SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
At the recent Beijing Military Intelligence Technology Expo, a company named the Beijing Institute of Stealth Engineering Technology (BIST) caused a stir. A video presentation showcased their development of various simulated targets designed to test and mimic the signal profiles of potential adversaries’ military equipment.
Intriguingly, the video included a replica of India’s Prithvi surface-to-surface missile (SSM). This has raised concerns that BIST might be using these simulations to develop methods for signal measurement and intelligence gathering on real-world Indian weaponry.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced positive developments concerning the LCA Tejas Mk2 fighter jet program. The company has begun manufacturing the prototype, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline.
According to Jayadeva EP, DGM at HAL, the company has already begun manufacturing the Tejas Mk2 prototype. This signifies a significant step forward, with the initial structural assembly already underway.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was on a quest to enhance its fighter jet fleet with a proven performer, particularly the upgraded Mirage 2000-5. This quest was fueled by the superior performance of the Mirage 2000H during the Kargil War.
However, the journey to procure 126 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, ideally to be locally produced, encountered significant hurdles due to bureaucratic red tape and cost concerns, leading to a broader tender process that eventually delayed the acquisition for decades.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
California-based Ocean Aero is making waves in the Indian defence market with its innovative TRITON, the world’s first and only Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV). Kevin Decker, CEO of Ocean Aero, confirmed interest from both the Indian Coast Guard and Navy in this potentially game-changing technology.
The Triton boasts a unique ability to operate on both the water’s surface and submerged, offering a versatile platform for data collection. Ocean Aero claims the Triton can autonomously gather information from both above and below the ocean’s surface, before transmitting it from anywhere in real time.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s aerospace and defense giant, has announced significant investments in forging capabilities according to their Q4 FY2023-24 earnings report. This move strengthens HAL’s position in manufacturing crucial components for fighter jet engines and airframes.
The report details HAL’s plans to acquire a 20,000-ton isothermal press and a staggering 50,000-ton hydraulic press. These powerful presses will enable HAL to manufacture large, complex forgings – a critical step in the production process for various aerospace components.
Continue readingSOURCE: SATYAJEET KUMAR/ FOR MY TAKE / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has long faced the challenge of modernizing its fighter fleet to maintain operational readiness and ensure national security. The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, aimed at procuring 114 jets, has been a protracted and complex process, fraught with delays and bureaucratic hurdles. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his third term, there is a critical opportunity to finally resolve this issue and enhance the IAF’s capabilities.
One of the primary reasons for the delay in the MRFA tender has been the cumbersome and bureaucratic procurement process. Simplifying and streamlining this process is essential. This can be achieved by setting clear timelines, reducing redundant procedures, and ensuring that decision-making authority is centralized to avoid unnecessary delays. A dedicated task force could be established to oversee the MRFA tender, ensuring accountability and swift resolution of issues that can be completed in next 2 years.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Pakistan’s Navy recently unveiled its latest acquisition, the Hangor-class submarines, built by China. These submarines come at a significantly lower price point compared to India’s planned procurements, raising questions about the strategic approaches of both nations.
Pakistan’s Hangor-class submarines boast a price tag of just $410 million each. This affordability comes with a caveat – the German MTU engines originally planned were denied export by Germany, leading to the use of Chinese diesel engines. While details are limited, these engines might have lower performance or require more frequent maintenance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant leap towards bolstering maritime surveillance capabilities, India has introduced the ‘KSHITIJ’ X-Band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), this cutting-edge radar system is set to be a cornerstone in India’s maritime patrol efforts, enhancing the detection and monitoring of maritime activities.
The KSHITIJ radar is an advanced system designed for superior maritime surveillance. It features AESA technology, which offers several advantages over traditional radar systems, including faster target detection, improved tracking accuracy, and greater resistance to electronic countermeasures. This technology enables the radar to scan large areas quickly and efficiently, providing real-time data critical for maritime security operations.
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Suhas Tejaskanda, founder of Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace, has announced the imminent commencement of developmental trials for the FWD-200B. This drone, touted as India’s first indigenously developed bomber UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), has garnered significant attention.
The company initially faced criticism for unveiling a low-cost Mock-up model of the FWD-200B, constructed with materials like wood and steel instead of the real Prototype. FWD-200B fuselage was also seen a bit on the chunky side with a large fuselage volume without clear explanation for such large fuselage volume.
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Indian defence startup Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) recently conducted a successful live demonstration of their man-portable Vajra Sentinel System for senior officials of the Royal Air Force of Oman. This showcase highlights India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense solutions.
The Vajra Sentinel System is designed to address the burgeoning threat of drones in modern warfare.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a significant modernization effort, with plans to simplify its fighter jet fleet in the coming decades. Currently, the IAF operates a diverse range of aircraft, including MiG-21s, Mirage-2000s, Jaguars, MiG-29s, Rafales, and Su-30MKIs. This variety presents logistical and training challenges.
The IAF aims to streamline its fleet to just five fighter jet types within the next 20 years. This will involve the gradual phasing out of older jets like the MiG-21, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is setting its sights on a potential helicopter deal with Argentina, following the South American nation’s decision to acquire American F-16 fighter jets instead of the Indian Tejas.
This comes after a promising visit in 2022, where a high-level Argentinian delegation led by Lt Gen Juan Martin Paleo, Joint Chief of Staff of the Argentine Armed Forces, toured HAL facilities in Bangalore.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s most critical submarine acquisition project, Project 75 (India) or P75(I), faces fresh delays due to a hurdle related to a key criterion. Potential foreign vendors are struggling to meet this requirement, impacting the project’s timeline.
The program aims to construct six advanced conventional submarines with superior sensors, weapons, and a vital technology – Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). This technology allows submarines to stay underwater for extended durations without surfacing, enhancing their stealth and operational range.
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The Visakhapatnam naval dockyard, a crucial hub for the Indian Navy on the eastern coast, is undergoing a significant infrastructure upgrade. Recent satellite imagery reveals ongoing construction of a modern integration and assembly facility, hinting at potential support for future nuclear submarine production. Additionally, the completion of an auxiliary weapons handling wharf marks a vital step in servicing the Indian Navy’s ballistic missile submarines and submersible missile test barges.
The integration and assembly facility, currently under construction, is shrouded in some secrecy. However, its characteristics suggest it could play a vital role in the production and maintenance of complex vessels, possibly including nuclear submarines. This development aligns with India’s ambitious plans to bolster its nuclear deterrence capabilities, and the Visakhapatnam dockyard, with its established expertise, is a prime candidate to support such endeavors.
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The LCA Tejas Mk1 has recently been spotted with the ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile), marking it the third Close Combat Missile (CCM) under testing for the platform. This development follows the successful testing and validation of the Russian R-73 and Israeli Python-5 CCMs. The integration of these three different CCMs from distinct countries and manufacturers significantly enhances the Tejas Mk1’s combat versatility and complicates adversaries’ countermeasures due to the diverse infrared (IR) sensor technologies and functionalities of each missile system.
Modern aerial warfare relies heavily on electronic countermeasures (ECMs) that can potentially jam or confuse missile guidance systems. By incorporating three distinct CCMs, the Tejas Mk1A makes it more difficult for adversaries to develop a single, effective countermeasure.
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