SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned defense contractor, faces a hurdle in its Tejas Mk-1A program due to delayed engine deliveries from General Electric (GE) Aerospace. GE, contracted in 2021 for a fresh batch of 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines valued at $716 million, hasn’t delivered any new units as of July 2024. This delay impacts the Tejas Mk-1A’s production schedule, with several aircraft awaiting engines.

Sources at idrw, report that HAL is considering an alternative solution. They plan to utilize a combination of reserved F404 engines and some used on older prototypes to power the initial Tejas Mk-1A batch. This approach aims to keep production moving while awaiting GE’s deliveries.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is evaluating a proposal for joint production of the American Javelin, a third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). This move comes amid the Indian Army’s need for a readily deployable, soldier-portable anti-tank solution.

The Javelin’s primary advantage lies in its weight. At a total weight of 22.3 kg, including the missile, launcher, and sights, it is significantly lighter than India’s indigenously developed Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile MPATGM by DRDO. The MPATGM, though still under development, weighs around 29 kg without its tripod, making it a heavier, two-man operation compared to the shoulder-fired Javelin.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expressing concern over delays in the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) program. These delays could impact the IAF’s combat readiness as they wait for the much-needed fighter jets.

The first Mk-1A aircraft was originally scheduled for delivery by March 31, 2024. Last year, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run defense contractor, projected an even earlier delivery. However, the first flight only occurred in late March, and the aircraft remains undelivered.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Following the recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin in Moscow, there are signs of a potential expansion in India-Russia defense cooperation. According to sources, India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik, Maharashtra could be repurposed to assemble new Su-30 jets specifically for export.

The Su-30 is a highly sought-after multirole fighter jet, currently deployed by air forces across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its versatility and firepower have made it a popular choice for nations seeking to bolster their air defense capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s underwater ambitions are set to take a leap forward with the development of a new class of Kalvari-class submarines. These next-generation vessels, to be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), will boast significant improvements over their predecessors.

The new submarines will be considerably larger than the previous six Kalvari-class submarines built for India. Measuring a full 10 meters longer at 77.56 meters compared to 67.56 meters, these extended vessels will likely offer increased space for crew, weaponry, and advanced onboard systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ambitious plan to bolster its squadron strength by 2025-26 appears set to miss the target by a significant margin. This shortfall comes amid ongoing efforts to address the IAF’s fighter jet deficit.

The IAF initially aimed to induct nine additional squadrons by 2025-26. However, current projections indicate a considerably lower number. The sole confirmed inductions are two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets and one squadron of the Tejas Mk1A, the latter facing delays due to production issues.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has recently showcased a potentially game-changing submarine design to a select group of Indian media representatives. This offering caters to the Indian Navy’s P-75I program, aiming to bolster its underwater fleet.

The proposed submarine boasts a radical new concept: “Stealth Shaping.” This involves angled sides on the exterior, which, according to TKMS, significantly reduces the submarine’s acoustic signature. This translates to a lower probability of detection by active sonar, a crucial advantage in modern submarine warfare.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant shift for the Indian aerospace industry, Rolls-Royce has proposed a revolutionary collaboration for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. Alex Zino, the company’s future programs chief, has pledged a complete transfer of intellectual property (IP) rights to India for a jointly developed engine.

This unprecedented offer breaks away from traditional models and empowers India with full ownership of the engine’s technology. The proposed collaboration goes beyond mere production; it signifies a genuine commitment to knowledge transfer and fostering indigenous capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has approached Russia for further Transfer-of-Technology (ToT) for its massive Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet fleet, aiming for greater local production with Indian private or public sector companies. This move comes amidst concerns over dwindling supplies due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions on Russia.

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief has previously assured that the over 250 Sukhoi-30MKI jets remain operational thanks to the IAF’s foresight in stockpiling spare parts. However, with the war extending into its second year, those stockpiles are depleting, and fresh supplies are hindered by sanctions on Russia’s financial systems.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Several Indian companies, Including Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), have set their sights on participating in PT PAL Indonesia’s upcoming Scorpène submarine production. This interest stems from India’s own experience with the Naval Group’s technology transfer program, which successfully enabled the domestic construction of six Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines.

As per information provided to idrw.org, Many Indian MSMEs that have participated in the Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarine program have told Naval Group that they can supply much of the equipment that will be required for local manufacturing of the latest variant of the Scorpène submarines that Indonesia will acquire.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Russia is making renewed attempt to woo India with its Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet, positioning it as the ideal successor to the aging MiG-29 fleet. This comes as India, along with several other nations, grapples with the need to replace their MiG-29s. The Su-75 Checkmate, unveiled in 2021, is a single-engine, lightweight stealth fighter that Russia touts as the ideal replacement for the MiG-29. Last year, design patents revealed a potential redesign, hinting at ongoing development efforts.

Russia has its sights set firmly on India, a long-standing partner and a nation actively seeking a replacement for its MiG-29 fleet. A 2021 Checkmate advertisement featuring pilots from potential buyer countries, including India, underscored Russia’s strategic marketing approach.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to host its first-ever multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, this August. The event, featuring participation from ten countries including the US, Germany, and France, is set to be a stage for a fierce competition between Boeing and Airbus for a lucrative aerial refueling contract.

The IAF is actively seeking to bolster its aerial refueling capabilities, aiming to acquire six new tanker aircraft to complement its existing fleet of Il-78MKIs. This push comes as India seeks to project its airpower further and maintain operational flexibility in its vast region.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce, has set the record straight regarding the engine for India’s Zorawar Light Tank. He confirmed that the MTU 8V199 TE21 engine is indeed powering the Zorawar tank. Zino also confirmed that engine was delivered to L&T OEM of the Light Tank Program .

Earlier media reports suggested a switch to a Cummins engine due to delays in obtaining German export clearance (BAFA) for the MTU engine. Mr. Zino clarified that while there were initial delays, these have been resolved. The MTU engine delivering a powerful 600 kW (804hp) output, has now been integrated into the Zorawar platform as per information given by Mr. Zino to Indian Media.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking the expertise of Indian private sector companies to undertake substantial repairs on two of its IL-76 aircraft, which have sustained significant damage to their undercarriage and associated airframe structure. These aircraft are currently grounded at the Chandigarh airbase, and the IAF is looking for an industrial partner to carry out the necessary repairs on-site.

The two IL-76 aircraft, essential for the IAF’s transport and logistics capabilities, have been rendered non-operational due to heavy damage. This situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has disrupted the supply chain and repair services from Russia, the original equipment manufacturer of the IL-76 aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Jaguar fighter jets, has acknowledged that the decision on the future of these aircraft rests with the IAF. The company has expressed its commitment to supporting the IAF’s choice, regardless of whether it involves continued operation or eventual retirement of the Jaguar fleet.

The IAF holds the unique distinction of being the world’s only remaining air force to operate Jaguar fighter jets. These aircraft are powered by the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk.102 afterburning turbofan engines.