SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

Amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Canada, industrial partners involved in India’s Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) program are urging the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to reconsider its plans to procure Stryker armoured vehicles from Canada. The indigenous WhAP program, a joint initiative between DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems, offers a competitive alternative and has gained international traction, including potential orders from Morocco.

WhAP’s partners like Tata, Mahindra, and Kalyani are developing their own variants of the vehicle, making it a viable and homegrown substitute. With diplomatic tensions rising, defense experts in India are also advocating for India to withdraw from talks with U.S. officials concerning Canadian defense assets.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

In a recent discussion on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Air Marshal Anil Khosla, former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), emphasized the need for a phased procurement approach for Rafale fighter jets rather than purchasing them in bulk under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This suggestion aligns with previous recommendations from former Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, both of whom highlighted the financial strain and opportunity costs that a bulk procurement could impose on other critical defense programs.

Khosla’s rationale for phased acquisition revolves around the rapid evolution of fighter jet technology. A staggered purchase of Rafales would allow the IAF to benefit from upgrades and newer systems integrated into each batch, keeping India’s fleet at the cutting edge. He noted that buying all 114 jets in one go, as proposed in the MRFA tender, could lead to outdated technology by the time the entire fleet is delivered. By splitting the procurement into phases, the IAF can integrate the latest avionics, sensors, and weaponry with each successive batch of Rafales, ensuring the fleet remains modern and relevant for longer.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to India’s defense export capabilities, Samtel Avionics System Ltd, based in Uttar Pradesh, has signed a contract with the Malaysian Air Force to equip its fleet of Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets with Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and Head-Up Displays (HUD). This contract further strengthens the long-standing defense ties between India and Malaysia, while highlighting India’s growing role as a global defense technology provider.

The Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) being supplied by Samtel Avionics will enhance the capabilities of the Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets by providing pilots with better situational awareness and a more intuitive interface to manage flight data and combat systems. Available in sizes of 5″x5″, 6″x6″, and 5″x4″, these MFDs will provide the Malaysian Air Force with advanced avionics that will modernize and extend the operational life of its Su-30MKM aircraft.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army’s Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) for the Zorawar Light Tank has sparked interest, especially in comparison to China’s Type 15 Light Tank, which weighs around 35 tons. Both tanks are intended for high-altitude operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and other challenging terrains. However, the Indian Army has intentionally kept the Zorawar’s weight around 25 tons, significantly lighter than its Chinese counterpart. This decision was guided by several critical operational requirements that go beyond the conventional focus on firepower and armour.

According to a senior Indian Army officer closely involved with the project, four key factors influenced the Zorawar’s design specifications: airlifting capabilities for high altitudes, amphibious capability, power-to-weight ratio, and nominal ground pressure. These features are essential for operations in the rugged and varied terrain where the Zorawar is expected to be deployed, including the Himalayan borders near the LAC and the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh area between India and Pakistan.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

During National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Paris, crucial discussions took place between Doval and top French officials regarding strategic defense cooperation. Among the key topics was France’s offer to assist India in the development of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) for the Indian Navy. This cooperation could mark a significant leap forward in India’s naval capabilities, as France has proposed sharing Pump jet propulsion technology and other non-nuclear technologies from its Barracuda-class SSN submarine program.

Sources familiar with the talks revealed that France’s offer goes beyond just technical assistance. Paris has expressed its willingness to cooperate on a range of submarine technologies, including the Pump jet propulsion system—a technology that enhances the stealth and efficiency of nuclear submarines. While it remains unclear if France has formally offered the complete design of its Barracuda-class submarines, all non-nuclear technologies integrated into these advanced vessels are reportedly on the table.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The restoration of the Indian Navy’s warship INS Brahmaputra, which was severely damaged by a fire at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, is set to be a lengthy and technically challenging process. According to officials familiar with the situation, the recovery could take over a year, as specialized machinery and technical expertise will be required to make the ship seaworthy again. The damage, exacerbated by water accumulation during firefighting efforts, has made the vessel difficult to upright, prolonging the recovery timeline.

On July 21, a fire broke out aboard INS Brahmaputra while the ship was undergoing a refit at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard. The fire caused significant damage to the 24-year-old guided-missile frigate and tragically claimed the life of one sailor. Though the fire was eventually brought under control, the vessel remains tilted toward the shore due to the weight of the water that was pumped in to extinguish the blaze. This excessive water ingress has added to the complexities of the salvage operation, making the ship extremely heavy and difficult to stabilize.