SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Get ready for the next evolution of supersonic destruction! DRDO’s BrahMos Corporation is revving up development on the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile, promising a multi-platform powerhouse with enhanced capabilities across air, land, and sea.
Leading the charge is the Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) variant, poised to arm India’s fighter jets – LCA-Tejas Mk1A, Tejas MkII, Su-30MKI, and Mig-29K. Imagine the agility and firepower these platforms will gain, unleashing deadly strikes from beyond enemy radar range.
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India showcased its military hardware at the recent 2nd India-Kenya Defence Exhibition & Seminar held in Nairobi, aiming to strengthen its strategic ties with Kenya. Among the offerings was the HAL-developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, designed for high-altitude warfare.
The exhibition, co-organized by the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) and the High Commission of India (HCI), saw participation from dignitaries like Kenyan Defence Minister Hon. Aden Duale and KDF Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen J Mwangi.
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Sensing an opportunity after Russia’s T-72 struggles in Ukraine, India has unveiled the Atharva, a hybrid tank merging the T-72 chassis with the T-90’s more powerful turret. This upgrade boosts firepower, armor, and situational awareness, potentially addressing concerns raised by the war.
The T-90 turret brings increased firepower, thicker armor, and improved situational awareness, making the Atharva a more formidable opponent. India could offer this modernization package to other T-72 users seeking to revitalize their fleets without replacing them entirely.
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The 2nd India-Kenya Defence Exhibition & Seminar was held in Nairobi from January 30-31, 2024. The event was co-organized by the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) and the High Commission of India (HCI). Kenyan Defence Minister, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, and Vice Chief of Defence Forces, KDF Lt. Gen J Mwangi, were among the attendees.
More than 21 Indian defence manufacturers showcased their products at the event, including armored vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. Indian companies also gave live demonstrations of their latest technologies.
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The Philippines is gearing up for a significant boost in its coastal defense capabilities with the impending arrival of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya confirmed the delivery schedule, stating that the ground system will arrive in the first week of February 2024, followed by the missiles themselves in March.
This acquisition marks a major milestone for the Philippines, which will become the first Southeast Asian nation to possess the BrahMos system. Developed jointly by India and Russia, these missiles boast impressive capabilities:
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have set their sights on acquiring the country’s first-ever submarine, marking a significant step in bolstering its maritime defense capabilities. This move comes amidst rising tensions with China in the South China Sea, where Beijing asserts expansive claims and frequently engages in military activities.
The AFP’s primary motivation for acquiring submarines lies in enhancing its coastal defense capabilities against Chinese warships and submarines. They envision a fleet of conventional-diesel submarines tailored for patrolling the country’s vast maritime territory and deterring potential threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s indigenous fighter jet program, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art Mission Computer, marking a milestone in the country’s defense aviation sector. Prominent defense reporter Anantha Krishnan M has reported that the LCA Tejas SP, equipped with the LCA MK1A Mission Computer, is scheduled for its maiden flight next week, signaling a leap forward in India’s technological prowess in the field of avionics.
The LCA Tejas Mk1A, renowned for its agility, maneuverability, and combat capabilities, will now incorporate the advanced Mission Computer, a pivotal component designed to orchestrate the aircraft’s upgraded avionics suite. Developed indigenously by MCSRDC-HAL, the Mission Computer serves as the nerve center of the LCA Mk1A, interfacing with a myriad of onboard sensors and systems to execute critical functions ranging from navigation and guidance to communication and weapon aiming computations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking decisive steps to modernize its transport fleet, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari confirming plans for replacing ageing aircraft like the AN-32 and IL-76.
Chaudhari highlighted the crucial role of modern transport aircraft in contemporary warfare, stating, “We are looking at replacing our AN-32 and IL-76 fleets promptly.” The AN-32, a mainstay for decades, has served its purpose, but its limitations in payload capacity and range restrict the IAF’s operational flexibility. Similarly, the IL-76, approaching 40 years of service, requires a capable successor.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is soaring into the future of logistics with the induction of powerful cargo drones, revolutionizing the way supplies reach troops in even the most challenging terrain. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are not just toys, but capable workhorses, lifting payloads ranging from 20kg to 100kg, significantly easing the burden on traditional transport methods.
But the Army’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Plans are already in motion to further expand cargo capabilities, with talks underway with private sector companies for the development of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Cargo UAVs. These behemoths will be game-changers, capable of hauling a whopping 300-500kg of cargo over distances of 400-500km.
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On February 19, 2001, a routine flight from Delhi to Kargil nearly turned into a tragedy. Air Marshal VK Bhatia, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), despite lacking qualification for the AN-32 aircraft, insisted on flying the aircraft himself for the inauguration of the Kargil Airfield. This decision, fueled by ambition and a desire for personal glory, almost cost the lives of all onboard.
The Kargil Airfield, located close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan and surrounded by high hills, presented inherent challenges. Despite concerns raised by the qualified co-pilot Air Vice Marshal A C Chafekar about the risks, Air Marshal Bhatia remained determined to land at Kargil.
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India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set for a series of missile launches, marking a significant development for the country’s defense capabilities. While previous launches have primarily taken place from Odisha’s Chandipur or Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota, this upcoming event will witness a historic first for West Bengal. DRDO has established a launch pad at Junput beach near Haripur, poised to host its maiden missile launch from the state.
The launches are scheduled for the end of February or the beginning of March, with two missiles taking to the skies. One launch will occur from Baleshwar, Odisha, adhering to the established practice. However, all eyes will be on Junput beach as it witnesses its first ever missile launch, marking a new chapter for West Bengal’s involvement in India’s strategic missile program.
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In a bid to bolster India’s self-reliance and indigenization efforts, the Indian Navy and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted their annual Apex Level Meeting-2024 on today’s date. Co-chaired by DRDO Chairman Dr. Sameer V. Kamat and Indian Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the meeting served as a platform for in-depth discussions on collaborative development projects aimed at equipping the Indian Navy with cutting-edge indigenous technologies.
The meeting emphasized the shared goal of minimizing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening domestic defense capabilities. Strategic discussions focused on existing and upcoming projects across various domains, including:
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to significantly expand its fleet of Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) to enhance the operational range and flexibility of its fighter jets. This move comes amidst a focus on bolstering India’s airpower capabilities, particularly in light of potential two-front scenarios.
Currently, IAF fighter jets often operate from high-altitude airfields due to their all-weather capabilities. However, these airfields have limitations on the weight of weapons that can be carried due to thinner air at higher altitudes. By deploying FRAs, fighter jets can refuel mid-air, allowing them to take off from hinterland airfields with their full payload and extend their operational range deep into enemy territory.
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Indian micro-turbojet engine startup Dg Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL) has achieved a major milestone in the country’s quest for self-reliance. The company successfully completed endurance test runs of its indigenously developed J40 jet engine, marking a significant step towards its potential integration into various applications.
The J40 engine, powered by DPPL’s in-house-developed Electronic Control Unit (ECU), has demonstrated impressive capabilities during testing. Notably, it has consistently cruised at a remarkable 84,000 rpm, showcasing its stability and power. This achievement bodes well for the engine’s potential applications in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones.
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The Indian Air Force is taking a major step forward in its indigenous fighter jet program with the first upgraded Tejas MK1A aircraft nearing its maiden flight. Scheduled for later this month, the jet boasts a range of improvements including a new mission computer, smart multi-function displays (MFDs), an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and an advanced electronic warfare suite.
Currently undergoing final assembly checks before the aircraft will embark on low and high-speed trials after successful ground testing. If all goes well, the inaugural flight could occur by early March, paving the way for further testing and eventual squadron deployment.
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