SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is poised for significant expansion with the anticipated clearance from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the development of a second aircraft carrier. This new vessel, modelled after the indigenously built INS Vikrant (displacement over 44,000 tons), will bolster the Navy’s capabilities in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
However, the Navy’s ambitions extend beyond the second carrier. Discussions are ongoing regarding the development of a third, even larger carrier, boasting a displacement exceeding 65,000 tons. This potential addition to the fleet underscores India’s strategic vision for a robust naval presence in the region.
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India’s indigenously developed Zorawar Light Tank is gearing up for a series of stringent trials to assess its capabilities in diverse terrains and combat scenarios. The tank, currently housed at L&T’s Hazira facility, will initially be transported to the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in Avadi for comprehensive testing of its primary 105mm gun.
Subsequently, the Zorawar will be moved to Chandigarh for onward transportation to the Mahe Field Firing Range (MFFR) at Nyoma, strategically located near the India-China Line of Actual Control. This location will serve as the proving ground for the tank’s performance in high-altitude, challenging conditions during the upcoming winter trials.
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In a significant development, Brazil has expressed keen interest in acquiring India’s indigenously developed Akash missile system. Brazilian Delegation already has witnessed live Demonstration of the India’s Akash Missile System in India and soon it will be asking India to send Financial bid for India’s Akash Missile System.
This comes on the heels of India’s successful export of the Akash to Armenia in a substantial ?6,000 crore deal. The Akash, a surface-to-air missile system, has garnered global attention for its advanced capabilities and proven effectiveness. Its ability to intercept multiple aerial targets simultaneously has made it a sought-after defense asset.
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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is keen on expanding its footprint in India by establishing a passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion facility and an engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center. The company is in advanced discussions with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and another undisclosed Indian firm to set up the P2F conversion facility within the next two years.
IAI envisions India as a strategic location for these operations due to the burgeoning demand for air cargo services globally. The company highlights the potential of converting wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 into freighters, which can carry up to 100 tons of cargo. This capacity surpasses the current limitations of twin-engine wide-body freighters, which typically handle around 60 tons.
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DRDO’s Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT) is undergoing a significant redesign as India pushes the boundaries of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology. The latest iteration of the SWiFT, a crucial stepping stone to the larger Ghatak UCAV, features a dramatic departure from its predecessor. The most noticeable changes are in the aircraft’s rear exhaust and air intake systems.
The latest iteration of SWiFT showcases dramatic changes in its aerodynamic profile. The most prominent alterations are in the exhaust and inlet designs. The earlier rounded and hooded rear exhaust has been replaced with a radical new design, expected to enhance stealth characteristics. Similarly, the tridiagonal engine inlet has been transformed into a U-shaped intake, repositioned towards the middle of the fuselage.
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The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a critical process to identify a production partner for the next-generation Virupaksha radar. This cutting-edge system is set to revolutionize the capabilities of India’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, replacing the currently used Russian-made NIIP N011M Bars (Panther) radar.
The Virupaksha radar represents a significant leap in indigenous defence technology. It builds upon the success of the Uttam Mk2 AESA Fire Control Radar (FCR) developed for the Tejas MkII program. This upscaled variant boasts a larger AESA antenna with an increased number of transmit-receive modules (T/R Modules) – estimated to be between 1200 and 1400, compared to the Uttam Mk2’s 900+. This translates to enhanced capabilities in simultaneously searching, detecting, tracking, and engaging multiple air and surface targets.
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The Indian Navy is on the cusp of a technological leap with its ambitious plans to integrate uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) into its submarine fleet. These autonomous underwater drones, capable of launching from and recovering via torpedo tubes, will significantly enhance the Navy’s underwater capabilities.
In a parallel development, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has embarked on an equally groundbreaking project – the development of an underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicle (ULUAV). This novel concept, in collaboration with a Pune-based defence startup, aims to create a drone that can be deployed from a submarine to conduct aerial missions.
