SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to release a tender for the acquisition of 12 VVIP helicopters, which will serve as the official transport for the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other top leaders of the country. This move comes after the cancellation of the 2013 AgustaWestland VVIP chopper contract in 2014, which resulted in the return of three AW101 VVIP helicopters. Over the past decade, Russian-origin Mi-17 V-5 helicopters have been used for VVIP transport.
United States-based helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky is poised to participate in the upcoming tender for VVIP helicopters. Previously, Sikorsky made an unsuccessful bid to supply its S-92 helicopters in a VVIP configuration to India and is eager to re-enter the competition once the tender is reissued.
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In a recent interview, Satheesh Reddy, the Scientific Adviser to the Minister of Defence, revealed that the Naval Prototype (NP)-5, a Naval Trainer aircraft, has achieved production readiness following its inaugural flight last month. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the development of carrier-based aircraft for the Indian Navy.
The journey towards NP-5’s production-ready status draws from valuable data accumulated over the years from its predecessors, NP1 and NP2. NP1 took to the skies in 2012, followed by NP-2 in 2015. These prototypes served as testing grounds for cutting-edge technologies, including advanced hands-free ski jump take-off and landing flight control modes. Both NP1 and NP-2 showcased their operational capabilities by successfully conducting operations from Indian Aircraft Carriers.
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Bharat Forge, a leading player in the defence and manufacturing sectors, is set to venture into the development of torpedoes. To achieve this ambitious goal, the company is exploring collaboration with DASTAN Corp. from Kyrgyzstan. Their joint mission involves the co-development and to upgrade Soviet Union/Russian-era CET-65E and TEST71 torpedoes.
The partnership between Bharat Forge and DASTAN Corp. took shape in September 2019, driven by the shared objective of enhancing naval capabilities. Together, they embarked on a journey to conduct joint naval trials for new homing systems tailored for the CET65 and TEST71 torpedoes currently employed by the Indian Navy.
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The Indian Navy is all set to host the 2nd Edition of the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) Seminar, scheduled for October 4th and 5th, 2023. This event promises to be a platform for groundbreaking innovations and technological advancements within the naval sphere. Among the many innovative technologies to be showcased, one standout is the Monolithic Lens developed by EON Space Labs. This remarkable piece of tech offers unparalleled magnification capabilities with virtually no added weight penalty, presenting a game-changing solution for naval applications.
EON Space Labs, a pioneering force in the field of optics and imaging, is set to introduce its Monolithic Lens at the NIIO Seminar. This cutting-edge technology represents a significant leap forward in optical magnification capabilities, catering to the unique needs of the Indian Navy.
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Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has confirmed the company’s intent to participate in the competitive bidding process for India’s ambitious Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) programs, initiated by the Indian Army.
In 2021, the Indian Army issued a fresh Request for Information (RFI) intending to procure over 1,700 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs). This RFI garnered responses from 12 leading companies across the globe. The list of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) includes renowned names such as:
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The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is gearing up for a remarkable transformation of its ‘Anusandhan’ A319 aircraft, formerly part of Air India’s fleet, which was handed over to DRDO in 2021. The aircraft will undergo structural modifications to serve as a Flying Test Bed for a range of airborne surveillance systems, marking a significant leap in India’s defence capabilities.
The ‘Anusandhan’ flight test bed is poised to receive a series of crucial modifications to accommodate cutting-edge surveillance technologies. These enhancements include:
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Bharat Forge, under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Baba Kalyani, is making significant strides in the global artillery market. Kalyani revealed in a recent interview that the company is actively engaged in discussions with approximately 12 countries, primarily from Africa and Southeast Asia, all of which have expressed keen interest in Bharat Forge’s artillery portfolio. The notable Garuda 105 Go Anywhere Gun and the Bharat-52 gun, both developed by Bharat Forge, have garnered substantial attention from these nations.
The Garuda 105 Go Anywhere Gun, recognized as a Mobile Artillery System, stands out as a lightweight, modular, and high-performance howitzer system. Its versatility and adaptability make it an attractive choice for countries seeking modern artillery solutions to meet diverse operational requirements. Several nations have expressed a strong interest in acquiring this innovative artillery system.
