SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) is planning to convert its Multi-Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS) rifle into a Single Caliber Individual Weapon System (SCAWS) of caliber 6.8mm and 7.62mm (39 & 51). This move is aimed at addressing the Indian Army’s requirements for a more versatile and effective rifle.
The MCIWS rifle was developed by ARDE in response to the Indian Army’s need for a rifle that could fire different calibers of ammunition. The rifle can currently fire 5.56mm x 45mm, 7.62mm x 39mm, and 6.8mm x 43mm ammunition.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a recent interview, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman C.B. Ananthakrishnan expressed his openness to collaborating with the private sector to expedite the development of a 6th generation fighter aircraft.
Responding to a query regarding HAL’s potential partnership with private industry, Ananthakrishnan acknowledged the evolving nature of 6th-generation fighter jet technology and the lack of definitive design specifications. He emphasized that HAL will decide on engaging with private industry once the conceptual framework and required capabilities are clearly defined.
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In a significant boost to the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF), MBDA, a European missile manufacturer, has confirmed that integration work is underway to integrate its ASRAAM missiles onto the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. This integration is expected to be completed soon and will significantly enhance the close-quarters combat capabilities of the LCA-Tejas.
Earlier this year LCA-Tejas tested fired and demonstrated its ability to operate Israeli Python-5 CCM. The ASRAAM and Python-5 are both considered to be among the best within-visual-range (WVR) missiles in the world.
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Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK) has secured export orders for 40,000 L-70 ammunition cartridge cases and PDM 557 fuses. The L-70 ammunition cartridge cases will be exported to the European Union in December 2023, and an equal number of ammunition will be delivered by March 2024.
OFK has also received export orders for PDM 557 fuses, which will be exported to European, African, and other countries soon for use with 155 mm ammunition. European and African countries have expressed interest in the older version of the PDM 557 for use in their air defence systems as per their strategic requirements.
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In a recent address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of the LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft, emphasizing its role in bolstering India’s domestic defense capabilities and enhancing the country’s position in the global export market.
The LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft, built and inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) just a month ago, has garnered positive attention from the international media. This recognition serves as a significant boost to India’s efforts to export the fighter jet, which has previously faced lukewarm responses due to limited operational deployment within the IAF itself.
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Airbus S.A.S. and Tata Advanced Systems have announced a strategic partnership to enhance India’s defense supply chain and develop new products to meet the country’s defense requirements. This collaboration will focus on developing capabilities for acquiring raw materials, manufacturing detailed parts, establishing sub-assembly and assembly facilities, and prioritizing the production of electric harnesses.
“We are excited to partner with Tata Advanced Systems to strengthen India’s defense supply chain,” said Jorge Tamarit-Degenhardt, Head of the C295 Transport Aircraft Programme for Airbus. “This partnership will help us to develop the capabilities we need to meet the growing demand for military transport aircraft in India.”
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a bid to meet the burgeoning demand for air travel in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are set to engage in discussions with major carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, to explore the potential development of a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA). The proposed RTA, a 90-seat turboprop aircraft, aims to address the increasing demands in the country’s aviation sector over the next two decades. The project, assigned to the National Aerospace Laboratories under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, holds significant promise but faces challenges that require strategic collaboration and financial backing.
With expectations that the South Asian region will witness the addition of more than 2,400 aircraft over the next 20 years, India is actively considering the development of a 90-seat turboprop RTA. This move aligns with the country’s aspirations to bolster its aviation capabilities and cater to the growing air travel demands within its borders.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the possibility of upgrading its fleet of 17 IL-76 strategic transporters through collaboration with Indian private sector companies and defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The proposed upgrade, which was initially discussed with Russia in 2018, aims to extend the operational life of the IL-76 aircraft by another 15 years.
At the heart of the upgrade lies the replacement of the outdated Soloviev D-30KP turbofan engines with the more fuel-efficient and less noisy PS-90a-76 turbofan engines. This change would not only enhance the aircraft’s performance but also allow it to operate on commercial routes.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been tasked with developing a long-range multiple-barrel rocket (MBRL) for the Indian Army. The new rockets will have a range of up to 350 km, significantly extending the Indian Army’s strike capability.
The development of the new MBRL comes in response to India’s growing security concerns, particularly in the context of its border with China. The Indian Army has been seeking longer-range rockets to effectively deter and respond to potential threats.
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The Indian Navy is set to acquire Meteor and Scalp missiles for its Rafale M fighter jets, which are currently being negotiated with the French Dassault group. The Meteor is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) that is designed to engage enemy aircraft at very long distances. It is one of the most advanced BVRAAMs in the world, and it is currently deployed on the Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.
The Scalp is a long-range air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) that is designed to hit high-value and strongly protected targets deep inside enemy territory. It is a highly accurate and versatile missile that can be used against a variety of targets, including land-based targets, ships, and airfields.
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In a momentous occasion marking its 60th year of service to the nation, Air Force Station (AFS) Yelahanka witnessed a significant milestone with the inauguration of a Full Motion Simulator (FMS) for Dornier aircraft. This state-of-the-art simulator will revolutionize training standards and enhance aerospace safety for Dornier pilots.
The inauguration ceremony was held on November 24, 2023, and was presided over by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. The FMS, designed and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is a sophisticated training system that accurately recreates the flight dynamics and cockpit environment of the Dornier aircraft.
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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) intends to employ the LCA-Navy prototype to showcase its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept, a cutting-edge approach that integrates manned and unmanned aerial platforms to enhance operational capabilities. This demonstration is anticipated to take place in 2025 or 2026.
MUM-T technology has the potential to revolutionize the way air operations are conducted, enabling manned aircraft to collaborate seamlessly with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to carry out complex missions more effectively and efficiently.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Feasibility studies to incorporate the Indian-made Astra Mk1 air-to-air missile with the Rafale fighter jets, procured from the French aerospace company, Dassault Aviation, are expected to be completed next year. Earlier this year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) requested Dassault Aviation to integrate indigenous weapons such as the Astra, a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, and the Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) with Rafale fighter jets.
The Astra Mk1 missile is a highly maneuverable BVR missile with a range of over 100 kilometers. It is designed to engage enemy aircraft at long distances before they can enter Indian airspace. The integration of the Astra Mk1 with the Rafale would significantly enhance the IAF’s air-to-air combat capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move aimed at deepening their strategic, defence, and security cooperation, India and Australia recently engaged in talks during the second India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue held in New Delhi. A pivotal aspect of the discussions focused on Australia’s offer to co-develop underwater sensors and drones, presenting a collaborative opportunity to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities and monitor the movements of Chinese warships, particularly its submarine fleet, in the Indian Ocean region.
During the 2+2 Dialogue, Australia extended an offer to India for joint development projects in the field of underwater technologies, specifically focusing on sensors and drones. The collaborative initiative seeks to leverage the expertise and capabilities of both nations to bolster maritime security in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.
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In a significant development for India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, the United Kingdom has renewed its offer to collaborate on the development of a new-generation engine for the fighter jet. This proposal was discussed during the annual India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting held in New Delhi on November 24, 2023.
Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane, co-chaired the meeting alongside his UK counterpart, Mr David Williams, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. During the discussions, the UK reiterates its interest in partnering with India to develop a cutting-edge engine for the AMCA, a fifth-generation fighter jet designed to bolster India’s air defense capabilities.
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