SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a transformative journey to enhance the capabilities of its formidable Su-30MKI fighter jets. The “Super Sukhoi” upgrade program, valued at over $7 billion, aims to equip these aircraft with cutting-edge avionics, radars, and electronic warfare suites.
India’s fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets, ordered from Russia, constitutes a vital component of the IAF’s combat fleet, totaling 272 aircraft. These multi-role fighters have demonstrated their prowess in various missions and are known for their versatility and adaptability. However, to ensure their relevance in modern warfare scenarios, comprehensive upgrades are essential.
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The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, has confirmed that the follow-up orders for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft will see some minor improvements while maintaining the overall design. This announcement comes amid plans by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to increase the indigenous content in subsequent batches of the Tejas Mk1A.
Currently, the Tejas Mk1A has a significant indigenous content of 65 per cent. However, HAL intends to raise this percentage to over 70 per cent in the 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft that are slated to be ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) later this year.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to enhance its strategic airlift capabilities with the recent induction of the C-295M Transport Aircraft. Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, the Chief of Air Staff, has not ruled out the possibility of acquiring additional units of this versatile aircraft, which promises to play a pivotal role in India’s military logistics.
India’s collaboration with Airbus to procure 56 C-295M Transport Aircraft is a significant step toward strengthening its airlift capabilities. The first of these aircraft arrived in India after being manufactured in Spain, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership. The Airbus-Tata facility in Gujarat is set to locally manufacture 40 of these aircraft, contributing to the “Make in India” initiative.
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In a significant boost to India’s air defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive fresh batches of the Astra Mk1 beyond visual range air-to-air missiles from the state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) later this year. This procurement is part of an order worth Rs 2,971 crore placed by the Ministry of Defence in 2022, aimed at enhancing the IAF’s combat capabilities.
BDL has already obtained Bulk Production Clearance for manufacturing the Astra Mk1 missiles from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC). As a result, the IAF is poised to complete proof firing and induction of these advanced missiles in the current financial year.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking significant strides in enhancing its long-range air defense capabilities with the initiation of Project Kusha. This ambitious project aims to develop an indigenous S-400 air defense system, and it has received the green light for full-scale development. Supported by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Project Kusha represents a significant leap forward in India’s air defense capabilities.
Project Kusha marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense technology. With approval granted, the DRDO and the IAF are set to collaborate on the development of two interceptor missiles that will form the core of the indigenous air defense system.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is charting an ambitious path for its fighter jet fleet, with plans to acquire a mix of indigenous and foreign-made aircraft. Recent confirmations by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, have dispelled speculations about the impact of additional Tejas Mk1A orders on the procurement of the LCA-AF Mk2 and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari clarified that the follow-up orders for Tejas Mk1A will not impact the procurement of the Light Combat Aircraft-Air Force (LCA-AF) Mk2. The IAF has committed to acquiring 120 LCA-AF Mk2 fighter jets once they receive clearance for production, expected by 2030.
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In a recent development, the Indian Army is progressing towards the selection of new Self-Propelled Air-Defense Gun Missile Systems (SPAD-GMSs) to enhance its air defence capabilities. The army had initiated the procurement process earlier this year, specifically seeking systems that could operate as “Mobile Terminal Air-Defense Systems” to bolster close air defence protection for its mechanized units.
South Korean defence conglomerate Hanwha has re-emerged as a strong contender to secure this vital contract. This comes after a similar bid by Hanwha in 2018, which nearly succeeded against competing Russian offers, including the Tunguska M1 and Pantsir missile systems. According to sources, the K30 Biho, a key product in Hanwha’s portfolio, aligns well with the requirements outlined in the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army.
