SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move to bolster its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army is set to acquire a substantial number of Towed Gun Systems (TGS) for its Medium Regiment, a crucial part of the Regiment of Artillery. The plan entails procuring at least 20 regiments, with each regiment typically consisting of 18 to 20 guns.

While the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) has garnered attention for its impressive features, weighing approximately 18 tons, it may not be the optimal solution for all types of terrain. To address this concern and ensure the army’s readiness for varied operational environments, the Indian Army is exploring the acquisition of 155mm X 52 Calibre guns that fall below 15 tons.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia has given approval for the country to secure up to USD 2.16 billion in foreign loans, which will be utilized to acquire air-independent propulsion (AIP)-)-capable submarines. This significant move reflects Indonesia’s commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities and enhancing its maritime defence.

Indonesia’s naval shipbuilder, PT PAL, and France’s renowned naval defence company, Naval Group, entered into a preliminary agreement on February 10th to collaborate on the construction of two Scorpène submarines for the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL). These submarines are equipped with advanced air-independent propulsion technology, which provides increased operational endurance and stealth capabilities, making them a valuable asset for Indonesia’s naval forces.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In an exclusive interview with “Uday India,” Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shed light on the remarkable performance of India’s indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) in comparison to the Russian-developed T-90 MBTs. Dr Kamat’s insights underscore the untapped potential of the Arjun MBT and the challenges it faces due to limited orders.

The Arjun MBT has consistently demonstrated its superiority over the T-90 MBTs across various parameters. However, despite its impressive performance, the Arjun has encountered hurdles primarily stemming from the lack of substantial orders from the Indian Army. This has led to a high import content for the tank, resulting in supply chain constraints that have posed sustenance challenges.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a search for used ERJ145 aircraft, a prior generation of Embraer regional jets, to bolster its Netra Mk1A Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) program. This decision comes despite the fact that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA ceased production of this specific aircraft type in 2020.

Presently, the IAF operates two ERJ145 Netra Mk1 AEW&CS platforms, while one remains under the custody of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for further development and research.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Jorge Tamarit Degenhardt, Vice President and Head of the C295 India Programme at Airbus, recently shared insights into the company’s expectations for the C295 Transport aircraft in India. In an interview with Indian media, he revealed that Airbus is in discussions with multiple Indian agencies, including the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Border Security Force (BSF), for the potential sale of an additional 50 to 100 C295 aircraft.

This projection comes after the Indian Air Force (IAF) placed an order for 56 C295 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to modernize its transport aircraft fleet. However, Airbus believes there is strong potential for additional orders, driven by various requirements from Indian defence and security forces.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In an exclusive interview with “Uday India,” Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), provided valuable insights into the journey of the Kaveri Engine—a pivotal component of India’s aerospace ambitions. While acknowledging certain challenges, Dr Kamat unequivocally stated that the Kaveri Engine cannot be branded as a failure, highlighting its ongoing evolution and prospects.

The Kaveri Engine has long been associated with India’s ambitious Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program. While it faced difficulties in meeting the desired thrust levels for the LCA platform, Dr. Kamat emphasized that the engine’s story is far from over. He particularly lauded the progress made in the development of the Dry Kaveri engine program. This dry engine variant, devoid of afterburners, has demonstrated its adaptability and utility, especially in the context of future unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is set to embark on a groundbreaking initiative to integrate micro-drones with its fleet of Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). This visionary project aims to enhance the Army’s combat capabilities by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous aerial systems.

Micro-drones, small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have emerged as invaluable assets on the modern battlefield. Their compact size and advanced technology make them ideal for a wide range of applications, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. The Indian Army recognizes the potential of micro-drones to revolutionize its operations and is taking decisive steps to leverage this technology.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Pentagon is making efforts to strengthen its military ties with India and prevent further strategic military hardware deals between India and Russia. To achieve this goal, the United States is considering offering India military hardware on a long-term lease, a practice often employed by Russia in its dealings with India.

Over the past few years, the United States has been actively working to reduce India’s military dependence on Russia. While Russia remains India’s largest supplier of military hardware, there has been a noticeable decline in Russian military imports by India, which has dropped by 19% in the last five years, primarily due to sanctions imposed on Russia.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Russian Main Battle Tanks’ performance in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised concerns in India, which boasts one of the world’s largest fleets of Russian-designed T-90 and T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).

With nearly 4,000 of these tanks in its arsenal, the Indian Army is taking steps to enhance its combat capabilities and address vulnerabilities that have become apparent.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given the green light to a long-pending demand for the acquisition of 12 additional Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft. These aircraft will be locally manufactured by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with kits to be supplied by Russia.

One of the key aspects of this procurement is that these new Sukhoi-30MKI units are expected to undergo structural hardening. This process is vital to enable these aircraft to operate the 2.5-ton BrahMos-A Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), a capability exclusive to the modified Su-30MKI.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a prominent laboratory within the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is making significant strides in the development of a crucial component for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs). They are working on a Hybrid Rotary Base Junction (HRBJ) designed to facilitate the seamless transfer of power, control, and various signals between the turret and hull sections of AFVs.

In an AFV, the turret serves as the rotating component housing the main gun, while the hull functions as the mobile platform. Efficient communication between the systems within the turret and the hull is essential for the AFV’s proper operation. However, a suitable HRBJ isn’t readily available as an off-the-shelf product.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

In a formal ceremony held at the Philippines Marine Corps Headquarters, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, participated in the handover of upgraded armored vehicles by Indian company Larsen & Toubro (L&T). This significant event marks a milestone in the cooperation between India and the Philippines in bolstering the latter’s defense capabilities.

The Philippines Armed Forces (AFP) awarded the Light Armor System Upgrade (LARSU) contract to Larsen & Toubro in 2019. This contract underscores the commitment of both countries to enhance the operational readiness of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force. The focus of this upgrade effort is to revitalize the existing Light Armor Vehicles (LAVs) used by the Marines and Air Force components.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier aeronautical laboratory under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in India, is making significant strides in advancing aviation technology. One of their latest endeavours involves the development of Flight Control System (FCS) Test Facilities for both manned and unmanned aircraft programs. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its aviation capabilities and fostering indigenous innovation.

ADE has established itself as a hub of aerospace excellence in India. As a vital component of DRDO, ADE is at the forefront of research and development in aeronautics, contributing to the nation’s defence and scientific progress. Their pursuit of cutting-edge technology is evident in their latest project: the creation of FCS Test Facilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a prominent Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company, has received the crucial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a comprehensive upgrade of nearly 60 Dornier-228 aircraft. These aircraft are already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy, and this modernization initiative represents a substantial step forward in enhancing their operational capabilities.

The Dornier-228 is a versatile and reliable multi-purpose light transport aircraft. HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur has been manufacturing these aircraft since 1985. Over the years, HAL has produced approximately 125 Dornier-228s, establishing the aircraft as a trusted workhorse for various military and civil applications.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian military is closely observing the effective use of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service by Ukraine’s military, which has significantly improved broadband communications in its defence efforts against Russia. This development has prompted Indian military strategists to explore the possibility of establishing their satellite constellation to enhance communication, imagery, and internet services on the battlefield.

Space startups in India are likely to play a crucial role in the development and deployment of such a satellite constellation. The goal is to create a dedicated satellite network that can support military operations with reliable and secure connectivity, even in remote or hostile environments.