SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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Despite growing concerns over potential delays in the supply of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace for the Tejas Mk1A program, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has categorically ruled out any plans to replace the engine.
HAL officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, emphasized that a change of engine would necessitate extensive modifications to the aircraft’s rear fuselage and internal fuel system. This, they warned, could potentially delay the program by over four years. Moreover, any new engine would require rigorous re-validation before production could resume.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
BEML, a frontrunner in the race to supply 170 tracked Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs) to the Indian Army, is facing potential hurdles due to ongoing challenges with engine supply for its Arjun tank platform.
The Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) last year seeking ARVs capable of operating in diverse terrains, including plains, deserts, mountains, and high altitudes. BEML had initially positioned its ARRV, based on the Arjun tank chassis, as a strong contender. However, the company’s reliance on MTU engines for the Arjun Mk1A Main Battle Tank (MBT) has cast a shadow over its ARRV bid.
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NewSpace Research and Technologies has ignited speculation in the defense and aerospace industry with the recent release of intriguing images showcasing an upcoming UAV. The company, known for its innovative approach to aerospace technology, has labeled the project as “Coming Soon,” building anticipation for the unveiling of this groundbreaking platform.
The images offer a glimpse into a hybrid UAV design that combines the versatility of a Hexacopter with the lethal capabilities of air-launched Mini Loitering Munitions. This unique configuration suggests a system capable of both aerial surveillance and precision strike missions, potentially revolutionizing tactical operations.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively developing a Universal Launcher AD (ULAD) system to enhance the operational flexibility of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. The ULAD will allow the Indian military to deploy both Phase 1 and Phase 2 interceptor missiles from the same launcher, eliminating the need for separate launch platforms.
India’s BMD system is a multi-layered defence shield designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at different altitudes. Phase 1 comprises the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high altitudes (50-80 km) and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile for lower altitudes (15-30 km).
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to collaborate closely with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to enhance the adaptability of the Tejas MkII fighter aircraft. The key focus of this partnership is to optimize the aircraft’s air intake to accommodate potential engine changes in the future.
Currently designed for the F-414 engine, the Tejas MkII’s air intake will benefit immensely from the wind tunnel testing data provided by ADA. This data will be crucial for HAL to conduct in-depth studies on the impact of different engine configurations on the air intake system.
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India is making significant strides in developing indigenous aerospace technology, with the Uttam Mk2 AESA radar emerging as a cornerstone of its fighter jet programs. Initially designed for the Tejas MkII, this cutting-edge radar is now poised to equip a broader spectrum of Indian fighter aircraft.
The Uttam Mk2, boasting over 950 T/R modules and employing advanced GaN technology, represents a leap forward in radar capabilities. This AESA radar offers superior detection, tracking, and target engagement capabilities, providing pilots with a decisive advantage in modern aerial combat.
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Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer is optimistic about India’s upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, which aims to replace the ageing Soviet-era Antonov An-32 fleet. Bosca da Costa Jr., head of Embraer’s defence and security division, expressed confidence that the Indian government will finalize its choice for the MTA within the next two to four years.
To enhance its prospects in this lucrative market, Embraer has forged a strategic partnership with Mahindra Aerospace. The collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, a key criterion for the MTA program.
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In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s strategic deterrence capabilities, the BrahMos Aerospace has initiated work on an extended-range version of its air-launched cruise missile (ALCM). The new missile, an evolution of the existing BrahMos-A, is set to boast a formidable range of 800 kilometers, significantly enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike capabilities.
Currently armed with the 450km range BrahMos-A, the IAF’s Sukhoi-30MKI fleet is poised to become even more potent with the integration of the extended-range variant. To accommodate the heavier payload, the Sukhoi-30MKI will undergo structural enhancements, primarily focusing on reinforcing the mid and rear fuselage sections. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is entrusted with this critical modification to ensure the aircraft can safely carry the 2.5-ton missile.
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India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was reportedly aware of potential supply chain challenges faced by GE Aerospace regarding the F-404 engine for the Tejas Mk1A fighter program, according to sources close to idrw.org.
These sources claim that GE informed HAL of these difficulties at the time the contract for 99 F-404 engines was signed in 2021. The concerns stemmed from global supply chain disruptions related to obtaining specialized alloys in the post-pandemic world.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for its Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program later this year. This significant procurement, aimed at acquiring 114 indigenously manufactured jets with technology transfer, is expected to reshape the IAF’s combat capabilities.
Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale fighter, has already delivered 36 aircraft to India, incorporating India-specific enhancements in the F4 standard over the baseline F3R configuration. The French aerospace giant will now be offering a hybrid variant of the F4 standard for the MRFA program, incorporating certain features from the upcoming F5 standard, slated for the French Air Force in 2030.
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The Indian defence industry is witnessing a surge in anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) development, with multiple players vying for a slice of the lucrative market. VEM Technologies has emerged as a prominent contender with its indigenously developed AsiBal ATGM.
AsiBal is a third-generation, fire-and-forget missile equipped with a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead capable of penetrating up to 850mm of armour. Weighing a total of 18.5 kg, the system boasts a compact design, making it highly portable for infantry soldiers. The missile has successfully cleared Army trials, and VEM Technologies is now awaiting an order.
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In a significant move to bolster its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army is set to acquire new towed gun systems (TGS). Earlier this year, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement, paving the way for a substantial upgrade in firepower.
The Indian Army is seeking a robust TGS with a maximum weight of 15 tonnes, ensuring optimal manoeuvrability across diverse terrains. The system must possess a firing range exceeding 40 kilometres and be compatible with the Army’s existing inventory of 155 mm ammunition. This compatibility ensures seamless integration and reduces logistical complexities.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively working on bolstering the protection capabilities of the indigenously developed Zorawar light tank. As the Indian Army expresses a desire for increased armor and the integration of an Active Protection System (APS), the DRDO is facing the challenge of balancing enhanced protection with the tank’s core design principles of lightness and mobility.
The Zorawar, designed for high-altitude operations, is intended to be a nimble and rapidly deployable asset. However, the Indian Army’s demand for heavier armor could significantly impact the tank’s weight, potentially compromising its mobility and strategic advantages.
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Aerospace giant Airbus is gearing up to showcase its cutting-edge Eurodrone MALE UAV in India, with a potential showcasing scale model slated for the upcoming Aero India air show in 2025. This move underscores the company’s keen interest in tapping into the burgeoning Indian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market.
The Eurodrone, a collaborative venture between Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, represents a significant leap forward in UAV technology. Designed for operation in non-segregated airspace, it offers unmatched capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The aircraft’s modular design allows for customization based on specific mission requirements.
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In a significant development for India’s armoured forces, the Indian Army’s T-90MKIII main battle tanks are set to receive a major upgrade with the introduction of the DATRAN 1500 hp engine. This new engine will replace the existing Russian V-92S2 engine, which currently develops 1,000 hp and is coupled to a manual transmission with seven forward and one reverse gear. The upgrade aims to enhance the performance and operational capabilities of the T-90MKIII tanks.
The prototype of the DATRAN 1500 hp engine was successfully test-fired in 2023, marking a milestone in India’s Indigenous defence technology development. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also shared the test bed for the new engine, indicating significant progress in the project. Although official confirmation is pending, the DATRAN 1500 hp engine will likely be used not only in the T-90MKIII but also in the Arjun Mk1A, replacing its current German-made MTU liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel engine of 1400 hp.
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