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Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a prominent Government of India undertaking, has recently issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) aimed at forging a technology tie-up for the development of a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (Tracked) Gun Version, intended for the Indian Army. This strategic move aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s objective to procure such vehicles under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
The EoI from BHEL is directed towards prospective technology collaborators interested in establishing a partnership with BHEL through a license and technology collaboration agreement. This collaboration aims to jointly design, engineer, manufacture, assemble, test, supply, field install, commission, repair, service, and retrofit these Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles for the Indian Army.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its aerial capabilities with the procurement of an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as Per report in ANI. This strategic move will elevate the IAF’s Tejas fleet strength to a formidable 220 aircraft, solidifying its commitment to indigenous defense production. Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhri on Tuesday said contract for 97 additional Tejas Mark 1A was expected to be signed this year.
A Growing Tejas Fleet: The IAF’s acquisition of these 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets complements its earlier orders, which included:
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In a significant move towards modernizing its defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy are jointly supporting the development of a cutting-edge Three-Tier Unmanned Aerial Strike System. This innovative system is designed to work in coordination with a single Manned Mothership while conducting ground or sea strikes from a safe distance.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has already initiated work on this groundbreaking project, which promises to revolutionize India’s aerial combat capabilities.
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Boeing, the American aerospace giant, has been actively advocating for the Indian Navy to procure six additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to bolster its maritime surveillance capabilities. The acquisition has been delayed primarily due to the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) pressing for the indigenous development of a medium-class maritime Patrol Aircraft (MMPA) that aligns with the capabilities of the existing P-8I fleet operated by the Indian Navy.
Boeing has been actively promoting the acquisition of six more P-8I MPAs by the Indian Navy. The P-8I, based on the Boeing 737 platform, is renowned for its advanced maritime surveillance capabilities and has proven its effectiveness in various naval operations.
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In a significant development, the Indian defence establishment has taken a step closer to strengthening its air defence capabilities with the issuance of a tender for the procurement of 30 units of the indigenous Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) missile system. These 30 units represent the industrialized version of the missile, signifying a transition from the prototype stage to the production stage.
The procurement of these VSHORAD missiles falls under the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) policy, a strategic approach adopted by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Under this policy, DRDO takes charge of designing the product, providing detailed drawings, and sharing technical specifications with either private or public sector industries for the development of a prototype.
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Banmali Agrawala, the recently appointed Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), is set to steer the company towards the burgeoning Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market in India. This strategic move follows TASL’s notable success in developing drones and loitering ammunition for the Indian Armed Forces. Known for its expertise in manufacturing aerostructures, and serving clients such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, TASL is now poised to venture into the UAV sector, recognizing its immense growth potential.
While specific details of TASL’s UAV market entry plan have not been disclosed, the company’s decision underscores its commitment to exploring new opportunities and diversifying its portfolio within the defence and aerospace sector. The move aligns with India’s increasing focus on harnessing UAV technology for various applications, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and defence.
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In recent discussions between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Egyptian authorities, HAL has extended an offer for the transfer of technology (ToT) to Egypt. The proposal involves local assembly capabilities for the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. Egypt is actively exploring the acquisition of a substantial number of these advanced fighter aircraft directly for its Air Force, with a potential order of at least 35 aircraft. Furthermore, Egypt is considering the possibility of local assembly for up to 100 such fighter jets within its territory.
The LCA-Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the LCA-Tejas Mk1 fighter jet, with an improved electronic warfare suite, advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, beyond visual range (BVR) missiles, and a network warfare system comprising software-defined radio (SDR). The aircraft is also equipped with a new cockpit with a new human-machine interface (HMI) and a new mission computer.
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India has issued a crucial notification declaring a no-fly zone around the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, located near the strategically vital Malacca Strait. This temporary airspace restriction has been put in place explicitly for “Missile Firing” activities and will be effective from October 10, 2023, to October 12, 2023. The designated no-fly zone covers an area spanning 445 kilometers.
This move aligns with past missile firing exercises conducted in the region, primarily focusing on the testing of the BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile. The BrahMos missile, known for its exceptional speed and precision, has been regularly tested by both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy in the vicinity of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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