SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Indian Army’s ambitious Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program. This marks a significant step towards replacing the ageing fleet of Russian-supplied T-72 MBTs with a new generation of domestically-developed main battle tanks (MBTs) by 2030 onwards.
The FRCV program will leverage a unique procurement model known as “Development cum Production Partner (DcPP)”. This model, categorized under the Make-I initiative of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), involves government funding of up to 90% of the project for design and development. The MoD will partner with two entities, one from the public sector and one from the private sector, to form the DcPP.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Civil Aviation Minister KR Naidu has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to fostering indigenous aircraft manufacturing capabilities in India. This push for self-reliance appears to be translating into a green light for the National Aerospace Laboratories’ (NAL) ambitious Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) program.
The NAL has made significant progress on the RTA program, with the conceptual design of the RTA-90 nearing completion. Furthermore, the Project Definition Phase (PDP) for the RTA was successfully launched in April 2022.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier laboratory under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is advancing efforts to refine the design of experimental Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) through a comprehensive arrester barrier landing analysis.
This analysis will focus on ensuring the safe recovery of UAVs during operations, particularly in constrained environments such as short runways or emergency landings. The study will involve the use of advanced Finite Element (FE) modeling techniques and material characterization to simulate the forces exerted on the UAV during an arrester barrier landing.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing has been marked by both successes and setbacks, with the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) program often cited as a significant lesson in the challenges of indigenous defense production. As the Indian Army embarks on its Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program to replace its ageing fleet of T-72 MBTs, the critical question remains: has the Army learned from the shortcomings of the Arjun MBT program, or will it once again lean towards foreign imports for its armored capabilities?
The Arjun MBT program, conceived in the 1970s and delivered decades later, highlighted numerous issues in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The tank faced problems related to weight, mobility, and integration of advanced technologies. It was also subjected to delays, cost overruns, and shifting operational requirements from the Army, leading to a long development cycle.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent showcase, Harsh Vardhan Thakur, the Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), presented a 3D rendering of three significant Indian-made training aircraft. These aircraft represent the future of pilot training in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and aim to replace older models.
The first aircraft showcased was the HTT-40, a Stage-I Basic Trainer Aircraft. Designed and built by HAL, the HTT-40 is intended to provide initial flight training to aspiring pilots. Its advanced features and modern avionics make it a suitable platform for imparting fundamental flying skills.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Israel’s leading defense electronics company, ELTA Systems Ltd., has placed a substantial order with Indian defense manufacturing player DCX Systems Ltd. The order, valued at Rs 154.80 crore, entails the supply of RF (radio frequency) electronic modules.
ELTA Systems, renowned for its expertise in developing advanced defense and intelligence electronics, including sensors, radars, electronic warfare, and communication systems, has recognized DCX Systems’ capabilities in manufacturing high-quality electronic components. This strategic partnership underscores DCX Systems’ growing prominence in the global defense supply chain.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Avantel Ltd, a prominent player in the Indian defence and aerospace sectors, has recently secured a significant purchase order from NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) valued at Rs. 67.9 crores. The contract involves the supply of prototype terminals, with delivery scheduled by April 2025. This new order reflects Avantel’s continued prominence in delivering critical communication solutions to key players in India’s strategic sectors.
Avantel Ltd has long-established itself as a trusted partner to various defence and aerospace organizations in India. Its customer base includes the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), alongside global industry giants such as Lockheed Martin and The Boeing Company. These collaborations underscore Avantel’s reputation for providing cutting-edge technology and communication solutions that are integral to both domestic and international defence programs.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Although Gaganyaan is ready for launch by the end of the year, we should proceed with caution, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath on Friday.
Gaganyaan, which is among the projects approved by the Union cabinet on Wednesday, is India’s first human mission. “I don’t want what happened to the Boeing Starliner, so we should be very careful,” added S Somanath.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday (local time) ahead of the four-nation Quadrilateral summit scheduled to be held on September 21 in Delaware. The Australian PM said that four great democracies – India, Australia, Japan and the United States- are committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Albanese said he is looking forward to having discussions with leaders of the grouping including “my friend Prime Minister Modi.”
“The Quad is an important body. It’s one that’s committed to peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific. Four great democracies driven by our common objectives that we have. So it will be an opportunity to talk directly to the leaders of the United States in President Biden, my friend Prime Minister Modi from India, and my friend Prime Minister Kishida of Japan,” Albanese told reporters.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a three-day visit to the United States, during which he will attend the Quad Leaders’ Summit, address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the United Nations General Assembly, and also interact with the Indian diaspora.
In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “PM @narendramodi emplanes for USA to participate in the 6th Quad Leaders’ Summit and to address the UN ‘Summit of the Future’.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at four locations in Punjab on Friday as part of its probe in a terror-conspiracy case involving designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a banned organisation associated with him.
NIA teams swooped down at one location in Moga, two locations in Bathinda and one location in Mohali, at premises connected with suspects in the case, an official statement said.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Security has been tightened in Manipur after getting information that well armed Kuki militants from Myanmar have entered Manipur. Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh said on Friday that immediately after getting the information, a meeting of the Security Operation Group (SOG) was held on Sep 18, which was attended by the Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, BSF, CRPF, and other security agencies and discussed the matter.
All the security posts have been alerted, and all security agencies were also informed. He further said the 900 militants had infiltrated in groups of around 30 people. They will need food and shelter, and hence combing operations have to be carried out.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
An Indian embassy official was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside the mission premises here, officials here said. Local police and the Secret Service are currently investigating the incident that occurred two days ago, including the possibility of suicide.
“With deep regret, we wish to confirm that a member of the Embassy of India passed away in the evening of 18th September 2024. We are in touch with all relevant agencies and members of the family to ensure the swift transfer of the mortal remains to India,” the Indian Embassy said in a statement on Friday.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Nearly a week after an Indian national was reportedly abducted while he was visiting in Bangladesh with a valid passport and documents, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Friday handed over him to the Border Security Force (BSF) in presence of immigration and police officials of the two countries.
A BSF spokesman said that during a company commander-level flag meeting in southern Tripura on Thursday BGB informed BSF that the Indian national would be handed over to the Indian authorities soon. The BGB officials told the BSF officials that the Indian national Challa Fur Mog was under the custody of Bangladesh Police at Chattogram.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
The incident of a Border Security Force-BSF bus accidentally falling into a valley is shocking. Four jawans were martyred in this accident in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. Others were seriously injured. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital and are being treated. It seems that the condition of some of the injured is critical. It appears that the death toll is likely to increase. The accident occurred in a BSF convoy which was going for security in connection with the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.
The incident took place while the BSF convoy was going as part of security duties. All 7 buses left as a convoy.. On the way, it lost control at Brel village and fell into the 40-foot valley beside it. It seems that there were 35 jawans on the bus at the time of the accident. Four jawans died on the spot. While 32 others were injured, the condition of six jawans is reported to be critical.
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