SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking strides towards enhancing its surveillance capabilities with the issuance of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Indigenous Design, Development, and Manufacturing of High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS).
The need for an innovative solution arises from the absence of technology capable of providing extended and continuous surveillance over an area. High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) emerges as a promising solution—a solar-powered unmanned aircraft system designed to operate at high altitudes for prolonged durations, above the troposphere. Equipped with mission-specific sensors, HAPS offers the potential to significantly enhance the IAF’s ability to fulfil its primary responsibilities and gather mission-critical data.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have confirmed their consideration of the Future Vertical Lift program under Project Lakshya. This development comes after the commencement of work on the 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), which is being developed to meet the requirements of both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. These requirements include replacing nearly 400 ageing Russian-supplied Mi-17-I Medium Class Helicopters over the next two decades.
While no specific timeline has been provided for the Future Vertical Lift program, insiders suggest that the IMRH design may be optimized in the future. This optimization could involve incorporating two counter-rotating rigid blades that rotate in opposite directions, along with a rear pusher prop.
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The Indian Army’s quest for Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicles (LAMV) is gaining momentum with the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 800 LAMVs. This acquisition is intended for the Mechanised Infantry and Armoured Corps, following a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army.
Insiders familiar with the matter have revealed that four major domestic automobile companies in India responded to the RFI last year. With the AoN approval in place, the final evaluation and trial phases are expected to commence shortly.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a significant expansion of its fighter jet fleet with the recent announcement by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari that it intends to acquire an additional 100 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This procurement plan represents a substantial commitment to indigenous aircraft production and marks a milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The Tejas Mk1A, developed by the Aircraft Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a state-of-the-art light combat aircraft (LCA) that has been designed to meet the IAF’s stringent requirements. With advanced avionics, weaponry, and a robust airframe, it is a formidable addition to India’s airpower.
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A Chinese research vessel, the Shi Yan 6, has entered the Malacca Strait and is on its way to visit two Sri Lankan ports, Colombo and Hambantota, as part of an 80-day sea operation in the Indian Ocean Region. This development has raised concerns in India.
The Shi Yan 6 was a significant project under China’s 13th Five-Year Plan for science and education infrastructure construction. Two years after its launch, the vessel embarked on its maiden voyage to the eastern Indian Ocean in 2022.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a significant step in bolstering its defence capabilities by issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the development and manufacturing of a Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
The IAF’s vision includes the creation of a long-range cruise missile with a range exceeding 1000 kilometres, capable of reaching speeds of up to 0.8 Mach, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness to allow for mass deployment. This missile is expected to feature independent navigation, support multiple types of warheads, and be tailored for land-based targets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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The Indian Army has successfully inducted and operationalized two regiments of indigenous Dhanush artillery systems in high-altitude areas along the Northern Borders. Each regiment comprises 18 guns, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities.
The Dhanush artillery systems, based on the Swedish Bofors guns, underwent extensive validation and testing to ensure their reliability and effectiveness in challenging terrain. These systems have been strategically positioned to enhance India’s defence posture along its Northern Borders.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned Indian company, is planning to carry out trials of the indigenous Helina (the Army version) and Dhruvastra (IAF version) anti-tank guided missile systems from the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. This decision comes despite the weapon system already receiving clearance for operational usage from the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform, which shares similar avionics and systems.
Insiders familiar with the matter have revealed that these trials are not aimed at evaluating the missiles’ capabilities in terms of minimum and maximum range. Instead, they are part of a mandatory checklist to approve their operational usage from a new platform, the LCH Prachand, even though these missiles have been tested extensively from the ALH-MkIV Rudra Attack Helicopters.
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The sale of 90 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) to Armenia has not only bolstered India’s defense exports but has also shed light on the impressive cost-effectiveness of these guns. Armenia’s procurement of 90 ATAGS guns for a total cost of 1265 crores has revealed the per unit cost of each ATAGS gun to be approximately 14.05 crores. This places ATAGS among the most cost-effective 155mm/52-caliber artillery guns available in the market.
