SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to initiate a transformative process by procuring six pre-owned aircraft that will be subsequently converted into aerial tankers. The upcoming tender will be floated within the next six months as per media reports.

HAL’s partnership with IAI, an Israeli company with expertise in aviation technology, will play a pivotal role in the certification and conversion process. Once acquired, the pre-owned aircraft will undergo comprehensive upgrades, receiving new avionics and engines to extend their operational lifespan by 25 to 30 years. With the addition of advanced avionics and engines aircraft will be equipped with military-grade state-of-the-art technology, ensuring the continued effectiveness of its aerial fleet.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has moved closer to choosing the Russian NPP Zvezda K-36 ejection seats for integration into the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets earmarked for the Argentine Air Force if ordered are placed. The K-36DM ejection seats, manufactured by NPP Zvezda, are renowned for their advanced zero-zero capabilities, ensuring safe ejections even at zero speed and altitude.

These seats are currently utilized in the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fleet, demonstrating their reliability and efficiency. However, some recalibration of the ejection seat firing sequence may be required to seamlessly integrate them into the Tejas Mk1A aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant move to enhance its anti-tank capabilities, the Indian Army has recently placed orders for cutting-edge Israeli anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). These missiles, known for their extended range and enhanced armour-penetration capabilities, are set to bolster the Army’s firepower, providing a potent deterrence against armoured threats on the battlefield.

The Indian Army had previously inducted Israeli Spike LR-2 launchers and missiles, which boasted a formidable ground strike range of 5.5 kilometres. The latest order for these advanced ATGMs marks a follow-up to this procurement. The acquisition has been facilitated through Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd (KRAS), a joint venture (JV) company between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL) a subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael) Ltd.
This collaboration ensures that 90% of the missile components are locally sourced, reflecting India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance defence cooperation with other nations, India has extended a significant offer to Brazil by proposing its indigenously developed 155mm/52cal Mounted Gun System (MGS). The offer was made to General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva, the Commander of the Brazilian Army, who is currently on a state visit to India.

Brazil initiated an acquisition program last year to procure 36-wheeled self-propelled howitzers, signalling its intent to modernize and strengthen its artillery capabilities. The primary objective of this program is to acquire a new mobile artillery system that offers enhanced deployability and can effectively engage targets at a maximum range of 40 km. The Brazilian Army’s plans involve outfitting three companies of the Artillery Division and the Mechanized Brigade with these advanced systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is gearing up to enhance its security capabilities by investing Rs 490 crore in the procurement of counter-drone systems. These cutting-edge systems will be deployed not only on warships like the INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant but also at naval bases ashore. This strategic move is aimed at countering threats posed by enemy drones, a concern that has prompted both the Army and Air Force to acquire similar anti-drone systems.

The Request for Information (RFI) document released by the Ministry of Defence outlines the intention to acquire Counter Drone Systems (Soft Kill) for deployment across Indian Naval warships and establishments ashore. With this step, the Navy acknowledges the rising significance of countering enemy drones not only at sea but also at its various bases situated across the country.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone as its Nag anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) completed all flight and user trials required for induction into the Indian Army.

Developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and the DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), the Nag ATGM was conceived in the 1980s to fulfil the Indian Army’s requirement for a versatile, vehicle- and air-launched ATGM with a formidable maximum range of 4 km.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s plans to integrate the indigenously developed Kaveri engine with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas fighter jet prototype is still on as per the latest information provided to idrw.org. According to sources familiar with the program, limited flight trials are expected to be conducted by the end of this decade, serving as crucial technology demonstrators.

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) took a significant step forward in this direction by signing a pivotal agreement with Godrej Aerospace in September 2022. This collaboration entails the manufacturing of eight Kaveri engines, intended for conducting extensive trials. These trials are part of the broader objective to conclude all tests by 2025.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Honeywell India, a prominent US contractor in the aerospace and defence sector, has expressed its keen interest in participating in India’s upcoming 5th generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project, a collaborative effort between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to develop a cutting-edge indigenous fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Suneet Hazra, the Director of Aerospace and Defence at Honeywell Technology Solutions Aerospace India, has confirmed the company’s enthusiasm for contributing to the AMCA initiative. Honeywell India is currently engaged in discussions with HAL regarding various Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs, and the company is also exploring potential roles in the AMCA project.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards enhancing its defense capabilities, Kenya is exploring the procurement of the LCH Prachand multi-role light attack helicopter from India. Aden Bare Duale, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence, is currently in India and is set to visit the state-owned facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore. During this visit, he will be introduced to the LCH Prachand helicopter, a state-of-the-art aircraft that could potentially bolster Kenya’s security infrastructure.

