SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to plug its aerial refuelling gap with a temporary solution from France. In 2024, the IAF plans to finalize a wet lease agreement for one Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft from the French Air Force. This lease, with an extension option of three years, will provide much-needed aerial refuelling capabilities while the IAF pursues a long-term procurement plan for six additional tanker aircraft.
The French offer comes as a welcome respite for the IAF, which has been grappling with a deficit of tanker aircraft for some time. The A330 MRTT is a proven and versatile platform, capable of refueling a wide range of IAF fighter jets, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Jaguar. This enhanced refuelling capacity will significantly extend the range and operational flexibility of the IAF’s combat aircraft, allowing them to strike deeper into enemy territory and remain airborne for longer durations.
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Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS), a promising Chennai-based startup in the defense sector, has recently confirmed the successful completion of a testing campaign for its Kamikaze Drone. This accomplishment represents a significant milestone for BBBS, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and security. The Indian Army’s invaluable support during the testing phase has been acknowledged as instrumental in reaching this milestone.
BBBS has been on a mission to revolutionize defense technology through innovative solutions, and the successful testing of the Kamikaze Drone is a testament to the company’s dedication. The development and deployment of advanced drones align with the evolving needs of modern defense, offering new capabilities to address dynamic security challenges.
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In a testament to India’s growing prowess in the field of space technology, three innovative Indian space startups have secured a coveted spot on the list of “20 Emerging SpaceTech Startups to Watch in 2024.” The list, compiled by Austria-based StartUs Insights, an innovation intelligence company, recognizes promising ventures that are set to make significant contributions to the rapidly evolving space industry.
1. OrbitAID: Pioneering Orbital Fuel Stations
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Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace giant, is gearing up for a major offensive in the Indian defense market with a comprehensive campaign aimed at securing both the Indian Navy’s 26-jet Rafale M deal and the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) much larger Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.
Dassault is close to finalizing a deal for 26 Rafale M fighter jets for the Indian Navy, which will operate from the country’s aircraft carriers. This, combined with the IAF’s existing fleet of 36 Rafales, will bring India’s total to a formidable 62, further solidifying Dassault’s presence in the country.
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Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), under Tata Aerospace & Defence, proudly announces the successful readiness for dispatch of its Tata Quick Reaction Force Vehicles (QRFV) to the Indian Army. The significant achievement was shared by Tata on Twitter, stating, “TASL has successfully delivered the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle to the Indian Army.”
The Tata QRFVs, designed and manufactured at the Tata Advanced Systems facility in Pune, have demonstrated their operational readiness in challenging terrains. Impressed by the performance and capabilities of these vehicles, the Indian Army has placed a reorder with TASL for a larger quantity, marking a substantial expansion of the fleet.
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India and Tanzania are stepping up their military cooperation, with a recent visit by Tanzanian Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob John Mkunda, laying the groundwork for exploring a range of defence opportunities. The potential collaboration holds significant implications for both nations and the wider East African region.
While weaponry is at the forefront of the discussions, the potential for collaboration extends beyond mere hardware sales. India has expressed interest in sharing its expertise in training, maintenance, and technology transfer, fostering a deeper understanding and partnership between the two military establishments.
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In a significant stride towards enhancing its national security, India’s Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) coverage is visibly expanding, with recent developments indicating an extension to major cities in the southern region. The expansion comes on the heels of the completion of Phase I, which saw the installation of a Long-Range Tracking Radar series in strategic locations, including Udaipur, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
Satellite images have now confirmed a new site near Bangalore featuring the ELM-2090S Spectra, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) air defense radar. This development signifies a notable augmentation of India’s BMD coverage, originally intended for the Delhi-NCR Region and Mumbai. The extension of coverage to major cities in the south, such as Bangalore and Chennai, underscores the nation’s commitment to fortifying its defenses against potential ballistic missile threats.
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Tesscorn Systems India Private Limited, a Bangalore-based innovator, is soaring into the future of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) with its biomimetic approach. By studying the highly optimized flight mechanisms of insects and birds, Tesscorn is unlocking the secrets of nature for next-generation UAV and Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) design.
