SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is ramping up efforts to enhance the stealth capabilities of its warships by focusing on reducing the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of exposed weapons and sensor equipment. In a strategic move to maintain an edge in naval warfare, the Navy has called upon its design teams to work closely with weapon and sensor suppliers to minimize the RCS of equipment mounted on its vessels.
This initiative is part of the Navy’s broader efforts to incorporate advanced stealth features into its warships, particularly those being developed as part of its Made in India campaign. By reducing the detectability of its ships on enemy radar systems, the Navy seeks to significantly enhance the survivability and combat effectiveness of its fleet in modern maritime conflicts.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
With ongoing delays and a lack of progress in the procurement deal with Russia for the Kamov 226T helicopter, the Indian Army is reportedly considering a significant increase in its order for the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This shift comes as the Army prepares to phase out its ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters over the next decade.
In 2015, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for at least 200 Kamov 226T twin-engine utility helicopters. The initial plan was to import 60 units directly from Russia, while the remaining 140 were to be manufactured locally by HAL. The Ka-226T was chosen for its twin-engine design, which is considered safer for high-altitude operations, particularly in challenging terrains like the Himalayas.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent interview with News9 Plus, former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria highlighted a crucial aspect of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program: the development of a new, powerful engine for the AMCA Mk II. Bhadauria stressed that the engine development should be a top priority to avoid delays, considering its critical importance in ensuring the program’s success.
The AMCA program, designed to propel India into the 5th generation fighter jet arena, received Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance earlier this year. This was a major milestone, signaling the government’s commitment to the project and unlocking essential funds to accelerate its development. With the AMCA Mk I expected to feature an upgraded GE F414 engine and the Mk II to incorporate an indigenously developed 110kN thrust engine in collaboration with a foreign aerospace major, Bhadauria highlighted the urgency in addressing this area.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Tata Advanced Materials Limited (TAML) is set to participate in the Indian Army’s prestigious Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) program, aimed at replacing the aging fleet of BMP-II Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). As one of the key players in India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, Tata plans to offer a cutting-edge solution that leverages its experience in armored vehicles. Central to Tata’s offering will be the integration of the same 600-horsepower (Hp) Cummins engine, paired with the Allison automatic transmission, currently used in its Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP).
The Indian Army has been operating BMP-II vehicles since the 1980s, and while they have seen several upgrades over the years, they are now outdated in terms of protection, firepower, and mobility. The FICV program, which seeks to replace over 2,600 BMP-IIs, is a critical step toward modernizing India’s armored infantry capabilities. The new FICV will be expected to operate across various terrains, from plains and deserts to high-altitude regions like Ladakh, making mobility and versatility essential factors in the design.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Apollo Micro Systems (AMS), a Hyderabad-based defense and aerospace company, has been declared the Lowest Bidder (L1) for a significant contract valued at Rs. 28.74 crores from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and CNA (OF) Pune, under the aegis of the Indian Navy. The contract is for the supply of Software Defined Universal Homing System (SDUHS) for Heavy Weight Torpedoes, a cutting-edge technology developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The Software Defined Universal Homing System is a sophisticated piece of technology designed for heavyweight torpedoes used in naval warfare. Torpedoes are underwater weapons critical for naval operations, and the homing system acts as the “brain” of the torpedo, enabling it to locate and track enemy submarines and surface vessels accurately.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s submarine manufacturing capabilities, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a state-owned shipyard, has successfully indigenized the Battery Loading Trolley for submarines in collaboration with M/s SEC Industries, Hyderabad.
Previously, this crucial equipment, essential for loading submarine batteries in the battery compartment, was imported. However, MDL’s partnership with M/s SEC Industries has led to the development of a domestic solution, ensuring self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
Continue readingSOURCE: BLOOMBERG
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India has surged to become the second-biggest supplier of restricted critical technologies to Russia, US and European officials said, highlighting the challenge in efforts to choke off exports fueling President Vladimir Putin’s war machine.
Indian exports of restricted items such as microchips, circuits and machine tools surpassed $60 million in both April and May, about double from earlier months this year, and leaped to $95 million in July, according to the officials, who asked not to be identified discussing private assessments. India is exceeded only by China.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
While presenting the Indo-US Endowment awards to 17 winning teams, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS (I/C) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized AI enabled collaboration between the two countries.
The Department of Science & Technology and the USA are working together to elevate and expand the Indo-US strategic technology partnership and to connect scientists from both the countries to collaborate on emerging technologies such as AI and smart connected cities, said Dr Jitendra Singh.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday dismissed as “unjustified” the statement made by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi’s on drones being spotted on the India-China border in Kinnaur district.
Revenue Minister Negi, MLA from Kinnaur constituency on Monday said that drones were spotted on the India-China border in the Kinnaur district and were likely being used for surveillance and espionage purposes.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India had never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt but if its interests were threatened, “we will not hesitate to take a big step”.
On the occasion of Vijayadashami, he performed “Shastra Puja” (worship of weapons) at the Sukna military station in West Bengal, and said the ritual was a “clear indication that, if need be, weapons and equipment will be used with full force”.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and prime ministers of China and Russia among others will attend the two-days SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting here next week to discuss the ongoing cooperation in economy, trade and environment, Pakistan said on Saturday.
Pakistan is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting on October 15 and 16 and in his capacity as the current Chair of the CHG, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the summit, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
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Acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s growing stature as a global leader, noted Indian-American journalist Fareed Zakaria has said that the Indian leader can play a constructive role in brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine.
“The war in Ukraine is frozen. There are very few parties who have the credibility to talk to both sides. If Prime Minister Modi were to propose some kind of situation where he acts as an intermediary, I think he could play a very constructive role,” Zakaria told India Today TV.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for dedicating 75 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) infrastructure projects to the nation, including five vital road bridges in the hill state.
After virtually attending the inauguration event from the Raj Bhavan here, the governor in a statement highlighted the significance of the five vital bridges in enhancing connectivity and strategic preparedness along the India-China border.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a probe into the Tamil Nadu train accident in which 19 people were injured. An NIA team arrived at the site where the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary freight train.
A possible sabotage angle is being investigated, prompting the arrival of the NIA team, police said. Twelve coaches of the express train were derailed in the accident on Friday.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Bengaluru-based startup Zulu Defence Systems is making waves in the defense sector with its cutting-edge development, VOLUME35, a weaponized Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platform. The VOLUME35 is a game-changer for air defense in India, with the ability to carry and launch the highly effective Igla-S shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. This innovative UAS platform could significantly enhance India’s air defense capabilities, offering unmatched mobility, flexibility, and rapid deployment in combating enemy aerial threats.
The Igla-S is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) designed for targeting and neutralizing low-flying enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones. This Russian-made system is known for its effectiveness, precision, and ease of use, and has been widely adopted by military forces around the world.
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