SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s military aviation capabilities, the country is set to test a Common Launcher designed for its Su-30MKI fleet in the coming year. This launcher, which has been in development for some time, aims to revolutionize the flexibility and efficiency of weapon integration into the Su-30 aircraft.
The concept for the Common Launcher was conceived last year when the Indian Air Force identified the need for a versatile launcher that could accommodate various weapons and pods for different mission requirements under the Make-II (Industry Funded) initiative.
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India and the United States are on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking deal for the transfer of technology (ToT) for the F414-GE-400 turbofan engines, which will be manufactured in India. The US Congress has granted approval for the deal, with no objections from its members, clearing the path for negotiations on pricing before the agreement is officially signed.
The F414-GE-400 turbofan engine, when produced by General Electric (GE) in its facilities, has an average cost of approximately $3.71 million per unit. However, even with domestic production in India, the price is expected to remain below the $4 million per unit mark. This cost-efficiency is attributed to the large order size and the involvement of numerous private sector companies in local engine manufacturing.
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On September 7, 2023, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao paid a visit to Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) for discussions with its Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Cmde Hemant Khatri (retired). During their meeting, the backdrop featured the ongoing development of the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) named “Nipun,” being constructed at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam. This visit comes a year after the launch of the first DSV, “Nistar,” on September 22, 2022, in Visakhapatnam.
The Diving Support Vessels, “Nistar” and “Nipun,” are equipped with a comprehensive array of complex Diving Support systems and a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). These vessels are designed to be deployed for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations, making them a critical asset for the Indian Navy. Additionally, they possess the capability to conduct Search and Rescue operations and facilitate Helicopter Operations at sea.
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In a recent interview with Indian media outlet NDTV, Ajuri Ngelale, spokesperson for Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, expressed Nigeria’s keen interest in acquiring Indian defence technology, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Ngelale also mentioned Nigeria’s interest in technology transfers related to drones and more advanced armoured personnel carriers.
Nigeria’s Armed Forces have been actively modernizing their defence capabilities, with a particular focus on air superiority and ground attack capabilities. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently operates a range of advanced fighter jets, including the JF-17, F-7Ni, A-29 Super Tucanos, and the Alpha Jet. These aircraft are capable of engaging both aerial and ground threats, ensuring Nigeria’s air superiority.
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JSR Dynamics Private Limited, a Nagpur-based private limited company, has secured a significant victory by winning the Indian Navy Open Challenge 8.0 for the development of a Long Range Powered Precision Guidance Munition. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to advancing India’s defence capabilities and highlights its innovative approach to munition technology.
JSR Dynamics: A Pioneer in Defense Technology JSR Dynamics, led by Air Marshal (Retd) SB Deo, has emerged as a key player in India’s defence technology landscape. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of a wide range of defence systems, including glide bombs, range extension kits, cruise missiles, and loitering munitions. With a strong focus on research and innovation, JSR Dynamics has become a formidable force in the defence sector.
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India’s Akash-NG (Next Generation) surface-to-air missile system, a short-range mobile system with a range of up to 30 kilometres, is gearing up for confirmatory trials later this year in a near-production standard variant. This development comes after the successful testing of the system in 2021, marking a significant advancement in India’s air defence capabilities.
Earlier this year, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) achieved a crucial milestone by delivering the first Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker of the Akash-NG Weapon System. This RF Seeker, produced at BDL’s newly commissioned state-of-the-art Seeker Facility Centre (SFC), was handed over to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The RF Seeker is a pivotal and technologically advanced subsystem used in Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) and Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs) for target tracking during the terminal phase of flight.
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The Indian Navy is charting a course into the future by embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to enhance its ship systems, command and control infrastructure, and decision-making capabilities. AI has been recognized as a transformative force in naval operations worldwide, with the United States Navy’s Naval Research Laboratory establishing the Navy Center for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence in 1981. The Indian Navy is now following suit, recognizing the immense potential of AI and Machine Learning (AI/ML) applications in modern naval warfare.
The integration of AI technologies into naval operations is centered around two primary areas: autonomous/unmanned systems and decision sciences. These technologies hold the promise of revolutionizing the way navies conduct missions, respond to threats, and enhance situational awareness.
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The Kaveri derivative engine, known as the Dry Kaveri, is poised for another round of critical trials in Russia early next year. These upcoming trials are expected to represent the final phase of the engine’s development journey. GTRE (Gas Turbine Research Establishment) has ordered engine modules from Godrej Aerospace, which will be assembled and transported to Russia for a series of tests, including simulated high altitude trials and flight test bed assessments.