At the heart of Tesscorn’s work lies Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) investigations. LaVision’s cutting-edge FSI system allows them to simultaneously analyze both the fluid flow around the wings and the wings’ structural deformation and strain. This powerful combination of synchronized Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurements provides invaluable insights into the complex interplay between wing movement and airflow.
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India’s state-owned Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is optimistic about securing a contract for three additional Scorpène submarines for the Indian Navy by the end of 2024. This follows their recent submission of a commercial offer on December 11th. As per information obtained by idrw.org, the first submarine delivery is anticipated from 2031 onwards.
These three follow-on Scorpènes will be advanced versions of the six submarines already in production. They will incorporate the indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system by DRDO, replacing several outdated subsystems with newer technologies.’
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Indian Air Force (IAF) has set its sights on procuring additional Mirage 2000 aircraft, specifically the Twin-Seater variant. This decision comes in the wake of a recent accident that resulted in the loss of one Mirage 2000 aircraft, prompting the need for replacements. The IAF’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its operational strength is evident in this pursuit of additional Mirage 2000s.
The Mirage 2000 has been a mainstay of the IAF for over three decades, forming the backbone of three squadrons stationed at the Gwalior airbase. These versatile multirole fighters have played a crucial role in various conflicts, including the Kargil War and the Balakot airstrikes. Currently, India operates around 50 Mirage 2000s, with plans to keep them operational until at least 2035.
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The skies above India are buzzing with anticipation as Dassault Aviation gears up to defend its title in the country’s upcoming Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. The French aerospace giant, riding high on the success of its existing Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF), is confident of clinching the lucrative $20 billion deal for 114 locally assembled fighter aircraft.
Dassault Aviation isn’t merely dreaming; it has several aces up its sleeve. Cost optimization stands out as a major trump card. Thanks to the infrastructure and technological advancements funded by the initial Rafale contract for 36 jets, the MRFA version can be produced at significantly lower costs. This financial edge could prove decisive in a competition known for its intense cost scrutiny.
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The Indian Navy is embarking on a significant modernization program for its fleet of MiG-29K fighter jets, partnering with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) for a crucial upgrade: the integration of a cutting-edge GAN-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
This marks a shift towards self-reliance, as the radar is under development for the IAF’s Tejas MkII program and will be customized for the Mig-29K with minimal changes.
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In a significant boost to India’s maritime surveillance capabilities, Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy, has confirmed the upcoming induction of two Hermes 900 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) by February 2024. These advanced drones, ordered from Adani Defence, mark a crucial step towards strengthening India’s aerial intelligence gathering and reconnaissance capabilities.
The Hermes 900 program exemplifies a successful collaboration between Indian and Israeli experts. The drones will be manufactured in India under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Elbit Systems, a leading Israeli defence technology company. This agreement ensures 60% indigenous content in the drones, bolstering India’s self-reliance in the critical defence sector.
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The Year End Review confirmed that the NGCCM, identified as the ASRAAM, was successfully tested for the first time in 2023. While the specific aircraft used for the test was not disclosed in the report, it was revealed that the IAF selected the SEPECAT Jaguar Darin-III fighter jets for equipping with this advanced missile system. Additionally, plans are underway to incorporate the NGCCM into the formidable Su-30MKI, a testament to the versatility and adaptability of this cutting-edge weapon.
The ASRAAM, weighing 88 kg, is a Within-Visual-Range (WVR) dominance weapon designed to excel in close combat scenarios. With an impressive range of over 25 km, the missile accepts target information from aircraft sensors such as radar or helmet-mounted sights. Notably, the ASRAAM can also operate autonomously using its infrared search and track system, offering a multi-faceted approach to air-to-air engagements.
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The Yeddumailaram Ordnance Factory in India has increased its production of amphibious infantry combat vehicles (ICVs) to meet the requirements of the Indian Army. The factory is now manufacturing 120 BMP-2 ICVs per year.
The BMP-2 is a Soviet-designed infantry fighting vehicle that is used by the Indian Army and other armed forces around the world. It is a tracked vehicle that can carry seven troops and their equipment. The BMP-2 is armed with a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and an ATGM launcher.
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