SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has taken a significant step in advancing its capabilities by upgrading its test cell to accommodate American F414-INS6 engines. This development comes as part of India’s efforts to indigenously manufacture and integrate these engines for the Tejas Mk 2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk I fighter jet programs, bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat capabilities.

The GTRE, a premier research organization under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has invested in upgrading the test cell with a secondary power system cradle, making it capable of conducting performance tests for the powerful F414-INS6 engines. These engines, manufactured by GE Aerospace, possess a thrust capability of 98 kN, making them well-suited to power advanced fighter aircraft like the Tejas Mk 2 and AMCA Mk I.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a premier DRDO lab, has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge naval technologies for the Indian Navy. After the successful development and induction of the Ship-launched Varunastra heavy-weight torpedo, NSTL has now set its sights on creating a new next-generation submarine-launched torpedo.

The Ship-launched Varunastra torpedo, which has been inducted into the Indian Navy since 2016, has already demonstrated its prowess in over 150 trials. With this achievement, India joined the elite club of eight countries that have developed their heavy-weight torpedoes. However, developing a torpedo for a submarine launch presents its own unique set of challenges, requiring much smaller dimensions to fit within the compact space of a submarine.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive the fourth Indian Tejas aircraft, the PV2 version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), which will be dedicated to the Technical Type Training School (TETTRA).

TETTRA schools have a crucial role in providing theoretical and practical training on aviation-related topics to IAF Officers and Airmen. These institutions offer various levels of knowledge to air force pilots from different regions of the country through 91 specialized courses. These courses cover diverse aspects of aviation, ensuring that the pilots are well-versed in the latest technologies and methodologies.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The recent war between Ukraine and Russia witnessed a significant development in the field of warfare – the emergence of low-cost loitering munitions. These munitions, also known as suicide drones, can be swiftly assembled at a record-low cost, offering a promising avenue for the development of such programs in India.

Several private sector companies in India have already made strides in this domain, and the Indian Army has inducted various loitering munitions. However, to fully leverage the potential of this technology, the focus now lies on driving down costs while maintaining high-quality standards.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a resolute display of commitment to indigenous defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has firmly backed the development of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a cutting-edge 5th-generation fighter jet program.

A senior IAF official, speaking to idrw.org, confirmed that the IAF is not considering the procurement of any other 5th-generation fighter jet, and its complete focus lies on supporting the AMCA program, which is making steady progress towards securing clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at an estimated cost of 15,000 crores.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The landscape of modern warfare is rapidly evolving, and with it comes the demand for cutting-edge technologies that can enhance the capabilities of mechanized forces. In response to this need, the Ordinance Factory Chandigarh has taken a significant step forward by issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Enabled Manned & Unmanned Tanks & Drones Teaming System.

The EOI is a call for collaboration with potential partners for the design, development, proof of concept, production, and supply of AI-enabled manned and unmanned teaming systems for tanks and drones. This initiative aims to create a state-of-the-art AI-driven platform that will revolutionize the way mechanized forces operate in varied terrains and dynamic environments.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards enhancing its naval capabilities by issuing Requests For Information (RFI)s to procure 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) from registered Indian Shipyards. This move is part of the Navy’s strategic vision to bolster its maritime security and countermeasure operations.

The MCMVs are set to be constructed in a phased manner over eight years, with the order split between L1 and L2 Shipyards in a ratio of 8:4. These vessels are envisioned to be versatile and capable of carrying out various operational roles, including Mine Counter Measure operations using Unmanned MCM Suite, Channel Mapping, Route Survey and Sanitization, Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Mine Laying, and Local Naval Defense.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Naval Prototype 5 (NP-5) of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Navy MkI Trainer aircraft has achieved a significant milestone by completing its engine ground run on January 16, 2023. This achievement was recently confirmed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a State-owned aerospace and defence company in India.

The LCA-Navy MkI Trainer aircraft was initially developed as a Technology Demonstrator for the larger LCA-Navy MkII, a Single Engine Deck-based fighter jet. However, the MkII variant was later abandoned in favour of the Twin-engined Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, which is expected to be a more capable and advanced aircraft with a weight of 26 tonnes.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant leap towards bolstering its defense capabilities, India’s indigenous startup, Redon Systems Private Limited (RSPL), has unveiled a groundbreaking technological marvel – Achuk, a barrel launched loitering munition system. This state-of-the-art drone-like weapon system has demonstrated its prowess in both semi-autonomous and autonomous modes, opening new avenues in modern warfare.

