SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The US defence industry is ramping up its efforts to secure a foothold in India’s massive military modernization plans. Following its offer to co-develop Stryker-based armoured vehicles, the Pentagon now sets its sights on the colossal Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program.
The FRCV project, valued at Rs 57,000 crore, aims to replace India’s ageing fleet of T-72 tanks with 1,770 next-generation combat vehicles by 2030-35. These advanced machines will boast cutting-edge features like Artificial Intelligence (AI), integrated drone capabilities, and active protection systems.
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The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) dream of a homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is inching closer to reality. Following approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) earlier this year, the development program has received a significant boost.
According to information obtained by idrw, the first prototype of the AMCA is expected to take flight within the next four and a half years, placing its first flight in late 2028. Industry sources have revealed that while the rollout of the first prototype might happen by late 2027 or early 2028, work on the second prototype will progress simultaneously. This ensures the second aircraft is ready to join developmental flight trials by 2029.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reigniting its quest for a new fleet of helicopters to transport the country’s VVIPs, including the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. This move comes nearly a decade after the controversial AgustaWestland deal collapsed due to corruption allegations.
The IAF headquarters is currently finalizing the Air Staff Quality Requirements (ASQR) document, which outlines the essential characteristics of the desired VVIP helicopter. This crucial document dictates factors like quality standards, technical specifications, budget constraints, and the level of competition expected from potential bidders.
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NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), a Bengaluru-based aerospace and defense R&D company, has successfully conducted a field demonstration of its autonomous Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in a challenging GPS-denied environment. This showcase, dubbed “Swarm in the Wild,” highlighted the impressive capabilities of NRT’s swarming UAV technology.
The demonstration kicked off with a single command triggering the autonomous take-off of the entire swarm. This signifies a high degree of coordination and control over the individual UAVs.
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Lokesh Machine Limited has been awarded a contract worth ?42.6 million by the Northern Command of the Indian Army. The order, secured on May 31, 2024, involves the supply of submachine guns known as the 9×19 mm Machine Pistol (ASMI) along with accessories.
The Indian Army is expected to take delivery of the complete order by September 28, 2024. Notably, Lokesh Machine Limited was the second-lowest bidder (L2) in the tender, with Jindal emerging as the lowest bidder (L1).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
As the battlefield transforms into a digital landscape, modern fighter jets are no longer just marvels of engineering, but integrated weapon systems heavily reliant on sophisticated software. This is precisely why the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) Tejas MkII program prioritizes adaptable software as a critical factor for its longevity and combat effectiveness.
Unlike traditional methods where software updates can take months of development and testing, the Tejas MkII program will focus on adaptable software. This allows the IAF to iterate and update software functionalities within a timeframe of weeks, ensuring the aircraft stays ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The upcoming multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in August 2024 will see the participation of the United States Air Force (USAF), with the F-15E Strike Eagle taking centre stage. This deployment holds particular significance for India, as Boeing has offered the F-15EX, a more advanced variant of the F-15E, for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.
While the F-15E participating in Tarang Shakti isn’t the exact variant offered for the MRFA, it provides a valuable opportunity for the IAF to witness the Strike Eagle’s capabilities firsthand. The F-15E boasts a proven track record as a dual-role fighter bomber, capable of air-to-air combat and long-range precision strikes.
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India’s efforts to develop a Laser Ordnance Disposal System (LORDS) have seen some progress, with the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) granted for two variants: LORDS-N and LORDS Mk1. However, details regarding their current deployment status remain undisclosed.
LORDS is a Directed Energy Laser System designed to neutralize unexploded ordnances (UXOs), surface-laid mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other above-ground explosive threats. This innovative system operates from safe stand-off distances ranging from 30 to 250 meters, safeguarding personnel from the dangers of bomb disposal.
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Germany is gearing up to showcase its A-400M military transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the upcoming multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in August 2024. This exercise presents a strategic opportunity for Germany, as the A-400M is a strong contender for an IAF tender for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA).
Sources close to the development have revealed idrw.org that the IAF, having already reviewed the A-400M in Europe, is particularly impressed with its cargo-carrying capacity – the largest among its competitors in the race. With a maximum payload of up to 37 tonnes, the A-400M outshines the C-130J and C-390M, both vying for the same IAF contract.
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The Adani Group, a prominent Indian conglomerate, is setting its sights on becoming a major player in the country’s defense sector. According to sources familiar with the developments, Adani has allocated a war chest of $2-2.5 billion for acquisitions over the next 2-3 years.
Drone technology appears to be a key area of focus. The company is reportedly zeroing in on drone tech firms in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, known for their expertise in developing drones for reconnaissance missions in hostile environments. This acquisition strategy aligns with Adani’s broader ambitions to ramp up investments in unmanned systems, small arms, and missiles. Additionally, the group plans to venture into the production of indigenous artillery guns, further bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense equipment.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO has achieved a significant milestone in the development of India’s indigenous 5th-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DD(R&D) and Chairman of DRDO confirmed that the crucial process of stealth shaping for the AMCA has been finalized.
Dr. Kamat emphasized the importance of shaping in achieving low radar cross-section (RCS), a defining characteristic of stealth aircraft. He explained that roughly 70% of a fighter jet’s stealth capability stems from its shaping, with the remaining 30% contributed by specialized materials.
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In a major advancement for India’s indigenous jet engine program, the Kaveri derivative engine, which is being designed to be mated with a new afterburner module, is set to see a significant reduction in weight.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made notable strides in the development of the Kaveri derivative engine. Through meticulous engineering and innovative design, the weight of the engine, along with the afterburner section, has been reduced from earlier prototypes. The current combined weight stands at approximately 1180 kg, down from 1235 kg, and significantly less than the initial prototypes which weighed over 1400 kg.
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The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of India has made significant progress in bolstering the country’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Their indigenously developed Advanced Light Torpedo (ALWT) is set to be integrated with the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, significantly enhancing India’s aerial anti-submarine defence.
The ALWT is a lightweight, dual-speed torpedo designed for launch from various platforms, including ships, helicopters, and now, fixed-wing aircraft. Previously, NSTL had successfully tested an air-launched torpedo prototype in 2021 using the Il-38 maritime patrol aircraft fleet, which has since been retired.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the verge of unveiling a new weapon in its arsenal – the STAR supersonic target drone. Scheduled for testing later this year, STAR promises to revolutionize the way India trains its naval crews to combat modern anti-ship missile threats.
STAR, or Supersonic Target for Anti-Radiation, is designed to mimic the characteristics of modern anti-ship missiles. Capable of achieving speeds exceeding Mach 2.4, STAR will allow naval personnel to hone their skills in detecting and defeating these high-velocity threats.
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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced the successful design and development of a compact spaceborne hyperspectral imaging payload, according to industry partner Paras Defence. The payload is slated for launch by September 2024.
Hyperspectral imaging technology captures detailed information across a wide range of wavelengths, providing a more comprehensive picture compared to traditional cameras. This advanced technology has numerous applications, including earth observation, resource mapping, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
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