SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in the aerospace sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently articulated a bold vision during the Times Now Summit themed “India Unstoppable.” His announcement centred around the exploration of opportunities to export indigenous engine technologies developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
During his address, Minister Rajnath Singh disclosed that he had instructed DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and HAL to investigate the feasibility of exporting the Kaveri and F-414 engines. This directive marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence strategy, emphasizing not only the aspiration for self-sufficiency but also the ambition to emerge as a global exporter in the aerospace domain.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
An Indian Navy team is currently in Germany for a crucial evaluation process. Their mission is to assess the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system offered by Germans U-214 submarines for P-75I, India’s next major submarine acquisition program.
An AIP system extends a submarine’s underwater endurance, allowing it to stay submerged for longer durations without needing to surface for air. This significantly enhances a submarine’s stealth and operational capabilities.
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An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache helicopter made a safe emergency landing on April 3rd, 2024 during a training mission in Ladakh. The landing resulted in damage to the aircraft due to the challenging terrain and high altitude conditions in the region.
Thankfully, both pilots onboard emerged unharmed and were recovered to the nearest airbase. To investigate the cause of the incident, a Court of Inquiry has been initiated.
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The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) MiG-21 fighter jets are making their final hurrah in a major exercise. These legendary aircraft are participating in Gagan Shakti-2024, a pan-India wargame that began on April 1st and continues until April 10th.
This exercise simulates a realistic war environment, allowing the IAF to test its integrated air combat capabilities. For the MiG-21 Bisons, however, Gagan Shakti-2024 marks their last major drill before retirement.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has unveiled the first glimpse of the LUPEX rover, designed for a collaborative mission with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
LUPEX, short for Lunar Polar Exploration, aims to unlock the secrets of the Moon’s polar regions. This international venture will see Japan develop and operate both the launch vehicle and the rover itself. India will contribute by developing and operating the lander that will deliver the rover to the lunar surface.
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The development of the Tejas MkII, India’s next-generation fighter jet, is progressing steadily. While component orders are underway, the actual assembly is expected to begin in mid-2025.
Initial progress involves acquiring Line-replaceable unit (LRUs) and other components, some of which will be sourced internationally. However, a delay exists for certain fuselage parts outsourced to private Indian companies. These components are anticipated to arrive by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
A viral video circulating on the x (formerly Twitter) has sparked discussion about the development of China’s J-35 stealth fighter jet. The video shows the J-35 taking off, with puffs of black smoke emanating from its engines.
The black smoke is likely a byproduct of the jet’s engine undergoing testing. The J-35 is believed to be powered by the Guizhou WS-19 engine, which is derived from the earlier WS-13 and ultimately based on the Russian Klimov RD-93 turbofan. During initial tests, particularly engine starts, incomplete combustion can lead to black smoke emissions. This is a normal occurrence and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the engine itself.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Lockheed Martin’s recent successful test launch of four Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) has reignited discussions about the potential integration of this weapon system with India’s P-8I fleet. Here’s how LRSAM could revolutionize the capabilities of these potent anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
The Indian Navy operates a formidable fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, manufactured by Boeing. These multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft are renowned for their Advanced sensors and weapon systems allow them to detect, classify, and track submarines. P-8Is can gather valuable electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT).
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A recent report by TV9 Bharatvarsh claiming the Indian Air Force (IAF) cancelled the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) tender for 114 jets in favor of the locally-developed TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter) was an April Fool’s Day prank.
The prank originated from a YouTube channel that falsely claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that the IAF had scrapped the MRFA program, a multi-billion dollar deal to procure 114 fighter jets. The channel alleged the IAF would instead focus on the TEDBF, a naval fighter currently under development.
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In a move sparking geopolitical discussions, China recently renamed 30 locations in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, a region that Beijing claims as part of its territory. Responding to this provocative action, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called upon the Indian government to consider a tit-for-tat response by releasing 60 geographical names to areas administered by China, particularly in Tibetan regions.
Sarma’s statement came during a press conference held in Guwahati, where he emphasized the need for a strong response to China’s unilateral actions. “My request to the government of India is to release 60 geographical names to the Tibetan area administered by China,” Sarma asserted, underlining the principle of reciprocity in international relations.
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Five British doctors and academics specializing in blood cancer have weighed in on the death of Avtar Singh Khanda, a pro-Khalistan activist based in the UK. Khanda passed away at the age of 35 from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a fast-moving blood cancer.
The experts confirm that AML can be a highly aggressive form of cancer, and its rapid onset wouldn’t be consistent with poisoning. This statement contradicts claims made by pro-Khalistan groups in the UK who allege Khanda was poisoned.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace giant, is poised to embark on the development of CATS-MAX, a revolutionary program that will transform the LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft into the brain and brawn of a coordinated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm.
CATS-MAX, derived from “Combat Aerial Teaming System – MAX,” will leverage the existing LCA-Tejas Trainer prototype as a platform for integrating vital data-linking and mission control systems. Industry sources familiar with the program, reported by idrw.org, suggest development could begin in mid-2025 with the first flight targeted for late 2025 or early 2026.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s massive fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets, the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), is undergoing a significant upgrade program. This collaborative effort between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the IAF, and private companies aims to enhance the capabilities of these powerful war machines.
One of the key challenges addressed in the upgrade is the Su-30MKI’s radar signature. Despite its strengths, the aircraft’s large size (around 30 tons) translates to a high Radar Cross-Section (RCS), making it detectable by long-range radars. This can limit its effectiveness in contested airspace, where stealth plays a crucial role.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the recent AeroSpace Services India (ASI) event in New Delhi, Boaz Levy, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), called for a renewed collaboration between India and Israel on developing a next-generation air defence system.
Levy’s suggestion builds upon the successful collaboration between India and Israel on the medium-range surface-to-air Missile (MRSAM) system. This system, currently deployed by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, boasts a range of 70-90 kilometres and can engage various aerial threats.
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China’s Chengdu Institute of Aviation Industry conducted J-20 fighter jet test flights on the Tibetan Plateau in 2021. While this high-altitude testing served a purpose, it also exposed potential limitations of the J-20 in such environments.
The key challenge lies in the extreme conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. The test flights likely took place at Daocheng Yading Airport, which sits at over 4,000 meters above sea level.
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