SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shed light on the much-anticipated Project Kusha, a multi-layered air defense system designed to safeguard the country’s airspace from a wide range of aerial threats. Recent images obtained by idrw.org reveal crucial details about the three interceptor missiles being developed under this project: M1, M2, and M3.
Project Kusha employs a tiered approach to air defense. Each interceptor missile caters to a specific range and target type, ensuring comprehensive protection against enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and even airborne early warning and control systems (AWACS) and aerial refuelers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a collaboration aimed at developing a cutting-edge 150kg loitering munition (LM-UAV). This initiative is part of NAL’s efforts to advance indigenous aerospace technologies and enhance India’s defence capabilities.
NAL’s new project involves the development of 10 prototypes of the 150kg loitering munition UAV, a versatile and high-performance system designed for precision strike and surveillance missions. The project has an estimated cost of ?102 crore, with NAL contributing ?64 crore towards the development. The UAV will be powered by a 30hp Wankel engine developed by NAL and will feature a state-of-the-art Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor gimbal and a 200km line-of-sight (LOS) communications link.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious plan to acquire 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, commonly known as Predator drones, for nearly $3 billion, has recently seen a significant shift. Initially, there were discussions about integrating Indian-made weapon systems such as the air-launched Helina Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) and the UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM). However, due to the high costs associated with integration and certification, these plans have been deferred, at least for now.
The Indian Army and Air Force were both keen on equipping the MQ-9B drones with Indigenous weapons, which would have bolstered India’s defence self-reliance. However, the costs involved in integrating and certifying these Indian-made systems on the Predator drones were found to be prohibitively high. This includes the costs associated with adapting the drones’ existing architecture to accommodate new weapons and ensuring that these systems meet stringent operational standards.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
According to a recent report by the Hindustan Times, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is likely to abandon the proposal to integrate the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) experimental Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar onto the Rafale-M fighters. The decision comes after assessing that the cost of integrating a new radar system onto the Rafale-M would be prohibitively expensive and could result in further delays to the project.
The Indian Navy urgently requires Rafale-M fighters for its latest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. The limited number of MiG-29K fighters onboard INS Vikramaditya and the need for their upgrades necessitate the introduction of Rafale-M aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A program has faced delays due to disruptions in the delivery of GE F-404 engines. However, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has a contingency plan in place to mitigate the impact of these delays and ensure the timely production of the fighter jets.
One aspect of HAL’s backup plan involves leveraging the capabilities of the private industry. Private companies will be tasked with manufacturing major assemblies for the Tejas Mk1A, such as the front fuselage, center fuselage, rear fuselage, wings, and other critical components. This collaboration will augment HAL’s capacity and help address any potential shortfalls in production.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a historic shift, the Pakistan Army has officially acknowledged its role in the 1999 Kargil War with India. This comes nearly 25 years after the conflict, which resulted in a tense standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
In a speech on Defence Day, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir stated, “1948, 1965, 1971 or Kargil war between India and Pakistan, or Siachen, many have sacrificed themselves in them.” This marks the first time the Pakistani military has publicly confirmed its direct involvement in the Kargil War.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The relationship between India and the CIA is a complex one, marked by periods of cooperation and deep mistrust. In the aftermath of India’s independence, the nascent intelligence apparatus sought assistance from Western powers, including the United States.
A shared adversary in Communist China brought the two nations closer together. The CIA provided crucial support to India in its early years, aiding in the formation of the Special Frontier Force and sharing intelligence on Chinese military movements. The joint operation to install a listening device on Nanda Devi stands as a testament to the depth of this cooperation.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani-Vice Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army said that the Indian Army is always ready for new threats and the Army is strong in both Pakistan and China borders. The Vice Chief was speaking at the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade held on Saturday at Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai. Speaking to ANI Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani said, “Indian Army is always ready for new threats.
Both in Pakistan and China borders we are strong and the Indian army is always ready to face any threats.” The Parameshwaran Drill Square at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai witnessed a display of the military parade as Short Service Commission (SSC)-118, SSC (W)-32 and equivalent courses passed out on September 7, 2024. The event in tradition and reverence, marked the culmination of months of gruelling training of the Officer Cadets, heralding their transformation into the future leaders of the Indian Army.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday said that countries like India and China can play a role in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Giorgia Meloni’s remarks, made at the Ambrosetti Forum in northern Italy’s Cernobbio city on Saturday – where she also held a meeting with the visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – came less than 48 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin also highlighted India’s efforts in solving the ongoing crisis in the region.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s recent statement that the execution of Afzal Guru, convicted in the 2001 Parliament attack, did not serve any purpose has drawn a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“What does Omar Abdullah want to solve? If anti-national elements who hatched a conspiracy against India are given the death penalty, why do they object to this? They want to create a situation by taking support from terrorists. They are taking support from terrorists. That is why he is speaking such language,” BJP’s Kavinder Gupta, the former Deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will be on an official visit to India on September 9-10 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This would be the first visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. He will be accompanied by several Ministers from the UAE government and a business delegation, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday.
On September 9, the Crown Prince will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold discussions on a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation. He is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu. He will also visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. On September 10, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince will visit Mumbai to participate in a Business Forum, in which business leaders from both countries will participate. “India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
All new applicants for Aadhaar cards in Assam need to submit their NRC application receipt number (ARN), Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday. A detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) will be prepared for the purpose and this will be implemented from October 1, he said.
The submission of the application receipt number of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will stop the “influx of illegal foreigners” and the state government will be ”very strict” in issuing Aadhaar cards, he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Manipur Police said on Saturday that some miscreants tried to loot arms from the armouries of two Manipur Rifles battalions in Imphal East district, but the combined security forces deployed in these locations dispersed the mob by firing teargas shells and blank rounds.
A senior police officer said that late on Friday evening, some miscreants attempted to loot arms from the 7th and 2nd Manipur Rifles battalions, but the combined security forces successfully dispersed the mob.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Imphal, Security forces have destroyed three bunkers in Churachandpur district after militants launched rocket attacks in adjoining Bishnupur that killed one person and injured six others, a police statement said.
The operation was undertaken in Mualsang and Laika Mualsau villages in Churachandpur district on Friday.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Security forces arrested seven Rohingyas, including two women, and 10 Bangladesh nationals from different parts of Tripura during the past 24 hours, officials said on Saturday. An Indian tout was also arrested for helping the Bangladeshi citizens enter the country illegally. A police officer said that four Bangladeshi nationals were arrested from Dharmanagar in North Tripura district adjoining Assam on Saturday.
The seven Rohingyas were arrested on Friday night after the police laid a joint check-post with the Border Security Force (BSF) troopers at Amtali on the outskirts of Agartala following a tip-off, the officer said.
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