SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has asserted that the winning bidder in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets must prioritize the integration of Indian-made weaponry.
The IAF has reportedly held discussions with various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) participating in the MRFA tender, emphasizing the need for seamless integration of Indian weapons onto the offered fighter jets. This ensures that the IAF can leverage its domestic defence industry for armament, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s Aero L-39 Albatros trainer aircraft serves multiple purposes for India’s defence establishment. Owned by a private company, this aircraft operates under an Indian Navy serial number, simplifying operations and bypassing the need for civil certifications.
The L-39, first displayed publicly at Aero India 2023 as a static exhibit, boasts the registration IN091. This aircraft previously held the US civil registration NX39MX before being deregistered in December 2020 and exported to India.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has finally initiated the assembly of the much-anticipated RUAV-200 drone, marking a significant step forward after a two-year delay. The RUAV-200, short for Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, boasts a coaxial, rotary-wing design powered by a fuel engine. This “flying mule” is specifically tailored for high-altitude logistical operations, designated as LD (HA).
This project reflects a collaborative effort within India’s defence sector. HAL has partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) to bring the RUAV-200 to fruition.
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VU-Dynamics Private Limited, a manufacturer of defense equipment, has recently introduced two new loitering munitions, the APJK6C100 and the APJK2C40. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are designed for long-range reconnaissance and attack missions.
The APJK6C100 boasts an impressive range of 100 kilometers and an endurance of 50 minutes. This extended reach allows it to strike targets far behind enemy lines. It can carry a 6-kilogram warhead, delivering significant firepower for its size. The APJK6C100 has a maximum altitude of 4 kilometers Above Sea Level Measured (ASML), offering a vantage point for surveillance and attack operations.
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India’s defense exports have seen a significant rise in recent years, and the country is setting ambitious targets for further growth. In 2023-24, India has set a target of ?20,000 crore for defense exports.
The largest contributor to India’s defense exports is the shipbuilding industry. Exports of ships for the Navy and Coast Guard account for nearly 61% of the total defense exports. This highlights India’s capabilities in shipbuilding and naval architecture.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The upcoming Tejas MkII fighter jet program is inching closer to a key milestone with the planned initiation of flight trials for its Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. Tender documents reveal that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up for these crucial tests. The IRST system, indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will significantly enhance the Tejas MkII’s combat capabilities.
The documents hint at a two-phase flight test program. The initial phase will see the IRST system integrated into a Hawker 800 aircraft. This mid-size twinjet has previously served as a test platform for the Uttam AESA radar, another critical Tejas MkII technology. The Hawker 800’s role in the IRST trials allows for a controlled environment to assess the system’s performance before integrating it into the Tejas MkII prototype.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian defence scene has been buzzing with discussions about a potential deck-based version of the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) – the N-AMCA – for the Indian Navy. However, People familiar with the program have finally spilled the beans and have told idrw.org that this project was shelved in favour of a more practical solution which was TEDBF (Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter).
When the AMCA program began for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Navy saw an opportunity. They envisioned a carrier-borne variant the N-AMCA that could leverage the AMCA’s technology while offering the Navy a 5th-generation fighter jet. This approach promised cost savings due to its commonality with the IAF version.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The effectiveness of towed artillery guns has been a topic of debate in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. While counter-battery fire has proven adept at quickly targeting towed guns, the Indian Army remains committed to their use alongside Mounted Gun Systems (MGS).
The war in Ukraine has shed light on the vulnerability of towed artillery to counter-battery fire. Advanced radar technology allows enemy forces to locate the origin of artillery fire within minutes, potentially putting towed guns at risk. This has led some former Indian Army officials to advocate for a full transition to MGS.
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India’s ballistic missile defense (BMD) program is set for a significant upgrade with the development of a new Long Range Radar (LRR), according to the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Annual Report for 2022-23. This radar system promises enhanced detection, identification, and tracking capabilities for ballistic missiles.
The LRR’s arrival coincides with the ongoing Phase-II of India’s BMD program. This phase, expected to be operational by 2026-27, will see the induction of two new interceptor missiles, further strengthening India’s multi-layered missile defense architecture. The LRR’s superior detection, tracking, and data transmission capabilities will be instrumental in ensuring the effectiveness of these new interceptor missiles.
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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense and aerospace company, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation: a zero-emission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) designed for hydrographic surveying and coastal surveillance. This versatile USV boasts eco-friendly operations and the potential for various applications, making it a valuable asset for both civilian and defense purposes.
The USV stands out for its commitment to sustainability. It leverages solar energy harvesting to power its operations, eliminating harmful emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This makes it an ideal solution for environmentally sensitive tasks like surveying and monitoring marine ecosystems.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up for the development of the Indian Army’s Futuristic Main Battle Tank (FMBT), the successor to the T-72 MBTs. In anticipation of the army’s requirements, DRDO is planning to initiate research and development (R&D) on a new 125mm smoothbore auto-loading main gun for the FMBT.
Unlike the 120mm rifled gun equipping the Arjun MBTs, the FMBT is expected to incorporate a new 125mm smoothbore auto-loading main gun. This shift in calibre aligns with the global trend towards smoothbore guns.
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Recent tenders issued by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) hint at significant progress in the development of the STAR (Supersonic Target) missile program. The tenders for procuring lining materials for the rocket motor casing, nozzle, and other crucial components suggest that missile fabrication is well underway, paving the way for potential developmental trials later in 2024.
STAR is a revolutionary target missile designed to travel at supersonic speeds exceeding Mach 2.5. This capability will allow surface warship crews to train for effectively detecting and engaging incoming supersonic anti-ship missiles, a critical skill in modern warfare.
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The Indian military is bolstering its attack helicopter capabilities on two fronts: American-made Apaches and domestically produced Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs).
Deliveries of the much-anticipated AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Army are set to begin next month. The initial batch of six helicopters from the US is expected to arrive in May. This procurement comes as a separate deal from the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) existing fleet of 22 Apaches.
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Coimbatore-based MANO AIRCRAFT is soaring into the future with their innovative Mano-I aircraft. This sleek, 2-seater carbon fiber plane is designed not just for thrills, but also for aspiring aircraft builders.
The Mano-I boasts a tandem seating arrangement, offering pilots a “top-gun” experience with independent control. But MANO AIRCRAFT isn’t just targeting seasoned aviators. The aircraft is specifically designed for ease of assembly, breaking down into five distinct kits – perfect for home-builders looking to embark on an aviation adventure.
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Ethiopia, a nation in the Horn of Africa, is inching closer to becoming the first African country to procure arms from India, according to sources familiar with the program told idrw.org. This potential deal, expected to be finalized by mid-2024, marks a possible turning point in Ethiopia’s military procurement strategy.
While specifics of the agreement remain under wraps, speculations point towards Ethiopia’s interest in acquiring anti-drone systems, small arms, and potentially a more significant weapons system. Traditionally, Ethiopia has relied heavily on Russia and China to fulfill its military needs. This upcoming deal with India signifies a potential diversification of its arms suppliers.
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