SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for the next stage in its development of the RudraM series of air-to-surface missiles. According to sources close to idrw.org, HAL Nashik Division has completed modifications on Su-30 MKI aircraft (SB-214) to enable captive flight trials of the RudraM-III, a long-range variant boasting impressive capabilities.
The RudraM-III, weighing 1.6 tons, packs a punch with its 300-400kg warhead and a staggering 600km range when launched from an 11km altitude at Mach 0.9. This significant reach surpasses its predecessors, the RudraM and RudraM-II, and expands the IAF’s strike capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed delivery of the 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) Light Combat Helicopters (LCH Prachand) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army Aviation (AAC). These helicopters will be used for extensive evaluation purposes before HAL secures a major production contract.
HAL aims to acquire a contract for 145 LCH Prachands from both the IAF and AAC. To secure this deal, they have been tasked with swiftly integrating Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and incorporating user-suggested minor modifications to increase firepower.
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The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, initially envisioned as an Antonov An-32 replacement, has undergone a shift. With plans to acquire additional C295s for the An-32 role, the focus now falls on finding a successor for the aging Ilyushin Il-76 fleet by 2035. In this new scenario, the Airbus A400M Atlas emerges as a potential frontrunner.
The IAF’s initial requirement for the MTA program was a payload capacity between 18 and 30 tonnes, primarily targeting the An-32 replacement. However, the decision to acquire more C295s has opened the door for larger and more capable aircraft for the Il-76 role.
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Indian drone startup, Arka Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., has taken a significant leap forward by winning the prestigious r iDEX Indian Airforce Open Challenge 8.0. Their winning design – an All Purpose Multi-role Autonomous UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) – is set to revolutionize air defense capabilities for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The iDEX Open Challenge aimed to identify and support innovative solutions for the IAF’s specific needs. Arka Aerospace rose to the challenge with their vision for a versatile drone capable of handling diverse tasks within air defense units and bases.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Philippine Aerospace Development Corp (PADC) has initiated a significant strategic partnership with the renowned Indian aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The collaboration aims to introduce the advanced Tejas Mk1A aircraft to the Philippines, specifically designed to serve as a potent naval strike platform integrated with the formidable Brahmos NG missile system.
This groundbreaking alliance represents a pivotal moment in the defense capabilities of the Philippines, as it seeks to enhance its aerial prowess and maritime security. HAL’s willingness to engage in a partnership for the local assembly of the Tejas aircraft by PADC underscores the mutual trust and confidence between the two nations in addressing defense requirements.
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India’s Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) has confidently entered the competition for the Indian Army’s Towed Gun System (TGS) program, claiming its upgraded Dhanush 155 mm/52 calibre towed howitzer surpasses all requirements and offers superior capabilities.
AWEIL officials also confirmed idrw.org that the Gun has completed proof firing and Internal testing and is ready for User demonstrations. when asked if the company could be able to compete in price since the Dhanush 155mmX45 Calibre Gun had a price of 14.50 unit while Certain Israeli companies have quoted 11 crores for their 52 calibres towed howitzer gun under the Make in India initiative, officials said that they can’t comment on Per unit cost but it will be considerable lower since initial orders are for 400 units.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has achieved a remarkable milestone by developing India’s premier military-grade spy satellite, crafted entirely by the domestic private sector. This cutting-edge satellite is now primed for launch, having been prepared for deployment aboard a SpaceX rocket. With its unparalleled capabilities, the satellite boasts a spatial resolution of 0.5 meters, enabling precise and detailed imagery acquisition.
The creation of this groundbreaking satellite was made possible through a collaborative effort with Satellogic, a prominent Latin American company specializing in satellite technology. This partnership underscores India’s commitment to leveraging global expertise while promoting indigenous innovation in the field of space exploration and surveillance.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to receive orders for limited-scale production of its indigenously developed Nirbhay cruise missile, marking a significant milestone in India’s missile program. This comes after successful tests of the Manik engine, a locally developed turbofan engine designed specifically for the Nirbhay.
