter jets is heating up, with South Korea and Turkey achieving significant milestones in their respective programs, the KF-21 and TF-X (TAI KAAN). This raises concerns about India’s own AMCA program, which appears to be lagging behind despite the country’s need for advanced fighter aircraft.

Both South Korea and Turkey have demonstrated remarkable urgency in their 5th gen programs. Both programs received national priority status, enabling faster development and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. While the KF-21 lacks an internal weapons bay (IWB) and initial deployments will be limited, it serves as a stepping stone towards a fully fledged 5th gen fighter within a decade. Similarly, the TF-X, despite relying on older American engines for now, is actively developing its own powerplant.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The United States’ proposal to co-produce the Stryker Armoured combat vehicle in India continues to gain momentum. A recent visit by a US team aimed to finalize specific requirements for the Indian Army’s needs. However, the project faces both potential and roadblocks.

While the Army evaluated the Stryker favorably during joint Indo-US military exercises, concerns exist about its current form. Reportedly, the smaller engine hinders its suitability for high-altitude operations. The project has also drawn criticism from Indian private and public sectors who claim they can deliver a comparable solution at a lower cost. Three local companies have proposed DRDO’s WhAP platform, while DRDO itself is developing the New Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP-Wheeled).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The indigenously developed DRDO DATRAN 1500 engine is inching closer to powering India’s main battle tanks, but it won’t be a quick drop-in replacement. The engine, boasting 100hp more than the current MTU MB 838 Ka-501 engines in Arjun tanks, requires modifications before seamless integration.

idrw.org has been told by the people familiar with the program Challenges that DRDO is working on for seamless integration into the Arjun tanks. 

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is setting its sights on the export potential for the upcoming Tejas MkII fighter jet, aiming to position it as a competitive option in the medium-category market. This strategic shift comes as several current-generation Russian fighter jet operators seek alternatives due to political tensions and rising costs.

With many former Soviet states looking to replace ageing Russian jets but finding Western options cost-prohibitive, the Tejas MkII seeks to bridge the gap. Offering advanced capabilities at a potentially attractive price point, it could become a viable contender for nations like Vietnam, Algeria, and African Countries.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for the next stage in its development of the RudraM series of air-to-surface missiles. According to sources close to idrw.org, HAL Nashik Division has completed modifications on Su-30 MKI aircraft (SB-214) to enable captive flight trials of the RudraM-III, a long-range variant boasting impressive capabilities.

The RudraM-III, weighing 1.6 tons, packs a punch with its 300-400kg warhead and a staggering 600km range when launched from an 11km altitude at Mach 0.9. This significant reach surpasses its predecessors, the RudraM and RudraM-II, and expands the IAF’s strike capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed delivery of the 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) Light Combat Helicopters (LCH Prachand) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army Aviation (AAC). These helicopters will be used for extensive evaluation purposes before HAL secures a major production contract.

HAL aims to acquire a contract for 145 LCH Prachands from both the IAF and AAC. To secure this deal, they have been tasked with swiftly integrating Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and incorporating user-suggested minor modifications to increase firepower.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Philippine Aerospace Development Corp (PADC) has initiated a significant strategic partnership with the renowned Indian aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The collaboration aims to introduce the advanced Tejas Mk1A aircraft to the Philippines, specifically designed to serve as a potent naval strike platform integrated with the formidable Brahmos NG missile system.

This groundbreaking alliance represents a pivotal moment in the defense capabilities of the Philippines, as it seeks to enhance its aerial prowess and maritime security. HAL’s willingness to engage in a partnership for the local assembly of the Tejas aircraft by PADC underscores the mutual trust and confidence between the two nations in addressing defense requirements.