SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
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:
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
)
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are engaged in discussions that could potentially lead to the procurement of an additional 100 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. These new aircraft are expected to come with a host of improvements aimed at addressing technical obsolescence in the system and increasing indigenous content.
Unlike the previous order of 73 Tejas Mk1A fighters placed in 2021, the upcoming batch is set to feature a significantly higher level of indigenous content. This move aligns with India’s commitment to bolster its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious foray into the development of its first Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) class drone, the TAPAS BH-201, might see a significant reduction in orders from both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.
Technical challenges related to the drone’s weight, design limitations, and performance parameters have raised concerns, prompting a reevaluation of procurement plans as confirmed to idrw.org by people familiar with the matter.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to embark on a significant milestone in its quest to bolster India’s air defence capabilities. In the coming months, as the monsoon season subsides on the eastern coast, DRDO plans to conduct the first phase of its indigenous S-400 equivalent program known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) Program.
This endeavor begins with the testing of the Extended Range Surface to Air Missile (ERSAM) Interceptor Air Defence system, boasting an impressive range of 150 kilometers.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its Mig-29UPG fleet with the latest modular, multi-band, and multi-channel BNET SDR (Software Defined Radio) system, marking a significant technological leap. Orders worth 96 crores have been placed by the IAF for the supply of SDR kits and testers to facilitate the upgrade, and the contract has been awarded to Astra Rafael Comsys Pvt. Ltd, a joint venture between India’s Astra Microwave Products Limited and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
The IAF has embarked on a comprehensive program to equip its older generation fighter jets with the cutting-edge BNET – AR (Airborne) system, which has already proven its capabilities. Recent integrations have included the Mig-21 fleet, Su-30MKI fleet, and LCA-Tejas fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Lekha Wireless Solutions, an iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) winner, has achieved another significant milestone by signing a procurement contract with the Indian Navy. The contract, valued at Rs. 3.80 Crore, pertains to the supply of a “4G/LTE Tactical LAN” system.
In an era where rapid communication is paramount, defense forces around the world recognize the need for deploying high-speed cellular-type networks swiftly to meet the complex communication requirements of battlefield management. Lekha Wireless Solutions has stepped forward to address this crucial need with its innovative 4G/LTE Tactical LAN system.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is taking a significant step towards bolstering its artillery capabilities with plans to procure up to 1200 next-generation Towed Gun Systems (TGS), with an initial order for 400 units. This procurement initiative represents a crucial advancement in the modernization of India’s artillery forces.
The TGS, designed to be within the 15-ton weight category, will incorporate a range of state-of-the-art upgrades and features to enhance its performance and versatility. Among these enhancements are:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move to bolster its maritime defence capabilities, the Indian Navy is exploring the integration of Frontline Warship Low-cost Loitering Munitions. These precision munitions represent a cost-effective solution to counter sea-based threats, including unmanned surface vessels and enemy warships equipped with long-range capabilities, thereby acting as force multipliers in naval warfare.
Loitering munitions, also known as suicide drones or kamikaze drones, are unmanned aerial vehicles designed for a unique purpose – to loiter on the battlefield, identify high-value targets, and then engage and neutralize them. Their ability to linger in the vicinity of potential threats makes them invaluable assets in modern naval warfare.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from its eastern coast, indicating an upcoming missile test that is scheduled to take place from October 5, 2023, to October 9, 2023. The designated testing area covers a range of 2,000 kilometres, signifying the likely test of the Agni-1P missile.
The Agni-1P is a two-stage, solid-fueled Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) that falls under the category of surface-to-surface missiles. It is designed to be road-mobile, offering enhanced flexibility and mobility for the armed forces. This missile variant has been developed and tested by India’s Strategic Forces Command (SFC) as part of the User Trials phase before it can be cleared for production and operational deployment.
Continue reading