SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) in India is now focusing on the development of locally produced self-propelled air defence gun missile systems (SPAD-GMS) as replacements for the ageing Towed Bofors L 70 40mm single-barrel and Soviet-era ZU-23-2 towed 23mm twin-barrel weapon systems. Initially, the plan is to acquire 104 units of SPAD-GMS, which will later be expanded to a total of 300 units.

Since 2013, the Indian Army has evaluated five different SPAD-GMS options, but none have fully met its requirements. The K30 system manufactured by South Korea’s Hanwha Defense came close to meeting the criteria, but due to allegations that it did not meet all parameters and objections from the Russian side, which had offered the Tunguska system by Almaz Ante and Pantsir by KBP Tula systems, the plan to proceed with the K30 was abandoned.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

During their Earnings Call for Q4FY23, management officials of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the successful completion of the limited series production (LSP) variants of the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand.’ This significant milestone involved the production of 15 LSP LCH units, at a cost of ?3,887 crore, with 10 units designated for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and five for the Indian Army.

The LSP LCH variants have been manufactured with 45% indigenous content, which is set to progressively increase to more than 55% in Phase II. During this phase, additional user-required systems and modifications will be integrated into the helicopters. HAL aims to secure larger orders in the coming years, building upon the success of LSP production.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

India is making significant strides towards the establishment of an Integrated Rocket Force (IRF) in response to the ongoing military standoff with China. As part of this development, the country is focusing on the creation of next-generation multiple-launch rocket systems, which will serve as crucial components of the IRF and engage important targets located deep within enemy territory.

Currently, India operates the indigenously developed 214 mm Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher family, with a range ranging from the older variant of 37.5 km to the Mk-II ER variant, which boasts a range of 90 km. However, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) aims to go beyond this and develop next-generation multiple-launch rocket systems in the calibre category above 300 mm. This endeavour has also attracted competition from the private sector.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to reactivate a tender to procure new VVIP helicopters that will be used for the president, prime minister, and other VVIPs. This decision comes after successfully resolving the previously cancelled AgustaWestland chopper scam. The IAF, in consultation with organizations like the Special Protection Group (SPG), National Security Guard (NSG), and others, will soon float an open tender to seek new helicopters.

Currently, the Mi-17-5 helicopters are being used for VVIP duties, but they lack integrated protections against multi-level threats. Therefore, the IAF intends to replace them with new helicopters that offer enhanced security features.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The upcoming meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden holds the potential for significant developments, one of which could be the contract on the MQ-9B Predator deal. The meeting, expected to address a range of bilateral issues, may pave the way for the finalization of this crucial defence agreement.

The Indian Armed Forces have formulated a plan to acquire 18 MQ-9B Predator drones in a deal worth $1.8 billion. As part of this agreement, the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy will each receive six drones, each equipped with various sensory payloads.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has outlined its plans to retire the Jaguar strike aircraft from its fleet starting in 2027-28. The retirement process will begin with one squadron and will be carried out in multiple phases, with the complete phase-out expected to be accomplished by 2035.

Both the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have developed comprehensive plans to sustain the Jaguar fleet until 2035. Even the latest upgraded Darin-III standard Jaguar fighter jets, equipped with the advanced ELM-2052 AESA Radar from Israel and featuring an overwing ASRAAM Close Combat Missile configuration, will be gradually phased out.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Russian-origin INS Sindhuratna diesel-electric submarines have successfully returned to Mumbai after undergoing a protracted major refit in Russia. The submarine underwent a comprehensive upgrade at the Naval Dockyard in Russia and subsequently embarked on a challenging 97-day return journey through the Norwegian Sea, English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea before reaching Mumbai on May 16th.

INS Sindhuratna faced a significant accident in February 2014, resulting in the unfortunate loss of two officers. However, the submarine had been scheduled for a “medium refit-cum-life extension” upgrade at Severodvinsk long before the Russia-Ukraine war erupted almost a year ago. Due to the ongoing conflict, transportation and logistical challenges arose, causing delays in the submarine’s return.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

Officials at the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) are elated with the recent achievement of the Dry Kaveri engine, which has demonstrated a thrust class of 48kN. As a result, discussions have commenced with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) regarding the integration and testing of an Afterburner variant of the engine onboard an older LCA-Tejas aircraft, likely to take place in the later in this decade.

