SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Despite recent reports in Russian media suggesting ongoing discussions between Russia and India regarding the co-development of the Su-57 fighter jet, People familiar with the matter have told idrw.org that India will maintain its distance in the project. This decision stems from several factors, including concerns over the Su-57’s capabilities, India is keen to focus on developing its own indigenous 5th-generation fighter jet, the AMCA, and past disagreements with Russia over the FGFA program.

India’s initial interest in the Su-57 was primarily driven by its stealth capabilities and potential as a cost-effective alternative to Western fighter jets. However, subsequent evaluations have raised concerns about the Su-57’s overall performance, particularly in terms of its engine technology, radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As technology propels the evolution of aerial warfare, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has confirmed that the Indian Navy’s upcoming Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) will forego the traditional internal 30mm cannon seen in fighter jets. The 26-ton TEDBF, slated to replace the Russian Mi-29K fighter jets for Indian Aircraft carrier operations, will opt for a podded 30mm cannon, a design choice aligning with modern air combat trends.

Unlike its predecessors, the TEDBF will house the 30mm cannon in a pod attached to the centerlines between the weapons bays. This configuration enhances the fighter jet’s versatility, making it well-suited for engaging ground or sea-based targets. However, it may diminish its effectiveness in close-in dogfights with other aircraft, a scenario where internal cannons traditionally played a crucial role.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant leap forward for India’s aero-engine capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) joined forces with Godrej Aerospace in September 2022 to manufacture eight Kaveri engines. This collaboration marks a crucial milestone in the development of the Kaveri engine, aiming to conduct comprehensive trials before the anticipated completion of all tests by 2025.

The agreement with Godrej Aerospace signals a strategic move to accelerate the limited-scale production of the Kaveri engines. These engines represent a leap forward from earlier prototypes, which were based on the older Kaveri engine developed almost a decade ago. The Dry Kaveri engine program involved substantial modifications and improvements to address previous challenges, resulting in a more advanced and stable iteration.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is making strides in the realm of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), with Air Marshal Radhakrishnan Radhish highlighting the progress during the Dubai International Air Chiefs’ Conference. The IAF’s exploration of this cutting-edge concept is set to reshape the landscape of combat aviation, ushering in an era where autonomous assets collaborate seamlessly with manned platforms.

Air Marshal Radhish emphasized that the integration of MUM-T is an ongoing initiative, projecting a timeline of “10-20 years” before Combat Air Vehicles (CCAs) operate autonomously alongside manned assets. The MUM-T concept envisions a collaborative ecosystem where piloted aircraft and unmanned vehicles work in tandem, leveraging the strengths of both to enhance mission effectiveness and operational capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The global market for fighter jets is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by an unofficial boycott of Russian and Chinese offerings. Many nations, aligning themselves with the West, are reevaluating their procurement plans and turning away from fighter jets originating in Russian and Chinese arsenals. The primary driver behind this shift is the ongoing geopolitical realignment, with Russia and China forming one camp and the rest aligning with Western-backed campaigns.

While the demand for fighter jets is on the rise, not every nation can afford the high costs associated with American 5th-generation offerings like the F-35. In response, several countries are exploring more cost-effective options, turning their attention to Asian countries such as South Korea for the procurement of affordable and low-cost fighter jets like the FA-50, based on the T-50 Trainer aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF), through the Air Officer Commanding of the 12 Base Repair Depot, Air Force, representing the Head Quarter Maintenance Command, has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to Indian firms capable of designing, developing, testing, and delivering ‘Expendable Low-Cost Target Drones.’ This initiative aims to enhance training for personnel engaged in Counter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (CUAV) Systems.

The project emphasizes the importance of indigenous components, software, and technology to align with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ goal, fostering self-reliance and innovation in the defence sector.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The collaboration between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in developing India’s Light Tank under Project Zorawar is making significant progress, with the anticipated rollout of the prototype expected by the end of this month or the early weeks of December.

Last year, at the Defence Expo 2022 in Gujarat, DRDO unveiled the first-scale model of the 25-ton Light Tank under development. The upcoming tank is designed to cater to diverse operational requirements, offering mobility and firepower in various scenarios.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) made a significant impact at the Dubai Airshow by unveiling a range of Indian-made weapon systems, including the upcoming Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SR-SAM) Mobile Air Defence System. This marks the first public appearance of the SR-SAM system, designed to provide inner-circle protection against aerial threats for both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The SR-SAM is a truck-based air defense system based on the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM), initially developed for the Indian Navy to replace the Israeli Barak-I Point Defence Missile system on frontline warships. The system is part of DRDO’s efforts to enhance India’s indigenous air defense capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant leap forward for India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1, the wind tunnel model of the aircraft was recently showcased, revealing the integration of the Twin missile carrying pylon equipped with Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAMs) Close Combat Missile (CCM). The unveiling, led by HAL Test Pilot Harsh Vardhan Thakur, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Tejas platform, highlighting its enhanced firepower capabilities.

The spotlight of the showcase was on the newly designed Dual-Rack Pylons, a key upgrade for the Tejas Mk1. These pylons, attached to the outermost wings, are equipped with ASRAAMs Close Combat Missiles, showcasing the aircraft’s versatility in handling both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. This development aligns with the commitment made at Defexpo 2018, confirming that the upgraded Tejas Mk1A variant would feature these advanced Dual-Rack Pylons.