SOURCE: 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: AFI
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), revealed the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) exceptional regard for the Astra Mk-I air-to-air missile. Commodore Madhavarao went beyond simply calling it one of the best, instead declaring it the world leader in its class. This news comes alongside confirmation of delivery commencement for the Astra Mk-I to the IAF.
The Astra Mk-I is a testament to India’s indigenous missile development capabilities. This Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) air-to-air missile boasts an impressive range, exceeding four times the speed of sound (Mach 4.5) during flight. Following successful user trials conducted from Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, the Astra-1 is now in full production at BDL.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
China’s naval ambitions took a leap forward with the maiden voyage of its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This marks a significant step in China’s quest to challenge US dominance in the Indo-Pacific. The Fujian, the largest and most advanced Chinese carrier yet, boasts the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for enhanced aircraft operations.
These developments are likely to prompt a response from India, which currently operates two modestly sized carriers. The Fujian’s capabilities could push India to consider building a third carrier, potentially exceeding the 60,000-ton displacement of its current vessels.
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: AFI
Three Indian nationals – Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karanpreet Singh (28) – stand accused of murdering Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to Intel sources speaking to idrw.org , concerns exist that the Canadian agency handling the case might be pressuring the accused for lighter sentences in exchange for potentially fabricated statements.
The three men have been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Intelligence officials allege that a deal might be struck between them and “compromised Canadian Agency officials” to pin the blame on India. This allegation comes amidst heightened tensions between the two nations following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of a possible Indian role in the killing, which India has vehemently denied.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy’s quest to bolster its underwater defense capabilities with new submarines under Project 75I is progressing steadily. Following successful field evaluation trials (FET) in March, a team is now headed to Spain.
In March 2024, an Indian Naval team visited the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) facility in Germany. There, they conducted FETs of the U-212C/D submarine offered for Project 75I. The results were positive, with the submarine meeting the technical criteria laid out in the Request for Information (RFI) issued earlier.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) recently released a video showcasing the high-altitude pseudo-satellite testing conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, India. While the video’s main focus was the high-altitude testing, eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appeared to be three DRDO Stealth SWiFT UCAV prototypes shrouded under a tarpaulin.
The SWiFT (Standing Wave Integrated Fused Thruster) is a crucial prototype, acting as a scaled-down version of the forthcoming Ghatak unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This program signifies a significant stride in India’s development of indigenous combat drones. The SWiFT boasts a weight of just one tonne, while the operational Ghatak UCAV is expected to be a much larger aircraft, weighing in at around 13 tonnes.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Tonbo Imaging, a leading defense company, recently exhibited its combat-proven and multi-mission tactical imaging systems at the Army Supply Corps (ASC) Command & Control (C&D) event held in Bengaluru, India. Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, GOC-in-C ARTRAC, Shimla of the Indian Army Training Command, was among the attendees who received a firsthand look at Tonbo’s advanced technology.
Tonbo Imaging impressed attendees with a range of weapon-mounted and handheld imaging systems designed for various battlefield applications. Here’s a breakdown of the showcased products:
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: AFI
Left-Leaning Media Outlet ” The Wire ” has reported that Munitions India Ltd (MIL) was granted was granted in January 2024 by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), underscores the complex nature of dual-use technologies and their significance in military and civilian applications.
MIL, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Defence, has been permitted to export certain products to Israel, with a repeat order application submitted in April 2024. While the approval for the second export is still under consideration by licensing authorities, the initial clearance has brought attention to the classification of these products as ‘dual-use’ items.
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