SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy is nearing a key step in acquiring 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets from France’s Dassault Aviation. Following the submission of a formal bid by Dassault, the Navy is finalizing its report on the proposal.
The government-to-government deal, valued at approximately Rs. 50,000 crore (US$6 billion), involves the direct purchase of these jets, bypassing a lengthy tender process. However, the finalization hinges on crucial steps before the contract is inked.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Troops of the Panther Division under Western Command recently conducted integrated combat training under simulated operational conditions. This exercise emphasized professionalism and ensured operational readiness. What sparked online interest was the inclusion of T-55 main battle tanks (MBTs) in the drills, a rare sight in Indian Army exercises since 2011.
The T-55 MBT, a Soviet-era workhorse, served the Indian Army for nearly 700 units strong after induction began in 1965. By 2011, these tanks transitioned from the second line of defense, positioned behind T-72s, to the third line with the arrival of the more modern T-90 MBTs in the early 2000s. Subsequently, T-55s began phased retirement after four decades of dependable service.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Indian defense innovation initiative, iDEX, is celebrating a major win for a domestic company. 3rdiTech, an iDEX winner, has become the first Indian semiconductor company to be featured as a TSMC Innovation Partner at their prestigious annual conference held in San Francisco.
iDEX extended their heartfelt congratulations to the entire 3rdiTech team for achieving this remarkable milestone.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Lockheed Martin’s secretive Skunk Works division has unveiled a new design concept for a stealthy aerial refueling tanker. This innovative design reflects a growing need for increased survivability of refueling assets in high-threat environments, particularly in a potential conflict scenario like the Pacific.
The rendering depicts a unique aircraft with a broad, lambda-wing inspired design. These large, clipped wings offer ample fuel capacity, crucial for its refueling mission. The narrow forward fuselage houses the cockpit, while twin vertical stabilizers, angled outwards, provide stability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Recently, a group representing the Kuki tribes settled in the United States, known as the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), held a “congressional briefing” where they criticized India’s handling of the situation.
Key figures within NAMTA, such as Lien Gangte, the head of NAMTA Canada, have been accused of maintaining ties with Khalistani separatists, a controversial group advocating for the creation of an independent Sikh state in Punjab. These allegations have further fueled tensions and raised questions about the true intentions behind NAMTA’s actions.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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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On May 13th, 2024, Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) Avadi celebrated a significant milestone with the rolling out ceremony of a new batch of T-90 Mark III tanks. The ceremony was held virtually and inaugurated by two distinguished guests: Lt. Gen. Vivek Kashyap (Director General of Armoured Corps) and Shri Sanjay Dwivedi (CMD AVNL).
This event marks a crucial step in India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armored vehicle fleet. The T-90 Mark III is an upgraded variant of the T-90 main battle tank, likely incorporating advancements in firepower, protection, and operational capabilities. While details about the specific upgrades on the Mark III variant haven’t been publicly disclosed, the rollout signifies India’s commitment to maintaining a strong armored fighting force.
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In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s defense capabilities and achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently announced the commencement of BrahMos missile production in Lucknow from 2026.
The BrahMos missile, known for its precision strike capabilities and supersonic speed, is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. With the upcoming establishment of a BrahMos missile production plant in Lucknow, India aims to ramp up its production capacity significantly, thereby reducing its dependency on imports and bolstering its strategic defense capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Since 2022, the Indian Army has been steadily inducting the indigenously-developed Kalyani M4 into its fleet. This Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle (Heavy), produced by Bharat Forge, is rapidly enhancing the Army’s combat capabilities.
Bharat Forge delivered nearly 126 M4 units within a remarkable timeframe – less than two years. This swiftness highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Kalyani M4 boasts an ergonomic and aesthetically-pleasing design, prioritizing crew comfort and efficiency during operations. This ensures optimal performance even in demanding situations.
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The Indian Navy’s much-anticipated sixth and final Kalvari class submarine, INS Vagsheer, is set for a slightly delayed delivery. According to information received by idrw.org, the submarine’s arrival is now expected by late June 2024, instead of the earlier projected timeframe of early 2024.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
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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