SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a prominent Indian private sector conglomerate, showcased its indigenously developed unmanned surface vessel (USV) named “Vega” to the Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane. The unveiling took place at L&T’s state-of-the-art shipyard in Kattuppalli, where the Defence Secretary witnessed a demonstration of the USV’s capabilities.
The Vega USV boasts a unique operational flexibility, functioning in fully autonomous, semi-autonomous, and remote-controlled modes. This versatility allows the system to be interfaced with existing vessels, effectively transforming them into unmanned platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a step towards acquiring next-generation robotic capabilities. The organization has issued tenders for the manufacturing, integration, testing, and supply of humanoid upperbody robotic systems.
The tender announcement suggests that DRDO is actively pursuing the creation of robotic soldiers for the Indian Army. These humanoid upperbody systems could potentially be integrated onto existing platforms or serve as the foundation for the development of fully autonomous combat robots.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Lockheed Martin’s F-21 fighter jet has been making headlines as the American contender in India’s Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal, positioning itself as a formidable option for the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, beneath the flashy marketing and bold claims lies a more nuanced reality that deserves closer scrutiny.
While Lockheed Martin insists that the F-21 is not merely a redesignated F-16, but a significantly enhanced variant, skeptics argue that it falls short of the hype surrounding it. Comparisons to the F-35 a 5th generation stealth fighter, seem exaggerated, with the F-21 positioned as a step below its capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Indian Army intelligence sources have expressed concern over a worrying trend in recent militant attacks in Kashmir. These attacks, characterized by the use of steel-core bullets and well-coordinated “hit-and-run” tactics, have resulted in casualties among Indian security forces.
Military sources claim the insurgents are deploying steel-coated bullets, designed to penetrate the armor of military vehicles. This presents a significant challenge, as it can inflict greater damage and bypass traditional bulletproof protection, especially at close range.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has taken a major step forward in implementing the Indian Space Policy 2023. On May 3rd, they released a detailed 147-page document outlining the authorization process for various space activities. This marks a significant development for India’s space sector, as it opens doors for broader participation from both government and non-government entities (NGEs).
The newly released document provides a much-needed roadmap for entities seeking authorization to conduct space activities in India. It outlines the specific steps and procedures for obtaining authorization for a wide range of endeavors, including:
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant step towards advancing India’s indigenous defense capabilities, Lieutenant General JS Sidana, Director General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (DGEME), EME, recently visited Bharat Forge Ltd. in Pune. This visit showcased the strides made by Bharat Forge in providing end-to-end solutions for defense needs, from design and development to integration and testing.
During his visit, Lt. Gen. JS Sidana had the opportunity to witness firsthand the indigenous solutions offered by Bharat Forge for various defense requirements. From design conceptualization to final delivery, Bharat Forge has established itself as a leading player in the defense manufacturing sector, offering a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of the armed forces.
Continue readingSOURCE: ISRO
ISRO is developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine working on an LOX Kerosene propellant combination for enhancing the payload capability of LVM3 and for future launch vehicles. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the lead centre for the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion systems with the support of other launch vehicle centres of ISRO. The assembly and testing of the propulsion modules were done at the ISRO propulsion complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri.
As part of the engine development, a pre-burner ignition test article, which is a full complement of the engine power head system excluding the turbopumps is realized. The first ignition trial was conducted successfully on May 2, 2024, at semi cryo integrated engine test facility (SIET) at IPRC, Mahendragiri, which was dedicated to the nation recently by the honorable Prime Minister of India. Smooth and sustained ignition of the preburner is demonstrated which is vital for the starting of the semi-cryogenic engine.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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The theaterisation process in the military is making progress as consensus is emerging among the three services on the ambitious initiative, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in first clear remarks reflecting forward movement in the mega reform initiative.