To provide a comparison, India’s domestically manufactured Dhanush 155mm/45-caliber towed artillery guns, produced by the Jabalpur-based Gun Carriage Factory, cost around ?14.50 crore per unit and offer a range of 38 km. In contrast, the M777 ultra-light howitzers imported from the United States come with a price tag of close to 40 crores per unit due to their extensive use of titanium to achieve the required lightweight for air transport by helicopters. The K9 Vajra-T guns cost more than 55 crores per unit.
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In a remarkable operation last night, an IAF aircraft, an Airbus A321 with its distinctive Air India livery, carried out a life-saving mission in coordination with a team from Army Hospital R&R. The mission’s objective: to swiftly transport a vital liver organ from Goa Medical College to Delhi, where it was urgently needed for a critical transplant. Thanks to the swift and efficient operation, the soldier’s life was saved.
It’s worth noting that the Airbus A321 aircraft in question was formerly part of Air India’s fleet and still bears its original livery. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has acquired a total of six Airbus A321 aircraft from Air India for a unique purpose. These aircraft are slated for conversion into the Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) platform.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to bolster its fleet of LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by considering a proposal from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to place orders for an additional 100 aircraft. This move comes after the IAF had already ordered 83 LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets two years ago. However, what’s particularly noteworthy is the shift in focus regarding the engines that power these aircraft.
Traditionally, discussions around military aircraft procurement have often included technology transfer (ToT) agreements for critical components like engines. In the case of the LCA-Tejas Mk1A, the American F404-GE-IN20 afterburning engines had been a key consideration. However, the recent developments suggest a different approach.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to explore the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its Airbus A321 Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) platforms. This initiative, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), marks a pioneering step towards greener aviation practices.
The IAF, in its quest to promote eco-friendly aviation, has embarked on the “Commercial to Green Aircraft Conversion of Six Airbus A-321 Aircraft” project. This endeavour aims to transform conventional aircraft into what is commonly known as “Green Aircraft.” These aircraft are designed and operated with a strong emphasis on reducing their environmental impact, particularly in terms of carbon emissions.
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In a significant development for India’s defence manufacturing sector, AVNL (Armed Vehicle Nigam Limited) has successfully concluded a contract with CVRDE (Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment), a part of DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), for the manufacturing and supply of two Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) command vehicles. This contract, valued at a substantial 45 Crore, marks the beginning of an important partnership in bolstering the nation’s defence capabilities.
The successful execution of this initial contract sets the stage for an even more promising future. Following subsequent trials, O.F Medak (Ordnance Factory Medak) is slated to receive a significant workload. They are set to manufacture an impressive 177 ICV command vehicles, estimated to be worth approximately 4000 Crore.
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In a significant stride towards the development of India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a private sector company has been awarded a contract to manufacture a full-scale model (1:1) for stealth measurements. This milestone marks a crucial phase in the AMCA program’s progress, especially as the final configuration for the aircraft has largely been frozen following the successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in December 2022.
The AMCA program, which has been eagerly anticipated, is currently awaiting clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). However, activities related to the manufacturing of the first prototypes by 2026 are already in motion. This proactive approach underlines India’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense capabilities.
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In a significant stride towards enhancing naval innovation and indigenization, TSC Technologies Pvt Ltd took the spotlight at the inaugural ‘Swavlamban’ seminar hosted by the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO). The star of the show was their groundbreaking Portable RCS Measuring Device, a technology poised to revolutionize Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement capabilities in the maritime domain.
Radar Cross Section measurement of ships plays a pivotal role in devising effective defensive strategies and doctrines. Understanding the RCS of a ship is essential for various operational considerations, including the deployment of countermeasures such as chaff rockets. The accuracy of these measurements directly impacts the success of soft kill measures against anti-missile defenses.
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