SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has proposed the CATS Hunter Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), a stealthy, low-skimming sub-sonic missile designed for both manned and unmanned platforms, as part of India’s push for advanced aerial weaponry. However, despite its innovative design, the Hunter ALCM, powered by the PTAE-7 turbojet engine, remains stalled, awaiting clearance from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The IAF’s reluctance stems from a strategic pivot toward low-cost supersonic ALCMs, driven by the underwhelming performance of sub-sonic cruise missiles in the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Meanwhile, competing projects like the Aeronautical Development Establishment’s (ADE) Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) and BrahMos Aerospace’s supersonic BrahMos-MA (NG), alongside JSR Dynamics’ jet-powered Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), are shaping a crowded field of air-launched weaponry. This article explores the Hunter’s potential, the IAF’s shifting priorities, and the implications for India’s aerial strike capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25), a 25 kN thrust turbofan engine under development by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), represents a critical step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in aerospace propulsion technology. Designed to power trainer jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light combat aircraft, and potentially regional jets, the HTFE-25 has been in development since 2013, with its first successful engine run conducted in 2015.
However, a recent AFI report released last week has shed light on significant delays in the program, prompting a HAL official to provide an update to idrw.org. While the project has faced setbacks due to delayed land clearances, unplanned procurement activities, and technology gaps, HAL remains optimistic about regaining momentum and achieving production readiness by 2030.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in indigenous tank propulsion technology with its DATRAN-1500 HP engine, designed for the Futuristic Main Battle Tank (FMBT) and Arjun Mk1A Main Battle Tank (MBT) programs.
In a recent revelation, DRDO officials have disclosed ambitious plans to develop even more powerful engine variants based on the same DATRAN core, incorporating modular design principles to scale up power output if needed.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The EJ230, an advanced uprated variant of the proven Eurojet EJ200 engine, was once in the running to power India’s next-generation fighter platforms—the Tejas MkII and AMCA MkI. Designed to offer enhanced performance over the baseline EJ200 that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon, the EJ230 delivers a maximum wet thrust of approximately 102 kN, with a dry thrust rating of around 72 kN.
These performance figures placed the EJ230 firmly within the thrust class required by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its upcoming fighter platforms, making it a serious contender during the tendering process for the Tejas MkII and the first variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister, Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri, has publicly questioned the plausibility of recent claims that Bangladesh might hand over an older World War II-era airbase to China, citing the country’s geopolitical realities. Speaking to Pakistani media in early April 2025, Kasuri emphasized Bangladesh’s unique geographical position—surrounded by India on three sides—as a key factor undermining the feasibility of such a move.
His remarks come amid growing concerns in India over Bangladesh’s warming ties with both China and Pakistan, raising questions about the shifting dynamics in South Asia and their implications for regional stability. This article examines Kasuri’s statement, the context of Bangladesh-China relations, and the broader strategic landscape.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a cornerstone of India’s defence manufacturing, made a powerful impression at the “Mini Defence Expo” held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in April 2025. The event, a platform to highlight India’s indigenous defence capabilities, saw AVNL showcase its diversified product portfolio, featuring the T-72 Ajeya Tank, the upgraded BMP-II infantry combat vehicle, and the Light Bullet Proof Vehicle (LBPV) Jonga.
The AVNL stall drew high-profile attention, with visits from Tanzania’s Honourable Defence Minister, India’s Honourable Raksha Rajya Mantri, the Indian High Commissioner, and other dignitaries, underscoring the growing defence ties between India and Tanzania. This article delves into AVNL’s display, the significance of the showcased platforms, and the broader implications for India’s defence export ambitions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A tragic incident on December 18, 2024, off the Mumbai coast, where a naval speedboat collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal, killing 15 people, has taken a new turn. An investigation by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has found no mechanical or design faults in the speedboat, shifting the focus to human error as the primary cause.
