SOURCE: AFI
Two months after the tragic death of 23-year-old Hemil Mangukiya in Ukraine while working with the Russian armed forces, his father, Ashwin, is embarking on a journey to Russia to claim the compensation promised to him. This move marks a significant step towards closure for the grieving family, who have been grappling with the loss of their beloved son.
Hemil’s journey to Russia began on December 14th of the previous year, driven by the allure of job opportunities in foreign countries. Like many young individuals seeking better prospects, he turned to an online platform offering employment opportunities abroad. Little did he know that this decision would lead to tragic consequences.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) plan to develop a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAV program through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model seems to be hitting a roadblock. This initiative, intended to leverage private sector expertise for indigenous military equipment development, is facing an unexpected hurdle – a preference for foreign collaboration among some potential Indian participants.
The MoD’s push for private involvement comes after the setbacks faced by the previous Tapas program led by DRDO’s ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment). Delays and technical shortcomings plagued Tapas, prompting the MoD to seek a new approach. The SPV model was envisioned as a way to leverage private sector expertise and expedite the HALE UAV program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is making strides in aerial warfare with the development of a new turbojet-powered loitering munition. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), essentially a flying bomb, boasts impressive capabilities designed to enhance the Indian military’s offensive edge.
With a range exceeding 100 kilometers, the drone can hit targets well beyond the immediate battlefield, offering strategic flexibility. Designed to function effectively day and night, even in harsh weather conditions, the drone ensures mission readiness in diverse scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
French defence giant Naval Group has unveiled a compelling proposition for the Indian Navy’s upcoming Scorpene-class submarines. Their proposal centres on lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, offering significant operational advantages over the conventionally used lead-acid batteries.
This collaboration leverages established expertise. Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), having already constructed six Scorpène-class submarines for the Indian Navy (known as the Kalvari-class), will serve as the local partner for building these next-generation vessels.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Russia appears to be making renewed efforts to woo India back into its fold regarding 5th-generation fighter jets. This comes after India recently greenlit its own AMCA program, raising questions about Russia’s motivations.
According to popular YouTube channel Bharat Tak, Russia is eager to showcase its Su-57 fighter jet in India. The purpose of this demonstration remains unclear. It’s uncertain whether this is at India’s request or a unilateral attempt by Russia to revive a struggling program.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pakistan’s quest to bolster its underwater defense capabilities with the Hangor-class submarines faces ongoing challenges, as evidenced by recent delays in the program.
In April 2015, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) greenlit the acquisition of eight Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) equipped submarines from China. This collaboration involved co-production, with Karachi Shipyards and Engineering Works (KSEW) building four submarines and the remaining four constructed by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A new study by military analyst Roderick Lee of the US Naval War College raises concerns about the academic selection process for Chinese submarine officers. Lee’s paper, published by the China Maritime Studies Institute, highlights a surprising trend: the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Submarine Academy consistently ranks among the lowest in entrance exam scores compared to other PLA institutions.
The report points out that the PLAN Engineering University, which trains submarine technical specialists, sits near the top in terms of average exam scores. This suggests a clear distinction: while engineers receive a rigorous academic selection, submarine commanders, excluding engineers, may be coming from a pool with lower academic performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
@CjVarghese96
CJ Varghese, a distinguished innovator hailing from Kerala, has once again made waves in the realm of defense technology with the recent granting of a patent by the Patent Office of the Government of India. This patent marks a significant milestone in Varghese’s illustrious career, adding to his impressive portfolio of multiple patents, and heralds a breakthrough in the field of artillery defense systems.
The newly patented innovation centers around a Multiple Artillery Rocket Interceptor Kill Vehicle System, designed to counter the threat posed by swarms of artillery rockets with unparalleled precision and efficacy. At its core, Varghese’s system boasts several novel features and technological advancements that set it apart from conventional defense mechanisms.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is poised for a significant shift in its combat capabilities as it grapples with the impending retirement of nearly 200 fighter jets by 2030. This large-scale retirement plan, if realized, could lead to a temporary dip in overall squadron strength.
The crux of the issue lies with the ageing Mirage-III/5 fleet, numbering over 150. These French-origin jets are rapidly approaching the end of their airframe service life. Dassault, the original manufacturer, has ceased production of spare parts for the aircraft and its engines, decades ago further plans to buy retired jets to be used as Spares have not gone ahead thus limiting operational viability of shouldering on for more years.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In 2016, India signed a landmark deal with France to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets for a total of $8.85 billion. Fast forward to 2024, a new debate has ignited within Indian Defence community as the Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to acquire 97 locally-made Tejas Mk1A fighter jets at an estimated cost of $7.80 billion. The central question: can domestic quantity compete with foreign quality?
The Rafale and Tejas Mk1A are undeniably different aircraft. The Rafale, a mediumweight from France, boasts a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 24.5 tons. This translates to a significantly higher weapons carrying capacity, allowing it to carry nearly three times the payload of the Tejas Mk1A, which has a MTOW of 13.5 tons.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone in its defense indigenization journey – the development and construction of its own conventional diesel submarines under Project-76. This ambitious program marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in underwater warfare capabilities.
India possesses a strong foundation for success in Project-76. The experience gained from designing the hull of the Arihant nuclear submarine program provides invaluable knowledge and expertise that can be directly applied to Project-76.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed a crucial stage in the development of the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) weapon system. The system is now ready for Final User Evaluation trials by the Indian Army.
The MPATGM system is equipped for deployment in various conditions, boasting both day and night operation capabilities. Additionally, the missile features top-attack technology, allowing it to strike armored vehicles from above, a critical advantage against heavily armored targets. MPATGM are to be equipped with the Indian Army’s infantry and Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The shine seems to be coming off the F-35 program, with a recent report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) raising concerns about escalating costs and declining aircraft availability.
The report highlights a significant increase in sustainment costs for the F-35 program. From 2018 to 2023, these costs have jumped by a staggering 44%, reaching a whopping $1.58 trillion. This stands in stark contrast to the actual use of the aircraft. The F-35 Joint Program Office reports a 21% reduction in flight hours across the program, indicating less operational utilization.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India is taking a crucial step towards securing its sensitive government institutions with a new regulation aimed at phasing out Chinese-made surveillance cameras. This move comes amid growing concerns about potential security risks associated with such equipment.
Estimates suggest India has over two million surveillance cameras installed across the country. However, a significant portion, roughly one million, are believed to be manufactured by Chinese companies. These cameras raise national security anxieties due to the potential for data breaches and unauthorized access.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Greece has extended an offer to India to acquire its fleet of French-made Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets. This offer comes amidst a significant modernization effort for the Hellenic Air Force, which recently placed orders for both Rafale and F-35 jets.
General Dimitrios Houpis, Chief of the General Staff of the Defense Forces for Greece, visited India this month and presented the offer as per people familiar with matter told idrw.org. Greece in 2000 purchased 15 Mirage 2000-5s from Dassault Aviation, including five two-seat 2000-5BG trainers and ten single-seat 2000-5EG fighters.
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