SOURCE: PTI
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday observed that border dwellers face numerous challenges and said his government will convene a meeting of MLAs from border areas in April to address the issues faced by them.
He also said that over Rs 144 crore have been disbursed to farmers, whose lands were affected by fencing along the International Border (IB). Responding to supplementary questions from various MLAs representing different parties regarding concerns raised by border residents, Abdullah told the House, “This is a humanitarian issue. Border residents face numerous challenges.” He added that following the conclusion of the session in April, a meeting with all border area MLAs will be held.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a landmark move to accelerate the development and production of India’s fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting Indian private firms to collaborate as Joint Venture (JV) partners. This initiative, announced in early 2025, aims to harness private sector expertise and capacity to manufacture AMCA assemblies, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in India’s aerospace sector. With HAL anchoring the project and private firms playing a pivotal role, the collaboration promises to reshape the country’s defense manufacturing landscape.
The proposed JV will see HAL partnering with four Indian private companies, with equity stakes clearly delineated: HAL will hold a commanding 50% share, while each of the four partners will contribute 12.5%. This structure ensures HAL retains strategic oversight while distributing manufacturing responsibilities across a consortium of capable firms. The AMCA, a stealth multirole fighter designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and DRDO, is a complex platform requiring advanced engineering and modular construction—attributes the JV aims to address through a division of labor.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Tejas MkII fighter jet program is set to receive major technological upgrades that will allow the aircraft to undergo regular software enhancements, significantly improving its operational efficiency. According to an official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Tejas MkII will be equipped with advanced mission computers and processing systems capable of absorbing software updates at frequent intervals. This development will eliminate the traditionally slow and painstaking update process, which often takes months to implement.
The new software architecture of the Tejas MkII will enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to roll out regular updates aimed at refining aircraft performance and integrating newer sensors. ADA engineers have confirmed that the upgrade cycle could be as frequent as weekly, reducing dependency on major software overhauls that previously required extensive testing and validation before deployment.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a breakthrough in the maintenance of stealth technology with the development of specialized chemical handling processes tailored for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the nation’s fifth-generation fighter jet. Unlike conventional aircraft that rely on routine washing and upkeep, the AMCA’s advanced stealth coatings demand a unique approach to ensure their longevity and effectiveness, a challenge DRDO has addressed head-on as the jet nears its developmental trials.
The AMCA, designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO’s oversight, is poised to be India’s first stealth fighter, featuring a low Radar Cross Section (RCS) achieved through a combination of airframe shaping and radar-absorbent materials (RAM).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, has launched a procurement initiative to acquire 11 Rigid Hull Boats (Amphibious) or RHB (Amph), inviting prospective bidders to participate in the process. This unique acquisition aims to bolster the Indian armed forces’ capabilities with a versatile, dual-purpose vessel designed to operate seamlessly both at sea and on land. The RHB (Amph) is poised to become a critical asset for operations in diverse environments, from open waters to shallow creek areas, reflecting India’s growing emphasis on adaptable and rugged military equipment.
The RHB (Amph) is envisioned as a high-performance amphibious boat that doubles as a motorable vehicle on land, a hybrid design tailored to meet the operational demands of India’s coastal and inland waterways. Its proposed deployment includes maritime missions as well as support in shallow creeks—regions where traditional boats or land vehicles alone often fall short. This dual functionality makes it ideal for rapid response, troop transport, or logistics in areas like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat’s creek-laden borders, or the Sundarbans, where seamless transitions between water and land are essential.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure approximately 7,050 hours of simulator training annually for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III and ALH-WSI (Weapon System Integrated) skid versions. This ambitious initiative, structured on a “pay-as-you-use” basis, aims to enhance the operational readiness of Indian Army Aviation, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) pilots. The RFI, which includes a commitment from the ICG, seeks vendors capable of delivering a comprehensive package encompassing Full Flight Simulator (FFS) training, maintenance support, and instructor services under a Build, Operate, Train, and Maintain (BOTM) model.
The ALH Mk-III and ALH-WSI, indigenously designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are versatile platforms deployed across India’s armed forces for roles ranging from search and rescue to anti-submarine warfare and armed reconnaissance. The RFI outlines a simulator training program designed to replicate real-world flying conditions with near-realistic fidelity. The FFS must simulate all helicopter systems—both on the ground and in flight—enabling crews to practice normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures as outlined in the Flight Manual. Additionally, it must cover scenarios not explicitly detailed in manuals, such as brownout (dust obscuring vision), snowout, and vortex ring state, ensuring aviators are prepared for unpredictable challenges.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In recent days, the internet has been abuzz with images of a fleet of matte olive green Toyota Fortuners, a sight that stands out from the usual SUVs cruising city streets. These aren’t your everyday Fortuners, blending into the traffic of daily commutes. Instead, they sport an intriguing and massive bulging carrier mounted on their roofs, prompting widespread speculation about their purpose and ownership. For those wondering about the story behind these unique vehicles, here’s what we’ve uncovered.