The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) has exhibited keen interest in acquiring the LCH Prachand helicopter from India under the Line of Credit framework. This initiative offers countries, especially African nations, the opportunity to procure Indian-developed military equipment and weaponry through flexible repayment options. This approach enables nations to acquire the advanced tools they need to ensure their security and defense capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its airlift capabilities, the IAF is now considering a significant shift in its plans to procure Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to replace its ageing fleet of Soviet-era An-32 transport aircraft. This contemplation stems from the evolving demands in airlift capabilities, prompting the IAF to engage in a comprehensive six-month study alongside stakeholders like the Indian Army.

Originally, the IAF had placed an order for the Airbus C295M Light Transport Aircraft as a replacement for the outdated Hawker Siddeley HS 748. The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 was chosen to take on the role of a medium-sized turboprop airliner, catering to the IAF’s transportation needs in the 60’s.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The groundbreaking GE-HAL jet engine deal, marking the first-ever technology transfer of its kind between India and the U.S., is poised to receive U.S. Congressional approval in the coming days, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti.

The recent expiration of the legal notification period on August 27 allowed U.S. Congress members the opportunity to raise objections to the transfer of technology for the GE F-414 engine to India. It is noteworthy that both Republicans and Democrats have rallied their support for the deal, underscoring its significance. With these political endorsements, the path is being cleared for the rectification and clearance of this landmark agreement.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As tensions continue to rise in regions operating T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) due to geopolitical developments, Indian private sector companies are stepping up to offer their expertise in refurbishing and servicing these critical military platforms. With concerns mounting over the availability of spares and support, especially in light of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, companies like Director Airbornics Defence & Space (ADSL) are positioning themselves to address this pressing need.

One of the primary challenges these countries face is the limited availability of spares and maintenance support for their T-72 and T-90 MBTs, both of which are widely used across different armed forces. In this scenario, Indian companies are recognizing the opportunity to provide solutions that can ensure the operational readiness of these Armoured vehicles.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a renowned global player in naval shipbuilding, has made a significant stride in India’s naval defense landscape by bidding on the Indian Navy’s Project-75-I tender. This ambitious project entails the supply of six next-generation submarines that will not only retain the design essence of their predecessors but will also be custom-crafted to align with the distinctive requirements of the Indian Navy.

The new submarines are poised to build upon the foundation laid by the Type 214 submarines, showcasing advanced capabilities that underscore high levels of automation, a substantial payload capacity, remarkable underwater endurance, and ergonomics optimized to cater to the Asian physique. If TKMS emerges victorious in securing the orders from the Indian Navy, this achievement would come with a distinctive classification, signifying the tailored advancements these submarines would bring to India’s maritime defense capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is embarking on a crucial step in its defense strategy by initiating the process to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft, also known as Rafale M, for its second aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. This significant move aims to bolster the Indian Navy’s capabilities and fortify the country’s maritime defense framework.

The procurement process involves sending a Letter of Request (LOR) to the French government, formally expressing India’s interest in acquiring the Rafale M aircraft. Given that this transaction will be conducted through government-to-government channels, the issuance of the LOR is expected to take place within six to eight weeks following necessary clearances.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) contemplation of placing an additional order for 100 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets is set to provide a significant boost to the indigenous fighter aircraft production line. This move not only strengthens the IAF’s operational capabilities but also supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative, fostering self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing and enhancing India’s position as a global player in the aviation sector.

In 2021, the IAF placed an order for 83 LCA-Tejas fighter jets, with 73 being upgraded single-seater Tejas Mk1A aircraft and an additional 10 twin-seater FOC (Final Operational Clearance) standard Tejas Mk1 jets.