SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the repair, refurbishment, and life extension of its Russian-made R-73 and R-27 air-to-air missiles. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities and lifespan of these crucial weapons systems, ensuring the IAF’s continued air dominance.
The EOI specifically seeks proposals for joint ventures (JVs) between Indian companies and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of the missiles. This collaboration is expected to leverage the expertise of both parties, ensuring high-quality repair, refurbishment, and life extension work while also promoting technology transfer and fostering the development of India’s defense industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to deploy its first squadron of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets at the Nal air base in Bikaner, Rajasthan, strategically located near the Pakistan border next year.
This deployment marks a significant milestone in the IAF’s modernization efforts and strengthens its combat capabilities. idrw.org also has been told that Additionally, the older Tejas Mk1 fighter jets are planned to be relocated to forward airbases, likely in Gujarat, to bolster defence preparedness in the western sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking proposals for the lease of a product tanker for two years and six months, with the option to extend the lease by an additional two years. This initiative aims to address the urgent need for refuelling naval ships at sea and enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
According to the RFI, the product tanker should be capable of carrying a minimum of 10,000 metric tons of fuel and possess the necessary equipment for undertaking astern refuelling operations. The vessel must also comply with all relevant international maritime regulations and possess valid classification certificates.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) showcased its indigenously developed Digital Map Generator (IDMG) at a recent event at Avionics Expo 2023 in New Delhi. This cutting-edge technology is designed to enhance the capabilities of Su-30MKI and Jaguar Darin-III fighter jets, and will soon be available on upgraded Tejas Mk1A jets as well.
The IDMG provides pilots with a crucial tool for navigation, flight planning, and tactical operations. It renders 2D and 3D maps, overlaying critical information to significantly improve pilot situational awareness. This allows for more informed decision-making and effective mission execution.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in talks with Armenia for the potential sale of missile systems, following the successful conclusion of deals for Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and ATAGS artillery guns earlier this year.
While DRDO officials have not publicly confirmed the specific missile types being offered to Armenia, People familiar with the matter told idrw.org that India is keen on providing the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile and the Pralay Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM).
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In a significant stride towards bolstering the capabilities of the Indian Army and expanding its global footprint, the Kalyani Group, through its subsidiary Bharat Forge, has locally manufactured the Kalyani M4 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC).
This indigenously developed APC is not only tailored to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army but also showcases a host of improvements and design changes that set it apart from its counterparts, particularly those offered by the Paramount Group. With an eye on international markets, Kalyani Group is now poised to export the Kalyani M4 to Middle Eastern and African countries.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force, soon to be renamed the Indian Air and Space Force (IASF) as part of its ambitious Space Vision 2047, Plans to collaborate with ISRO on the development of a Military-Grade Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). This unmanned spaceplane will provide a crucial platform for testing new sensors and other advanced satellite technologies in the harsh space environment.
idrw.org has been told that the RLV’s smaller size and lack of a human crew offer significant advantages. It requires less thrust and a smaller rocket for launch, allowing for longer missions in low Earth orbit compared to manned spacecraft. This makes it ideal for testing and evaluating critical space technologies that will be vital for the IASF’s future operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Composites Research Center (CRC) is undertaking an ambitious project to develop a composite hull for an advanced armoured platform, codenamed VIKRAM VT-21. The project aims to evaluate the performance of different composite materials and configurations under shock-loading conditions.
Traditionally, armoured vehicles have relied on steel or aluminium hulls for protection. However, composite materials offer several advantages, including:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is seeking to acquire six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to bolster its surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly hesitant to approve the purchase, citing budgetary constraints and alternative options.
This development comes as the Navy recently retired its ageing fleet of Russian IL-38 MPAs and is looking to replace its Tu-142M maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The Navy is concerned about the gap created by these retirements and believes that the P-8I is crucial for maintaining a robust maritime surveillance network.
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The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has partnered with a private company in India to develop the necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs) for integrating the Kaveri engine into the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the program, which is gearing up for limited flight trials of the aircraft equipped with the indigenous Kaveri engine for technological demonstration purposes.
Integrating a new engine into an existing aircraft is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. The air inlet, propulsion subsystem, and engine must be seamlessly integrated to achieve optimal performance and safety.
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The Indian Army has unveiled a novel and innovative drone system designed to deceive enemy radar systems, showcasing its commitment to encouraging in-house technological advancements. This system, mounted on quadcopter drones, uses Luneburg lenses to mimic the radar cross-section (RCS) of the Indian Army’s own helicopter fleet, such as gunships and utility helicopters.
The key principle behind this system lies in its ability to create false radar echoes that mimic the signature of actual helicopters. By deploying these “decoy drones” equipped with Luneburg lenses, the Indian Army can mislead enemy radar operators into believing that a larger force of helicopters is present in a specific area. This deception can serve several tactical purposes, including:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy, in collaboration with a public sector company, is embarking on a project to develop and manufacture a locally-built manned submersible. This swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) will be used by the elite MARCOS (Marine Commandos) to discreetly transport them and their equipment for vital special operations missions.
The ambitious program aims to procure at least a dozen of these advanced submersibles, which will offer a significant advantage in covert underwater operations. Additionally, these SDVs will be armed with a single indigenous lightweight torpedo, enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Representatives from the Philippines have visited Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSS) to inspect the company’s artillery guns, highlighting potential interest in acquiring these advanced weapons platforms. This development comes amidst reports that India has offered the Philippines its ATAGS guns, a towed 155 mm/52 calibre howitzer.
The ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) is a highly capable 155 mm/52 calibre howitzer developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Forge. It boasts a maximum range of 48 kilometers and is known for its precision, accuracy, and rate of fire. This versatile weapon has already secured an order for 90 units from Armenia and is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army with an order for 307 units.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India has issued a new Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a designated area off its eastern coast, potentially indicating a missile test scheduled between December 26 and December 29, 2023.
The NOTAM covers an area of 80×80 kilometers, hinting at the possibility of two potential tests:
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed a significant name change, reflecting its ambition to expand its capabilities into the space domain. The proposed new name, “Indian Air and Space Force” (IASF), would mark a major shift in the organization’s focus and highlights its commitment to becoming a comprehensive aerospace power.
This move comes at a time when the strategic importance of space is rapidly increasing. Recent conflicts have clearly demonstrated the decisive role space-based assets can play in modern warfare. From satellite communication and navigation to intelligence gathering and precision targeting, space capabilities have proven to be Force multipliers, significantly impacting the outcome of military operations.
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