SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is considering changes to its requirements for Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) in light of evolving modern warfare tactics and the potential for utilizing the platform for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and uncrewed fighter jets.

In 2021, the Indian Ministry of Defence issued a request for information (RFI) for the procurement of four LPDs. The RFI specified that the ships should have a “through deck” design, capable of accommodating at least two heavy-lift helicopters, 12 Special Operations Helicopters, and two NSUAS (Naval Ship-born Unmanned Aerial System). Additionally, the RFI stated that the platform should be able to simultaneously operate at least four Special Ops helicopters, including one NSUAS.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

At the Dubai Airshow 2023, India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the successful integration of the Al Tariq precision-guided weapon (PGW) onto the LCA-Tejas fighter jet. The Al Tariq PGW is a UAE-developed weapon system manufactured by EDGE Group subsidiary Al Tariq.

According to sources familiar with the program, feasibility studies have been conducted to ensure the safe and seamless integration of the PGW with the LCA-Tejas aircraft. Trials of the Al Tariq PGW are scheduled for the first half of next year.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are collaborating to finalize the configuration of the new GaN-Based AESA Radar that will be developed under Project Virupaksha for the upgraded Su-30MKI fighter jets under the Project “Super 30” Program.

DRDO and HAL conducted initial feasibility studies on the development of an upgraded Uttam AESA Radar for the Su-30MKI fighter jets. These studies resulted in the conceptualization of two or three configurations for the radar, and the Indian Air Force (IAF) has approved one of these configurations for further development.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Instruments Research and Development Establishment (LRDE) has issued tenders for the development of a Distributed Aperture System (DAS-HD).

 This advanced system is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the situational awareness and combat effectiveness of future fighter jets, including India’s upcoming 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The indigenously-developed Tactical Aerial Platform for Advanced Surveillance (TAPAS) 201 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be subjected to weight reduction measures to address its current overweight condition. The UAV is currently unable to climb beyond 28,000 feet (8,534.4 meters), falling short of the Indian Tri-Services’ mandated 30,000-foot operational ceiling.

Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) will collaborate with private sector companies to achieve a weight reduction of 150-200 kilograms. Additionally, efforts will be made to minimize drag, which has been hindering the UAV’s ability to maintain the required cruising speed for prolonged endurance.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman & Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, has announced ambitious plans to significantly increase the indigenous content of avionics systems in military platforms.

The company aims to achieve an impressive 75-80% level of indigenous avionics within the next five years, marking a significant leap from the current 40-45% used in platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Dhruv.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has provided further insight into its ambitious Next-Gen Launch Vehicle (NGLV) program, revealing details about two variants: a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) version.

Leveraging existing technologies and infrastructure, the NGLV boasts a significantly shorter development time compared to previous launch vehicles. This accelerated timeline promises faster realization and deployment, allowing ISRO to remain at the forefront of space exploration.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to make a strong case for the induction of six more Netra Mk1A airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS) aircraft in the upcoming year. This upgraded variant will complement the three existing Netra Mk1 AEW&CS aircraft that are already operational with the IAF.

The Netra Mk1A aircraft will be equipped with an enhanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These aircraft will be based on the Embraer ERJ 145 twin-engine platform, similar to the existing Netra Mk1 fleet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Establishment’s (ADE) proposed development of the Armed Archer-NG MALE-Class UAV has been met with increased scrutiny from the Indian Armed Forces. The Armed Forces have set stringent benchmarks for the UAV, demanding that it achieves an operational altitude of over 30,000 feet, an endurance of 18 hours or more, and the capability to carry a payload of 300kg, including weapons.

These stringent requirements stem from the shortcomings of the previous Tapas program, ADE’s first attempt at developing a MALE-Class UAV. The Tapas program failed to meet several benchmarks, raising concerns about ADE’s capabilities in this domain.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Advanced Weapons and Equipment India (AWEIL) is poised to significantly bolster the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities by delivering 26 new Dhanush howitzers during the current financial year. This delivery will bring the total number of Dhanush guns in service to 50, marking a major step towards fulfilling the Army’s order of 114 guns in total.

However, production faced delays due to procurement challenges for a critical spare used in a sub-assembly. As components are sourced from both the private sector within India and overseas suppliers, the specific delay stemmed from an Indian private vendor’s inability to acquire the necessary spare from an international source promptly.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is gearing up to complete its massive drydock facility at its Ravipuram shipyard in Kochi, India. With a capacity to accommodate vessels of up to 70,000-tonne docking displacement, the drydock will be operational by June 2024 and is expected to play a pivotal role in the construction of India’s third indigenous aircraft carrier, IAC-III.

The drydock, constructed for Rs 1,799 crore, boasts a unique ‘stepped’ layout and a design life of 100 years. It was initially designed to accommodate the proposed IAC-II aircraft carrier, which was envisioned to be larger than the Indian Navy’s current INS Vikrant. However, due to budgetary constraints, the Navy opted for a sister ship of INS Vikrant, a 44,000-ton displacement aircraft carrier.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a challenge under the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative seeking proposals from private sector companies to design and develop pressurized radomes for Indian Air Force (IAF) radars.

Radomes are protective enclosures that house radar antennas, shielding them from harsh weather conditions and ensuring optimal performance. Pressurized radomes are specifically designed for high-altitude operations, maintaining the necessary atmospheric pressure inside the enclosure to prevent damage to the radar system.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a bid to bolster its presence in the global aviation market, Russia’s Rosoboronexport is proposing a trilateral co-production plan for its fifth-generation Su-57E fighter jets with India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This strategic move comes at a time when both India and the UAE are considering their options for acquiring next-generation fighter aircraft.

The UAE, which has suspended talks with the US regarding a $23 billion deal for the purchase of 50 F-35 fighter jets, is seeking alternatives to meet its defence requirements. The Su-57E, with its advanced stealth capabilities and impressive performance, has emerged as a potential contender for the UAE’s fighter jet program.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is determined to reduce its reliance on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the supply of weapons systems. In a significant move, the IAF has decided to seek indigenously developed air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons for the fighter jets selected under the Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

The MRFA tender aims to procure 114 fighter jets that will be locally manufactured in India. Six OEMs have responded to the request for information (RFI) issued in April 2019, and they have been informed about the IAF’s decision to prioritize indigenous weapons for these jets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Chennai-based MRF is expanding its reach into the military-grade tire market with plans to develop and supply tires for Rafale M and TEDBF Deck-based fighter jets. This move comes after the company successfully developed nose wheel and main wheel tires for the Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets.

MRF’s foray into military-grade tires began in 2014 when it developed tires for the Su-30MKI and MiG-29UPG fighter jets. The company has since developed tires for the Tejas Mk1A and Tejas MkII fighter jets, as well as the IL-76 Transporter, P-8I MPA Aircraft, Seaking, ALH-Dhruv, and Chetak helicopters.