SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its artillery capabilities with the acquisition of 307 advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS), in a move that reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces. This procurement, valued at over Rs 8,000 crore, underscores the Indian Army’s dedication to strengthening its arsenal with state-of-the-art artillery systems.

The proposal for this substantial acquisition has been initiated by the Indian Army and is in the final stages of approval. The order is set to be divided between two private Indian firms, Tata and Bharat Forge, both of which have demonstrated their expertise in developing variants of the ATAGS based on technological know-how shared by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has released its annual report, shedding light on its innovative work in the development of Target Tracking Algorithms for Infrared Search & Track (IRST) applications. These advancements are part of a project sponsored by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), further reinforcing India’s capabilities in defence technology.

The report highlights the substantial progress made in the development of multi-target tracking algorithms for the IRST System and Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) to be employed in advanced multi-role combat aircraft, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-II and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled its ambitious upgrade plan for 84 units of the Sukhoi-30MKI, transforming them into the formidable “Super Sukhoi” configuration. This comprehensive upgrade encompasses a range of cutting-edge components and systems that will significantly enhance the aircraft’s operational capabilities.

Here’s a closer look at the key components that will be integrated into the Super Sukhoi:

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to make a significant move to bolster its fleet with the potential acquisition of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This development comes as part of the IAF’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities and maintain air superiority. IAF will move files to get clearance from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the purchase of additional jets later this month. 

Last week, the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, revealed the air force’s intentions to seek approval for the acquisition of 97 more Tejas Mk1A jets. The plan aims to conclude the deal for these additional aircraft by the end of the year, with an estimated cost of 60,000 crores.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious Project Zorawar, aimed at developing a 25-ton Light Battle Tank to counter Chinese deployments in high altitudes, has faced engine delays, leading to a potential shift to an American Cummins engine for the program. The project is a joint effort by the DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) and L&T (Larsen & Toubro).

The setbacks in the development of the indigenous tank primarily stem from the German MTU engine manufacturer’s failure to agree on the delivery terms set by DRDO-L&T. As a result, the program is now considering an American Cummins engine as an alternative. This decision could impact the project’s timeline.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is on a path of modernization and augmentation of its capabilities, and one of the latest developments involves the incorporation of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) into its submarine fleet. These UUVs are set to play a significant role in various underwater operations, providing the Navy with advanced capabilities and versatility.

Diverse Applications for UUVs in the Indian Navy

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a significant modernization journey with its Super Sukhoi program. This initiative aims to upgrade 84 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft, providing them with cutting-edge capabilities and enhancing their performance. While the program includes some components from Russia, the majority of upgrades are being developed indigenously, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology.

Under the Super Sukhoi program, these formidable aircraft will receive 51 major upgrades, transforming them into even more potent assets for the IAF. 

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious project to develop the Archer-NG, a Weaponized Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), is gaining momentum, with the rollout of the prototype expected by the end of the coming month. The Archer-NG is a significant development in India’s drone capabilities and is set to play a crucial role in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, tracking, and strike missions.

Initially, the rollout of the Archer-NG had been planned for mid-2023, as stated by officials from the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) during Aero India 2023. However, due to some delays in the construction process, the schedule was postponed by approximately three to four months. The first test flight of this advanced armed drone is now anticipated to occur within the next six months.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a proactive step to enhance its defence capabilities by deciding to fund and develop low-cost Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) solutions. These systems are designed to safeguard against emerging low-cost aerial threats such as loitering ammunitions and subsonic cruise missiles. The move comes as the threat landscape is rapidly evolving, necessitating innovative solutions to protect key airbases and facilities.

IAF airbases are typically equipped with Surface and Air Defense systems that provide what is known as “Inner Cover” against aerial threats, including fighter jets and helicopters. However, recent conflicts, such as the Russian-Ukraine war, have highlighted the use of cost-effective loitering ammunition and subsonic cruise missiles. These threats are not only more affordable than traditional missiles used for interception but can also lead to saturation attacks, overwhelming existing air defence systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Retired Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, a prominent advocate for indigenous fighter jet programs in India, has voiced his support for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and their role in the development of the Tejas MkII fighter jet. In an interview with ANI, he emphasized the need for HAL to have the capacity to deliver at least 24 Tejas MkII fighter jets annually when production begins in 2028 and onwards.

The Tejas MkII is a crucial addition to the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it is intended to replace mid-tier fighter jets, including the Anglo-French Jaguars, Russian Mig-29UPG, and French Mirage-2000H. The IAF has committed to procuring 120 Tejas MkII fighter jets in the first instalment, with an additional 60 in the second instalment. This procurement could potentially expand to a fleet of 200 Tejas MkII fighter jets by 2040.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Philippine Army (PA) is set to bolster its coastal defence capabilities with the acquisition of the Indian-made BrahMos cruise missile system. This move is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) strategy to enhance its ability to safeguard the country’s coastlines. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. recently revealed the plan during a media interview.

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has already initiated its procurement of the BrahMos cruise missile system, placing an order for three batteries. The Philippine Army, in coordination with the PMC, intends to further strengthen the nation’s coastal defence capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Italian firm Whitehead Sistemi Subacquei (WASS), a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, is once again making a compelling pitch for the sale of the Black Shark torpedo, an advanced, long-range, multi-purpose, heavy-weight torpedo. This torpedo is designed to be equipped on the Indian Kalvari class of submarines, marking a significant development following the lifting of sanctions on its parent company.

Initially, the six Kalvari-class submarines were intended to be equipped with the Black Shark, representing a next-generation, fully stealthy heavyweight torpedo. It boasted the capability to be fired from deep and coastal waters, and it could be launched in both push-out and swim-out modes at any operational depth of a submarine. However, due to sanctions imposed on its parent firm, alternative Russian and Indian torpedoes were used on the fleet that has now been lifted by India.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is at the forefront of India’s aerospace endeavours, particularly in the development of the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) jets for the Indian Navy. In a bid to ensure these fighters are combat-ready 24/7, ADA is investing heavily in next-generation technologies.

Precision in aircraft positioning and orientation plays a pivotal role in the success of automatic takeoff (ATOL) and automatic carrier landing systems (ACLS). These challenges intensify when landing on aircraft carriers due to the ever-shifting touchdown point caused by the carrier’s motion and dynamics.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering eliminating the Russian offer of its fighter jets from the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets even before the Request for Proposal (RFP) is sent to prospective Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This decision, if approved by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), marks a significant shift in India’s defence procurement strategy.

The IAF recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the MRFA tender, to which Russia responded with offers of its Su-35 and Mig-35 fighter jets. However, it appears that the IAF is now leaning toward excluding these Russian options in the early stages of the procurement process.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview with ANI, former Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria shed light on a significant development that took place in the aftermath of the Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese forces. During his tenure as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), the Indian Air Force (IAF) made a strategic move in anticipation of potential escalations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

According to Bhadauria, the IAF took a proactive approach to bolster its capabilities in the event of a full-fledged war with China. In response to the escalating tensions, the IAF deployed BrahMos-A equipped Su-30MKI fighter aircraft near the LAC. This strategic move was part of the IAF’s preparedness to carry out ground strikes if the need arose.