SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Ordnance Factory, Ambajhari has achieved a significant milestone with the successful fielding of trials for their new 155mm HE Bourrelet Shells. These shells, developed in collaboration with ARDE (Armament Research and Development Establishment), were tested at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Balasore, India.
The trials were conducted using the 155×52 calibre ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) howitzer. The results were highly encouraging, with the shells achieving a firing range of 34 kilometers and demonstrating exceptional accuracy.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
SatSure Analytics India Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based intelligence company, announced a successful test of a high-resolution optical Earth observation (EO) payload developed by its subsidiary, KaleidEO Space Systems. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Indian private space sector.
KaleidEO’s team designed and built the high-resolution optical payload entirely in-house. This accomplishment makes KaleidEO one of the first private Indian companies to achieve this feat.
Continue readingSOURCE: DEEPAK HILORI/ FOR MY TAKE / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) seems poised to miss the March 31st deadline for delivering the first Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This raises serious concerns about HAL’s ability to meet crucial deadlines and deliver on its promises. First Tejas Mk1A took off right before March deadline but as per latest media reports it will not be ready for handover for next few months before it is handed over to IAF.
The Mk-1A is a significant upgrade, boasting new systems, software, and weaponry. While the complexity justifies a thorough certification process involving multiple agencies, the missed deadline is a bitter pill to swallow, especially since it comes with a potential financial penalty for HAL.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s plan to develop a 26-ton carrier-borne fighter jet, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), seems to be hitting turbulence from the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF has reportedly shown little interest in the Navy’s proposal for an Air Force variant named Omni-Role Combat Aircraft (ORCA).
According to a senior IAF official (who requested anonymity), developing the ORCA would be a redundant exercise. The IAF is already heavily invested in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a domestically developed 5th-generation fighter jet in the same weight class (around 25 tons) as the ORCA.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan’s visit to France marks a significant milestone in the deepening of bilateral defence cooperation between India and France. During his visit, General Chauhan was given a scheduled tour of the French submarine base at Brest, with a possible extension to Toulouse, showcasing France’s advanced naval capabilities and technology.
The French submarine base at Brest holds strategic importance as the homeport of the ballistic missile nuclear-powered submarines (SSBNs) of the French Navy, known as the Marine Nationale. Notably, four Triomphant-class submarines stationed at L’Ile Longue comprise France’s Force Océanique Stratégique (FOST), which forms the backbone of France’s nuclear arsenal.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy has set its sights on a future of self-reliance, aiming for complete indigenous construction of its warships by 2040. This ambitious goal signifies a significant step towards India’s strategic autonomy in maritime defence.
Despite advancements in domestic shipbuilding, the Indian Navy still relies on imported components for its warships. Crucial elements like gas turbine engines, sourced primarily from Ukraine or the United States, and key sensors acquired from Israel or Germany, remain a part of the current infrastructure.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has set its sights on a new market in Central Asia. BEL has established partnerships with Uzbekistan’s key defense procurement agencies, UzTechTrade and the Defence Industry Agency, to promote its indigenous defense electronics products for the Uzbek military. This strategic move signifies BEL’s commitment to expanding its market reach beyond India.
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Tuhtanazarov, the Military Attaché of Uzbekistan to India, recently toured BEL’s Ghaziabad Unit. This high-level visit underscores Uzbekistan’s keen interest in exploring BEL’s range of defense electronics products.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Veera Dynamics is proud to announce the successful testing and launch of their revolutionary Tardigrade line of technical apparel. This marks a significant advancement in protective gear technology, offering exceptional versatility and resilience for various industrial applications.
The Tardigrade line is the world’s first technical apparel made with Veera Dynamics’ in-house developed soft composite material. This innovative material sets itself apart with its unmatched temperature operating range, functioning effectively in extreme environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
According to leaked internal reports from the USAF, the true capabilities of China’s PL-15 Very Long Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) might be overstated. While China claims a range of 200 kilometers, the USAF report suggests this may be significantly reduced due to launch restrictions.
The report indicates that achieving the advertised 200km range hinges on a critical launch condition: the fighter jet firing the missile must be travelling at Mach 1.2 at an altitude of 10km. However, real-world combat scenarios often involve different launch conditions.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) is playing a critical role in India’s indigenous underwater defence capabilities. The plant is pioneering the development of next-generation steel specifically designed for the S5 class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).
SAIL-Bhilai’s expertise in high-grade steel is not new. The plant previously developed special steel plates for the prestigious Vikrant-class aircraft carrier program. Now, they’re leveraging this knowledge to create an optimized variant specifically for submarine construction.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is actively exploring innovative solutions to address the shortage of minesweeper boats in its fleet. One such solution is the deployment of Micro Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (Micro AUVs) for minesweeping operations.
Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), these Micro AUVs are designed for efficiency and manoeuvrability. With a length of only 2.5 meters, they can navigate areas inaccessible to larger vessels. Their endurance of 7-9 hours allows them to conduct extensive mine clearance missions.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is setting its sights on the high seas with a project for a mobile, sea-based missile launch platform. This innovative concept promises to revolutionize missile testing, particularly for smaller missiles in the initial development stages.
Traditionally, missile testing occurs at dedicated launch pads located inland. While these facilities serve their purpose, they come with limitations. Testing a new missile, especially one with a higher risk of malfunction, often necessitates clearing nearby villages for safety reasons. This disrupts communities and can be a logistical nightmare.
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India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making strides in developing a next-generation combat drone – the CATS Warrior. This loyal wingman program aims to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a powerful unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for seamless cooperation with manned fighter jets.
The CATS Warrior will boast a composite airframe, a key factor in maintaining its low observable characteristics – a critical aspect of modern aerial warfare. The airframe is constructed from advanced composite materials, ensuring the platform maintains low observable characteristics. This translates to a reduced radar signature, making it harder for enemy defenses to detect.
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Germany has taken a significant step in its defense relationship with India by lifting restrictions on the sale of small arms. This move opens the door for the Indian military and state police forces to directly purchase German-made weaponry.
Previously, strict German regulations limited small arms exports to NATO countries and close allies. However, recent developments signal a shift in policy. Earlier this month, Germany approved a request from India’s elite National Security Guard (NSG) to acquire spare parts and accessories for their existing MP5 submachine guns, manufactured by the renowned German firm Heckler & Koch.
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India’s quest for self-reliance in its defense sector takes a significant step forward with collaborative efforts between French engine manufacturer Safran and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This partnership holds promise for both local production of key engine components and the establishment of an advanced MRO facility for Rafale fighter jets.
Negotiations between Safran and HAL pave the way for the potential local manufacture of certain M-88 engine components. The M-88 engine is the powerhouse behind the Rafale fighter jets recently inducted into the Indian Air Force. This move signifies India’s commitment to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical components and foster its own aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
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