SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking assistance from Boeing to determine the financial viability of repairing an Apache attack helicopter that made a hard landing in Ladakh earlier this year. The incident, which occurred at a high altitude of 12,000 feet in snow-bound terrain, resulted in significant damage to the aircraft.
The Apache reportedly lost power during its operational sortie, forcing the pilots to perform an emergency landing. The harsh conditions and rocky terrain caused extensive damage to the helicopter’s undercarriage. Recovering the aircraft from the remote valley took weeks for the IAF.
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Bengaluru-based Opendrone Private Limited, operating under the brand name Airbound, has introduced a groundbreaking drone design aimed at revolutionizing rural healthcare delivery. The company’s new Blended Wing Body Tailsitter drone embodies a development philosophy focused on making a deep impact on real lives by addressing the critical issue of healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
Airbound’s innovative drone network is designed to operate without the need for traditional infrastructure, making it ideally suited for remote and underserved regions. The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology facilitates rapid delivery of medical supplies, such as blood, enabling hospitals to extend their reach and potentially transform the landscape of healthcare delivery. The drone takes off like a rocket and flies like a plane, combining the best of both worlds for efficient and effective service.
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A recent video emerging from Ukraine has sparked a flurry of discussions around India’s possible involvement in supplying ammunition to the war-torn nation. The video reportedly shows Ukrainian gunners preparing a 120mm mortar shell manufactured by Munitions India Limited (MIL), a state-owned defense enterprise.
While India has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, avoiding direct arms supplies, this discovery suggests a potential indirect route. Sources close to idrw.org claim that these shells were initially supplied to the Czech Republic. Interestingly, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala previously announced the arrival of artillery ammunition in Ukraine, with the first batch reportedly comprising 180,000 shells. Subsequent deliveries are expected to consist of batches between 50,000-100,000 pieces per month, according to Defense Express.
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General Electric’s Power Conversion business has proposed its Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for the Indian Navy’s upcoming aircraft carrier. This advanced propulsion system promises enhanced efficiency, survivability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional propulsion methods.
GE’s IFEP system employs a dual electric motor configuration for each drive train, paired with VDM25000 power converters equipped with three independent channels.
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In a significant boost to India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, the French Naval Group, the partner in the Scorpene submarine project, has announced that the combat management system (CMS) for the upcoming three Scorpene submarines will be indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). While the core technology will be based on French architecture, the actual system will be designed and built in India.
This development marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence. The CMS is the brain of a submarine, integrating various sensors, weapons, and systems. Until now, India has been dependent on foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for this critical component. The indigenous development of the CMS will not only reduce dependency but also create high-skilled jobs in the country.
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The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced its intent to procure the Carrier Air Defence Tracked (CADET) system to meet the Indian Army’s growing needs for air defence in support of mechanized platforms across various units. This procurement is aimed at addressing the Army Air Defence’s requirement for a common tracked platform that can serve as a versatile carrier for both current and future equipment.
The CADET platform is envisioned as a common, box-shaped tracked chassis with a raised structure designed to accommodate crew and equipment inside, as well as provide attachment points on its exterior for mounting various air defence systems. This design will ensure uniformity across Air Defence units, improving equipment management and streamlining training processes.
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The Indian Army’s Aviation Corps is eagerly awaiting the delivery of its first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States. Originally slated to arrive between May and June, the six helicopters, procured as part of a $600 million deal signed in 2020, are yet to touch down on Indian soil.
Sources within the Defence Ministry attribute this delay to technical issues encountered by the US side. Consequently, there is still no definitive timeline for the arrival of the first batch of three helicopters.
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India is on the cusp of bolstering its air defense capabilities with the upcoming test-fire of SAMAR 2, a surface-to-air missile system designed for assured retaliation. Developed indigenously, SAMAR 2 boasts a substantial range of nearly 30 kilometers, significantly enhancing the country’s aerial defense shield.
Leveraging the R-27 missile, SAMAR 2 marks a strategic move to repurpose existing technology for a new role. Unlike its predecessor, SAMAR 1, which utilizes the R-73E missile, the newer system extends its reach considerably. However, this adaptation presents unique challenges as air-to-air missiles are typically designed for specific atmospheric conditions and flight trajectories.
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In a significant development, India has decided to pursue a self-reliant approach for its ambitious 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This move comes amidst offers from various international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) seeking collaboration in exchange for potential contracts under the separate Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.
According to reliable sources close to idrw.org, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is not considering any international collaboration for the AMCA program. The project aims to achieve a high degree of Indigenous content, with most of the work being executed by Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private sector companies.
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A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology. The indigenously developed 600 horsepower engine, a joint venture between the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Ashok Leyland, is on the cusp of production readiness.
Initially conceived in 2021, the engine has undergone rigorous ground trials over the past three years. Incorporating advanced technologies, the engine is designed to be compact, efficient, and lightweight, making it a suitable power source for future combat vehicles.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated work on a homegrown Laser Designation Pod (LDP) for its fighter jets. This critical component will significantly enhance the precision strike capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
The LDP is a sophisticated sensor-cum-targeting system that detects, recognizes, identifies, and designates surface targets for accurate delivery of precision-guided munitions. It also possesses the capability to transmit real-time target video and imagery to ground stations.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to elevate its civilian helicopter, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, to new heights. According to Group Captain M.R Anand VM (G) Retd, General Manager and Chief Test Pilot (Rotary wing) for HAL, the company is currently undergoing civil certifications for a significantly upgraded version of the helicopter.
One of the major enhancements is an upgraded glass cockpit. While this technology has already been successfully implemented in the military variant of the Dhruv, HAL is now working to adapt it for civilian aviation standards. The new glass cockpit promises to provide pilots with a more intuitive and efficient flight experience.
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India’s state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is set to expand its global footprint with the establishment of a new office in São Paulo, Brazil. This strategic move is driven by the Brazilian Army’s growing interest in acquiring a Medium/High Altitude Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system.
BEL, the manufacturer of the indigenous Akash and Akash-NG missile systems, has emerged as a strong contender for this lucrative contract. The company’s fortunes received a significant boost following a visit by Brazilian Army Commander General Paiva to India in August 2023. Impressed by a live demonstration of the Akash missile system, General Paiva has reportedly advocated for a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal to acquire the Akash SAM.
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BEML Limited’s Engine division has achieved a significant breakthrough with the successful completion of the first round of ground trials for India’s first indigenously made 1500 Horsepower (HP) engine for Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
This marks a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology. The 1500 HP engine, developed at BEML’s Mysuru complex, performed as expected during the trials, exceeding expectations. Engineers are currently analyzing the collected data to identify potential areas for further optimization.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring a novel role for the indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM). Originally designed to protect moving armoured columns from aerial threats, the QRSAM could now be deployed as a crucial layer of defence for the formidable S-400 long-range air defence system.
The S-400, a cornerstone of India’s air defence capabilities, is vulnerable to saturation attacks by multiple rocket launchers, a tactic employed by adversaries to overwhelm the system.
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