SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking its air-to-ground offensive capabilities a step further with the integration of the Israeli-made Rampage missile system onto its Jaguar Strike fighter jets. This development signifies a significant boost to the IAF’s firepower and strategic reach.
According to idrw.org, Jaguar Strike jets are currently undergoing “captive flight trials” with the Rampage system. These trials involve testing the integration of the missile with the aircraft’s systems while keeping it firmly attached to the aircraft throughout the flight.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
A Bengaluru-based company, All Terrain Private Limited (A-THON), is making strides in the development of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with potential applications for the Indian military. This indigenous effort could significantly reduce reliance on imported ATVs currently used by Indian Special Forces and other units patrolling challenging terrains.
A-THON’s focus lies in the “ASHVA” range of two-seater ATVs and the “ARAV” four-seater variant. They are also developing the “ADBHUT,” a unique 6×2 ATV specifically designed for superior cargo-carrying capabilities. While initial testing within the company’s facilities is underway, the primary launch target is the Indian agricultural sector. However, the inherent capabilities of these ATVs open doors for potential military adaptations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The development of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 is taking a significant step forward with the introduction of an Ironbird facility. This hardware-in-loop (HIL) testing environment plays a crucial role in evaluating the aircraft’s Integrated Flight Control System (IFCS) before actual flight testing commences.
As per tenders accessible by idrw.org, ADA plans to start testing many of the key systems of the Tejas MkII program soon on the Ironbird Facility. ADA is planning to test onboard computers like the Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), Auxiliary Computer (AC), and Mission Management and Display Computer (MMDC) to generate a vast amount of data.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system on May 1st, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. This next-generation system promises to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
SMART is a canister-based missile system designed to deliver a lightweight torpedo over long distances. It boasts a two-stage solid propulsion system, an electromechanical actuator system, and a precision inertial navigation system for accurate targeting. The system also features a parachute-based release mechanism for the torpedo payload.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
EDGE Group, a leading defence technology conglomerate from Abu Dhabi, is making a concerted effort to solidify its presence in the Indian defence market. Following their proposal of the AL TARIQ smart weapon with a technology transfer option for the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet program, EDGE has now set its sights on fulfilling India’s aerial weapon needs with the DESERT STING 25 Guided-Glide Weapon.
The DESERT STING 25 is a family of lightweight, air-launched, precision-guided weapons designed for maximum impact. These weapons are ideal for integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly India’s Archer-NG and Archer-SRUAV programs.
Continue readingSOURCE: DINESH BEHARA / FOR MY TAKE / IDRW.ORG
In an ever-changing landscape of global politics, the shifting strategies and alliances of nations often leave observers bewildered about future outcomes. Look at the example of the Philippines’ contrasting foreign policy approaches under different administrations of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Benigno Aquino III to Rodrigo Duterte to Ferdinand Marcos Jr [1] or the example of fluctuating stances on international agreements like the JCPOA by Obama and Trump [2] , these examples highlight the volatility inherent in geopolitics.
In this article, let us shed light on some of the global leaders, who envisioned greater ties with India and were steadfast in their actions.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s indigenous Tejas MkII fighter jet is poised to revolutionize the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) capabilities. This homegrown aircraft boasts a unique feature – the ability to carry a staggering eight Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) simultaneously. This unmatched firepower makes the Tejas MkII a true game-changer for air superiority missions within Indian airspace.
The Tejas MkII’s ability to carry eight BVRAAMs surpasses all other single-engine fighters in its class. Even the upgraded Mirage-2000-5 currently used by the IAF falls short, carrying only six MICA missiles. This advantage translates to a significant increase in offensive potential during aerial engagements.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Keshav Prasad, the esteemed Director of India Supply Chain at Collins Aerospace, is spearheading a monumental shift in the aerospace manufacturing landscape. With ambitious plans to commence the production of advanced aerostructures, interiors, and avionics in India, Collins Aerospace is set to mark its presence prominently from its upcoming manufacturing site near the Bengaluru airport.
