SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

The Indian armed forces are set to receive the MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), manufactured by General Atomics, between 2029 and 2030. This acquisition marks a major step in strengthening India’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. The deal, valued at nearly $3.5 billion, was signed under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme with the U.S. government. The 31 drones ordered include 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians for the Indian Army and Air Force (eight each).

According to defense officials, the first MQ-9B unit will be delivered in 51 months, with the final unit expected by 72 months after the contract signing and initial payment. This indicates that the delivery window will span from January 2029 to September 2030. The deliveries will be spaced out across 21 months, ensuring that India progressively receives its fleet of 31 drones.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

In an exciting preview of what’s to come for India’s defense aviation sector, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will be showcasing the Mock-front cockpit section of the Tejas MkII at the upcoming Aero India 2025. The highly anticipated event will take place from February 10th to February 14th, 2025, in Bengaluru, providing a platform for ADA to demonstrate significant advancements in the Tejas MkII program.

The image of the showcased mock-front cockpit section, recently released, highlights the impressive dimensions: 3427L X 1990H X 1390W, signaling the scope of ADA’s efforts in designing a state-of-the-art fighter cockpit. The mock section includes various structural components that are integral to the overall cockpit design and functionality of the upcoming Tejas MkII.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), has embarked on an ambitious initiative to indigenously design and develop hovercraft for military operations. As part of this effort, GRSE has sought collaboration from the private sector to build a prototype with high indigenous content, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers and strengthen India’s defense capabilities.

Hovercraft, also known as Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), are highly versatile and can traverse a range of terrains, including sand, marshes, mud, ice, and water. Their unique ability to glide over various surfaces without the need for specialized infrastructure like harbors or docks makes them invaluable for military operations. However, India currently lacks expertise in hovercraft design, relying heavily on foreign technology and equipment. This reliance on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) not only creates logistical challenges but also limits the ability to tailor hovercraft to the specific operational needs of the Indian military.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is taking a significant step toward enhancing its future combat capabilities by seeking the design and development of a High-Power Laser Source with an output greater than 10 kW. This initiative is aimed at fostering collaboration with private sector companies, who will receive naval funding to bring this cutting-edge technology to life. The Navy’s goal is to leverage laser-based technologies for both weapon systems and sensors, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation naval warfare.

The Indian Navy has outlined specific requirements for the High-Power Laser Source that private sector companies must meet in order to secure development contracts. The primary requirements are as follows:

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.