SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

NSTL recently issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting prospective partners for the development and production of a cutting-edge Heavy Weight Torpedo (HWT) designed for deployment on Indian naval platforms. This ambitious endeavour, part of the P-75 Platforms initiative, aims to equip the Indian Navy with a formidable weapon to counter contemporary maritime threats effectively.

The Expression of Interest outlines a comprehensive scope of work, encompassing three distinct phases: development, production and testing, and long-term post-delivery support. Within these phases, various activities are envisaged, ranging from the initial development to the sustained operational readiness of the HWT. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of this groundbreaking project:

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India is on the brink of achieving a major milestone in its defence capabilities with the impending final user and developmental trials of its Indigenous Anti-Radiation Missile, Rudram 1.

This cutting-edge tactical anti-radiation missile, initially developed for the Indian Air Force, is poised to enhance India’s air defence capabilities significantly. Notably, Rudram 1 is set to be adapted for use with the LCA-Tejas and Dassault Rafale, further expanding its reach and potential.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In the ever-evolving landscape of naval warfare, India’s Next-Generation Destroyer (NGD), colloquially referred to as Project 18, is emerging as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to maritime security and technological advancement.

As of now, the NGD program is in the conceptual studies phase, with tantalizing details hinting at its potential. Commander PR Hari, IN (Retd.), who serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), shed light on the program’s timeline. In a recent media interview, he indicated that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the NGD program might be issued around 2026-27.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Ministry of Defence of the Government of India has unveiled its intention to procure 170 Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARV) built on a tracked platform. This strategic move is poised to strengthen India’s military capabilities by ensuring swift recovery and repair of armoured vehicles under various challenging terrain and weather conditions.

This Request for Information (RFI) is a pivotal step in the procurement process, aimed at finalizing the Specific Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determining the appropriate procurement category, and identifying potential Indian vendors capable of commencing ARV supply within two years of the contract award. The intended production rate is a minimum of 50 ARV vehicles per year, underscoring India’s commitment to expedited reinforcement of its military infrastructure.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), based in Mumbai, has taken a significant step towards enhancing India’s naval capabilities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy’s Submarine Design Group. The MoU, signed on August 25, 2023, paves the way for joint efforts in the research and development of cutting-edge technologies and equipment for submarines and other underwater vehicles.

This collaborative venture is poised to bring together the expertise and resources of the Indian Navy and MDL, aligning their efforts towards the indigenous design and development of submarines and underwater vehicles. Such a partnership is expected to make substantial contributions to India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which emphasizes self-reliance and indigenous development in various sectors, including defence.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Recent collaborative testing between the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and India-based aerospace start-up NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) has yielded results that corroborate experimental wind tunnel data. These findings align with wind tunnel modelling predictions conducted in India, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between AFRL and NRT.

The collaborative testing took place at the AFRL Vertical Wind Tunnel facility located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The CRADA between AFRL and NRT is part of the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), which aims to foster technical progress for both partners. CRADAs are valuable mechanisms for partnering with innovative small businesses both domestically and internationally.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Despite reservations expressed by Air Chief Marshal Vivek R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, regarding the procurement of Armed Drones due to their vulnerability in contested airspace, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring the development of stealthy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and Loyal Wingman systems, driven by the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare.

The IAF’s strategic outlook is shaped by the changing dynamics of warfare, with a focus on the “Contours of Future Wars” and the rise of multi-dimensional hybrid warfare, which has been observed in recent global conflicts.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy’s forthcoming Naval Innovation and Indigenization Organization Seminar, Swavlamban, scheduled for October 4-5, 2023, is generating considerable buzz and excitement within defence and aerospace circles. The seminar promises to unveil cutting-edge indigenous naval air assets that are currently in development, sparking intrigue and anticipation among defence enthusiasts and industry experts.

One notable figure contributing to the excitement is Harsh Vardhan Thakur, a former Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot and a distinguished test pilot with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Thakur, in response to the anticipation surrounding Swavlamban, extended an invitation to attendees, hinting that the event would showcase the future of Indian-origin naval air assets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile is set to undergo a series of rigorous tests in the coming months, despite its recent successful test launch from the LCA-Tejas LSP-7 aircraft off the coast of Goa. These tests are crucial for clearing the missile for operational use and ensuring its effectiveness in combat scenarios.