The primary purpose of the Kaveri Dry engine is to provide propulsion for India’s groundbreaking stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) known as the Ghatak. The engine has already demonstrated its capabilities by successfully passing simulated high altitude tests in Russia. The next step involves integrating the Kaveri Dry engine into a specialized flying test bed (FTB), which is a modified Ilyushin (Il)-76 fixed-wing aircraft powered by four turbofan engines. During these trials, one of the Il-76’s four engines will be replaced with the Kaveri Dry engine.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its Airbus A321 fleet as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its airborne capabilities. After receiving clearance to procure six Airbus A321 commercial platforms for conversion into Netra 2.0 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the IAF is now planning to acquire seven additional Airbus A321 platforms from the used market. These aircraft will be repurposed for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications jamming (COMJAM) roles, further strengthening the IAF’s operational versatility.
The specific requirements entail acquiring five aircraft that will be suitably integrated and certified by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for SIGINT and COMJAM duties. Additionally, two aircraft will be designated for SIGINT roles. Initially, the IAF is considering procuring three aircraft in the first phase of this expansion.
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Embraer, a renowned Brazilian aerospace company, has extended an enticing offer to Indian manufacturers, presenting them with the opportunity to collaborate on its next-generation turboprop concept. This innovative proposal has the potential to revolutionize regional transport aircraft in India. The concept, which has been evolving since its inception in 2017, showcases a conventionally powered turboprop design with twin engines at the rear of the fuselage, capable of ferrying between 70 and 90 passengers.
Embraer’s approach to the development of its regional turboprop is characterized by careful consideration and strategic collaboration. The company has taken a patient approach, emphasizing the importance of finding suitable partners in India. Among the potential collaborators is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned aerospace and defence company. HAL previously had plans to develop regional turboprop aircraft in partnership with the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). Embraer’s proposal aligns with India’s ambitions to strengthen its aerospace capabilities.
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The Indian Navy’s ambitious program for the development of a Shore Based Guided Rocket (SB-GR) System is on the verge of receiving “Approval in principle (AIP)” from the Collegiate Committee of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The project has reached a critical juncture, with the feasibility study set to be submitted in the coming months.
The Shore-Based Guided Rocket (SB-GR) System, designated as the R Battery, encompasses a comprehensive array of components, including the Launcher Vehicle, Command Post, Loading Vehicle, and Replenishment Vehicle. The core of the system comprises SB-GR rockets equipped with advanced features such as a Guidance System, Warhead, Fuses, and Propulsion System. This innovative system is envisioned as an anti-submarine weapon, with multiple rocket launchers encased in a pod arrangement.
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On its recent Raising Day celebration, the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), located in Bengaluru and under the aegis of the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marked the occasion with a significant event. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, graced the event as the Chief Guest, and Shri MZ Siddique, Director General (Aero), added to the ceremony’s significance.
The event provided a platform to showcase the Research and Development efforts of CABS over the years and highlight the latest technological advancements. The Director of CABS presented an overview of the organization’s journey and ongoing initiatives. However, one image displayed in the background during the event’s proceedings drew attention and fueled speculation within the defense community.
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The Indian Army’s ambitious light tank project, known as “Project Zorawar,” has encountered delays in its rollout schedule due to challenges in procuring critical components from foreign sources. Initially slated for a mid-2023 debut, the first prototype is now expected to be unveiled in January of the following year.
Sources indicate that the delay primarily stems from the inability of certain foreign countries to supply essential components required for manufacturing these tanks. Notably, foreign-supplied electronic, electrical components, and engines are deemed critical for the successful execution of Project Zorawar. India has had to adapt its plans, shifting from the initially planned German MTU engine to American Cummins engines due to the unavailability of the former.
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Airbus, one of the world’s premier aircraft manufacturers, has thrown its hat into the ring in response to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Request for Information (RFI) for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). Their offering? The formidable A400M Atlas is a versatile transport aircraft that stands poised to redefine the nation’s strategic airlift capabilities.
The A400M Atlas, a substantial aircraft by any measure, fits snugly between the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in terms of size. However, where it truly distinguishes itself is in its carrying capacity. Capable of ferrying twice the weight of a C-130 and boasting an additional 10 tons of payload capacity compared to the Embraer C-390M, it offers India a robust and versatile solution for their MTA needs.
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India’s state-owned aerospace and defence company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is gearing up for a substantial modernization project aimed at upgrading the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft. This initiative, set to commence from the fiscal year 2026-27, represents a significant leap in India’s efforts to enhance its air combat capabilities and keep pace with the evolving landscape of aerial warfare.
The proposed upgrades to the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet are both comprehensive and ambitious. HAL envisions a radical transformation of these formidable fighter aircraft, encompassing various key aspects:
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