SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned aerospace company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has outlined its plans to roll out the first Pre-Production Tejas Mk2 prototype by late 2024. This rollout, however, has been delayed by over a year. Subsequently, HAL intends to roll out five more Pre-Production Tejas Mk2 aircraft at regular intervals, with each rollout occurring in less than eight months. The objective is to complete the developmental flight trials of the program by the end of 2028.

The Tejas Mk2, weighing approximately 17.5 tons, will see the development of six Pre-Production aircraft, each incorporating over 75 per cent indigenous content from the early stages of production. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will actively participate in the developmental flight trials, including User Assisted Trials, starting from the third aircraft in the series.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Embraer Defence & Security is actively monitoring developments in India and engaging in discussions with various Indian entities, including both government and private stakeholders. These discussions pertain to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) project. Joao Bosco da Costa Junior, the President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, has confirmed the company’s interest in participating in this project.

Embraer has responded to the IAF’s Request for Information (RFI) for 40-80 Medium Transport Aircraft, offering its C-390 Millennium aircraft for consideration. The company is committed to selecting an Indian partner by the end of this year, a crucial step in forging collaboration with the Indian defence industry.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is exploring the possibility of acquiring the Garuda 105 V2, an ultra-lightweight artillery gun system, to enhance its capabilities for high-altitude warfare. This artillery system is based on the locally developed 105mm/27 calibre light gun and has undergone rigorous testing in challenging high-altitude environments such as Sikkim.

The Garuda 105 V2 artillery gun is being considered for procurement due to its exceptional performance during field trials. According to the Kalyani Group, the manufacturer of the system, the gun has successfully fired more than 2800 rounds during testing, showcasing its reliability and effectiveness.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a bold and forward-looking move, India is set to embark on an ambitious journey to develop state-of-the-art air-launched anti-radiation combat swarm drones, representing a monumental advancement in its defence capabilities. 

These cutting-edge drones are purpose-built for the critical mission of suppressing and neutralizing enemy airdefences, a role known in military terms as SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) and DEAD (Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Adani Group’s Land Systems, Defence & Aerospace division has achieved a significant milestone by securing orders from the Indian Navy for the “Drishti 10 (Starliner),” an Elbits Hermes 900 MALE (Medium Altitude Long Range) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed for export markets.

Ashok Wadhawan, the Head of Land Systems, Defence and Aerospace at Adani Group, confirmed that the Drishti 10 has been localized by the company, enhancing its capabilities to meet specific Indian Navy requirements. This achievement marks a significant step toward promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing in India.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious “Super Sukhoi” Program has gained official backing from the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a significant milestone in the upgrade package for the entire Sukhoi-30MKI fleet. The program, which commences with 86 units and will eventually cover the entire fleet, focuses on enhancing the performance and longevity of these formidable aircraft.

One crucial aspect of this program involves discussions between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to incorporate performance and longevity improvements into the AL-31F engines, which are a vital component of the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the first trainer version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, marking a milestone in the country’s indigenous fighter aircraft program. The formal handover ceremony took place in the presence of CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and HAL Chief C B Ananthakrishnan.

This delivery is part of the initial order for 18 LCA Tejas Trainer aircraft that the IAF had placed in a previous contract. However, the IAF is set to expand its fleet of Tejas Trainer aircraft further with the upcoming contract for 97 more Tejas Mk1A jets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, has confirmed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has embarked on the development of the Mk2 variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). This move comes in response to the Indian Army’s request for certain improvements to be incorporated into the indigenous LUH, which it has already received.

The Mk2 variant of the LUH will come equipped with an autopilot system, one of the specific requirements put forth by the Indian Army. Additionally, HAL is working on implementing several minor improvements as per the Army’s recommendations.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In the last five years, Russian and Chinese arms exports have witnessed a significant decline in their global market share. This shift in the global arms trade landscape has provided India with a unique opportunity to position its own weapons systems in key African and Middle Eastern arms markets.

Russia’s dip in weapons exports can largely be attributed to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has strained its international standing. On the other hand, China has seen its global market share shrink from 5.6 per cent to 5.2 per cent. The decline in demand for Chinese weaponry is due to several factors, including the perception that Chinese-made weapons are technologically inferior and largely untested on the battlefield.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a transformative journey to enhance the capabilities of its formidable Su-30MKI fighter jets. The “Super Sukhoi” upgrade program, valued at over $7 billion, aims to equip these aircraft with cutting-edge avionics, radars, and electronic warfare suites.

India’s fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets, ordered from Russia, constitutes a vital component of the IAF’s combat fleet, totaling 272 aircraft. These multi-role fighters have demonstrated their prowess in various missions and are known for their versatility and adaptability. However, to ensure their relevance in modern warfare scenarios, comprehensive upgrades are essential.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, has confirmed that the follow-up orders for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft will see some minor improvements while maintaining the overall design. This announcement comes amid plans by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to increase the indigenous content in subsequent batches of the Tejas Mk1A.

Currently, the Tejas Mk1A has a significant indigenous content of 65 per cent. However, HAL intends to raise this percentage to over 70 per cent in the 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft that are slated to be ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) later this year.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to enhance its strategic airlift capabilities with the recent induction of the C-295M Transport Aircraft. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff, has not ruled out the possibility of acquiring additional units of this versatile aircraft, which promises to play a pivotal role in India’s military logistics.

India’s collaboration with Airbus to procure 56 C-295M Transport Aircraft is a significant step toward strengthening its airlift capabilities. The first of these aircraft arrived in India after being manufactured in Spain, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership. The Airbus-Tata facility in Gujarat is set to locally manufacture 40 of these aircraft, contributing to the “Make in India” initiative.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is charting an ambitious path for its fighter jet fleet, with plans to acquire a mix of indigenous and foreign-made aircraft. Recent confirmations by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, have dispelled speculations about the impact of additional Tejas Mk1A orders on the procurement of the LCA-AF Mk2 and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari clarified that the follow-up orders for Tejas Mk1A will not impact the procurement of the Light Combat Aircraft-Air Force (LCA-AF) Mk2. The IAF has committed to acquiring 120 LCA-AF Mk2 fighter jets once they receive clearance for production, expected by 2030.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a recent development, the Indian Army is progressing towards the selection of new Self-Propelled Air-Defense Gun Missile Systems (SPAD-GMSs) to enhance its air defence capabilities. The army had initiated the procurement process earlier this year, specifically seeking systems that could operate as “Mobile Terminal Air-Defense Systems” to bolster close air defence protection for its mechanized units.

South Korean defence conglomerate Hanwha has re-emerged as a strong contender to secure this vital contract. This comes after a similar bid by Hanwha in 2018, which nearly succeeded against competing Russian offers, including the Tunguska M1 and Pantsir missile systems. According to sources, the K30 Biho, a key product in Hanwha’s portfolio, aligns well with the requirements outlined in the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a prominent Government of India undertaking, has recently issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) aimed at forging a technology tie-up for the development of a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (Tracked) Gun Version, intended for the Indian Army. This strategic move aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s objective to procure such vehicles under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.

The EoI from BHEL is directed towards prospective technology collaborators interested in establishing a partnership with BHEL through a license and technology collaboration agreement. This collaboration aims to jointly design, engineer, manufacture, assemble, test, supply, field install, commission, repair, service, and retrofit these Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles for the Indian Army.