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The first delivery of the indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been delayed due to extensive software upgrades and testing requirements. Sources close to idrw.org, revealed that the IAF requested early onboard testing of the upgraded software, originally planned for a later stage. This, combined with the final software testing and planned ordnance delivery tests, has pushed back the delivery by several months.
When queried about reported issues with the ELTS’s ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Electronic Warfare (EW) system, sources assured idrw.org that the concerns were minor. They are being addressed through software improvements and optimizations of the Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC) and related software, rather than any hardware or backend process issues.
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In a significant development in South Asian defense dynamics, Pakistan’s plans to acquire Chinese stealth fighter jets, potentially the FC-31, have raised questions about regional military balances. However, a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity to idrw.org, asserted that this move would not force India to alter its own plans for procuring domestically made fighter jets.
Earlier this year, the Chief of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) revealed intentions to acquire fifth-generation fighter jets from either China or Turkey. This acquisition is part of a strategy to modernize the PAF by replacing its aging fleet of F-16s. The potential procurement of advanced stealth fighters like the Chinese FC-31 represents Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering its air capabilities amidst regional security challenges.
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The Indian Navy is keenly interested in Boeing’s newly developed Multi-Mission Pod (MMP) for its P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft. This modular system is designed to accommodate a variety of sensors and mission systems, offering unprecedented flexibility and customization for operators.
As per information provided to idrw.org, Boeing and the Indian Navy are working now to identify sensors that they would like to include in the Multi-Mission Pod (MMP) for India’s P-8 fleet that might consist of Indian-made sensors.
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The Indian Army is on the cusp of significantly bolstering its artillery firepower with the acquisition of an additional 100 K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers (SPH). This move comes as a natural progression from the successful induction of the first batch of 100 units, which have already proven their mettle in the challenging desert terrain.
However, the evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has prompted the Army to reassess its artillery requirements. The increasing emphasis on mobility and survivability on the modern battlefield has led to a potential surge in demand for self-propelled artillery systems. Consequently, the Army is now contemplating an even more ambitious target of procuring up to 400 K-9 Vajra SPHs, necessitating an additional order of 200 units.
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The Indian Navy is set to reignite its pursuit of amphibious aircraft to bolster its capabilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Command and enhance disaster relief efforts. The naval force plans to reissue a Request for Information (RFI) seeking suitable aircraft for these roles.
The Navy had previously issued an RFI in 2011, which garnered interest from Russia and Japan. ShinMaywa Industries Ltd. from Japan offered its US-2 amphibious aircraft, a prospect that initially excited the Indian Navy due to the potential for technology transfer and local manufacturing.
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The Indian Navy is facing a major setback with the severe listing of the frigate INS Brahmaputra. The warship, undergoing a refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, capsized to a dangerous angle of 40-45 degrees on its port side following a fire on board.
While the extent of damage is currently being assessed, officials have confirmed that the situation is not as severe as the previous incident involving INS Betwa. Nevertheless, the process of righting the ship is expected to be a lengthy one, potentially taking up to three months, subject to necessary approvals.
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Svaayatt Industries has made a significant breakthrough in drone technology with the launch of its “SMV-1” PetroCoptor, a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for a wide range of applications. This innovative drone is equipped with advanced surveillance payloads, including EO-IR & LRF Triple sensor camera, RGB day camera, and a mapping payload, making it a versatile tool for industries such as oil and gas, security, and surveying.
One of the standout features of the PetroCoptor is its integration of LiDAR technology, enabling precise mapping and surveying with unparalleled accuracy. The drone’s modular design allows for easy assembly and customization, while its robust construction ensures durability in challenging environments.
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The Indian Air Force’s modernization plans have hit a significant roadblock with GE Aerospace’s inability to meet its engine delivery commitments for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. The US engine giant is currently running a substantial 10-month delay, casting a long shadow over the indigenous fighter program.
While GE attributes the setbacks to global supply chain disruptions, particularly in procuring critical materials like titanium, industry sources point to idrw.org it deeper-rooted issues within the company. The aviation sector, in which GE is a major player, was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to mass layoffs, including a 10% cut in its US workforce.
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