SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) continues its efforts to convince the Indian Navy to acquire Naval LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) platforms. In September 2024, the DRDO chief reiterated the organization’s push for an order of 8-10 Naval LCA aircraft, initially intended for pilot training.
However, the Indian Navy reportedly has broader ambitions for the Naval LCA, envisioning roles beyond pilot training for its aircraft carrier operations. This aligns with the Aeronautical Development Agency’s (ADA) plans to showcase the Naval LCA’s potential for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Adani Defence and Bombardier Defence are reportedly in discussions to offer Global series jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its upcoming Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Airborne Early Warning (AEW), and Electronic Warfare (EW) programs.
The IAF is currently seeking an ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance) platform for battlefield and ground surveillance operations. The Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of DRDO is leading the development of this platform, with reports suggesting it will be based on the Bombardier Global Express business jet platform.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s fighter aircraft fleet is currently facing a serious crisis, with the total number of operational fighter jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) dipping below the levels seen during the 1965 war with Pakistan. This significant shortfall, exacerbated by ageing aircraft and delays in procurement, poses a direct threat to India’s national security, especially in the face of growing challenges from China and Pakistan.
The IAF’s sanctioned strength is supposed to be 42 squadrons, each with about 18-20 aircraft, but the number has dwindled to around 30 squadrons, and this figure could decline further if immediate action is not taken.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent discussion on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Air Marshal Anil Khosla, former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), addressed the longstanding goal of maintaining a 42-squadron strength for the IAF. This target, established in the aftermath of the Indo-China war, was based on the threat perceptions and military technology of the time. Khosla argued that the situation has changed significantly, both in terms of the aircraft capabilities and the broader security environment that India now faces. However, Khosla emphasized that while the technology has advanced, India’s current squadron strength remains inadequate to meet its security needs.
The requirement for 42 combat squadrons was initially drawn up in the 1980s. This goal was established to ensure that the IAF could fight a two-front war with Pakistan and China simultaneously. At that time, India’s defense planners anticipated that such a conflict would require a vast number of aircraft due to the relatively limited capabilities of the planes then in service.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Tata Elxsi, a leader in engineering and design services, has successfully developed a Rotor Proximity Warning System using LIDAR sensors for the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. This advanced system, aimed at enhancing operational safety, is now in production, with deliveries already commenced. The new technology significantly improves situational awareness for helicopter pilots by providing real-time proximity data to prevent potential rotor blade strikes, a critical risk during low-altitude flight and confined-space operations.
The Rotor Proximity Warning System is a state-of-the-art solution designed to detect obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the helicopter’s rotors using LIDAR sensors. It features an advanced hardware configuration designed to handle multiple data streams and process them in real time to ensure accurate and rapid detection.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Munitions India Limited (MIL), a leading Indian defense company, has made a strong impression at the Future Forces Exhibition and Forum 2024 in the Czech Republic. The Indian pavilion, officially inaugurated by Shri Raveesh Kumar, India’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, showcased MIL’s cutting-edge defense technology and solutions.
The event, a premier platform for defense and security innovations, attracted a distinguished visitor: the President of the Czech Republic, Mr. Petr Pavel. His visit to the Indian pavilion underscored the recognition and appreciation for India’s advancements in the defense industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
China urged India on Thursday to handle Taiwan issues with caution and avoid interference in the improvement of Sino-India relations following the opening of another Taiwan de facto consulate in Mumbai.
China opposes moves by any countries it has ties with to engage in official contacts with Taiwan, said Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesperson, at a regular news conference. The Taiwanese government opened its third representative office in India on Wednesday, Taiwan’s official Central News Agency reported, adding to existing offices in New Delhi and Chennai.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized Canada for failing to act on multiple extradition and provisional arrest requests over the past decade, accusing the country of harboring criminals and anti-India elements despite repeated appeals for cooperation.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that India currently has 26 extradition requests pending with Canada. “Over the last decade or more, there have also been several requests for the provisional arrest of criminals, all of which remain unaddressed,” Jaiswal said.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday asserted that Kashmir will always be a part of India and the stand will never change regardless of any statement issued by anyone.
This came in response to the joint statement issued by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where they called for a resolution on the ongoing Kashmir issue under the UN Charter. “On Kashmir’s issue, you know our stand. Kashmir is ours and will remain ours. This is our statement and this is our stand. If someone says something, it doesn’t change anything,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing today.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Thursday issued arrest warrants against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 45 others, including top Awami League leaders, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity during the recent mass student movement. The tribunal led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, passed the orders after the prosecution filed two petitions with the tribunal, seeking arrest warrants against them, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam was quoted as saying by the Daily Star.
The tribunal also directed the authorities concerned to produce the 46, including Hasina, before it after arresting them by Nov. 18, he said. In August, Bangladesh’s interim government said that it would try those involved in the killings during the recent mass movement of the students against the Hasina-led government in the International Crimes Tribunal.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
India reiterated its call for the safety of United Nations peacekeepers, amid escalating conflict in southern Lebanon with multiple attacks being reported on UNIFIL premises in Lebanon. The Ministry of External Affairs referred to India’s statement on the development in southern Lebanon and said that New Delhi takes the safety of the UN peacekeepers “very seriously.” It also confirmed that there are no Indian troops stationed at the Blue Line, but stressed the imortance of safety of the troops deployed.
“We had issued a statement on this development in southern Lebanon and we have said that we take the safety of peacekeepers very seriously. We have called for all action to be taken to maintain the safety of the UNIFIL premises,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press conference on Thursday. “There were some reports of the peacekeepers getting skin rashes; they have issues with a statement on this.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Royal Air Force on Thursday scrambled a Typhoon fighter jet to intercept an Air India aircraft that received a bomb threat and the plane later landed safely in London.
The bomb threat was received for the Air India plane from Mumbai to London, an airline official said. “We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched this afternoon, to investigate a civilian aircraft,” a Royal Air Force spokesperson said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The National Security Guard will deploy an enhanced number of ‘Sky Marshals’ or covert armed commandos on-board Indian airliners flying to sensitive routes as part of an enhanced civil aviation security protocol, official sources said on Wednesday.
The sources said the commandos drawn from the ‘Black Cat’ commandos 52 Special Action Group (SAG) have been drafted to be deployed in certain national and international routes as part of a reviewed counter-hijack policy.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Beluga XL aircraft, the world’s largest cargo plane, left the Kolkata airport on Tuesday after making its second visit to the city in a week, an official said.
The aircraft had arrived here at 5.47 am on Monday from the Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China. It departed the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 3.37 pm on Tuesday and headed to Bahrain International Airport, the official said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Canada, industrial partners involved in India’s Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) program are urging the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to reconsider its plans to procure Stryker armoured vehicles from Canada. The indigenous WhAP program, a joint initiative between DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems, offers a competitive alternative and has gained international traction, including potential orders from Morocco.
WhAP’s partners like Tata, Mahindra, and Kalyani are developing their own variants of the vehicle, making it a viable and homegrown substitute. With diplomatic tensions rising, defense experts in India are also advocating for India to withdraw from talks with U.S. officials concerning Canadian defense assets.
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