SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has reportedly rejected the Indian Navy’s proposal to equip its Rafale M fighter jets with the DRDO-developed Uttam Fire Control Radar (FCR). The Navy had sought this upgrade to maintain commonality with the MiG-29K and the upcoming Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, both of which are slated to receive the same radar.
The decision to reject the Uttam FCR integration has sparked controversy. While the RBE2 radar on the Rafale M boasts 838 GaAs T/R modules, the Uttam FCR AESA offers 968 TR modules. Although this difference may seem marginal, the Uttam FCR’s local development provides the Navy with greater control over weapons integration, eliminating the need to rely on OEMs like Thales and Dassault for costly upgrades.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant strides in developing a dual-flow automatic loader for its new-generation tank. This innovative system will significantly enhance the tank’s firepower and reduce crew risk.
The dual-flow automatic loader features a conveyor in the hull capable of holding 24 rounds. An additional 16 rounds are stored in a second conveyor in the turret. This dual-storage system ensures a continuous supply of ammunition to the main gun, allowing for sustained firing without manual reloading.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The proposed civilian HAL/NAL Regional Transport Aircraft-90 (RTA-90) program has encountered a potential hurdle with the Indian Air Force (IAF) expressing reservations about its military utility. While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering greenlighting the project to develop a commercial plane for the UDAN program connecting smaller Indian cities, the IAF remains unconvinced about its suitability for military applications.
A senior IAF officer, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, highlighted the limited utility of a military cargo variant derived from the RTA-90 design.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is poised for a significant transformation in its artillery capabilities, spearheaded by Lt. Gen. Adosh Kumar, the Director General of Artillery. According to the General, the Indian Army is setting a target for the year 2042 to standardize its artillery systems to the 155mm calibre completely. This move will mark a shift away from the 105mm guns that have served the force for decades with over 2000 units still in service aligning with global artillery trends to enhance firepower, range, and overall battlefield effectiveness.
Lt. Gen. Kumar’s vision for the artillery branch reflects the Army’s commitment to modernizing its firepower to meet future combat requirements. The gradual phasing out of 105mm artillery systems will make way for more powerful and technologically advanced 155mm guns, which offer superior range and lethality. This transition will be part of a broader effort to streamline and optimize artillery firepower across all Indian Army regiments.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Indian defense manufacturer Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) made a strong impression at the Asia Defense and Security 2024 (ADAS2024) exhibition in Manila, Philippines, with a showcase of its advanced missile systems. Among the highlights was the Amogha-III Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), a potent weapon capable of neutralizing armored vehicles and fortifications.
The Amogha-III ATGM, developed by BDL’s Research and Development Division, is a fire-and-forget missile with a dual-mode infrared (IIR) seeker. It boasts a range of 200 to 2500 meters and features a tandem warhead, designed to penetrate armor effectively.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a move to strengthen India’s defense readiness along the China border, the government has significantly increased the special financial powers of Army commanders responsible for these crucial regions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved new annual budgets, enabling commanders to swiftly procure essential equipment and resources for their troops.
This financial boost reflects India’s ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness in response to heightened activities along its northern and northeastern borders, especially in light of the continuing tensions with China.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has emphasized the need for greater collaboration among academia, the DRDO, and industry to address emerging challenges in defense research and development.
Speaking at the 15th Air Chief Marshal LM Khatre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru on Saturday, Kamat highlighted the current siloed approach, where these entities often operate independently with limited overlap. He stressed the importance of a more integrated model that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
France has submitted the final price offer to India for the 26 Rafale Marine Jet deal just ahead of the scheduled visit of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to the country.
Defence sources told ANI that the best and final price offer has been submitted to the Indian authorities by the French side for the project and a significant price reduction has been given after tough negotiations in the proposed contract.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
The Indian Navy is continuously increasing its strength in the sea. In this sequence, to boost its underwater strength, the Navy will induct its sixth and last Kalvari class submarine Vaghsheer in December. This submarine was built under the Project 75 program worth Rs 23562 crore.
According to a Hindustan Times report, officials said the submarine, built at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), is undergoing final trials. With a transfer from French firm Naval Group, the yard has built Kalvari-class (Scorpene) diesel-electric attack submarines. These submarines can carry out various missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, long-range attacks, special operations and intelligence gathering.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
In a strong retort, India has slammed Pakistan in the UN General Assembly, saying its “fingerprints” are on terrorist incidents across the world and the country should realise that cross-border terrorism against India will “inevitably invite consequences”.
India exercised its Right of Reply in the UN General Assembly on Friday in response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in his address at the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir is not just any ordinary election, but it is a demonstration of India’s democracy and its strength.
Addressing a public rally in Gurez at Bandipore area today, Rajnath Singh asserted that if there had been a better relationship, India would have given more money to Pakistan than what they have asked from International Monetary Fund.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Ace test pilot Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh will take over as the new Indian Air Force chief on Monday (September 30, 2024). He is succeeding Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari who is superannuating after completing his tenure of three years.
Air Marshal A.P. Singh is presently the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and will be assuming his new appointment as the rank of Air Chief Marshal with effect from the afternoon of September 30.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday said that the people in J&K want Article 370 reinstated but they have no expectations from the BJP.
“We all want the return of Article 370 but we cannot expect anything from the BJP. Even Congress fails to speak on this crucial issue. It is not possible to restore Article 370 through the Assembly, but we can introduce legislation to ensure that no outsider can buy land or secure jobs in our region. This was the essence of Article 370,” Mr Azad said while addressing a poll rally in Jammu.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
In a possible first, police on Sunday recovered a television set from a Maoist dump in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, a senior official said.
The television, made by electronics firm BPL, was recovered in the morning in a forested hill near Danteshpuram village under Bheji police station limits when security forces were on an anti-Naxalite operation, Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj told PTI.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Army and police personnel participated in the first-ever high-altitude marathon organised by the Indian Army in Sumdo in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti district.
As many as 640 participants, including locals, took part in the two-day Spiti Marathon, which was organised as part of the Army’s Operation Sadbhavana. Jigmet Namgyal of the Ladakh Police won the 77-km Spiti Avengers (men) event, while Tenzin Dolma secured first place in female category.
Continue reading