SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The upcoming Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS), based on the Airbus A321 platform, will introduce a range of improvements to its capabilities. The system is designed to perform functions such as Search, Detect, Track, Identify, Integrate Sensor Data, Communicate with Ground and Air Stations, Conduct Threat Evaluation, Assign Weapons and Intercept Control, Intercept and Analyze Communication Signals, and Conduct Border Control and Surveillance of Economic Zones.

One significant enhancement in the AEW&C MkII is the integration of a new and improved AESA-based Primary Radar (PR). This advanced radar system offers an extended range, providing a broader coverage area. Additionally, insiders familiar with the matter have confirmed idrw that the upgraded radar will possess enhanced capabilities to track ballistic missiles.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In light of uncertainties surrounding the halted negotiations between India and Russia for the acquisition of 10 Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters, Indian Navy officials have begun seeking alternatives to fulfil their requirements. The deal, valued at $520 million, was put on hold due to concerns over arms supplies amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. However, the Indian Navy, which currently operates 14 Ka-31 helicopters, requires these aircraft for the effective airborne surveillance and control (ASaC) of other aircraft within the strike group of its second aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

Insiders familiar with the matter have confirmed that the Ka-31 deal is unlikely to proceed soon. Consequently, Indian Navy officials have initiated the search for suitable alternatives to fulfil their airborne early warning craft needs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has issued Revised Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) for a launch of a missile in the Bay of Bengal for the period from 21-22 June 2023 t as per information provided by Twitter user Damien Symon@detresfa_.

The designated area for the NOTAM is 750km in length which indicates it might be a test of the Agni-I from Abdul Kalam Island.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached a significant milestone in its ambitious Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) project. According to ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, the architecture for the NGLV has been finalized, marking a crucial step forward in India’s space exploration endeavors.

The NGLV project has been eagerly anticipated, and the preliminary report detailing the rocket’s design and technological requirements has been submitted by the dedicated team. The report outlines various aspects such as the rocket’s appearance, recommended technological advancements, manufacturing techniques, and suitable locations for production.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Tata Advanced Systems is expected to play a significant role as a supply chain partner for GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in the manufacturing of components for the F-414 engine.

The Engine Division of HAL is likely to produce the F-414 engine in India, and GE is eager to establish a robust network of medium and small business suppliers (MSMEs) in the country for the engine program. Tata Advanced Systems is poised to become a Tier-I partner for the engine program, working closely with GE and HAL.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) officials, in collaboration with Indian Ambassador to Argentina, Dinesh Bhatia, recently held a meeting with Argentina Air Force officials to discuss potential export opportunities. The focus of the discussion was two Indian helicopters that had captured the attention of the Argentine air force officials during the Defence expo and Aero India.

During the Defence expo, Brigadier General Xavier Issac, Chief of the Argentine Air Force, was given a detailed tour of the LCH Prachand, an advanced attack helicopter developed by HAL. The visit allowed the Argentine official to witness the capabilities and features of the helicopter firsthand. Subsequently, during Aero India, a team of pilots from Argentina had the privilege of exploring the LCH Prachand, providing them with valuable insights into its performance and potential applications.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India and the United States are making progress towards a deal for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of the F414 engine, which will be locally manufactured in India. This engine is intended for India’s Tejas MkII program and is also planned to be used on the upcoming TEDBF and AMCA fighter jets. Despite this, India remains committed to developing its indigenous Kaveri engine, which has been under development for the past three years.

The Kaveri engine is set to be reborn as the Dry Kaveri. Recent tests conducted at high-altitude facilities in Russia have demonstrated a thrust of 48 kN, although the production variant will be capped at 46 kN. The Dry Kaveri engine will power India’s upcoming Stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program, with plans to develop an improved variant for the Tejas Mk1 program as well.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy has expressed a strong interest in procuring six additional Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraft from the United States through a multi-billion-dollar Government-to-Government deal. This decision might be followed post renegotiations due to the expiration of the price offer last year, which later has to be cleared by India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by the Defence Minister.