In an exclusive interview to PTI on Saturday, he said the armed forces are committed to the theaterisation initiative because it will integrate the capabilities of the three services and ensure better utilisation of resources.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Indian Army and the Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at air bases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, for upgrading their surveillance capabilities all along the Line of Actual Control with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
The drone deal, expected to be worth around USD 4 billion is being done at tri services level with the Indian Navy leading the negotiations for it with the American side. “The MQ-9B drones require a significant runway length for take off and landing which are available with the Indian Air Force. That is why, the Army dornes are planned to be deployed with the IAF at airbases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur,” defence officials told ANI.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Emphasising that foreign policy today affects every citizen, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that if India had not been clear on the Russia-Ukraine war, petrol price would have gone up. Highlighting the pressure and the problems India faced, Jaishankar said, “Look at one example. We had this pressure on Russia and Ukraine. We were clear. Suppose we had not been clear. Suppose we had said. Sorry. Sorry. You are saying it very strongly. We will not do what we did.
Your petrol price would have gone up by Rs 20 because of that.” “We take a stand on foreign policy for average citizens,” he said during an interactive session in Odisha’s Cuttack. Jaishankar further noted that if we had imported COVID vaccine, none of the people could have afforded it. “So foreign policy today affects every citizen, it affects our lives,” he added.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Responding to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s remark, “PoK will be merged with India,” Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said on Sunday that Pakistan is not wearing bangles and also has atom bombs that will fall on us.
“If the defence minister is saying it, then go ahead. Who are we to stop? But remember, they (Pakistan) are also not wearing bangles. It has atom bombs, and unfortunately, that atom bomb will fall on us,” he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The body of an Indian Air Force soldier, Corporal Vikky Pahade who succumbed to injuries sustained in a terror attack on Saturday evening, arrived in his hometown in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara for last rites on Monday.
Corporal Pahade died in the Poonch Sector of Jammu and Kashmir after an Indian Air Force vehicle convoy was attacked by terrorists on Saturday, May 4.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The top leadership of the United Kashmir People’s Nation Party (UKPNP) in a joint statement issued on Sunday expressed serious concern over the recent militarization of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). In their statement, top UKPNP leaders including Chairman Shaukat said. Ali Kashmiri spokesperson Nasir Aziz Khan and Foreign Affairs Secretary Jamil Maqsu expressed their apprehension about Pakistan’s decision to deploy defense personnel including Rangers, Quick Reaction Force (QRF), Crime Branch, a Pakistani police in the PoK area .
UKPNP leaders stressed that this tactic is a repression strategy adopted by Pakistani defense agencies, aimed at crushing the protests organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the People’s Right Movement in PoK. He highlighted that protests are continuing in PoK since May 2023.Demanding redressal of various issues including heavy taxes, increased electricity bills, unemployment, food shortage and exploitation of natural resources, UKPNP appealed to all its members in PoK to participate in the protest march being organized by UKPNP and JAAC on 11 May.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Security forces on Monday released sketches of two terrorists responsible for the attack on IAF vehicles in J&K’s Poonch district on May 4. One air warrior, Corporal Nikky Pahadem was killed and four others injured when terrorists attacked two IAF vehicles in the Bakrabal (Sanai) area of Surankote in Poonch on May 4.
The officials said, “Police have detained around 20 people for questioning so far. A massive cordon and search operation continues in Danna Top, Shahstar, Sheindra and Sanai Top areas of Poonch. Senior officers of the Army and police, including GOC 16 Corps and ADGP Jammu visited the spot of attack and took stock of the security arrangements yesterday.”
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a swift and coordinated sea-air operation, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted and detained an Iranian fishing vessel in the Arabian Sea, just off the coast of Kerala. The vessel, carrying six Indian crew members employed on a contractual basis in Iran, was apprehended following allegations of exploitation and mistreatment by the boat’s owner.
The India Coast Guard (ICG) swiftly took action upon receiving reports of the alleged mistreatment, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to maritime security and welfare. The vessel was promptly brought to Kochi, where it will undergo further investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claims and ensure appropriate measures are taken.
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