SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant stride towards enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) intelligence capabilities, the Center for Airborne Systems (CABS) is actively developing a state-of-the-art Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) system. Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon, the Director of CABS, recently provided insights into the ongoing efforts, emphasizing the critical role of the ISTAR platform in modern warfare.
The ISTAR system being developed by CABS is designed to serve as a comprehensive solution for Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition, and Reconnaissance. Its primary function is to intercept enemy signals and provide crucial information to ground commanders. This real-time intelligence empowers commanders to make informed decisions about counterstrikes, offering precise targeting data and facilitating the optimal deployment of weapons.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the outsourcing of Overhaul-II of Tank T-72 including the provisioning of major assemblies/sub-assemblies and spares. This is a well-planned and comprehensively executed activity, to neutralize the effects of age, usage and restoration of the equipment to a near zero-hour, zero-kilometre state of operational readiness.
The purpose of this RFI is to identify prospective vendors (DPSUs / Private Indian Vendors) to undertake the Overhaul-II of Tank T-72 on a complete outsourcing model and facilitate the preparation of a Request for Proposal (RFP). All DPSUs and Private Indian Vendors are eligible to respond to this RFI and participate in this project.
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In a strategic move to bolster its defense capabilities, the Indian government, in March of this year, placed an emergency procurement order for Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 StarLiner unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). The order, aimed at enhancing the reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army and Indian Navy, reflects India’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for national security.
The procurement order, while deemed urgent, consists of only two Hermes 900 drones each for the Indian Army and Indian Navy. However, the significance lies not just in the quantity but in the capabilities these medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) bring to the Indian defense apparatus.
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The Indian Navy is set to enhance its submarine fleet with the completion of the Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) for the Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) class submarine, INS Shishumar. Sanjeev Singhal, the Director of Finance at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), recently confirmed that the retrofitting process for INS Shishumar is expected to conclude by the end of this year.
INS Shishumar, the first submarine in its class, has been a stalwart in the Indian Navy since its induction. Built by MDL in 1992, it continues to serve the nation more than 25 years later. The MRLC process aims to not only extend the submarine’s operational life but also equip it with a modernized weapon suite.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has provided further insights into the features of the upcoming Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, emphasizing its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. This 26-ton deck-based fighter, often referred to as a 5th Minus Generation category aircraft, is set to replace the Russian Mig-29K fighter jets on Indian aircraft carriers.
Manned-unmanned teaming is a revolutionary concept in military aviation, involving the integration of unmanned autonomous systems into mission planning. The primary objective is to expand mission parameters and tactical capabilities while minimizing risks to human and technological assets, especially in uncertain or hostile environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to receive the first AESA-based Primary Radar (PR) with long-range for the AEW&C MK-II Program by mid-2024. DRDO will soon commence integration work on the Six Airbus A-321 aircraft that were acquired from Air India before it was sold to Tata Group.
AEW&C MK-II is designed to provide Long Endurance and enhanced Coverage of operation. It will be capable of searching, Detecting, Tracking, Identifying, integrating sensor Data, and communicating air Situation Pictures to Ground and Air Stations. It will also have a Self Protection Suite (SPS) with a Missile Approach and Warning System, Radar Warning Receiver & Counter Measures Dispensing System.
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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is set to submit a price bid next month for the construction of three follow-up Kalvari class submarines equipped with an indigenously developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. This advanced propulsion system is expected to significantly enhance the underwater endurance of the submarines.
The Indian Navy has already issued a letter of intent (LOI) to MDL for the procurement of these three submarines. The LOI also calls for increased indigenization of critical components and the replacement of obsolete systems. The estimated cost of each submarine with the AIP system is around $1.2 billion, bringing the total value of the project to approximately $3.5 billion.
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Kanpur-based MKU Limited has recently introduced the Kavro Doma 360, a groundbreaking rifle-rated ballistic helmet that has swiftly captured attention for its promise of unparalleled protection against formidable firepower, particularly from rifles like the AK-47.
