SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
The Indian Army is gearing up for battle, not with new tanks, but with a significant power boost for its existing fleet of T-72s. A proposed 2300 crore (US$2.8 billion) plan will see nearly 1000 of these workhorses receive a 1000-hp engine upgrade, replacing their current 780-hp models.
The heart of the upgrade is the new engine, developed indigenously by retaining core components but swapping out peripheral systems like cooling and intake. This cost-effective approach retains reliability while adding vital muscle. Extensive testing ensures the upgrade is battle-ready.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Russia has extended an offer to India for its RITM-200 series Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, potentially providing a clean and efficient energy source for the nation’s growing needs. This offer presents an interesting crossroads for India’s energy roadmap, raising questions of feasibility, safety, and geopolitical implications.
The RITM-200 is a PWR-based SMR, capable of generating up to 350 MW of electricity. Its compact size and modular design allow for faster construction and deployment compared to traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. Additionally, Russia emphasizes the proven track record of this technology, citing its successful application in powering their new generation of nuclear icebreakers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s aerospace giant, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is reportedly on the verge of signing a massive ?70,000 crore (approximately $8.5 billion) deal with various Indian defense public and private firms. This deal focuses on third-party supplies of parts and subsystems for the upcoming production of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The reported deal signifies a significant push towards self-reliance in India’s defense sector. Companies like NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories), Dynamatic Technologies, Vem Technologies, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and TASL (Tata Advanced Systems Limited) are expected to benefit from this agreement. These companies are known for supplying various crucial aerostructures for the Tejas fighter jet.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
State-owned Munitions India Limited (MIL), India’s leading manufacturer of bombs and explosives, is experiencing a surge in demand from overseas customers, according to a report in The Hindu Business Line. The company has secured export orders valued at ?6,000 crore, to be fulfilled over the next three years.
Gnaneshwar Tyagi, Chief General Manager of the High Energy Projectile Factory at MIL, highlighted the strong international interest in the company’s products. “Everybody wants bombs,” he remarked, while addressing the ‘International Engineering Sourcing Show’ in Coimbatore.
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India and France held a bilateral dialogue in New Delhi on Monday, March 5, 2024, to discuss various security issues, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the military domain, according to an official statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry.
The dialogue covered a wide range of topics related to disarmament and non-proliferation, encompassing nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. Additionally, discussions addressed outer space security, conventional weapons, and multilateral export control regimes.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Philippine Aerospace Development Corp (PADC) and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are currently engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing the maritime defence capabilities of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) through the development of a customized version of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A aircraft. This initiative underscores the growing importance of naval aviation in safeguarding territorial waters and addressing regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The LCA-Tejas Mk1A, a versatile multi-role fighter aircraft, is being considered for adaptation to the naval strike mission, specifically tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Philippine Air Force in countering maritime threats. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) has no immediate plans to deploy the LCA-Tejas Mk1A for naval strike missions, the aircraft’s potential for maritime operations are being explored through collaboration between PADC and HAL.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Kalyani Group, a leading Indian defence and aerospace conglomerate, has expressed its interest in participating in the development of the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program. This ambitious project aims to replace the Indian Army’s ageing fleet of T-72 main battle tanks (MBTs) with next-generation 55-ton vehicles starting in 2030.
Company officials at the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo highlighted Kalyani’s established expertise in manufacturing crucial tank components. Notably, the group is the first private sector company in India to successfully manufacture barrels for MBTs, surpassing even the quality of Russian-made ones for the T-72 and T-90 programs.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has unveiled details and specifications for two new armoured vehicle programs, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the Indian defence sector. These vehicles, the LAMV (Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle) and the Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) cater to the diverse operational needs of the armed forces.
The LAMV represents the epitome of versatility and agility, designed to excel in diverse operational environments. With seating for 2+2 personnel and a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 10,200kg, the LAMV offers exceptional mobility without compromising on protection.
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Saab, a Swedish defense and security company, officially inaugurated the location of its new Carl-Gustaf® manufacturing facility in Jhajjar, Haryana, India, on Monday. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Jan Thesleff, Sweden’s Ambassador to India, Mats Palmberg, Chairman & Managing Director of Saab India, and Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s Business Area Dynamics.
This marks a significant milestone in Saab’s long-standing collaboration with India, which began in 1976. The new facility, built under the 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route, will be the first of its kind for Carl-Gustaf production.
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a major initiative to propel India’s defence sector towards self-reliance and technological prowess. The Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme boasts a dedicated corpus of ?750 crore over a three-year period (2023-24 to 2025-26).
ADITI aims to bridge the gap in critical defence technologies for the Indian Armed Forces. The scheme envisions the development of 30 such technologies by 2025-26. This focus on indigenous innovation aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production.
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In a significant move to strengthen its maritime capabilities, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently cleared the procurement of 15 C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) for the Indian Navy and Indian Coastguard. This deal, valued at Rs. 29,000 crore, promises to enhance India’s surveillance, reconnaissance, and search & rescue operations, while also bolstering its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The C295 comes in two configurations: the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA). Both configurations contribute to strengthened national security. The MSA emphasizes surveillance and reconnaissance, while the MPA adds anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
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The ongoing war in Ukraine has sparked debate about the future of tanks in modern warfare. While images of destroyed Russian armor dominate headlines, Indian Army officials offer a nuanced perspective, attributing the losses more to “poor tactics” than inherent flaws in the technology.
The battlefield in Ukraine has seen extensive use of drones and man-portable anti-tank missiles like NLAWs, posing a significant threat to unaccompanied tanks. These weapons, coupled with artillery strikes, inflicted heavy losses on Russian tank formations, particularly in the early stages of the war.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Germany’s readiness to supply a range of military assets to India signals a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations. The proposed supply includes a diverse array of equipment, from A400M transport aircraft to spare parts for small arms, reflecting Germany’s commitment to enhancing India’s defense capabilities and fostering strategic partnership.
Among the key offerings from Germany are the A400M transport aircraft and A330 MRTT mid-air refueling aircraft, both renowned for their versatility and operational effectiveness. The A400M, a multi-role military transport aircraft, boasts unparalleled capabilities in airlifting personnel, cargo, and heavy equipment, making it an invaluable asset for India’s defense forces. Similarly, the A330 MRTT serves as a force multiplier by extending the operational range and endurance of fighter aircraft through in-flight refueling, thereby enhancing India’s air superiority and tactical flexibility.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on the brink of a significant technological upgrade with the impending completion of its Advanced Air Force Network (AFNet) by the end of 2024. This state-of-the-art satellite-based digital information grid promises to revolutionize communication and enhance situational awareness across the IAF’s operational hierarchy.
The AFNet represents a quantum leap forward from the antiquated communication systems of the past, particularly the tropo-scatter technology dating back to the 1950s. By leveraging satellite-based connectivity, the AFNet will facilitate real-time exchange of critical data among ground, air, and space assets, empowering decision-makers with unparalleled situational awareness.
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A recent trade forum hosted by the Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) in Canada witnessed protests from Khalistan supporters. The event, attended by India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, was disrupted by these demonstrations.
The Khalistan supporters reportedly carried banners urging a boycott of Air India, a private company now owned by the Tata Group. This comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy.
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