SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up for a significant boost in its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A production. In a recent statement, HAL Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, announced that the first two Tejas Mk1A fighter jets manufactured at the company’s Nashik facility will be rolled out by March 2025.

This development marks a major milestone for HAL’s efforts to streamline Tejas Mk1A production and meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirements. To achieve this, HAL inaugurated a third production line specifically dedicated to the Tejas Mk1A and HTT-40 aircraft at its Nashik factory in April 2023.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking collaboration between public and private sector companies to manufacture sub-sonic, long-range cruise missiles for its upcoming dedicated rocket force. Indian Military planners recognize the need for a substantial arsenal of precision-strike conventional missiles, estimated in the thousands, to effectively counter emerging threats at LAC and LOC.

The impetus for this program stems from the successful development of India’s first indigenous cruise missile. Having completed numerous developmental trials, the missile is poised for mass production.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is exploring the development of a next-generation remotely controlled tracked vehicle (RCTV) capable of carrying significant payloads on the battlefield, according to sources at idrw.org. This move signifies a potential shift towards greater automation and minimizing troop exposure in high-risk scenarios.

While Indian private companies already offer RCTV solutions in the 100-300kg payload range – suitable for surveillance and potentially light weaponry – the Army seeks a much heavier lifter. The envisioned RCTV would boast a payload capacity rivalling a truck, estimated at 4-6 tons. This opens doors for diverse applications.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment’s (GTRE) plan to develop the Kaveri 2.0 engine for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet raises questions about its strategic rationale. With a targeted thrust output of 90kN, the Kaveri 2.0 seems like a logical upgrade for the Tejas Mk1A, which currently uses American F404 engines. However, the bigger picture paints a more complex story.

Looming large is the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This 5th generation fighter requires a much more powerful engine, with estimates suggesting a thrust requirement of around 110kN. Furthermore, reports indicate that GTRE might collaborate with an international partner for the AMCA engine, potentially leading to a core capable of generating a mighty 130kN thrust. This future-proof engine could even be adapted for India’s potential 6th generation fighter program.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is on the cutting edge of counter-drone technology with the development of high-power microwave (HPM) weapons. This Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system boasts the potential to neutralize a range of aerial threats.

Internal documents confirm that Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will be able to effectively take out and disable hobbyist drones and commercially available quadcopters used for malicious purposes. DEW also will be powerful enough to disable Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE)drones, often used for surveillance.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A plane spotting enthusiast (vabb_spotter IG) has captured an image of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed Dornier Do 228 aircraft sporting an unusual feature of a hump on the upper fuselage, aft of the main body.

The presence of the standard under-fuselage 360-degree maritime surveillance radar confirms the aircraft belongs to the Indian Navy. Speculation is rife about the purpose of the hump, with some suggesting it houses a satellite uplink system. This would be particularly useful given the aircraft’s frequent flights over vast stretches of ocean, enabling real-time transfer of observation data collected by its robust sensors.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is gearing up for a crucial study related to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. This project focuses on integrating the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) onto the Mk1A variant.

The study will explore the feasibility of incorporating both single and twin ASRAAM configurations on the Tejas Mk1A. A crucial aspect of the study will involve conducting an ASE analysis for the proposed configurations. This analysis assesses the interaction between the aircraft’s structural flexibility and aerodynamic forces, ensuring safe and stable flight characteristics with the added weight and configuration changes of the ASRAAMs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a significant step towards self-reliance by seeking domestic manufacturers to produce spare parts for its fleet of Rafale fighter jets. This initiative involves collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and is expected to culminate in a meeting with the Chandigarh-based 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) next month.

The IAF has identified a specific list of components crucial for ongoing maintenance. These parts are primarily those that require periodic replacement and are not mission-critical systems like engines or onboard computers. Additionally, some ancillary equipment that doesn’t directly impact core functionalities are also included.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a Request for Technical and Commercial Proposal (RTCP) for a significant upgrade package for its Jaguar Darin-III fighter jets. 

The IAF seeks a new missile to enhance the close-combat capabilities of the Jaguar with ‘Next-Generation Close Combat Missile’ NGCCM integration. NGCCM is a license-produced version of the MBDA ASRAAM air-to-air missile. While previous media reports have mentioned NGCCM integration with the Jaguar has been completed, this tender suggests either live-fire testing hasn’t been conducted or previous trials were limited to captive flights (missile mounted but not fired).