SOURCE: AFI
A new air base is reportedly under construction in Sichuan province, China, located approximately 350 kilometers from the border with India. The remote location, coupled with its proximity to a key transportation artery, has sparked speculation about its intended purpose.
The base, whose details remain scarce, is believed to be situated away from major population centers. This characteristic suggests a focus on military functionality rather than civilian air traffic. Experts believe it could serve as a crucial logistics hub, supporting Chinese military operations along Highway S217.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a bid to enhance air connectivity across India, the government has announced a strategic initiative to increase the number of airstrips and develop more defence airfields for civil aircraft operations. This ambitious plan aims to improve regional connectivity, support economic growth, and ensure efficient utilization of existing infrastructure.
The government’s plan involves the expansion and modernization of airstrips across the country. By increasing the number of operational airstrips, the initiative seeks to provide better access to remote and underserved regions, facilitating easier travel for both passengers and cargo. This move is expected to significantly boost tourism, business travel, and regional trade, contributing to the overall economic development of these areas.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a remarkable display of gender diversity and operational prowess, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly highlighted the role of women in military aviation at the ongoing Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and aircraft based at Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.. This prestigious international combat exercise, which involves air forces from around the world, has seen an unprecedented participation of women pilots and ground crew from the IAF.
Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi, who became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo in 2018, represents a significant milestone in the IAF’s journey towards inclusivity. Her participation in Red Flag-Alaska, along with other women officers, marks another historic moment for the IAF. These women are not just participants but key players in the missions, flying advanced jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and contributing to mission planning and execution.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is diving headfirst into underwater drone technology, partnering with Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd to develop first-of-its-kind Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (ULUAVs) for Indian Navy submarines.
These ULUAVs will be launched from submerged submarines, providing a crucial aerial vantage point for discreet surveillance missions. Imagine a submarine silently patrolling the depths, its crew gaining valuable intel on surface vessels and other targets thanks to the ULUAV’s “eyes in the sky.” This significantly extends the reach of a submarine, allowing it to monitor a wider area without compromising its stealth.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious program to develop the 5th generation AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) fighter jet has encountered a setback. The initial plans to involve private companies in a major way have hit a roadblock due to their reluctance to invest heavily in a long-term project.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model, a type of PPP arrangement, where a private company would hold a majority stake. This company would not only be responsible for assembling the AMCA jets but also for managing production lines and the entire supply chain.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The successful rollout of a light tank by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) could be a major turning point for India’s indigenous main battle tank (MBT) program. This development, based on a chassis designed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), strengthens the case for a domestically produced Next-Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) to meet the Indian Army’s requirements.
The Ministry of Defence’s inclusion of light tanks in its latest indigenization list effectively eliminates the option of foreign procurement. L&T’s success in utilizing DRDO technology for this 25-30 ton light tank showcases the potential of the private sector in developing the NGMBT.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
BrahMos, the Indo-Russian joint venture producing the supersonic cruise missile of the same name, has achieved a significant milestone – an 83% indigenization level. This announcement by BrahMos CEO & MD, Mr. A. D. Rane, highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.
Mr. Rane credited a “systematic approach and a renewed push for self-reliance” for this achievement. BrahMos, in collaboration with Indian industries, has successfully produced critical sub-systems like boosters and seekers, along with numerous smaller components.
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Modern fighter jets rely heavily on advanced radar systems to achieve superiority in air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea operations. The KLJ-7A and ELM-2052 are two prominent Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, respectively used in the JF-17 Block III and Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
The KLJ-7A is a multifunctional X-band AESA radar that significantly enhances target detection and situational awareness. It performs various roles including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea detection, location, and tracking with comprehensive operational modes.
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India’s Indian Air Force (IAF) is bolstering its operational capabilities in the strategically significant Ladakh region by constructing a second runway at the Leh airbase. This project aims to address the increasing air traffic and ensure uninterrupted operations in the face of potential border tensions.
Military and civilian air traffic at Leh has seen a significant rise in recent years. However, harsh climatic conditions, particularly the thin air at high altitudes, restrict flight operations primarily to mornings.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is taking a firm stance against the misuse of military uniforms, medals, and other insignia. Recent incidents involving a civilian and a retired officer have prompted the Army to issue strong warnings and pursue legal action.
In one instance, an employee of a Noida-based event management company was caught wearing military medals at a public function. This incident sparked outrage on social media, prompting the Army to intervene. The event management firm issued a written apology, acknowledging the seriousness of the offense and assuring the Army it would not happen again.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has set a target of delivering 16 LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets in the current financial year. This ambitious goal raises questions about potential hurdles, considering the company’s past production rates.
Responding to inquiries, HAL Chief acknowledged “certain supply side challenges” related to “major LRUs” (Line Replaceable Units) that could impact deliveries. These challenges are likely linked to the “geopolitical situation,” hinting at potential import restrictions or delays.
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India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) restricting airspace over the Bay of Bengal between June 13th and 15th, 2024. This move strongly suggests an upcoming missile test, but the details surrounding the nature of the test remain unclear.
The designated no-fly zone spans 415 kilometers, and experts believe the unusual characteristics of the NOTAM hint at a test that may not involve an established missile system in India’s arsenal. This has sparked speculation about the possibility of a new missile under development being tested.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India is reportedly considering an offer from Qatar for 12 used Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets. This move comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares to phase out its own fleet of Mirage 2000s by 2035.
Qatar has offered its fleet of 12 Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighters, including spare engines and MICA air-to-air missiles, at a price of approximately ?500 crore (US$6.7 million) per aircraft as reported by Times now. An Indian Air Force team is scheduled to visit Qatar soon to inspect the jets.
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The BrahMos missile, a testament to India’s engineering prowess, continues to impress. Dr. Sanjeev Joshi, Deputy CEO of BrahMos, highlights the missile’s exceptional quality, evident in the continued use of older variants by the Indian Armed Forces.
One key factor behind BrahMos’ longevity is its “hermetically-sealed” design. This essentially means the internal components are encased in a watertight and airtight environment. This protection shields the missile from external elements like moisture, dust, and corrosion, ensuring reliable performance over an extended period.
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The recent induction of the Israeli Rampage air-to-surface missile by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy has sparked discussions about indigenous alternatives. The Rampage, derived from the EXTRA artillery rocket system, offers long-range precision strikes against high-value targets.
This development presents an opportunity for India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop a homegrown competitor. DRDO is already working on a 250km range Pinaka artillery rocket system for the Indian Army. The question arises – could this Pinaka project be leveraged to create an air-launched version for the IAF and Navy?
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