SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The German air force, also known as the Luftwaffe, is planning to bring three of its most advanced aircraft – the A400M, A330 MRTT, and Eurofighter Typhoon – to India as part of the country’s international Tarang Shakti exercise. If the timing of the exercise does not coincide with the Luftwaffe’s plans, the aircraft may be deployed to India for “local flying” activities instead.
The A400M is a large military transport aircraft capable of carrying a wide range of cargo, including vehicles, troops, and equipment. It is currently on offer to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under an MTA tender that was issued earlier this year.
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In a significant move to modernize its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army has received the green light from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to procure a state-of-the-art Towed Gun System (TGS). The DAC, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of these advanced guns on November 30, 2023.
The new TGS is expected to be lighter, more versatile, and feature-packed compared to the existing artillery systems. This enhanced firepower and precision will significantly bolster the Indian Army’s ability to defend its borders and deter potential adversaries.
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The Indian Army has gained a significant boost in its artillery capabilities with the induction of a new Mounted Gun System (MGS). Developed by the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar, the MGS is a self-propelled artillery system based on a solo 8×8 high mobility vehicle. It is equipped with a 152 mm/52 caliber Towed Artillery Gun, which offers accurate target acquisition and destruction of enemies.
Prior to its induction into the Indian Army, the MGS underwent rigorous testing to ensure its performance and reliability. Technical trials were conducted at NCAT (VRDE) and on beaten desert and cross-country tracks at PFFR. Firing trials were also carried out at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges (PFFR), evaluating the system’s range, consistency, arc of fire, and direct firing capabilities.
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Tata Advanced Systems (Tata Aerospace & Defence) will be showcasing a range of armoured mobility vehicles to Indian and International Defence forces at its Chinchwad facility in Pune in the upcoming weeks. The company will be showcasing the Mine Protected Vehicles carrier, which offers NIJ Level 3 protection and features ten gun firing points. It incorporates a special V-shaped hull for blast resistance. The Mine Protected Vehicles carrier has been offered in the export market and has already been inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Paramilitary Forces.
In addition to the Mine Protected Vehicles carrier, Tata will also be showcasing the Wheeled Armoured Amphibious Vehicle (WHAP), the Infantry Protected Vehicle (IFV), and the Light Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (LAMV). The WHAP is a fully amphibious vehicle that can be used for a variety of missions, including troop transport, reconnaissance, and combat support.
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Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer, is estimating that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to procure 25-30 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for which Embraer has offered its C-390M Cargo Transporter. The IAF is facing increasing pressure from China on its north-eastern border, with austere airfields in the region requiring rugged transporters. The C-390M, with its maximum carrying capacity of 26 tonnes, is well-suited for these demanding operations.
“We believe that the C-390M is the perfect solution for the IAF’s MTA requirements,” said a senior Embraer executive. “The aircraft is proven, reliable, and versatile, and it offers the best value for money.”
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that the indigenous content in the second batch of LCA-Tejas Mark 1A will be further increased to over 70%. The aim is to reach at least 80% by the end of the production of the aircraft.
This is a significant increase from the 55% indigenous content in the 40 older Tejas Mk1 fighter jets that are already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF had placed orders for 83 Tejas Mk1A in 2021, which will feature 65% of indigenous content.
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Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK), a Jabalpur-based ammunition manufacturer, has successfully developed a NATO Standard 1000 kilogram aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This marks a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, as it will be the highest calibre ammunition to be inducted by the IAF.
Currently, the IAF uses a 450 kg aerial bomb as its standard ordnance. The new 1000 kg bomb will provide the IAF with a much-needed capability boost, allowing it to deliver more powerful strikes against its adversaries.
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Amidst the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world, including the Israeli-Hamas clashes and the Russian-Ukraine war, the United States is actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with Indian defence sector companies. The pressures on the U.S. Military-Industrial Complex (MIC), exacerbated by depleting stocks due to simultaneous engagements on multiple fronts, have prompted a keen interest in India’s capabilities as a significant player in the global defence market.
India, unlike some nations, has maintained a neutral stance in both the Israeli-Hamas conflict and the Russian-Ukraine war. Despite being one of the largest operators of Soviet/Russian-origin weapons, India has refrained from taking sides, opting for a careful and observant approach. The country has been closely monitoring export inquiries and orders for Indian-made small arms ammunition, ensuring that such transactions are transparent and adhere to international norms.
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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.
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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.”
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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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