SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is inching closer to acquiring a variant of the renowned Rafale fighter jet specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations – the Rafale M. This single-seat variant is expected to cost around Euro 91.07 million per unit, comparable to the previously acquired Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force.
While sharing the core capabilities of the Rafale A, the Rafale M boasts crucial modifications for carrier operations. A key difference lies in the extended and reinforced nose section, designed to withstand the powerful launch mechanisms of aircraft carriers. Additionally, the undercarriage is strengthened to handle the demanding take-off and landing cycles on a moving platform at sea.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) is soaring towards the next stage of its high-altitude platform (HAP) development. Building on the success of a recent sub-scale test flight, CSIR-NAL is set to construct a full-scale prototype equipped with cutting-edge features.
The May 7th test flight of a sub-scale vehicle proved to be a valuable learning experience. The flight saw the vehicle reach an altitude of 3,000 feet while carrying a synthetic aperture radar payload developed by the Indian start-up Galaxeye Space. Following the payload drop, the vehicle climbed even higher, reaching an impressive 25,000 feet.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet is on the cusp of a significant transformation with a comprehensive safety upgrade slated for completion by the end of the month.
The Dhruv ALH, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a versatile helicopter used extensively by the Indian Armed Forces for a variety of missions, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and troop transport. However, recent incidents and safety concerns have highlighted the need for critical upgrades to ensure the fleet’s continued effectiveness and safety.
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In a strategic move to bolster India’s energy portfolio and ensure a sustainable energy future, NTPC Ltd, India’s largest power utility, has announced its ambitious plan to achieve 10 GW of nuclear power generation capacity. This initiative will be spearheaded by a newly established subsidiary, NTPC Green Energy Ltd. This development underscores NTPC’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and contributing to India’s clean energy goals.
NTPC’s foray into nuclear energy is part of its broader strategy to expand its renewable and clean energy footprint. Currently, the company predominantly relies on coal-based power generation. However, with growing concerns over climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, NTPC is increasingly shifting its focus towards greener alternatives. The goal of achieving 10 GW of nuclear capacity aligns with India’s national energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) interplanetary mission to Venus, “Shukrayaan-1,” is facing a temporary setback. While the mission plan is finalized, it requires approval from the incoming Indian government, which is currently being formed following the recent national elections.
ISRO chairman S. Somanath confirmed this information during a media interaction last month. He explained that the elections caused a delay in the approval process, and the new government is expected to take up the matter soon.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
GalaxEye, a revolutionary space tech startup incubated at IIT Madras, is set to enthrall attendees at IPGF2024 with their groundbreaking hybrid sensor technology. The event takes place on June 11-12, and GalaxEye invites you to visit their booth (#38) to experience the future of space-based Earth observation.
GalaxEye takes center stage at IPGF2024 showcasing the world’s first-ever SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) + EO (Electro-Optical) satellite. This innovative offering promises unparalleled Earth observation capabilities, making it a game-changer for various industries.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines, a French leader in helicopter engine manufacturing, have embarked on a collaborative effort to develop a new engine for India’s indigenous Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program. This initiative signifies a significant step towards self-reliance in India’s defense aviation sector.
The joint venture between HAL and Safran will not only ensure local production of the IMRH engine but also grant India intellectual property rights (IPR) for the technology. This crucial aspect allows India to further develop and manufacture the engine and its variants without requiring continual approval from Safran.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Vivek Krishnan, CEO of SSS Defence, recently made a compelling statement about the company’s readiness to address critical defense needs for India with indigenous, high-standard weaponry. This declaration comes in response to remarks made by former Jammu and Kashmir police chief Shesh Paul Vaid, who highlighted a request from the Indian Army’s Northern Command for 50 snipers equipped with Australian rifles to counter Pakistani sniper attacks.
Krishnan emphasized that the company can provide indigenous weapons that meet international standards, devoid of the restrictions and complications often associated with foreign arms deals. He pointedly criticized the bureaucratic and diplomatic entanglements typical of such procurements, which include end-use guarantees, licensing issues, and high costs, often compounded by diplomatic pressures and critiques of India’s human rights record.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAJESH AHUJA / FOR MY TAKE / IDRW.ORG
In an era marked by escalating maritime tensions and the rapid expansion of China’s naval capabilities, the need for enhanced naval power and cooperation among like-minded nations has never been more pressing. A strategic proposal should be that Four nations come together for a collaborative effort between India, France, Japan, and South Korea to build a fleet of advanced aircraft carriers. some for the arguments for the Quad Carrier Cooperation is that.
China’s rapid naval expansion and future ambitions, including the development of larger aircraft carriers and advanced technologies like EMALS, pose a significant challenge to regional security. To maintain a strategic balance, India, France, Japan, and South Korea will need more and larger aircraft carriers equipped with cutting-edge technologies. The collaborative construction of these carriers is aimed at ensuring that the participating nations can effectively counter China’s growing naval capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Sputnik, a Russian state-owned news agency, has cast doubt on India’s recent acquisition of 31 MQ-9B High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the United States. The deal, valued at over $3 billion, has raised concerns from Sputnik regarding the effectiveness of the drones.
Sputnik points to the recent downing of several MQ-9 variants (not specifically MQ-9B) by Houthi rebels in Yemen as evidence of potential vulnerability. The news agency highlights the loss of nearly six MQ-9 drones within a few weeks, questioning the platform’s survivability in contested environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
China’s rise as a military power includes a growing presence in the arms trade. However, despite significant economic and military advancements, China’s ambitions in the high-end fighter jet market haven’t quite hit the mark.
China’s J-10 and J-20 fighter jets appear impressive on paper, with the J-20 often compared to the top-of-the-line US F-22 Raptor and F-35. However, these jets lack real-world experience. Flown exclusively by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), they haven’t participated in international exercises or actual combat. This lack of a proven track record makes potential buyers hesitant, especially since established players like the US have a long history of successful fighter jet deployment.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command (FOC-in-C ENC), along with Mrs. Sandhya Rao Pendharkar, President Navy Wives Welfare Association (Eastern Region) (NWWA(ER)), undertook a visit to INS Rajali at Arakkonam from June 5 to 7, 2024.
The visit focused on assessing the operational preparedness of the naval air station. FOC-in-C Pendharkar reviewed the infrastructure and facilities, ensuring their readiness for optimal functionality. He also interacted with officers, sailors, civilian staff, and Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel, commending them for their dedication to duty and the exceptional performance achieved over the past year.
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In a tit-for-tat move, India is set to rename over two dozen locations within China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. This action comes in response to China’s recent renaming of places in India’s Arunachal Pradesh state.
The list of targeted locations for renaming, obtained by The Diplomat from Indian military sources, is expected to be officially announced by the new Indian government formed next week following the recent national elections.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chief has announced a significant design feature of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft – a cockpit tailored to fit 90% of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots.
This design prioritizes pilot comfort and ergonomics. The cockpit adheres to anthropometric requirements, ensuring a suitable fit for pilots within the 5th to 95th percentile range. This translates to a more comfortable and efficient flying experience for a vast majority of IAF pilots.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The debate surrounding the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and its ability to compete with the Pakistani Air Force’s (PAF) fighter jets has been a topic of much discussion. This article aims to shed light on the Tejas’ capabilities and their role in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
While the PAF possesses a mix of F-16 variants, including older models, the core argument focuses on the Tejas Mk1/A’s ability to engage modern threats. It’s important to recognize that the Tejas Mk1 isn’t pitted solely against outdated F-16s. The IAF rightfully expects its aircraft to be prepared for a wider range of potential adversaries, including the JF-17, J-10CE, and even newer F-16 variants.
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