SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft, designated LA5033, has been spotted sporting a new canopy design. This modification is believed to enhance visibility for pilots, particularly during aerial combat maneuvers.
The most striking feature of the new canopy is a distinct bulge at the rear. This bulge provides additional space for the pilot’s helmet, potentially improving situational awareness and reducing blind spots. Improved visibility is crucial for pilots to effectively track and engage enemy aircraft during dogfights.
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The indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft, designated LA5033, successfully completed a series of low-speed taxi trials (LSTT) followed by high-speed taxi trials (HSTT) yesterday, on March 27th, 2024. These trials are a crucial step towards the aircraft’s maiden flight, which is now expected to take place today, subject to successful completion of final checks.
Certifying agencies have expressed confidence in LA5033’s readiness for its first flight. Yesterday’s taxi trials were piloted by veteran test pilot Gp Capt K K Venugopal (Retd), who is part of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Civil Test Pilot (FW) group.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is seeking assistance from Western defence companies in its ambitious “Made in India” project to develop a fleet of three Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Communications Jamming (COMJAM) aircraft. This move comes as authorities in New Delhi ramp up efforts to bolster the country’s electronic warfare capabilities.
American defence giant L3Harris and French electronics leader Thales have both reportedly offered their expertise to aid India in developing these specialized aircraft. However, the complexity of SIGINT and COMJAM technologies appears to be prompting Indian authorities to leverage Western know-how.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The iDEX ADITI initiative, a program fostering innovation in critical defence technologies, has launched a new challenge focused on revolutionizing underwater object identification. This project seeks advancements in Underwater Object Identification using Aerial Hyperspectral Imaging and AI (Artificial Intelligence).
The challenge hinges on leveraging Underwater Hyperspectral Imaging (UHI) technology. UHI boasts the remarkable capability of identifying and classifying objects underwater with exceptional detail, even at depths of several hundred meters. This technology promises to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to detect and analyze objects of interest within the vast underwater domain.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Pakistan’s future fighter jet procurement plans remain shrouded in some mystery. While initial reports suggested interest in joining Turkey’s TF-X (KAAN) program, recent developments point towards a potential shift in focus.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief’s recent confirmation of interest in the Chinese FC-31 stealth fighter upon its completion casts doubt on their commitment to the KAAN program. While details are scarce, it appears the PAF may be prioritizing the FC-31.
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NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), a Bengaluru-based aerospace company, has achieved a remarkable feat in Indian aviation history. Their sub-scale High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS UAS) development prototype successfully completed a record-breaking flight test at ATR Chitradurga.
The test surpassed all initial objectives, achieving an astounding flight endurance of over 24 hours. This incredible accomplishment translates to a new national record for India – the longest flight duration ever recorded for an Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured (IDDM) unmanned aerial system (UAS).
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On this day five years ago, India successfully conducted Mission Shakti, an anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test, propelling the nation into an elite group of countries with this advanced technology.
The mission involved a specially designed missile launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, precisely targeting and destroying a small Indian satellite orbiting Earth at an altitude of 350 kilometers and traveling at a phenomenal speed of 24,000 kilometers per hour. This remarkable feat showcased India’s growing prowess in the field of aerospace and defense technology.
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The Indian government has implemented amendments to the Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, following recommendations by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). These changes aim to further promote “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) within the country’s defense industry, while also streamlining the Ease of Doing Business for domestic companies.
These amendments are expected to significantly boost domestic defense production capabilities. By mandating a higher indigenous content threshold and facilitating access to testing facilities, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for Indian companies. Additionally, the requirement for complete know-how of imported components pushes them towards developing indigenous alternatives, furthering the “Aatmanirbharta” goal.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency’s (ADA) AMCA program is making significant strides towards a future-proof fighter jet. The project team is prioritizing two key features: spiral upgrades and modular design, ensuring the aircraft’s continued relevance for years to come.
idrw.org has been told that the AMCA’s design allows for incremental capability additions through “Blocks.” New features and functionalities can be integrated over time, eliminating the need for a complete overhaul until a Mid-Life Update (MLU).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is setting its sights on high-powered directed-energy weapons (DEWs). This development comes as part of a well-defined roadmap with short–, medium-, and long-term goals for harnessing this next-generation military technology.
The current focus is on developing DEWs with a significant power increase, targeting a range of 30-50 kilowatts. This substantial leap in power signifies a move towards more potent DEWs capable of tackling a wider range of threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a leading laboratory of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the development of a critical component – an indigenous track system for 70-ton class Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs).
The track system is an essential element of the Running Gear (RG) system in a Main Battle Tank (MBT) like the Arjun Mk-IA. It acts as a closed loop, driven by a sprocket to propel the tank. Each track link comprises various components like track blocks, rubberized pins, pads, connectors, and clamps.
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Solar Industries India Limited’s (SII) subsidiary, Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), has secured a contract to supply 30,000 units of the Multi-Mode Hand Grenade (MMHG) to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for ?13.983 crore. EEL’s bid of ?4,661 per grenade proved more competitive than Munitions India Limited’s (MIL) offer of ?15.547 crore.
Developed by the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), the MMHG is a versatile grenade designed for both offensive and defensive use. A unique feature is the ability to easily switch between modes by removing or attaching a fragmenting sleeve before throwing.
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Gurgaon-based Pareto Tree Private Limited, winner of the prestigious SPRINT Challenge, has unveiled the HERO Search V1 – a revolutionary Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device designed to safeguard the lives of firefighters, search & rescue teams, damage control teams, and isolated defense personnel. This innovative tool promises to be a game-changer in emergency response, offering critical features that can mean the difference between life and death in dangerous situations.
HERO Search V1 boasts cutting-edge continuous motion sensing technology. No movement goes unnoticed, allowing rescuers to swiftly locate missing or incapacitated individuals even in the most chaotic situations. Gone are the days of agonizing uncertainty; HERO Search V1 provides a vital lifeline in the face of danger.
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Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos has announced a delay in the test launch of its “AGNIBAAN SOrTeD” (Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator) mission. Originally planned for March 22, 2024, the launch is now on hold to allow for additional readiness checks.
In a statement, Agnikul Cosmos cited the need for further preparations as the reason for the postponement. The company says it may require additional time beyond the originally planned NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) window. A new NOTAM will be issued soon to inform of the rescheduled launch date.
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South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has greenlit production of the KF-21, a domestically developed 5th-generation fighter jet. This marks a significant step forward for the nation’s aerospace industry.
The production approval covers the period between 2024 and 2028, with a total estimated cost of W7.9 trillion (approximately $5.8 billion). While the official number of aircraft remains undisclosed, South Korean media reports suggest an initial production run of 20 jets.
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