While a new Afterburner module has been designed, it is yet to undergo full-scale developmental testing. GTRE aims to secure funds for the program to showcase a fully developed engine on board an LCA-Tejas aircraft. It is important to note that work on an indigenous alternative engine for the American F404 is still pending.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

In an article published by “The Times of India,” it has been revealed that the Indian Navy is preparing to conduct tests of Long-Range Land-Attack Cruise Missiles (LR-LACMs) from a Russian Kilo-class Electric-Diesel Conventional submarine. These LR-LACMs will be an advanced version derived from the sub-sonic Nirbhay Cruise missile program.

The LR-LACMs, which will be launched from torpedo tubes, are anticipated to have a range of 1500km. Once they enter production, they will be installed on all electric-diesel submarines within the Indian Navy’s fleet. While the exact date of the missile’s testing remains uncertain, it is expected to take place within the next 2-3 years.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Armed Forces are set to establish the Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), which will serve as the fourth main division of the military. Functioning as a separate entity but under the authority of the Ministry of Defence, the IRF will play a crucial role as the primary defence wall of India. Equipped with a range of advanced weaponry, including surface-to-surface Pralay tactical missiles, subsonic LR-LACMs (Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missiles), BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket systems, and other stand-off weapons, the IRF will enhance India’s defensive capabilities.

The creation of the IRF reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its defence infrastructure and readiness. By incorporating advanced missile systems into the IRF’s arsenal, the Indian Armed Forces aim to enhance their ability to counter potential threats and safeguard the nation’s security. These sophisticated weapons will provide the IRF with the capability to strike targets accurately and swiftly, thereby deterring any potential aggressors.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) insisted on interest in establishing local assembly facilities for engines and manufacturing key parts within the country. This move aims to stabilize the production systems and ensure a steady supply of frequently replaced components, ultimately reducing operating costs while enhancing the combat readiness of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Officials familiar with the matter told idrw that, the local manufacturing facilities and infrastructure will play a vital role in bolstering the Tejas mk2 fleet once it enters production. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Defence Acquisition Council, led by the Union defence minister, recently approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to procure 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). Pune-based Bharat Forge has also confirmed that the contract may be finalized later this year, pending the opening and evaluation of commercial bids to determine the manufacturer for 60% of the guns, while the remaining 40% will be allocated to another manufacturer.

Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, both private sector companies, are the production partners for the ATAGS, which has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Once the contract is concluded, the Indian Army will receive 75 guns per year, resulting in the formation of four ATAGS gun regiments annually.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

Safran and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are set to commence the development of a new engine for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program later this year. The joint venture, established after signing an MoU in 2022 in the presence of Safran Global CEO Olivier Andriès and senior HAL officials, marks a significant step towards enhancing indigenous capabilities in helicopter engine technology.

Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL have already finalized a workshare agreement for the engine development of the 13-tonne IMRH and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). Both parties have reached an understanding of the distribution of responsibilities, with HAL’s active participation in the design, development, and production of core engine components.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

During Aero India earlier this year, it was announced that the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are collaborating on the development of a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Class UAV. This UAV will be powered by a turboprop engine with a thrust of 940hp and will feature a pusher configuration. The anticipated specifications include an all-up weight of 5 tons and an impressive endurance of over 25 hours.

According to information obtained by idrw, the design configuration for the HALE UAV is expected to be finalized later this year. Once the program receives clearance, detailed work will commence, and the engineering tendering process for the prototype is likely to begin next year. The project aims to achieve a possible rollout of the UAV in late 2025.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

Earlier this year, the Indian Navy Chief confirmed plans for the development of a second indigenous aircraft carrier based on the 45,000-ton IAC-I design. However, significant modifications will be made to this carrier to enable it to operate Unmanned Combat Vehicles (UCAVs) for deck-based operations starting in 2030.

The Indian Navy has been closely monitoring the proposed UCAV platform by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The UCAV is expected to be powered by a Dry Kaveri engine, generating 46kn of thrust, which can be adapted for deck-based operations. The UCAV will serve as a crucial component of the strike element, capable of stealthily approaching land-based targets or engaging a flotilla of warships in the open sea.