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The Indian Army is poised to receive the first batch of six AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters, marking a significant enhancement in its aerial capabilities. These helicopters, ordered in 2020, have been eagerly awaited, and the Army is already looking to bolster its fleet with an additional order for 11 more AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters from Boeing that might be contract in early 2024.
Boeing, a prominent U.S.-based aerospace and defense company, had previously delivered 22 Apache E-model helicopters to the Indian Air Force in 2020. Subsequently, a contract was signed to produce six AH-64Es specifically for the Indian Army. This contract is valued at approximately $930 million and includes advanced features and armaments.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s leading aerospace and defence company, is on a mission to ramp up the production of Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft, a potent symbol of India’s indigenously developed military technology. In an interview with Hindustan Times, HAL Chief CB Ananthakrishnan outlined the company’s ambitious plan to increase Tejas production from the current 16 aircraft per year to 24 by 2025-26, with an ultimate goal of reaching a remarkable 30 units annually.
HAL’s plan to boost Tejas production revolves around close collaboration with private sector companies specializing in manufacturing aircraft components. Talks are already underway to enlist the support of these private sector partners to enhance production as the number of Tejas aircraft soar.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to make a strategic decision to further expand its procurement of the Meteor missile, a European active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). This expansion comes in response to the delay in the development and production of the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR), also known as Astra Mk3, by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Astra Mk3, which was expected to enhance India’s air-to-air missile capabilities, is still five to six years away from entering production and is yet to undergo airborne developmental trials. The integration of the Meteor missile onto Indian platforms had initially faced challenges, but with the development of indigenous radar systems, these hurdles are being overcome, enabling the IAF to equip a broader range of aircraft with this formidable BVRAAM.
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The Indian Army Aviation Corps, operating a fleet of nearly 200 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters dating back to the 1970s, is set to initiate their phase-out starting in 2027. These ageing helicopters will be replaced by the HAL-developed LUH (Light Utility Helicopter). In the first phase, approximately 50 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters that have exceeded their Total Technical Life (TTL) will be gradually retired. However, the remaining fleet is expected to continue in service until at least 2033, even though 70 per cent of these helicopters are over 30 years old.
Both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) have been using Chetak and Cheetah helicopters for various missions, including the transportation of personnel and equipment, casualty evacuation, search and rescue operations, aerial surveys, patrolling, and off-shore and under-slung military operations. The IAF and AAC collectively operate between 60 to 120 of these helicopters.
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In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, HAL Chief CB Ananthakrishnan provided updates on the certification process and production status of the Tejas Mk-1A, showcasing the significant progress achieved by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft program. As HAL gears up to deliver the advanced Tejas Mk-1A jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the certification process is nearing completion, and production is in full swing, ensuring a timely delivery of the sophisticated aircraft to bolster India’s defense capabilities.
Ananthakrishnan affirmed that the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification is actively engaged in the certification process of the Tejas Mk-1A’s new systems. With the majority of systems already certified, only a few more remain in the pipeline, expected to be approved within the next two to three months.
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Pakistan recently conducted a test of its Ababeel missile, marking a significant development in its ballistic missile program. However, what has raised eyebrows is the noticeable silence surrounding previous claims that the missile is capable of carrying multiple warheads, known as Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), which can target different locations simultaneously.
The test, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations Pakistan (ISPR), was conducted with a focus on revalidating “various design, technical parameters, and performance evaluation of different sub-systems.” The statement clarified that the test’s primary aim was to “strengthen deterrence and enhance strategic stability in the region.” This underscores the significance of Pakistan’s missile program in the context of regional security and its commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s leading aerospace and defence company, is engaged in discussions with the Philippines regarding the potential sale of 20 ALH-Dhruv helicopters. This move signifies a significant step in the expansion of HAL’s footprint in the international market.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director, CB Ananthakrishnan, has confirmed that talks are in progress, highlighting the growing interest in Indian-made helicopters from abroad. People familiar with the matter have said that the Philippines is looking to procure Maritime variants for SAR and Marine Reconnaissance (MR) missions of the ALH-Dhruv Helicopters.
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The world’s largest military procurement in recent years is underway, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to acquire 114 advanced fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. Boeing, a leading aircraft manufacturer, has responded to the Indian government’s request for information (RFI) with its formidable F-15EX fighter jet.
