SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move to enhance its anti-tank capabilities, the Indian Army has recently placed orders for cutting-edge Israeli anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). These missiles, known for their extended range and enhanced armour-penetration capabilities, are set to bolster the Army’s firepower, providing a potent deterrence against armoured threats on the battlefield.
The Indian Army had previously inducted Israeli Spike LR-2 launchers and missiles, which boasted a formidable ground strike range of 5.5 kilometres. The latest order for these advanced ATGMs marks a follow-up to this procurement. The acquisition has been facilitated through Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd (KRAS), a joint venture (JV) company between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL) a subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael) Ltd.
This collaboration ensures that 90% of the missile components are locally sourced, reflecting India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative.
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In a significant leap towards technological advancement, the Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier research laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has set its sights on the development of cutting-edge unmanned aerial combat vehicles (UCAVs).
The ambitious UCAV project aims to give birth to unmanned aerial vehicles with an all-up weight (AUW) of approximately 12.5 to 13 tons. To put this into perspective, this weight range aligns closely with the AUW of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets – a testament to the substantial scale of this venture. M.Z Siddique, recently appointed as the Director General of DRDO Aeronautical Cluster (DG-Aero), confirmed this groundbreaking development.
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The Indian Navy continues to demonstrate its technological prowess and strategic capabilities, this time by showcasing the Israeli Rampage Long Range Air-to-Ground Precision Strike Weapon to a UAE Navy Subject Matter Expert delegation. The visit took place on August 30, 2023, aboard the INSHansa in Goa. This marked the first time that the weapon was displayed, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge defense solutions.
The Rampage Long Range Air-to-Ground Precision Strike Weapon is an impressive addition to the Indian Navy’s arsenal, notably equipped on the Mig-29K aircraft. This weapon, characterized by its long-range capabilities and precision targeting, is designed to effectively neutralize high-value, heavily fortified targets. Such targets include communication and command centers, air force bases, maintenance facilities, and critical infrastructure.
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As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance defence cooperation with other nations, India has extended a significant offer to Brazil by proposing its indigenously developed 155mm/52cal Mounted Gun System (MGS). The offer was made to General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva, the Commander of the Brazilian Army, who is currently on a state visit to India.
Brazil initiated an acquisition program last year to procure 36-wheeled self-propelled howitzers, signalling its intent to modernize and strengthen its artillery capabilities. The primary objective of this program is to acquire a new mobile artillery system that offers enhanced deployability and can effectively engage targets at a maximum range of 40 km. The Brazilian Army’s plans involve outfitting three companies of the Artillery Division and the Mechanized Brigade with these advanced systems.
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The Indian Navy is gearing up to enhance its security capabilities by investing Rs 490 crore in the procurement of counter-drone systems. These cutting-edge systems will be deployed not only on warships like the INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant but also at naval bases ashore. This strategic move is aimed at countering threats posed by enemy drones, a concern that has prompted both the Army and Air Force to acquire similar anti-drone systems.
The Request for Information (RFI) document released by the Ministry of Defence outlines the intention to acquire Counter Drone Systems (Soft Kill) for deployment across Indian Naval warships and establishments ashore. With this step, the Navy acknowledges the rising significance of countering enemy drones not only at sea but also at its various bases situated across the country.
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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone as its Nag anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) completed all flight and user trials required for induction into the Indian Army.
Developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and the DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), the Nag ATGM was conceived in the 1980s to fulfil the Indian Army’s requirement for a versatile, vehicle- and air-launched ATGM with a formidable maximum range of 4 km.
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In a move that underlines its commitment to enhancing its aerial firepower, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently inked two contracts with an Indian vendor for the supply of air-delivered munitions. While specific details about the order remain confidential, speculation points towards the procurement of long-range glide bombs designed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). These smart bombs mark a significant advancement in precision targeting and offer the IAF a potent edge in modern warfare.
The DRDO has developed two variants of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) – Gaurav and Gautham. Both of these precision-guided weapons have been engineered to self-navigate, glide over distances, and effectively neutralize enemy targets with a high degree of accuracy. Designed explicitly for the Indian Air Force, these smart bombs address the challenge of engaging targets that are beyond the reach of conventional munitions.
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India has issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a designated range from September 13th to September 14th, 2023. While the NOTAM itself does not explicitly specify the type of missile to be tested, experts suggest that the range mentioned, spanning 1990 kilometers, points towards the possibility of an Agni-1P missile test.