Initially, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) had put the procurement of additional P-8I aircraft on hold to promote local alternative solutions. However, the Navy, seeking to enhance its maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, is unwilling to wait for a local solution that could potentially take a decade or more to materialize. This urgency is driven by growing Chinese Naval assertions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Dassault, the French aerospace company, has initiated the development of F5 Standard upgrades for its Rafale fighter jet. These upgrades will incorporate the latest systems, enabling the Rafale to effectively interact with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as Loyalwingman and Unmanned Stealth UCAVs. The integration of these capabilities is set to begin in 2030 and will provide backward compatibility, allowing current users of the Rafale, including India with its fleet of 36 Rafale 3FR jets, to seamlessly control and execute combat operations alongside various UAVs.

Dassault Aviation is actively working on these upgrades to enable the Rafale F5 to collaborate with the European Future Combat Aircraft System (FCAS) and other Loyal wingman programs being developed in Europe. However, it is currently unclear whether these upgrades will also facilitate interactions between the Indian variant of the Rafale and domestically produced Indian Loyal wingman and UCAVs.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has presented a comprehensive roadmap for the next-generation submarine being offered to India, emphasizing plans to customize the submarine to meet specific Indian requirements. Germany has proposed a government-to-government contract for the submarines, and while it may still be asked to participate in the tender for Project-75I, the current offer places Germany in a favorable position against South Korea, which is also vying to supply its submarines.

Under the proposal, state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and private-sector dock Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will divide the orders, with MDL handling four submarines and L&T handling two. They will collaborate with German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for local manufacturing of a variant of the U-214 submarine in India. The estimated cost for this project is over Rs 60,000 crore.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

BrahMos Aerospace has undertaken the task of developing multiple systems and subsystems that may be utilized in the future development of the Hypersonic BrahMos-2 cruise missile. The Hypersonic BrahMos-2 will draw inspiration from Russia’s 3M22 Tsirkon anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile, specifically incorporating elements of its scramjet engine technology.

In a recent revelation, it was disclosed that the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan last year resulted in a loss of Rs 24 crore to the Indian state exchequer. The Chief of BrahMos Aerospace has already confirmed that the cost of the Hypersonic BrahMos-2 will be double that of the standard BrahMos missile. This places it in a price range comparable to some of the domestically produced nuclear-capable Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has sought assistance from Germany in maintaining the MTU’s MT 881 Eight-Cylinder Diesel Engine, which powers the South Korean K-9 Vajra, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. The Indian Army, which currently operates 100 K-9 Vajra howitzers, is eager to procure an additional 100 units with a Winterization kit to enhance operations in high-altitude regions. However, to operate effectively in such areas with low oxygen levels, upgrades to the fuel pump and air filter of the MTU engine are required.

In light of these requirements, the Indian Army intends to procure another 100 K-9 Vajra howitzers for deployment on its western front. To ensure a more direct and reliable supply chain for the MTU engine, India is seeking the establishment of a local supply chain within the country. This would reduce dependence on South Korea for engine-related support and spare parts. Instead, India aims to establish a direct supply chain with MTU in Germany.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-run company in India, and American firm General Electric (GE) are in advanced discussions regarding the joint manufacturing of F-414 jet engines for fighter aircraft. The collaboration aims to explore opportunities for technological cooperation beyond the engines. Initially, the Engine Division of HAL in Bangalore will produce the F-414 engines with 60 per cent indigenous content, which will gradually increase over 10-15 years.

The F-414 engine, proposed by General Electric (GE), can generate 98kN of thrust and is currently the leading candidate for a contract to develop and locally produce the engine. The engine can be further developed into a high-thrust variant, generating 120-130kN of thrust, which would be suitable for India’s 5th generation fighter jets such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the 5th generation variant of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India and the United States have initiated discussions to collaborate on the advancement of cutting-edge, next-generation technologies, including the development of Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missiles. These missiles would possess the capability to be air-launched from India’s P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, enabling them to target heavily defended Carrier Battle Groups (CBGs) or flotillas of warships.

Both countries share a strong interest in the creation of long-range hypersonic cruise missiles capable of engaging heavily fortified, high-value targets such as enemy military bases and surface warships from extended distances.