In 2021, Boeing received a license from the U.S. government to offer the F-15EX to the Indian Air Force, showcasing its commitment to the Indian defence market. The F-15EX, a versatile and proven fighter, was also exhibited at Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru, where it garnered attention for its capabilities and potential fit for India’s defence needs.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the renowned Indian aerospace and defence company, is gearing up for a significant transformation in its approach to international markets. HAL’s chairman and managing director, CB Ananthakrishnan, has confirmed the creation of a dedicated commercial and marketing arm. This strategic move aims to bolster HAL’s efforts in promoting and exporting its cutting-edge aerospace products to the global market.
HAL’s decision to establish a separate commercial and marketing arm comes in response to challenges faced in international markets. Notably, the company lost a deal to supply 18 LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to Malaysia in favour of South Korean Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and its FA-50 fighter jets. It was a surprising turn of events, as the LCA-Tejas Mk1A was not only more cost-effective but also demonstrated superior capabilities in various performance parameters.
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India’s ambitious project to develop a Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) for aircraft carriers is set to take a significant step forward with private sector participation. According to a recent report in the “Economic Times,” the development and production of the TEDBF will be facilitated through Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) companies, with private sector ownership taking a majority stake in these entities. This approach mirrors the one adopted for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is also being developed through an SPV jointly formed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), and private players.
The Cabinet Committee on Security is expected to provide clearance for the TEDBF program by mid-2024. The project received approval in 2020, with the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) slated for completion by early 2024. Subsequently, it is estimated that it will take another 1.5 to 2 years to build the prototype. The first TEDBF prototype is anticipated to make its maiden flight by 2026, with production readiness targeted for 2031. However, some delays, estimated at around 12 months, are expected to affect both of these milestones.
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The prestigious No.31 Squadron ‘Lions’ of the Indian Air Force (IAF) commemorated a momentous occasion on the 21st of October 2023, celebrating its illustrious 60 years of service to the nation. The Diamond Jubilee event, held at the Air Force Station Jodhpur, was a testament to the squadron’s exceptional contributions and longstanding legacy in serving the country.
The grand event, graced by Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, and the Commodore Commandant of 31 Squadron, was a vibrant display of the squadron’s rich history and accomplishments. The highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a striking Su-30MKI adorned with the squadron’s emblem, the Lion, along with the motto “Shatru Chhidrey Prahret” (A Kill with every blow), representing the squadron’s indomitable spirit and dedication.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), one of India’s premier aerospace and defence companies, is actively pursuing opportunities for the export of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to multiple countries. This move comes in response to the growing confidence in the Made in India fighter jet by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has already placed significant orders for these advanced aircraft. As India’s Tejas program gains momentum, several nations have expressed interest in procuring the Tejas Mk1A for their air forces, presenting a promising avenue for international collaboration.
The Tejas Mk1A, a versatile and capable fighter jet, has gained considerable recognition and acceptance within the Indian Air Force. The IAF’s initial order of 73 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets signifies a high level of confidence in the aircraft’s performance and capabilities. The impending order for an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets further underscores the IAF’s trust in this homegrown fighter.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly enhance its air superiority capabilities with the “Super Sukhoi” upgrade package, which includes the equipping of 84 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft with the domestically manufactured Virupaksha Gallium Nitride (GaN) based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
This advanced radar system will replace the existing Russian NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) radar, which dates back to the early 1980s. The “Super Sukhoi” upgrade, proposed in 2012, initially explored the possibility of Russian radar replacements. However, the decision to opt for the indigenous Virupaksha radar reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance and the development of cutting-edge defence technologies.
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In a significant move, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been actively seeking a Wet Lease of Flight Refueling Aircraft. This endeavour aims to enhance its aerial refuelling capabilities, and one of the key contenders for this lease is Boeing’s KC-46 Pegasus, an American military aerial refuelling and strategic transport aircraft based on the 767 jet airliner that has been offered to IAF for Wet Lease.
The IAF issued a global Request for Proposal (RFP) last year, outlining the specific parameters of the lease arrangement. The key details include:
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South Korean defense manufacturer, Poongsan, has announced a groundbreaking development in the field of artillery munitions. Poongsan has introduced an extended-range version of its 155 mm ammunition designed for the Hanwha Land Systems K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH). With an impressive range of 60 kilometers, this new ammunition offers an extended operational reach, making it a significant advancement in artillery technology.
The key innovation in Poongsan’s 155 mm extended-range ammunition (ERM) lies in its impressive range of 60 kilometers. This remarkable achievement has been made possible by implementing a smaller TNT charge compared to the K307 munition, combined with the utilization of a potent solid-fuel propellant. This combination of reduced explosive content and enhanced propellant has resulted in a substantial increase in the projectile’s effective range.
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