The Agni-1P, a medium-range ground-based ballistic missile, Capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, the missile has demonstrated its prowess through a series of successful tests.
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India’s plans to integrate the indigenously developed Kaveri engine with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas fighter jet prototype is still on as per the latest information provided to idrw.org. According to sources familiar with the program, limited flight trials are expected to be conducted by the end of this decade, serving as crucial technology demonstrators.
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) took a significant step forward in this direction by signing a pivotal agreement with Godrej Aerospace in September 2022. This collaboration entails the manufacturing of eight Kaveri engines, intended for conducting extensive trials. These trials are part of the broader objective to conclude all tests by 2025.
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Honeywell India, a prominent US contractor in the aerospace and defence sector, has expressed its keen interest in participating in India’s upcoming 5th generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project, a collaborative effort between the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to develop a cutting-edge indigenous fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Suneet Hazra, the Director of Aerospace and Defence at Honeywell Technology Solutions Aerospace India, has confirmed the company’s enthusiasm for contributing to the AMCA initiative. Honeywell India is currently engaged in discussions with HAL regarding various Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs, and the company is also exploring potential roles in the AMCA project.
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In a significant stride towards enhancing its defense capabilities, Kenya is exploring the procurement of the LCH Prachand multi-role light attack helicopter from India. Aden Bare Duale, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence, is currently in India and is set to visit the state-owned facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore. During this visit, he will be introduced to the LCH Prachand helicopter, a state-of-the-art aircraft that could potentially bolster Kenya’s security infrastructure.
The Kenya Defence Force (KDF) has exhibited keen interest in acquiring the LCH Prachand helicopter from India under the Line of Credit framework. This initiative offers countries, especially African nations, the opportunity to procure Indian-developed military equipment and weaponry through flexible repayment options. This approach enables nations to acquire the advanced tools they need to ensure their security and defense capabilities.
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In a strategic move with geopolitical implications, India has silently removed a Turkish shipyard from its Fleet Support Ship (FSS) program due to concerns over its links with Pakistan. The Ministry of Defense recently signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, for the construction of five indigenously designed FSS marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The sidelining of the Turkish shipyard in favor of HSL is not just a procurement decision; it carries significant geopolitical implications. Turkey’s active military and technical cooperation with Pakistan, a nation with which India shares a complex relationship, has raised concerns within the Indian establishment. As a result, India has chosen to prioritize its own security interests by opting for a domestic shipyard over foreign collaboration that may have raised questions about allegiance.
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The ongoing debate surrounding the development of the LCA-AF Mk2, an advanced version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, continues to generate discussion within India’s defense circles. Air Commodore Kambiranda Muthanna Ponnappa (Retired), who also headed the National Flight Test Center, has expressed his reservations about the development of the LCA-AF Mk2, citing concerns over priorities and potential delays.
The LCA-AF Mk2 is envisioned as a larger and more capable successor to the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. With increased endurance and greater weapons carrying capacity, the LCA-AF Mk2 offers enhanced operational capabilities. However, Ponnappa argues that the Tejas Mk1A already possesses the operational capabilities of the LCA-AF Mk2 and can carry similar equipment and systems.
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As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its airlift capabilities, the IAF is now considering a significant shift in its plans to procure Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to replace its ageing fleet of Soviet-era An-32 transport aircraft. This contemplation stems from the evolving demands in airlift capabilities, prompting the IAF to engage in a comprehensive six-month study alongside stakeholders like the Indian Army.
Originally, the IAF had placed an order for the Airbus C295M Light Transport Aircraft as a replacement for the outdated Hawker Siddeley HS 748. The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 was chosen to take on the role of a medium-sized turboprop airliner, catering to the IAF’s transportation needs in the 60’s.
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The groundbreaking GE-HAL jet engine deal, marking the first-ever technology transfer of its kind between India and the U.S., is poised to receive U.S. Congressional approval in the coming days, according to U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti.
The recent expiration of the legal notification period on August 27 allowed U.S. Congress members the opportunity to raise objections to the transfer of technology for the GE F-414 engine to India. It is noteworthy that both Republicans and Democrats have rallied their support for the deal, underscoring its significance. With these political endorsements, the path is being cleared for the rectification and clearance of this landmark agreement.
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