Mumbai Police, aligning with this finding, have pointed to operational negligence by the speedboat’s crew, prompting a deeper probe into accountability and safety protocols. This article delves into the investigation’s findings, the police’s stance, and the broader implications for naval and maritime safety in India.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan when Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology during an interactive session, Jaishankar acknowledged India’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade. In contrast, Pakistan has remained unchanged, continuing with what he termed as its “bad habits.” When asked why the Indian government rarely discusses Pakistan publicly anymore, Jaishankar explained that there was no need to waste “precious time” on them.
“India has changed. I wish I could say Pakistan has changed. They unfortunately, in many ways, are continuing their bad habits. I would say the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack was the turning point. I think that was when the Indian public, across political parties, said this is too much,” he said, adding that “People felt that the country (India) cannot accept this behaviour from a neighbour”.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said he was hopeful that statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir very soon and the “appropriate time has come”.
He was speaking to reporters after inaugurating a bridge in Pulwama district. “We think the appropriate time has come, six months have passed after since the assembly elections. (Union Home Minister Amit) Shah came here, I had a separate meeting with him, a good one … I am still hopeful that JK will soon get its statehood back,” Abdullah said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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A group representing the Meiteis has written a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah claiming that they are not being allowed to visit the Thangjing Hill, a sacred place for the community in Manipur, and has sought the Centre’s intervention.
In the letter, Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation has alleged that there is a blockade and threats are being issued by “Chin-Kuki militants and civil society groups” to the Meitei pilgrims who want to visit the site.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said northeast India’s relevance will grow with time, as he urged foreign envoys to “familiarise” themselves with the region and share its qualities with their government and industries.
Virtually addressing a meeting of ambassadors for the upcoming North East Investors Summit 2025, organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jaishankar said the northeast region is at the heart of many key Indian policies — Neighbourhood First, Act East or the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
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India has rejected as “motivated and baseless” comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act. In response to media queries regarding comments made by Pakistan on Waqf Bill, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India.
“We strongly reject the motivated and baseless comments made by Pakistan on the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by the Parliament of India. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on a matter that is internal to India. Pakistan would do better to look at its own abysmal record when it comes to protecting the rights of minorities, instead of preaching to others,” Jaiswal said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Bangladeshi radicals, allegedly aided by local leaders of a political party, were “involved” in the recent violence triggered by anti-Waqf law agitations in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, sources said. Quoting an intelligence report, sources said members of two Bangladesh-based radical outfits — Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) — were allegedly involved in the violence in Murshidabad, which left three persons dead.
The violence was carried out by Bangladeshi miscreants, allegedly aided by local leaders of a political party, sources said quoting the report. The Union home ministry is closely following the situation in Murshidabad, where central forces have been deployed along with the state police to restore peace and maintain law and order, sources said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Two men from Telangana were killed and a third injured in an attack, allegedly by a Pakistani national shouting religious slogans in a Dubai bakery where they worked, the family members of two victims claimed on Tuesday.
Ashtapu Premsagar (35) from Soan village in Nirmal district was killed with a sword on April 11, his uncle A Poshetty told PTI. The alleged incident occurred at the bakery where the victims worked.
Premsagar had been employed by the bakery for the past five-six years. He last visited his family two years ago, Poshetty said.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Nearly two months after Khalistani posters and slogans were found in Nakodar, police have arrested three agents of terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu . Pannu and his five agents have been charged with promoting enmity between different groups, conspiring to wage war against the Government of India and criminal conspiracy.
Those booked include Pannu, a native of Khankot village under Jandiala Guru police station in Amritsar, who currently lives in the US, Nakodar DSP Sukhpal Singh said. His agents have been identified as Balkaran Singh and Bir Sukhpal Singh, residents of Khanpur Dhadda village, Kartik of Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar in Nakodar, Tejpal Singh alias Palli of Ranjit Nagar under Nakodar (City) police station and Jaskaranpreet Singh alias Bawa.
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