The Astra Mk1 missile, which was successfully tested last month, is an indigenous BVR missile designed to engage and destroy aerial targets at extended ranges. However, before it can be deployed in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) LCA-Tejas operational fleet, it must undergo more stringent testing parameters.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s indigenously developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is poised to make its production debut in 2024. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has already commenced the production of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, which will be equipped with the Uttam AESA radar from the 21st aircraft onward. This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence technology.

The Uttam AESA radar has completed all developmental trials and is now ready for production. An improved variant of the radar was developed to integrate seamlessly with the Tejas Mk1A, incorporating technological advancements achieved over the past few years. This radar system promises to enhance the capabilities of India’s fighter aircraft significantly.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a strategic approach to streamlining the Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender process as it seeks to expedite the acquisition of 114 fighter jets under the “Made in India” initiative with a 100 per cent Transfer of Technology (ToT) clause. The IAF is keen to minimize the time required for issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP), evaluating proposals, and moving on to the technical evaluation phase.

One significant change in the approach is to make the RFP more specific and concise, reducing the extensive documentation that can sometimes run into thousands of pages. By providing clearer and more focused requirements, the IAF aims to expedite the evaluation process.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to withdraw from the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) program, led by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), to develop a 90-seater turboprop aircraft designed for regional civilian use within India. While the government has granted in-principle approval for the full-scale engineering development of the RTA project and allocated funding to a Special Purpose Vehicle, the IAF’s participation in the program seems unlikely.

The NAL estimates that the RTA project could require funding of up to $2 billion to develop three prototypes for developmental and certification purposes. This decision comes as India’s aviation sector has experienced significant growth in the last decade, with an anticipated need for approximately 300 RTA-class aircraft in the country over the next 20 years.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are engaged in discussions for an additional order of 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This potential surge in orders comes as a resounding endorsement of the LCA-Tejas program and holds the potential to rejuvenate its image in the global export market.

The decision to explore an additional order of 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets signifies a significant milestone for the program, as it comes in the wake of the initial order for 83 jets that were placed in 2021. This augmented order not only underscores the IAF’s confidence in the capabilities of the LCA-Tejas but also paves the way for the aircraft’s enhanced recognition and acceptance on the international stage.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s pursuit of indigenous military capabilities is driving the development of its Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Class Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). As the nation gears up for user trials of the Tapas UAV with the Indian Armed Forces, a new contender, the Archer-NG (Next-Generation), is emerging on the horizon, posing both challenges and prospects for India’s UAV capabilities.

The Tapas UAV, known as the BH-201, has garnered attention for its capabilities, but it is not without its share of challenges. The UAV aims to achieve an operating altitude of 30,000 feet and an endurance of more than 24 hours. However, current flight tests have indicated that the UAV falls slightly short of these targets. Achieving these operational requirements remains a priority, and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is working on enhancing the engine’s capacity to meet these goals.

One of the noteworthy features of the Tapas UAV is its T-shaped tail assembly and shoulder-mounted wings design. This design is intended to offer inherent stability and improved control during flight, especially in pitch. However, weight optimization remains a challenge for the Tapas program. Despite ongoing efforts, the UAV’s weight has not been brought down to the desired levels, and this factor could impact its operational efficiency.

Parallel to the Tapas program, the development of Archer-NG has been pursued. The Archer-NG UAV features a Single Engine Twin Boom (SETB) configuration, which has garnered attention for its potential benefits. The twin-boom design enhances structural support, minimizes flexing, and provides efficient mounting of tail assemblies. These features contribute to better flight stability and control.

Archer-NG’s focus extends beyond intelligence and surveillance capabilities; it also incorporates the potential for armed strikes.
The competition between Tapas and Archer-NG is of strategic importance as India seeks to bolster its indigenous UAV capabilities. The Armed Forces’ desire to procure around 97 MALE Class UAVs underscores the significance of this development. While Tapas offers promise, Archer-NG’s more advanced design and stability could provide a compelling alternative.

Time is of the essence for both programs. To secure its position, Archer-NG must swiftly demonstrate its operational readiness and meet the specified requirements. Tapas, on the other hand, needs to overcome its weight challenges and achieve the intended operational capabilities quickly to maintain its competitive edge.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The realm of international defence collaboration is witnessing a new dawn as the United States expresses keen interest in partnering with India for the development of future weapons programs. This burgeoning partnership, poised to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries, reflects a growing synergy in their strategic and defence objectives.

The most recent manifestation of this collaborative endeavour is the co-development of Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs, designed for surveillance missions and capable of air recovery after fulfilling their mission objectives, represent a successful initial step towards bolstering joint defence initiatives.