SOURCE: AFI
The Indian government has introduced the Draft Indian Military Airworthiness Bill 2024, a significant step towards strengthening safety regulations and oversight of military aircraft operations within the country. This bill, expected to be presented in Parliament this year, has sparked discussions and debates among policymakers and aviation experts.
The detailed draft bill is readily available for public scrutiny on the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) website: https://dgaeroqa.gov.in/. This transparency allows for informed discussions and potential public participation in the legislative process.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia has taken a leap forward in aerial combat technology with a patent for an air-launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. This marks a significant development in modern warfare strategies.
Unlike traditional drones launched from runways, this UAV deploys from the Su-57’s internal weapon bays, maintaining the fighter’s stealth profile. The drone boasts impressive performance with a turbojet engine propelling it to speeds of approximately 715 km/h (444 mph) and an operational ceiling of 8 kilometers (5 miles).
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is setting its sights on the high seas with a project for a mobile, sea-based missile launch platform. This innovative concept promises to revolutionize missile testing, particularly for smaller missiles in the initial development stages.
Traditionally, missile testing occurs at dedicated launch pads located inland. While these facilities serve their purpose, they come with limitations. Testing a new missile, especially one with a higher risk of malfunction, often necessitates clearing nearby villages for safety reasons. This disrupts communities and can be a logistical nightmare.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making strides in developing a next-generation combat drone – the CATS Warrior. This loyal wingman program aims to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a powerful unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for seamless cooperation with manned fighter jets.
The CATS Warrior will boast a composite airframe, a key factor in maintaining its low observable characteristics – a critical aspect of modern aerial warfare. The airframe is constructed from advanced composite materials, ensuring the platform maintains low observable characteristics. This translates to a reduced radar signature, making it harder for enemy defenses to detect.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s recent successful test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) has been hailed as a “big force multiplier” for the country’s missile arsenal, according to a military veteran. This development aligns with India’s push for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) in the defense sector.
The ITCM test, conducted earlier this month off the coast of Odisha, marks a significant stride towards India’s goal of self-sufficiency in missile technology. This domestically developed cruise missile is expected to significantly enhance India’s missile capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Indian authorities have arrested Inderpal Singh Gaba, a UK national of Afghan Sikh origin, for his alleged involvement in the attacks on the Indian High Commission in London last year. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India claims Gaba’s actions were part of a “larger conspiracy” targeting Indian diplomatic missions.
Gaba, a resident of Hounslow, was arrested by the NIA on Thursday. The agency accuses him of “unlawful activities” during the protests. Gaba’s lawyer, Satvinder Singh, maintains his client’s innocence. According to the defense, Gaba was simply present at the protest on March 22nd, 2023, and did not actively participate.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Germany has taken a significant step in its defense relationship with India by lifting restrictions on the sale of small arms. This move opens the door for the Indian military and state police forces to directly purchase German-made weaponry.
Previously, strict German regulations limited small arms exports to NATO countries and close allies. However, recent developments signal a shift in policy. Earlier this month, Germany approved a request from India’s elite National Security Guard (NSG) to acquire spare parts and accessories for their existing MP5 submachine guns, manufactured by the renowned German firm Heckler & Koch.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India’s quest for self-reliance in its defense sector takes a significant step forward with collaborative efforts between French engine manufacturer Safran and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This partnership holds promise for both local production of key engine components and the establishment of an advanced MRO facility for Rafale fighter jets.
Negotiations between Safran and HAL pave the way for the potential local manufacture of certain M-88 engine components. The M-88 engine is the powerhouse behind the Rafale fighter jets recently inducted into the Indian Air Force. This move signifies India’s commitment to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical components and foster its own aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence, led by Executive Vice President and Head Arun Ramchandani, has confirmed a key aspect of its joint bid with Navantia for the Indian Navy’s Project 75I tender. The bid proposes the S-80 Plus class submarines, with a significant focus on maximizing local Indian content.
If their bid is chosen, L&T-Navantia promises that nearly 60% of the components used in the S-80 Plus submarines constructed for India will be sourced locally. This signifies a substantial commitment to India’s “Make in India” initiative, promoting domestic manufacturing and technological expertise.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of the Rafale fighter jet, is making a strategic move to secure a larger role in India’s aerospace industry. The company has reportedly conveyed to Indian Air Force (IAF) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials that it can begin Rafale production in India, but with one key condition: acquiring a 100% stake in Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL).
Dassault’s proposal is enticing. The company claims its Indian facility, upon receiving full ownership, could achieve a production rate of two Rafale jets per month. This translates to potentially delivering the entire 114 jets envisioned under the IAF’s upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender within five years.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), a Bengaluru-based company, has sent ripples through the defence industry by hinting at two significant additions to its swarming platform portfolio. While details remain scarce, NRT’s unveiling of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) integrations with their MOSAIC intelligence suite suggests a bold step towards more comprehensive unmanned warfare solutions.
NRT’s MOSAIC suite has garnered considerable attention for its ability to orchestrate swarming tactics in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This technology empowers UAVs to collaborate in decentralized fused teaming missions, making them highly adaptable and effective.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The ambitious project to develop India’s own 90-seater turboprop aircraft, the RTA, faces significant financial and market challenges. While the initial development cost is estimated at $2 billion under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), an aviation expert quoted by idrw.org suggests a much steeper climb could be needed.
The long-term viability of the RTA hinges on attracting significant investment beyond the initial development costs. The expert estimates that tax breaks and incentives amounting to $10-15 billion might be necessary to make the aircraft competitive in the Indian market and entice international buyers. This hefty price tag has the Indian government wary of approving the project.
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Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has issued a stern warning to countries, including India, against supplying defense equipment to its arch-rival, Armenia. Addressing the issue at an event leading up to COP29 in Baku, Aliyev minced no words as he expressed the gravity of the situation.
“It is a matter of our national security. We cannot sit and wait, seeing how France, India, and Greece are weaponizing Armenia against us and doing it openly, demonstratively,” Aliyev remarked, highlighting the perceived threat posed by the militarization of Armenia with foreign support.
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Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a defense sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Defence, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Damen Shipyards Group. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Her Excellency Liesje Schreinemacher, the Netherlands’ Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
This MoU marks a significant step towards collaboration in the development and deployment of electric tugboats (e-Tugs) for Indian ports. Damen Shipyards Group, a renowned Dutch conglomerate with expertise in shipbuilding, engineering, and defense solutions, brings valuable experience to the table.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a leading laboratory of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is seeking Indian industry partners for the design and development of critical power systems for their Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
The EOI focuses on the development of a 50 kVA, 115/200VAC, 400 Hz, Variable Speed Constant Frequency (VSCF) electrical machine for ADE’s UAVs. This system will be a vital component of the aircraft’s power supply, ensuring efficient operation and mission success.
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