SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a strategic move to bolster its defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated collaboration with Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets. The objective is to integrate advanced Indian-made weaponry, specifically the ‘Astra Air-to-Air Missile,’ into these combat aircraft. This integration represents a significant step forward in enhancing the Rafale’s combat capabilities.

Under this collaboration, the IAF will take responsibility for the costs associated with integrating the Astra Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile onto the Rafale aircraft. Dassault Aviation will be tasked with developing the essential software codes required for seamless interaction between the missile and various sensors and avionics onboard the fighter.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is forging ahead with ambitious Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) programs, Netra MkII aimed at upgrading India’s AEW&CS capabilities. DRDO’s Center for Airborne Systems (CABS) is spearheading this initiative, which involves the conversion of six pre-owned A321 aircraft from Air India into AEW&CS platforms.

These aircraft will be equipped with a dual-sided antenna array housed in a dorsal ‘plank’ fairing, similar to the Netra MkI. However, significant improvements in search and tracking capabilities will be achieved, thanks to the higher power output from the aircraft’s advanced engines.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has embarked on a mission to find a suitable replacement for its ageing AN-32 transport aircraft, as the earliest members of this fleet are set to mark 44 years in service by 2031-32. The AN-32, initially introduced in 1986, has served the IAF diligently for decades, but with the passage of time and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the aircraft’s reliability and availability have been increasingly compromised.

While the AN-32 was known for its robust performance and powerful engines, the challenges of sourcing spare parts and addressing obsolescence issues have taken a toll on its longevity. In response to these concerns, an ‘upgrade’ initiative was proposed in 2009 to enhance the aircraft’s structural integrity, avionics, and communication systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Nashik Division, is gearing up for a series of critical activities to carry out Captive Trials of RudraM-III Air to Surface Missile aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Su-30 MKI aircraft. These trials will involve various modifications and installations on the aircraft to enable the integration of advanced technologies and munitions.

Su-30 MKI aircraft, designated as SB-214, will undergo activation of trial modifications at stations No. 5 and 6. SB-214 was also used to test Astra BVRAAM and NGARM advanced missile systems in past. 

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

General Electric (GE) is poised to secure a substantial order for 120 F404-GE-IN20 engines as the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepare to finalize a deal for the supply of more than 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, expected to be signed next year. This development follows HAL’s 2021 contract with GE Aviation, valued at $716 million, for 99 F404 engines to power 73 LCA-Tejas Mk1A and 10 Tejas Mk1A Trainer aircraft.

To date, 75 F404 engines have been delivered, and an additional 99, also valued at $716 million, are on order for the Tejas Mark 1. GE Aviation is set to commence deliveries of the first batch of F404-GE-IN20 engines later this year, with ongoing deliveries coinciding with the production of LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development for India’s military aviation capabilities, the country is set to test a Common Launcher designed for its Su-30MKI fleet in the coming year. This launcher, which has been in development for some time, aims to revolutionize the flexibility and efficiency of weapon integration into the Su-30 aircraft.

The concept for the Common Launcher was conceived last year when the Indian Air Force identified the need for a versatile launcher that could accommodate various weapons and pods for different mission requirements under the Make-II (Industry Funded) initiative. 

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview with Indian media outlet NDTV, Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson for Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, expressed Nigeria’s keen interest in acquiring Indian defence technology, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Ngelale also mentioned Nigeria’s interest in technology transfers related to drones and more advanced armoured personnel carriers.

Nigeria’s Armed Forces have been actively modernizing their defence capabilities, with a particular focus on air superiority and ground attack capabilities. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently operates a range of advanced fighter jets, including the JF-17, F-7Ni, A-29 Super Tucanos, and the Alpha Jet. These aircraft are capable of engaging both aerial and ground threats, ensuring Nigeria’s air superiority.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

JSR Dynamics Private Limited, a Nagpur-based private limited company, has secured a significant victory by winning the Indian Navy Open Challenge 8.0 for the development of a Long Range Powered Precision Guidance Munition. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to advancing India’s defence capabilities and highlights its innovative approach to munition technology.

