SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is urging caution against media speculation surrounding the recent crash of a Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, addressed the issue during a recent interview with WION.
Chaudhari emphasized that the cause of the crash remains under investigation by a Court of Inquiry. The court is meticulously examining evidence, including materials recovered from the crash site and statements from the pilot. A final report with the definitive cause of the accident has yet to be submitted to the IAF.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) have come under scrutiny following the procurement of Bharath Panther Crash Fire Tenders (CFTs) from a Noida-based MSME firm. Critics online have pointed out the vehicle’s striking resemblance to the Rosenbauer Panther 6×6 CFT manufactured by the Austrian company Rosenbauer International.
The controversy stems from the undeniable similarities between the Bharath Panther and the Rosenbauer Panther. Notably, both vehicles share a 6×6 configuration and are believed to utilize the same Volvo Penta D-16 engine source. These parallels have led many to question whether the Bharath Panther is a genuine indigenous product or simply a rebadged import.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s quest for indigenous airpower takes a significant leap forward with the green light for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This ambitious project aims to develop a state-of-the-art fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, bolstering India’s self-reliance in the critical aerospace defence sector.
Approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security with an initial investment exceeding Rs 15,000 crore, the AMCA promises to be a technological marvel. Designed for supersonic cruise speeds, the AMCA will incorporate advanced features like:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is reportedly contemplating the procurement of 12 additional Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. People familiar with the plans have told idrw.org that this potential deal, estimated for finalization in 2026, would be executed through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, once approved by the Indian MoD.
The Indian Navy recently inducted its first squadron of MH-60R Seahawks, significantly enhancing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. These versatile helicopters are equipped with a formidable arsenal, including Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes, and precision-guided rockets. Additionally, they boast advanced multi-mode radars and night-vision systems, enabling effective operations in challenging environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is mulling the development of a next-generation lifesaving technology – the Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot (BEAR). This robotic system aims to revolutionize battlefield rescue missions by aiding in the swift and safe recovery of injured soldiers.
The project will be spearheaded by the Army Design Bureau (ADB), the Indian Army’s in-house research and development wing. The ADB might also seek collaborations with private sector companies to leverage their expertise and expedite the development process.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Ukrainian forces appear to be using Indian-manufactured ERFB-BT 155mm artillery shells, according to a recently emerged picture from the warzone. This sighting reignites discussions about the indirect supply of military equipment to Ukraine despite India’s official neutrality in the conflict.
India’s Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private companies have witnessed a surge in demand for ERFB-BT 155mm shells. Orders exceeding ?2,000 crores have been placed in recent months, with countries in the Middle East and the United States being the major buyers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards modernizing its combat training regime by incorporating First-Person View (FPV) drones into its curriculum for Agniveer cadets. This development comes amidst a growing global trend of utilizing FPV drones for tactical operations.
FPV drones offer a unique perspective for operators, transmitting a live video feed from a camera mounted on the drone directly to a headset worn by the pilot. This allows for highly maneuverable, close-quarters reconnaissance and targeting capabilities, particularly valuable in urban warfare scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
he Indian Coast Guard Headquarters (ICG HQ) announced a significant contract signing with M/s Elcome Integrated Systems Pvt. Ltd. The agreement entails the procurement of 28 Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) communication consoles for 28 Maritime Rescue Sub Centres (MRSC) spread across the Indian coastline.
This initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing the Indian Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities within the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). The GMDSS consoles will provide ICG personnel with a state-of-the-art communication system specifically designed for maritime emergencies.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
While the Indian Navy ultimately chose a different path, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is gearing up for its future aircraft carriers with the KJ-600, a deck-based Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
Before the KJ-600’s emergence, the Indian Navy explored the possibility of using the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye for its upcoming Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), envisioned as a 65,000-ton behemoth. Negotiations in the early 2000s involved the potential acquisition of six E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, planned for operation on both the INS Vikramaditya and the IAC.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India is gearing up to deliver the first batch of BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles to the Philippines by the end of March. This shipment marks a significant milestone in the growing defense partnership between the two nations.
The delivery, originally planned for late 2023, was postponed at the Philippines’ request. This delay allowed for the completion of a new base specifically designed to house the BrahMos missile batteries. The BrahMos Corporation, a joint Indo-Russian venture, will be responsible for sending both the ground equipment and the missiles themselves.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Emmanuel Marios Economou and Nikos K. Kyriazis, academics from the University of Thessaly in Greece, have sparked debate with their recent proposal. They advocate for Greece to acquire the BrahMos cruise missile system, developed jointly by India and Russia, for deployment in the Eastern Aegean islands.
The proposal centers on deterring Turkish ambitions in the Aegean Sea. The article, while not explicitly mentioning Turkey’s claims on the islands, highlights the potential of BrahMos to create a “denial and prohibition of maritime access” for the Turkish navy. The authors see this as a way to counter Turkish expansionist policies like the “Blue Homeland” doctrine and a disputed maritime agreement with Libya.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has provided an update on the 25 kN Hindustan Turbofan Engine (HTFE-25), revealing that two core engines have been produced and are currently undergoing development trials. However, this information remains consistent with reports from the past 3-4 years, raising concerns about the program’s progress.
HAL initially set a target of 2025 for completing the engine’s development. Given the lack of significant advancement, achieving this goal seems unlikely.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMPL) has secured a significant order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of a Precision Approach Radar (PAR) system. The contract value stands at ?56 crore and includes a comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) spanning 10 years.
This acquisition by HAL bolsters India’s air traffic management infrastructure with a state-of-the-art PAR system. The radar plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient landing of aircraft during adverse weather conditions or low visibility.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s quest for a robust long-range air defence system takes a significant step forward as Project Kusha, the indigenous LRSAM (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile) program, reportedly completes the design phase. This development, according to an official source told idrw.org, paves the way for the creation of crucial components that will form the LRSAM system.
Project Kusha, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to equip the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a powerful tool to neutralize various aerial threats. The envisioned system boasts a range of nearly 350 kilometres and is designed to counter stealth fighters, conventional aircraft, ballistic and cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), a leading Indian aerospace and defence R&D company, recently took a step forward in fostering US-India military cooperation. NRT participated in discussions with the U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
During the discussions, NRT CEO Sameer Joshi presented NRT’s vision for “#NRT Next Generation Missions & Technologies (NGMT)” and a roadmap for co-development projects. This engagement aligns with the priority of both the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the United States Department of Defense to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations.
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