Previously, the Nirbhay relied on the Russian-supplied NPO Saturn 36MT engine, limiting its self-reliance. However, the Manik engine’s successful testing paves the way for a more independent and potentially more cost-effective missile system.
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In a remarkable achievement, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a prominent player in India’s shipbuilding industry, has been granted a patent by the Indian Patent Office for pioneering a novel procedure in the final alignment of the Propeller Shaft on a Destroyer Class Vessel while in Dry Dock. This groundbreaking innovation not only underscores MDL’s commitment to excellence but also highlights the ingenuity of the shipyard’s own engineers.
The patented procedure represents a significant leap forward in the domain of shipbuilding, particularly in the critical aspect of aligning the Propeller Shaft. This innovation is pivotal for the proper functioning and performance of naval vessels, especially Destroyer Class vessels known for their agility and firepower. The traditional methods of aligning the Propeller Shaft often involve complex processes, but MDL’s engineers have successfully introduced a streamlined and efficient approach.
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A decade after the ambitious project began, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is nearing the finish line in its Mirage 2000 upgrade program. The final upgraded aircraft is expected to be delivered by the end of this year, marking the completion of a project beset by delays and challenges.
In 2011, India signed a $2.5 billion contract with Dassault Aviation to upgrade 51 of its Mirage 2000 fighter jets. This comprehensive upgrade aimed to bolster the aircraft’s capabilities with new avionics, radars, communication systems, and more. Originally slated for completion in 2021, the project faced several setbacks.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Greek Armed Forces are considering a potential upgrade for their RM-70 multiple rocket launchers, and Indian company Munitions India Limited (MIL) is in the running with a proposal to bring them up to the Pinaka standard.
The RM-70, a Czechoslovakian variant of the BM-21 Grad, has been a mainstay of the Greek military for decades. This powerful area-saturation rocket system packs a punch, but its capabilities can be further enhanced. It is not clear what Pinaka standard was mentioned in Greek media since BM-21 Grad is a 122mm Rocket and Pinaka is a 214 mm Rocket.
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The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) indigenously developed SAMAR air defence system grabbed attention during Exercise Vayushakti 24 with its distinct launch profile. This short-range system, designed to counter low-flying aerial threats like fighter jets, helicopters, and UAVs, exhibited several unique features during the exercise.
One of the most striking aspects of the SAMAR launch was its initial flat trajectory, mirroring the launch profile of an air-to-air missile fired from an aircraft. This is due to the system’s use of repurposed Vympel R-73E infrared-guided air-to-air missiles (AAMs) that retain their “off-boresight” capability. This means the missiles can be launched at targets not directly in front of the launcher, offering greater flexibility in engagement scenarios.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is setting its sights on the burgeoning Indian civil helicopter market with its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, confirmed the company’s efforts to secure civil certification for the LUH within the next three to four years.
This ambitious goal is being pursued alongside the ongoing military certification process. HAL is actively engaging with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s civil aviation regulator, to ensure smooth progress towards dual certification.
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The Indian Navy has taken a cautious approach to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) acquisition, recently inducting two Elbit Systems Hermes 900 StarLiner units for extensive evaluation before committing to further purchases. These drones, assembled locally in Hyderabad, represent a significant milestone in India’s quest for indigenous drone technology.
The two Hermes 900 units were assembled in Hyderabad by Adani Defence and Aerospace, marking a significant step towards India’s “Make in India” initiative. However, the Navy is not rushing into further purchases based solely on this fact.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The production of India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A might face a slowdown next year due to delays in the delivery of its engines, according to media reports. This news emerges amidst the IAF’s recent interest in acquiring additional Mk1A variants.
The General Electric (GE) F-404 engines, powering the Tejas Mk1A, were initially scheduled for delivery from August 2023 onwards. However, GE reports supply chain challenges as the reason for the delay and subsequent production stoppage. They assure that the issues have been resolved and deliveries will begin this year.
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