Achuk is designed to carry out precise and lethal missions with a 1.5 kg payload and an impressive operational height of 3500 meters. Operating seamlessly in a wide temperature range from -20 to 50 degrees Celsius, it can endure diverse environmental conditions. With an impressive strike radius of 30 kilometers, this loitering munition can effectively target terrorist hideouts, vehicles, fuel and ammunition dumps, among other high-value enemy assets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has charted out an ambitious plan to extend the operational life of its fleet of MiG-29 frontline fighter jets. The second life extension programme aims to delay the retirement of these formidable aircraft from the previously scheduled 2027 to a new target of 2037. This extension will effectively keep the fleet operational for nearly 50 years, showcasing the IAF’s commitment to optimizing its existing assets and bolstering its air defence capabilities.

The MiG-29 fighter jets were first inducted into the IAF in 1986 and played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s aerial prowess. As one of the initial export customers of this iconic fighter aircraft, India procured them from the Soviet Union. Over the years, the MiG-29 fleet has proven its mettle in various operational scenarios, displaying its versatility and combat capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s aerospace industry is on a path of rapid growth and technological advancement, with ambitious plans to establish itself as a key player in the global aviation sector. Dr Tessy Thomas, former Director General (aeronautics) of the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and project director of the Agni IV and Agni V missiles, recently revealed an exciting development in the country’s aviation landscape.

Dr Thomas stated that India is diligently working towards developing indigenous capabilities to manufacture engines for commercial airliners. With scientists focused on the development of civilian aircraft engines, India aims to achieve this significant milestone within the next two decades. This endeavour is poised to revolutionize the Indian aviation sector and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers for critical aviation components.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious 5th generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is rapidly approaching a crucial milestone with the potential approval of 15,000 crores by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for its development. As the program gains momentum and garners interest from around the world, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has advised the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to consider strategic partners in the project to enhance its global potential.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has pledged to procure seven squadrons of the AMCA, with variants ranging from MkI to MkII. The MkII variant is expected to be the most potent, featuring a new high-thrust engine jointly developed with French company Safran. The development of the AMCA will be principally funded by India, marking a significant step as it will be the first fighter jet program in the country to be manufactured by a private-sector consortium.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant step towards advancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in India, the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) proudly unveiled its latest creation, the QPlane – an all-electric hybrid UAV. The momentous occasion took place during the Curtain Raiser Event of One Week One Lab on August 2, 2023, in the presence of Dr V. K. Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog.

CSIR-NAL’s QPlane has been engineered with cutting-edge technology, allowing it to serve a multitude of purposes, including last-mile delivery and surveillance. The UAV’s impressive features and performance capabilities have caught the attention of the scientific community, making it a significant development in the field of UAV technology.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As India embarks on the development of its indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), it faces the challenge of managing the higher unit costs, maintenance costs, and upgrades associated with such advanced aircraft. While fifth-generation fighter jets inherently come with higher costs due to their cutting-edge technology and capabilities, India’s goal is to achieve a remarkable feat – to have a lifecycle cost that is 60 per cent less than any other comparable fifth-generation fighter jet.

The AMCA project envisions a fighter aircraft that will be at the forefront of modern warfare, incorporating the latest advancements in avionics, stealth technology, sensors, and weapons systems. The designers of the AMCA are taking into account the inclusion of expensive and sophisticated equipment that inevitably drives up the unit cost compared to its predecessors, the fourth-generation (4.5 gen) fighter jets. However, they are optimistic that the initial unit cost will stabilize once major orders for the upgraded MkII AMCA are finalized around 2035.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Adani Defence, a leading player in the Indian defence industry, has made a significant stride in bolstering the country’s defence capabilities by securing orders from the Indian Army for the UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM). This advanced weapon system was jointly developed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), showcasing the successful collaboration between the private sector and the government in strengthening India’s defence prowess.

The deliveries of the ULPGM are set to commence in the last quarters of the financial year 2023-24, marking a critical milestone in the adoption of cutting-edge technology by the Indian Army. The UAV Launched Precision Guided Munition had previously undergone successful developmental trials earlier this year, attesting to its effectiveness and reliability in combat situations.