SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is poised to embark on a significant defence collaboration with a steep price tag, as it prepares for the joint production of Stryker armoured vehicles under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. According to sources from the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw), the initial estimated cost of this ambitious project is projected to exceed $1.5 billion, with each unit priced at a substantial $5 million markup.
A key component of this deal is the transfer of technology (ToT), which will facilitate the local production and assembly of the Stryker Armoured vehicles. This ToT arrangement will include the transfer of technical documentation necessary for the medium-term production of spare parts and the assembly of vehicles from the hull stage.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The development of India’s highly anticipated Archer-NG Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has encountered a setback due to funding constraints. This news comes nearly a year after the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) showcased the Archer-NG in late 2022.
The Archer-NG envisioned as an armed drone with a 300 kg payload capacity for weapons like smart anti-airfield munitions and anti-tank guided missiles, offered significant advancements. Its design, featuring a Single Engine Twin Boom configuration, differed from the Tapas UAV but employed similar equipment.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a landmark development following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term in office, India and the United States have reinitiated discussions on the sale and transfer of technology (ToT) for the American General Electric F-414 (GEF-414) engine. This significant defense collaboration aims to enhance the indigenous production capabilities of India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), positioning it as a local partner in this crucial program.
The proposed deal includes an 80% transfer of technology (ToT) to HAL, facilitating the local production of the GEF-414 engines. U.S. congressional approvals for this deal have been secured, paving the way for price negotiation committee talks, which are set to take place later this year in India.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Following the triumphant launch of their Agnibaan’s “SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD),” Agnikul Cosmos, a leading Indian spacetech startup, has set its sights on the future. The company’s founders have announced plans to begin development of the full-fledged Agnibaan launch vehicle within the next nine months.
Agnibaan is envisioned as a two-stage launch vehicle designed with high customizability in mind. This innovative design will allow it to cater to a wider range of customer needs. Notably, Agnibaan will be capable of carrying a payload of 300 kg to a 700 km orbit, making it a valuable asset for small satellite launches.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Last month, Noida-based EndureAir Systems conducted a demanding month-long series of high-altitude tests for our Sabal 20 UAV. Team, led by Mohit Kaushik, a UAV test pilot and systems engineer, ventured to Karu-Leh (3500m AMSL) and Chang La (5360m AMSL) to push the Sabal 20 to its limits.
The tests subjected the Sabal 20 to a rigorous gauntlet of conditions. From extreme temperature fluctuations and varying airspeeds to significant air density changes and diverse load capacities, we gathered a wealth of data that will be crucial for further product refinement.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step towards developing a next-generation Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) with the successful testing of its SWIFT TD (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed) demonstrator.
This 1-ton flying wing demonstrator serves as a critical test bed for validating the design principles of a much larger, 13-ton UCAV currently under development. This future UCAV envisioned as a potent stealthy strike aircraft, represents a major leap forward in India’s unmanned aerial combat capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is mulling an offer from Greece to acquire 18 Mirage-2000-5 fighter jets. While the operational life of these jets might be limited, they could serve as a valuable source of spare parts for the IAF’s existing Mirage-2000 fleet.
Greece has offered these jets at an undisclosed price, likely reflecting their limited remaining service life. IAF officials will likely assess the condition of the aircraft in Greece to determine their suitability primarily as a source of spare parts.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is set to receive a major boost with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approving the procurement of eight Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) on June 6th, 2022. This project, estimated to cost ?36,000 crore (US$4.5 billion), will see the introduction of advanced multi-role warships built using indigenous technology.
In May 2024, the Navy issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting participation from qualified shipyards. Four contenders are expected to vie for the contract: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and one undisclosed shipyard.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian military has taken a step towards boosting soldier capabilities by procuring passive exoskeletons from Newndra Innovations, a Rajasthan-based company. These exoskeletons, named JaipurBelt and ArmMax, are designed to improve soldier productivity, endurance, and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
“JaipurBelt provides support to a soldier’s back and spine, while ArmMax can support the back, spine, and arms,” said Ganesh Ram Jangir, CEO of Newndra Innovations. These exoskeletons can significantly increase a soldier’s weight carrying capacity by 5 to 35 kg, depending on the specific needs of the operation.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
NewSpace Research (NSRT), a rising star in the Indian drone industry based out of Bengaluru, has recently unveiled a modernized design for its highly anticipated Abhimanyu UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle), drawing inspiration from the legendary warrior known for his bravery.
The most striking update lies in the engine configuration. Gone are the external podded engines featured in previous iterations. The new Abhimanyu boasts a sleek and streamlined design with internally mounted engines housed within strategically placed trapezoidal side intakes. This shift promises enhanced performance and potentially improved stealth capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Greece has proposed a collaborative approach with India for negotiating the purchase of additional Rafale fighter jets from French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation. This strategy leverages the combined buying power of both nations to potentially secure a more favourable deal.
Greece argues that a united front of two or more countries at the negotiating table would strengthen their bargaining position and potentially lead to a better price per jet. This bulk purchase approach is a common tactic used by nations to obtain discounts on expensive military equipment.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Ameya Precision Engineers has been awarded a contract to supply Empty PCB Warhead Assemblies for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s advanced Rudram III missile. The delivery is expected to take place before the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous missile development program.
Rudram III is an air-to-surface missile with a remarkable range of 550 kilometres and a peak terminal speed of Mach 5. Designed to neutralize heavily fortified military installations, this missile can engage a variety of targets, including radiating targets and ground-based infrastructure such as bunkers, buildings, and shelters.
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The Indian Army has recently showcased an upgraded variant of the BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), featuring a unique configuration designed in-house. The most notable upgrade includes the integration of a single-launcher 3rd Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), providing a significant boost in firepower.
The upgraded BMP-2 IFVs now sport a single-launcher 3rd Gen ATGM, a testament to the innovative capabilities of the Indian Army’s in-house design team. This modification aims to enhance the vehicle’s anti-tank capabilities, ensuring that it remains a formidable asset on the battlefield. Additionally, a twin-launcher configuration for the ATGMs has also been developed, offering even greater firepower and versatility. This twin-launcher setup will be implemented in the interim, providing the Army with enhanced strike capabilities until a comprehensive upgrade is completed.
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Traditionally, military ties between India and Germany have been limited. However, with a changing global security landscape marked by Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s growing assertiveness, both nations are re-evaluating their defence partnership.
This renewed focus on collaboration comes after recent amendments to Germany’s defence export laws. This shift has opened doors for potential joint ventures between Indian and German defence industries.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a development first reported by idrw.org, India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making a strong case for the indigenous development of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). This comes amidst interest from established players like Lockheed Martin, Embraer, and Airbus who have submitted bids to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the project.
An anonymous HAL official, citing authorization limitations, revealed to idrw.org that the company is awaiting the IAF’s decision on the desired cargo-carrying capacity for the MTA. Upon receiving this information, HAL’s Kanpur division is prepared to conduct feasibility studies for the local development of an MTA-class aircraft.
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