SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic shift, India has decided to forego plans to arm its fleet of Israeli Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and will instead focus on enhancing their communication capabilities by integrating satellite connectivity. This shift in approach is aimed at improving the endurance and overall functionality of these UAVs.
Initially, India had been pursuing Project Cheetah, a comprehensive upgrade initiative for the Heron UAVs used by the Indian military. Project Cheetah was structured to unfold in two phases, with each phase addressing critical aspects of the UAV’s capabilities.
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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a key player in India’s defence sector, is preparing to enhance the localization content for the Indo-Israeli Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) program. This move is driven by expectations of substantial orders from the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is planning to procure nine MR-SAM squadrons, comprising a total of 2,000 Barak-8 missiles next year.
The MR-SAM program is a joint venture between India and Israel, resulting in a highly capable interceptor missile system designed to neutralize aerial threats within a range of 70-90 kilometres. This system has already been inducted by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy, demonstrating its critical role in enhancing India’s air defence capabilities.
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India is currently facing a critical challenge as it addresses significant delays in the delivery of F404 engines manufactured by General Electric (GE) Aerospace. These engines power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas-Mk IAs fighter jets, and their timely delivery is essential to meet the delivery schedules of the these indigenous fighter aircraft that will commence from February 2024 onwards.
General Electric (GE) Aerospace has been a longstanding supplier of F404 engines for India’s Tejas program. To date, the company has delivered 75 F404 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned manufacturer of the Tejas, since start of the Program in late 80’s. However, a critical order for 99 F404-GE-IN20 engines, featuring enhanced thrust, was placed in 2021 Valued at $716 million with deliveries expected to commence from August of the current year, but till November it has happened yet.
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Recent conflicts in the region have witnessed the evolution of drone swarms as a potent threat, prompting India to adapt and innovate in its defense strategy. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is at the forefront of these efforts, aiming to develop a high-power microwave system to counter the growing menace of drone swarms.
Drone swarms have emerged as a formidable tool in modern warfare, capable of inflicting substantial damage and posing significant challenges to traditional defense mechanisms. As these threats become more prevalent, the Indian Armed Forces have taken proactive steps to address the issue.
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India’s ambitious upgrade program for its fleet of Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, known as the “Super-30” project, has seen significant progress. While Russia initially stayed out of the upgrade package, India’s determination to replace major systems and components with indigenous designs has not gone unnoticed. As the project moves forward, Russia is extending offers of advanced weaponry for the modernized Su-30MKIs.
The “Super-30” upgrade program aims to replace 51 major systems and components in the Sukhoi-30MKI with Indian-designed counterparts, effectively stripping most of the Russian systems from the aircraft. This initiative represents a crucial step toward reducing India’s dependence on foreign suppliers for its defence needs.
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BrahMos Aerospace, a formidable India-Russia Defense Joint Venture, marked a significant milestone on May 31, 2023, by celebrating ’25 Supersonic Years of Success’ during the ‘BRAHMOS Users Meet 2023.’ This momentous occasion highlights the enduring legacy of the BrahMos cruise missile, known for its supersonic speed and unparalleled effectiveness. Despite being in service for a quarter of a century, BrahMos continues to be a challenging missile to intercept, and the makers are confident that it will maintain its superiority for the next two decades.
BrahMos, a collaborative effort between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM, remains a technological marvel. Its supersonic speed, flying at Mach 3, makes it a formidable weapon that poses a significant challenge to modern interceptor missiles and air defence systems. The missile’s ability to fly at low altitudes, maneuver skillfully, and strike both sea and land targets further complicates interception attempts. It is no wonder that BrahMos has earned a reputation for being difficult to intercept.
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The Indian Army is set to bolster its offensive capabilities with the procurement of 500 HELINA Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had earlier approved the acquisition of these missiles, along with launchers and associated support equipment, to be integrated into the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
The integration of HELINA ATGMs into the ALH is a significant step towards weaponizing these helicopters for countering enemy threats. These missiles will enhance the Army’s offensive capabilities and provide a valuable asset for anti-tank warfare.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring partnerships with the private sector to develop innovative inflatable and modular sun shelters that are set to play a vital role in its operational readiness and versatility. These versatile shelters are designed to cater to the unique requirements of the IAF during various operations, offering a flexible and adaptable solution for equipment protection and office workspace.
