SOURCE: AFI
Tamil Nadu is rapidly emerging as a frontrunner in India’s drone ecosystem, attracting established players and nurturing a vibrant startup scene. This growth trajectory is fueled by a combination of existing expertise, strategic initiatives, and a growing emphasis on indigenous manufacturing.
Professor Satya Chakravarthy, founder and CEO of ePlane, a leading electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drone startup, highlights Tamil Nadu’s key position in the national drone landscape. The state boasts a growing number of domestic firms entering the drone component space, manufacturing battery packs, motors, propellers, and flight controllers.
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The situation along the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir is already tense, and recent meetings by designated terrorist groups have raised further concerns. Intelligence reports indicate that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) planned attacks targeting the upcoming Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, echoing past violence. However, Indian security forces are said to be prepared to counter such threats.
Another meeting, led by Mufti Abdul Rauf of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), discussed weapon smuggling into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for future attacks. Rauf also reportedly emphasized targeting informants and launching suicide attacks against security forces.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is contemplating acquiring a fleet of pre-owned Mirage 2000 fighter jets from Qatar, along with spare M53 engines, to fortify its ageing fighter squadrons. This potential deal comes amidst concerns about the longevity of the IAF’s existing Mirage 2000 fleet, many of which are nearing the end of their service life due to engine limitations.
Qatar has proposed selling its fleet of 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighters, including nine single-seat 2000-5EDAs and three dual-seat 2000-5DDAs. These jets are particularly attractive because they come with 14 Snecma M53-P2 afterburning turbofan engines – vital components for extending the operational life of the IAF’s current Mirage 2000 fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s much-anticipated INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Kalvari-class submarine, is set to see a delay in its induction. Launched in April 2022 from the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, in collaboration with the Naval Group of France, the submarine was initially expected to join the Indian Navy in early 2024.
The INS Vagsheer began its sea trials in May 2023, a crucial step before its official commissioning. However, recent reports suggest the induction has been pushed back to November or December of this year. While the official reasons for the delay haven’t been disclosed by MDL, sources speculate it might be due to the integration and testing of indigenous equipment.
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India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 program was shaken on March 12th by its first-ever crash. The locally produced, single-engine fighter jet went down near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. While the court of inquiry is still ongoing, initial reports point to an engine seizure as the cause of the accident, according to unnamed officials. One official cited an oil pump malfunction as the likely culprit.
The ill-fated aircraft, a relatively new addition to the IAF fleet at just three years old, prompted a swift response. The Indian Air Force grounded all remaining 35 LCA-Tejas Mk1s for a comprehensive inspection. Flights were only resumed after the grounded aircraft received clearance following thorough checks.
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Precision Engineering Systems business vertical of Larsen & Toubro has won a prestigious order for part construction of Two Fleet Support Ships (FSS) from M/s Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), with Indian Navy being the end user of the vessels.
Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for design and construction of Five FSS for the Indian Navy in August 2023. FSS are specialized naval vessels, which provide logistics and material support to the naval task force at sea. With more than 220 meter in length and approx. 45,000 Ton displacement, FSS would be amongst the largest vessels in the Indian Naval Fleet.
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Bengaluru-based firearms manufacturer, SSS Defence, has achieved a significant milestone by securing and fulfilling a major export contract for their .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle, the 338 Saber. This marks the first time an Indian company has exported sniper rifles, signifying a potential turning point for the nation’s defense exports.
The 338 Saber is designed for modern military and law enforcement applications. Chambered for the powerful .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, it boasts an effective range exceeding 1500 meters. This long-range capability makes it ideal for engaging targets at extreme distances.
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Russia has dangled the possibility of offering India technology to construct and manage low-power nuclear power plants that can float on water. This proposition is likely to be a key topic of discussion during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Moscow on July 8-9, 2024.
Prime Minister Modi’s itinerary includes a visit to the Rosatom Pavilion, showcasing Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom. He is also scheduled to meet with Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom’s Director General, ahead of a private dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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The state government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) has taken a significant step towards becoming a major player in India’s defense manufacturing sector. They have signed over 150 defense deals worth a staggering Rs 25,000 crore ($3.1 billion USD). This ambitious move aligns with India’s growing focus on self-reliance in defense production and boosting its defense exports.
This initiative comes at a perfect time. India’s annual defense production recently reached a record high of Rs 1.27 trillion (US$15.8 billion) in 2023-24, marking a significant 16.7% increase from the previous year. The Uttar Pradesh government aims to capitalize on this momentum and position itself as a critical hub in this growing industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce, has set the record straight regarding the engine for India’s Zorawar Light Tank. He confirmed that the MTU 8V199 TE21 engine is indeed powering the Zorawar tank. Zino also confirmed that engine was delivered to L&T OEM of the Light Tank Program .
Earlier media reports suggested a switch to a Cummins engine due to delays in obtaining German export clearance (BAFA) for the MTU engine. Mr. Zino clarified that while there were initial delays, these have been resolved. The MTU engine delivering a powerful 600 kW (804hp) output, has now been integrated into the Zorawar platform as per information given by Mr. Zino to Indian Media.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking the expertise of Indian private sector companies to undertake substantial repairs on two of its IL-76 aircraft, which have sustained significant damage to their undercarriage and associated airframe structure. These aircraft are currently grounded at the Chandigarh airbase, and the IAF is looking for an industrial partner to carry out the necessary repairs on-site.
The two IL-76 aircraft, essential for the IAF’s transport and logistics capabilities, have been rendered non-operational due to heavy damage. This situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has disrupted the supply chain and repair services from Russia, the original equipment manufacturer of the IL-76 aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Jaguar fighter jets, has acknowledged that the decision on the future of these aircraft rests with the IAF. The company has expressed its commitment to supporting the IAF’s choice, regardless of whether it involves continued operation or eventual retirement of the Jaguar fleet.
The IAF holds the unique distinction of being the world’s only remaining air force to operate Jaguar fighter jets. These aircraft are powered by the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk.102 afterburning turbofan engines.
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Russia has announced a change in engine plans for its Su-30SM fighter jets, opting for the AL-41-FC1 engine from 2025 onwards, according to Oleg Pankov, chief designer of the Su-30 program. This decision comes as India, the primary operator of the Su-30MKI variant, has chosen to maintain its existing AL-31F engines.
The AL-41-FC1 engine boasts increased power and improved fuel efficiency compared to the AL-31F. Russia’s decision to switch engines suggests a focus on enhancing the performance of its Su-30SM fleet and also due to factor that same engine is also used on the Su-35 fleet.
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As light tanks continue to play a crucial role in modern warfare, Two Light Tanks that might face each other in event of the war need Comparative Analysis. both India and China have developed advanced models to enhance their respective military capabilities. India’s indigenous Zorawar Light Tank, developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), stands as a significant achievement.
In comparison, China’s Type 15 light tank showcases impressive technological advancements. This article provides a detailed comparison between these two cutting-edge light tanks, highlighting their technical specifications, features, and strategic advantages.
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The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is the US Air Force’s ambitious plan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet unlike any other. This “system of systems” aims to maintain American air superiority well into the future.
Understandably, the US may be hesitant to export this cutting-edge technology. Sharing NGAD with other countries, no matter how close, introduces the risk of the technology being compromised or falling into the wrong hands. Even trusted allies could lead to leaks, potentially benefiting adversaries like Russia or China.
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