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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to embark on an evaluation mission for the Prachand, an Indian multi-role light attack helicopter developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This move comes as part of Nigeria’s efforts to bolster its defense capabilities and explore cost-effective options for its military fleet. The demonstration of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)-Prachand during the G20 summit in India has piqued NAF’s interest, prompting further testing and assessment.
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)-Prachand is a versatile and agile rotorcraft designed and manufactured by HAL. It serves as a potent platform for various military operations, including close air support, anti-tank warfare, reconnaissance, and troop transport. Key features of the LCH-Prachand include its maneuverability, firepower, and adaptability to diverse combat scenarios.
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India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for an upcoming missile test, scheduled for the period from September 21, 2023, to September 23, 2023. While the specific details of the missile test remain undisclosed in the NOTAM.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is a formal communication used in aviation to disseminate information about events or developments that could affect flight safety. In this case, the NOTAM issued by DRDO designates a missile test area covering a radius of 200 kilometers, indicating a substantial testing zone.
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Following the Indian Navy’s decision to cancel the proposed acquisition of 13 MK-45 anti-surface and anti-air gun systems from the US for its 11 under-construction frigates and destroyers, a new plan has emerged. The Indian Navy is now aiming to embrace a larger ‘Make in India’ initiative to develop 127-millimeter (mm) gun systems domestically, instead of pursuing the deal with the US.
The primary reason behind this strategic shift was the high cost associated with the 127mm gun systems procured from abroad. To address this cost concern and promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy has decided to embark on an ambitious journey to develop indigenous 127mm gun systems for its naval fleet.
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Earlier this year In a significant move towards realizing the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative in the defence sector, the Ministry of Defence received a proposal from the Indian Army to acquire 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). These advanced artillery systems are intended for deployment along the borders with China and Pakistan.
The proposal, valued at over USD 1 billion, is currently under discussion and is expected to gain swift approval, subsequently advancing to the Cabinet Committee on Security for clearance.
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During the recent G20 Summit held in India, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between Japan and India, particularly in the realm of defence. This call for stronger collaboration comes at a time when both nations have escalated their Military-to-Military engagements. Japan, known for its advanced weaponry and defence capabilities, has expressed its willingness to engage in direct government-to-government arms deals with India, signalling a potential shift in its export policies.
Japan’s approach to arms exports has changed in recent years, marked by a desire to expand its reach to countries like India. Previously, due to domestic policies and concerns, Japan was cautious about exporting domestically developed weapons systems. One notable example was the shelved deal involving the ShinMaywa US-2, a large Japanese short takeoff and landing amphibious aircraft, which the Indian Navy had considered purchasing. The cancellation of this deal was attributed to overall cost concerns and limited platform requirements.
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In a significant development earlier this year, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement of Mounted Gun Systems (MGS) for the Indian Army. This critical acquisition, sanctioned under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, includes the procurement of 155mm/52 caliber MGS. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) specified key criteria for the system, including a maximum weight of 30 tonnes, a firing range exceeding 38 kilometers, and compatibility with all in-service 155mm ammunition.
Two prominent Indian defense companies have entered the competition to provide the Mounted Gun Systems. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has put forth its 155mm/52 Caliber Mounted Gun System based on the Dhanush Artillery Gun. Additionally, Kalyani Group has developed a 155mm/52 Caliber Mounted Gun System rooted in the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). Both offerings are set to undergo rigorous evaluation by the Indian Army, which will ultimately determine the selected system.
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In a strategic move aimed at bolstering India’s naval capabilities and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, both state-owned enterprise Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and the private sector giant Bharat Forge, in collaboration with the Indian Navy, are working on the development of indigenous Marine Gas Turbines (MGT).
This ambitious initiative seeks to localize the production of marine gas turbines, a critical component used to power Indian Naval warships. The primary objective is to mitigate reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly Ukraine and Russia, which have historically provided these turbines to the Indian Navy.
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In a significant development, Bharat Forge’s Chairman and Managing Director, Baba Kalyani, confirmed the company’s successful delivery of six 155-millimeter Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) artillery guns to Armenia last month.
This delivery aligns with a substantial order placed by Armenia for a total of 90 ATAGS units, valued at $155.5 million (approximately ?1,265 crore). The contract stipulates the phased shipment of an additional 84 ATAGS guns over the next three years, with Bharat Forge aiming to complete deliveries ahead of schedule.
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