JSR Dynamics: A Pioneer in Defense Technology JSR Dynamics, led by Air Marshal (Retd) SB Deo, has emerged as a key player in India’s defence technology landscape. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of a wide range of defence systems, including glide bombs, range extension kits, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions. With a strong focus on research and innovation, JSR Dynamics has become a formidable force in the defence sector.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Akash-NG (Next Generation) surface-to-air missile system, a short-range mobile system with a range of up to 30 kilometres, is gearing up for confirmatory trials later this year in a near-production standard variant. This development comes after the successful testing of the system in 2021, marking a significant advancement in India’s air defence capabilities.

Earlier this year, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) achieved a crucial milestone by delivering the first Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker of the Akash-NG Weapon System. This RF Seeker, produced at BDL’s newly commissioned state-of-the-art Seeker Facility Centre (SFC), was handed over to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The RF Seeker is a pivotal and technologically advanced subsystem used in Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) and Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs) for target tracking during the terminal phase of flight.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its Airbus A321 fleet as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its airborne capabilities. After receiving clearance to procure six Airbus A321 commercial platforms for conversion into Netra 2.0 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the IAF is now planning to acquire seven additional Airbus A321 platforms from the used market. These aircraft will be repurposed for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications jamming (COMJAM) roles, further strengthening the IAF’s operational versatility.

The specific requirements entail acquiring five aircraft that will be suitably integrated and certified by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for SIGINT and COMJAM duties. Additionally, two aircraft will be designated for SIGINT roles. Initially, the IAF is considering procuring three aircraft in the first phase of this expansion.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Embraer, a renowned Brazilian aerospace company, has extended an enticing offer to Indian manufacturers, presenting them with the opportunity to collaborate on its next-generation turboprop concept. This innovative proposal has the potential to revolutionize regional transport aircraft in India. The concept, which has been evolving since its inception in 2017, showcases a conventionally powered turboprop design with twin engines at the rear of the fuselage, capable of ferrying between 70 and 90 passengers.

Embraer’s approach to the development of its regional turboprop is characterized by careful consideration and strategic collaboration. The company has taken a patient approach, emphasizing the importance of finding suitable partners in India. Among the potential collaborators is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned aerospace and defence company. HAL previously had plans to develop regional turboprop aircraft in partnership with the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). Embraer’s proposal aligns with India’s ambitions to strengthen its aerospace capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy’s ambitious program for the development of a Shore Based Guided Rocket (SB-GR) System is on the verge of receiving “Approval in principle (AIP)” from the Collegiate Committee of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The project has reached a critical juncture, with the feasibility study set to be submitted in the coming months.

The Shore-Based Guided Rocket (SB-GR) System, designated as the R Battery, encompasses a comprehensive array of components, including the Launcher Vehicle, Command Post, Loading Vehicle, and Replenishment Vehicle. The core of the system comprises SB-GR rockets equipped with advanced features such as a Guidance System, Warhead, Fuses, and Propulsion System. This innovative system is envisioned as an anti-submarine weapon, with multiple rocket launchers encased in a pod arrangement.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Airbus, one of the world’s premier aircraft manufacturers, has thrown its hat into the ring in response to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Request for Information (RFI) for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). Their offering? The formidable A400M Atlas is a versatile transport aircraft that stands poised to redefine the nation’s strategic airlift capabilities.

The A400M Atlas, a substantial aircraft by any measure, fits snugly between the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in terms of size. However, where it truly distinguishes itself is in its carrying capacity. Capable of ferrying twice the weight of a C-130 and boasting an additional 10 tons of payload capacity compared to the Embraer C-390M, it offers India a robust and versatile solution for their MTA needs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned aerospace and defence company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is gearing up for a substantial modernization project aimed at upgrading the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft. This initiative, set to commence from the fiscal year 2026-27, represents a significant leap in India’s efforts to enhance its air combat capabilities and keep pace with the evolving landscape of aerial warfare.

The proposed upgrades to the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet are both comprehensive and ambitious. HAL envisions a radical transformation of these formidable fighter aircraft, encompassing various key aspects:

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards enhancing India’s defence capabilities, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and the UAE-based EDGE Group have jointly developed the Al Tariq-LR, a long-range precision-guided munition (PGM). This advanced weapon system is poised to undergo testing from a HAL-owned fighter jet in 2024.

The collaboration between these two entities promises to bring modular, long-range precision capabilities to India’s arsenal, bolstering its precision-guided munition offerings. The Al Tariq-LR is designed to provide precise strikes against a variety of targets, including high-priority-fixed, off-axis, moving, and re-locatable ones.