The need for such inflatable/modular shelters arises from the sensitivities associated with the equipment utilized by combat units during off-base operations. These shelters are intended to provide critical environmental protection for mobile elements and systems, including radar, missile systems, weapon storage, and aircraft. Additionally, they serve as functional workspaces and equipment shelters at off-base sites, ensuring that the IAF’s operational needs are met even away from established airbases.
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In a remarkable display of operational preparedness and synergy, the Southern Command of the Indian Army recently showcased the IA-1101, the very first Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, which was produced and inducted into the Indian Army on December 31, 2001. This event provided a rare opportunity to witness the legacy and evolution of this iconic aircraft.
The IA-1101 holds a special place in the history of the Indian Army’s aviation capabilities. As the inaugural member of the ALH Dhruv family, it represented a pivotal moment in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing efforts. This remarkable helicopter, now celebrating 22 years in service, has undergone significant transformations since its inception.
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India’s quest to acquire 114 fighter jets faces a significant hurdle as the long-anticipated Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) remains pending from the government. The delay in granting AoN has raised concerns about the timeline for this crucial defence procurement.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been eagerly awaiting the AoN for its capital acquisition proposal, which was expected to be granted by Mid of this year. However, as November arrives, the approval is yet to materialize.
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The Indian Navy is currently exploring options to significantly expand the range of munitions that its P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft can carry. This development signals the Navy’s intent to diversify the capabilities of these aircraft, enhancing their mission profiles beyond traditional roles such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue.
Studies are underway to potentially integrate various air-launched naval mines, precision-guided bombs, and the Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) system, all of which are domestically produced in India. Boeing, the manufacturer of the P-8I Neptune, has offered its expertise to facilitate the adoption of a wider array of munitions and other equipment.
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In a significant development, India has made a move to promote its indigenously developed BrahMos cruise missile to Thailand. A high-level delegation led by Mr. Sutin Klungsang, Honorable Minister of Defence for Thailand, was briefed about the latest developments of the BrahMos Weapon Complex during a visit to the BrahMos Pavilion on the inaugural day of DefenseSecurity2023 at the IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok.
The briefing was conducted by Mr. Praveen Pathak, Director of Marketing, Promotion, and Export at BrahMos. During the presentation, Mr Klungsang expressed his appreciation for the capabilities of the BrahMos Weapon Complex and demonstrated a keen interest in the BrahMos Missile.
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South Korea’s Hanwha Defense and India’s L&T (Larsen & Toubro) have reason to be optimistic as they anticipate repeat orders for 100 units of the K-9 Vajra 155mm/52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer from the Indian Army. These forthcoming orders, expected to be finalized early next year, will feature a specialized winter kit designed to adapt the K-9 Vajra for operations in high-altitude regions. This development underscores the importance of enhancing India’s artillery capabilities for challenging terrains, including the mountainous borders with Pakistan and China.
The K-9 Vajra, a collaborative effort between South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and Indian defense entity L&T, is derived from Hanwha Aerospace’s K-9 Thunder. L&T has already delivered 100 K-9 Vajra units to the Indian Army, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India’s artillery capabilities.
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India’s Air Force, equipped with a diverse fleet that includes the Jaguar and Su-30 MKI aircraft, relies on a range of munitions to bolster its air defence capabilities. Among these, the High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) Mk II missiles play a crucial role.
As part of the nation’s Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) initiative, there is a growing need to manufacture these advanced missiles within the country. To realize this objective, the proposal is to produce HSLD Mk II missiles following the “Make III” procedure as outlined in Chapter III of the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP 2020).
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In a bid to adapt to the evolving landscape of aviation and harness the potential of cutting-edge technology, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a significant transformation of its fighter pilot training programs. Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, during the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Flying Instructors School (FIS) at the Air Force Station, Tambaram, Chennai, lent his support to a new training module tailored to meet the demands of modern fighter jets.
Chaudhari emphasized that the days of a one-size-fits-all training approach are long gone. With the convergence of cutting-edge technology in the aviation domain, newer opportunities are emerging, which the IAF is keen to capitalize on. This move aligns with the IAF’s recognition that modern fighter jets, while designed to be less physically taxing to fly, require more extensive training due to the complexity of the technology and the influx of data fusion.
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