SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s vision for a three-carrier fleet might be undergoing a revision. Recent statements by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggest a more expansive plan: “We will not stop at that (three carriers). We will make five, six more,” he declared.
The initial goal of acquiring three aircraft carriers appears to be a stepping stone. The third carrier, modelled after the indigenously built INS Vikrant, is nearing Project sanction for development with potential technological advancements. However, the Navy’s aspirations extend beyond this.
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On the sidelines of the 7th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting currently underway in New Delhi, Air Marshal (Retd.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan RI) for the Republic of Indonesia, met with AD Rane, the CEO & Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace. The discussions focused on exploring future avenues for defence collaboration between India and Indonesia.
The JDCC meeting, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane from India and Air Marshal Taufanto, signifies the growing importance of defence relations between the two strategic partners. India and Indonesia have been engaged in discussions regarding the potential sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for some time now. This meeting comes as another indicator of progress on that front.
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The Combat Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) released an Expression of Interest (EoI) calling for technology assistance to develop, demonstrate, and supply the Light Munition (LM) capability of housing and launching from a Canister-based Light Tank.
The EoI issued by CVRDE specifically targets Indian private-sector companies with expertise in Canister-based Light Munition systems. The solicitation aims to harness the innovative potential of domestic industries to advance the development of a Light Tank equipped with cutting-edge technology.
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The competition for the Indian Navy’s P-75I conventional submarine acquisition program intensifies as ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) consortium confirm indigenous content (IC) of 60% from the very first submarine offered. This move follows a similar commitment from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) partnered with Navantia, who also declared a 60% IC for their S-80 Plus submarine proposal.
The Indian Navy’s initial requirement stipulated a minimum IC of 45% for the first submarine, progressively increasing to 60% for the last of the six submarines planned under the project.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KELTRON) has successfully delivered “Maareech,” an advanced torpedo decoy system (ATDS), to the Indian Navy. This indigenously developed system bolsters the Navy’s underwater defence capabilities.
Maareech is a testament to collaborative innovation in India’s defence sector. The underwater arrays for the system were designed by the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi. Keltron Controls, located in Aroor, undertook the manufacturing of the system. Finally, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bangalore integrated the ATDS before its deployment by the Indian Navy.
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Recent sightings of Russian-made Ural 4320-3 command vehicles being transported in India have ignited a flurry of speculation regarding their intended use. The presence of these vehicles has left many wondering whether they are undergoing trials for potential induction into the Indian Army or are simply here for homologation by a Russian firm.
The sighting is particularly intriguing because the Ural 4320-3 utilizes the same Ural-532301 platform as the 55K6E command and control center vehicles that are part of the S-400 air defense system recently acquired by the Indian Air Force (IAF). This similarity in chassis sparks the question of whether the Ural 4320-3 could be fulfilling a similar command and control function within the Indian military.
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Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a leading Indian shipyard, has secured a groundbreaking patent for its “Man-Portable Assault Bridge.” This invention marks a significant advancement in military engineering and promises to enhance the tactical capabilities of armed forces.
The patent underscores the remarkable efforts of GRSE’s Engineering Division. The Man-Portable Assault Bridge is a unique concept designed to address critical mobility challenges encountered during military operations. Its portability allows for effortless transportation by soldiers, enabling rapid bridge deployment across uneven terrain or obstacles like gaps and ditches. This significantly improves troop maneuverability and tactical responsiveness in dynamic situations.
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In a recent interview with Bharat Shakti Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, Commodore A. Madhavarao (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), offered exciting insights into the company’s future endeavours. A key area of focus is the development of the next-generation Electrical Heavy Weight Torpedo initially called Takshak, a significant leap forward from the current Varunastra HWT (Heavy Weight Torpedo).
The Takshak torpedo represents a significant leap forward from the existing Varunastra HWT (Heavy Weight Torpedo). The Varunastra, a testament to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, has served as the mainstay of India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts. The Takshak builds upon this success, offering enhanced features and capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Indonesia is evaluating a proposal from India for a new artillery system, according to a recent meeting between the two countries’ defense ministries. A delegation from the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, led by Secretary General Marsdya TNI Purn Donny Ermawan Taufanto M.D.S., M.S.P, received a presentation about the MGS 155mm 8×8 truck-mounted artillery gun system. This presentation took place during a series of meetings forming the 7th Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) between Indonesia and India.
The MGS system offered to Indonesia is manufactured by Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), an Indian private sector company affiliated with Bharat Forge Limited. Notably, the MGS is based on the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in combat aviation. While the US has made significant strides with its AI-controlled F-16 “Vista,” India’s approach appears more measured, favouring a collaborative model for the time being.
The success of the Vista program in the US, where AI has reportedly surpassed human pilots in simulated dogfights, has undoubtedly captured the IAF’s attention. However, concerns regarding the technology’s current limitations remain. The IAF leadership views fully AI-controlled fighter jets as unpredictable, highlighting the need for further development and refinement.
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In a recent interview with Bharat Shakti Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, Commodore (Retd.) A. Madhavarao, Chairman and Managing Director of BDL, confirmed the successful delivery of all Varunastra torpedoes ordered by the Indian Navy.
The initial order of 73 Varunastra torpedoes, placed in 2016, has been completed. Additionally, a subsequent order for 63 units, made in 2018, has also been delivered in full. With these deliveries complete, BDL is now reportedly looking to explore export opportunities for the Varunastra.
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In the annals of India’s defense procurement history, the HDW submarine deal of the 1980s remains a poignant chapter, marked by both aspirations of technological advancement and the stark realities of corruption. The repercussions of this ill-fated deal continue to reverberate within India’s defense establishment, particularly in the realm of submarine manufacturing technology.
The genesis of India’s submarine saga dates back to the commissioning of the INS Shishumar in 1986, the first of four Type 209/1500 submarines procured from German shipbuilder HDW. These submarines, hailed for their advanced capabilities and robust design, were poised to bolster India’s naval prowess and usher in a new era of indigenization in submarine construction.
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A leaked CGI image has sent ripples through the Indian defence sector, sparking speculation about the country’s upcoming unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Many believe it’s a glimpse into the secretive Futuristic Unmanned Fighter Aircraft (FUFA) program helmed by DRDO’s ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment).
The FUFA program, shrouded in secrecy, aims to develop a twin-engine, low-observable (stealthy) UCAV. This “loyal wingman” concept envisions a high-speed, unmanned aircraft with a low radar cross-section (RCS) airframe. Equipped with internal weapons bays and capable of fully autonomous take-off and landing, FUFA could revolutionize air combat.
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Mahindra Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. is making a strong push for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. A high-level team recently visited Embraer’s facility in Brazil, where the C-390 transport aircraft – a contender for the IAF tender – is manufactured.
This visit comes after Mahindra Aerospace and Embraer joined forces earlier this year. The collaboration aims to establish local production of the C-390 in India, should the IAF select the aircraft.
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In a move to bolster the Indian Navy’s defence capabilities, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has announced a collaboration with Israeli defence firm Rafael to offer the Torbuster SP hard-kill decoy system. This strategic partnership leverages Rafael’s expertise with BDL’s domestic production capabilities.
The Torbuster SP is a game-changer in the realm of ship defence. This system, designed for strategic mounting on naval vessels, actively deceives and neutralizes incoming torpedoes. By providing critical seconds during an attack, the Torbuster SP grants ships a vital window for manoeuvring and evading threats.
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