Let’s delve into the key features that make the Kavro Doma 360 a standout innovation in the realm of protective headgear:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move signalling deepening defence ties, the United States has extended its expertise in manpower to support India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The collaboration, rooted in shared concerns over China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific, aims to bolster India’s indigenous capabilities in the defence sector and foster long-term cooperation beyond its traditional defence partnership with Russia.
The collaborative effort spans various technological domains, with joint initiatives announced in jet engine production, semiconductors, and space technology. This strategic partnership not only addresses India’s aspirations to develop a self-sufficient defence industry but also aims to enhance technological competence across diverse sectors.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In the face of ongoing military tensions with China, India is steadily progressing towards the establishment of an Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), a strategic move to bolster its defence capabilities. At the forefront of this development is the introduction of “Pralay,” a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile boasting a formidable range of 500 kilometres. While Pralay takes the lead as the first tactical missile to be inducted into the IRF, it is only the beginning of a broader missile system overhaul.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is actively engaged in the development of an advanced missile, designed to avoid interceptor missiles effectively. This new tactical missile is set to revolutionize India’s defence capabilities with its unique features. One of the standout attributes is its ability to alter its trajectory midair after covering a specified range, enhancing its evasive capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) had given a lukewarm response to the developers of the Twin-Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) when they mooted a proposal to develop an Air Force variant of the jet called OCRA in late 2021. The IAF is instead showing more support to the 5th-generation AMCA program since it also will be a 25-ton fighter jet.
The TEDBF concept was first showcased at Aero India 2021. The jet is designed to operate from the Indian Navy’s Short Take-off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 1 (IAC 1). The TEDBF features twin engines for better short take-off performance.
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In a significant technological advancement, the Defence Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur has successfully developed a Radar Absorbing Paint designed to be applied on its own fighter aircraft and various platforms. This groundbreaking innovation aims to reduce the radar signature of these aircraft, enhancing their stealth capabilities and minimizing the detection capability of enemy radars.
The Radar Absorbing Paint developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory represents a pioneering solution in the realm of stealth technology. The primary objective of this paint is to mitigate the radar signature of fighter aircraft and other platforms, thereby making them less susceptible to detection by enemy radar systems.
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The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a division of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has taken a significant step towards enhancing indigenous defense capabilities. GTRE has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to select Indian industry partners for the production of the STFE (Small Turbo Fan Engine) expendable engine.
The EOI outlines the production requirements, specifying an approximate quantity of 300 units over a span of 5 years. GTRE aims to collaborate with Indian industries to meet this production demand, contributing to the expansion of the country’s defense manufacturing ecosystem. The production quantity will be strategically distributed among industries identified by GTRE, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to defense production.
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DRDO Chief Samir V Kamat has revealed that the first squadron of the AMCA’s 5th generation, called MkI, will be powered by GE-supplied F-414 engines. However, a later squadron of upgraded AMCA called MkII will feature a new high-thrust weight class engine that will incorporate sixth-generation technology.
To develop this sixth-generation engine, DRDO plans to collaborate with a foreign OEM to reduce development risks and expedite the process, aiming to complete development within 10 years. Kamat stated that DRDO is in discussions with French Safran, British Rolls-Royce, and American GE for this partnership and intends to finalize a deal with one of these companies within the next six months.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar recently announced ongoing reviews regarding the potential integration of unmanned surveillance aircraft (UAVs) for carrier operations within the Indian Navy. The announcement came in the wake of the Royal Navy’s successful trial of the largest-ever uncrewed aircraft launched from an aircraft carrier, codenamed ‘Mojave.’
The ‘Mojave’ aircraft, operated remotely by a computer terminal ‘pilot,’ demonstrated its capabilities by taking off from and safely landing on the HMS Prince of Wales during a unique trial off the East Coast of the USA. With dimensions of nine meters in length, a wingspan of 17 meters (six meters wider than an F-35B Lightning stealth fighter), and a weight exceeding 1½ tonnes fully loaded, ‘Mojave’ represents a groundbreaking achievement in uncrewed aerial systems.
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