The standout feature of these Fortuners is the oversized roof-mounted bulge, which isn’t just for show. It’s a specialized satellite communication system, a modification that hints at a highly specific and rugged purpose. Sources suggest that these SUVs are likely commissioned for the Indian military, particularly its special forces, designed to operate in remote regions where conventional networks are unreliable or nonexistent. This isn’t the first glimpse we’ve had of these vehicles—earlier images revealed another striking detail: the rear seats have been entirely removed to make way for advanced communication equipment tailored for military use.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Boeing’s upcoming F-47, the United States’ flagship sixth-generation fighter jet developed under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, promises to redefine air superiority with its advanced stealth, Mach 2 speed, and integration with autonomous drones. However, despite its technological prowess, the F-47 may face significant hurdles in securing export markets—a critical factor in offsetting its high development and production costs.
Unlike the fifth-generation era, where the U.S. initially dominated with the F-22 Raptor and later the F-35 Lightning II, the sixth-generation landscape is shaping up to be fiercely competitive from the outset, with close U.S. allies and adversaries alike pursuing their own programs, potentially sidelining Boeing’s offering.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Russia is developing “privileged strategic partnership” with India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. Lavrov said at an event that Russia is actively expanding ties with countries like China, India, Iran, North Korea and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, the state-run TASS news agency reported on Monday.
“We prioritize boosting ties with the majority of global states,” he said at a meeting of the board of trustees of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
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Keel Laying ceremony of the second and third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV), to be constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), was held at M/s Yeoman Marine Services Private Ltd (YMSPL), Ratnagiri on 23 Mar 25. The contracts for indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPV were concluded on 30 Mar 23 between Ministry of Defence and GSL, Goa and M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by Lead Shipyard M/s GSL and four ships by Follow Shipyard M/s GRSE.
Main hull blocks of Yard 1281 and Yard 1282 are being fabricated at the premises of YMSPL, Ratnagiri as part of GSL’s build strategy. Keel Laying ceremony of both the vessels was held at Ratnagiri with V Adm R Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition as the Chief Guest, in the presence of senior officials from Indian Navy, M/s GSL and M/s YMSPL.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
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“Survival in today’s battlespace is not about being the fittest, but about those who adapt, transform, and position themselves and seize emerging opportunities.”, said Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad. He was addressing future strategic leaders undergoing Higher Defence Management Course HDMC-20 on the challenges of navigating the complex security landscape of the 21st century.
In his address, Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted the importance of adaptability, resilience and visionary leadership amidst rapidly shifting global power dynamics, non-traditional threats and technological advancements, characterised by fast paced AI disruptions, to address contemporary and emerging security challenges effectively. The CDS impressed upon the need for a whole of nation approach towards synergetic response and underscored the role of Indian Armed Forces in shaping the country’s national security strategy.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFP
European countries including France have been seeking to boost defence spending and increase weapons production in the face of possible US security disengagement and Russian aggression linked to the war in Ukraine.
Macron said on Tuesday that France was going to “increase and accelerate Rafale orders”. Dassault Aviation chief executive Eric Trappier said the company had increased output from one war plane a month in 2020 to more than two per month this year, and was working with suppliers to be able to produce combat planes even faster.
Continue readingSOURCE: BLOOMBERG
Indian refiners are likely to issue fewer tenders for spot crude in the coming months as volumes from top supplier Russia return to near normal levels, highlighting the trade’s success in working around US sanctions.
The Asian nation’s state-owned processors are on track to secure more than three dozen cargoes that will load next month, according to people familiar with the matter. Combined with deliveries for private refiners Reliance Industries Ltd. and Nayara Energy Ltd., there may be more than 60 shipments of discounted Russian crude in April, or almost 52 million barrels, the people said, declining to be identified as the transactions aren’t public.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Brendan Lynch, the assistant US trade representative for South and Central Asia, will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Tuesday, days before US President Donald Trump’s tit-for-tat tariff kicks in.
The senior US trade official is expected to hold talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal besides meeting a number of senior Indian officials. It is learnt that Indian officials are also hoping to discuss with Lynch the possibility of a waiver for India from the reciprocal tariff temporarily.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A woman Intelligence Bureau officer was found dead on a railway track here on Monday, police said. The body of Megha, 24, was discovered on the railway track near the Chakka area of the city at around 9.30 am, they said.
The body has been shifted to the Government Medical College for a post-mortem. Megha, hailing from Pathanamthitta district, was working in the emigration section of the international airport here.
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