This strategic move comes as part of a broader investment initiative, with the firm allocating a substantial $200 million towards bolstering research and development capabilities and enhancing production facilities within India. The decision not only underscores the company’s commitment to the Indian market but also signifies a significant step towards leveraging India’s skilled workforce and favorable business environment.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) ambitious HLFT-42 program, unveiled in 2023 as the “Next Gen Supersonic Trainer,” seems to be facing delays. While the initial reveal showcased a promising design with a 4.5-ton weapon payload and the ability to act as a light combat jet, crucial decisions regarding final configuration and engine selection remain unresolved.
The HLFT-42 captured attention with its impressive capabilities. Boasting a 4.5-ton weapon payload capacity and a 16.5-ton Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), it promised to not only provide advanced pilot training for 4th and 5th-generation fighters but also function as a light combat jet. This versatility, coupled with the potential for combat teaming scenarios, made it an attractive proposition for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
On March 20, 2013, India witnessed a historic feat: the successful test-fire of a submarine-launched BrahMos (SLCM) supersonic cruise missile from a submerged platform in the Bay of Bengal. This marked a significant step forward in India’s underwater deterrence capabilities. However, over a decade later, the SLCM variant remains absent from operational Indian submarines.
The BrahMos, a joint Indo-Russian venture, boasts impressive range and speed. While the initial SLCM variant tested in 2013 had a range of 290 km, BrahMos Corporation has since developed even longer-range variants: the BrahMos-ER (450 km) and even a very longer version exceeding 800 km. Integrating these missiles with submarines would offer an unmatched underwater stand-off capability.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Airbus is set to showcase its military muscle at India’s upcoming mega-exercise, ‘Tarang Shakti,’ in a bid to win key Indian Air Force (IAF) contracts. The European aerospace giant will demonstrate its A400M military transport aircraft, a contender for the IAF’s ambitious program to acquire 60-80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA).
The A400M demonstration, taking place alongside the exercise in Tamil Nadu this August, presents a unique opportunity for Airbus to impress IAF officials. Notably, the German Air Force, a participant in Tarang Shakti, will be deploying Tornado jets, Eurofighters, and Airbus A330 mid-air refuelling tankers – all platforms that Airbus is also actively pushing for IAF consideration. The Eurofighter is a competitor in the IAF’s MRFA tender for new fighter jets, while the A330 competes for the IAF’s requirement of six mid-air refuelling tankers.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defense is highlighting the rapid development of India’s new Light Tank, codenamed Project Zorawar. Arun Ramchandani, Executive Vice President & Head of L&T Defense, claims this project is one of the fastest light tank development programs globally, moving from conception to rollout in just 18 months.
This swift development is attributed to L&T’s prior experience in manufacturing the K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzer. The K-9 Vajra project provided a strong foundation for the Zorawar Light Tank, accelerating the design and production process.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In the ever-evolving landscape of aerial warfare, the development of advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) is poised to revolutionize military capabilities. Among these groundbreaking innovations is the Remotely-Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) stealth UCAV, a formidable platform designed to augment the capabilities of manned fighter jets. To offer a glimpse into its scale and potential, we present a computer-generated image showcasing a side-by-side size comparison of the RPSA with the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
The provided computer-generated image offers a side-by-side comparison of the expected dimensions of the RPSA and the LCA-Tejas Mk1A. Both appear to be in the Light-weight category, with the RPSA possibly having a slightly smaller profile. This is supported by estimations of the RPSA’s Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) falling within the 12-13 ton range, placing it in the same league as the Tejas Mk1A’s 13.5-ton MTOW.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Yantra India Limited (YIL), a major Indian state-owned defence production company, is experiencing a surge in demand for its 155mm artillery shells. This positive development is driven by a growing export market, propelling YIL towards significant production growth.
YIL has strategically scaled up its production of 155mm shells to cater to the rising demands of international buyers. This shift comes in stark contrast to the past, where YIL typically received yearly domestic indents for a considerably lesser quantity (around 50,000 to 60,000 shells).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to test a new Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for its indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. This system will provide a crucial safety upgrade for pilots, particularly during low-level flight manoeuvres.
Attack helicopters like the Prachand excel at low-level flying maneuvers, making them ideal for taking out armored regiments. However, this operational environment also presents unique challenges. Pilots must navigate a complex landscape filled with obstacles like hills, towers, power lines, and cableways. These threats become even more dangerous during bad weather conditions and low-visibility situations like night missions.
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