SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) earlier this year took a pivotal step by granting Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) from the Indian private sector.

Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the renowned engineering powerhouse Bharat Forge, confirmed that the Request for Quotation (RFQ) has been submitted to the MoD for the ATAGS procurement that exuded confidence that the MoD will finalize the agreement within the next six months, potentially paving the way for an early 2024 contract signing.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

French aviation giant Dassault Aviation is making waves in the aerospace industry with its strategic manoeuvres aimed at enhancing its global footprint and maximizing the potential of its joint ventures. One of the most significant developments is Dassault Aviation’s exploration of the buyout of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence stake in their joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL).

The DRAL joint venture has been operating a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Nagpur, India, within the MIHAN Special Economic Zone. This facility has been engaged in the production of crucial components for the Rafale fighter jets, including engine doors and canopies. Now, Dassault Aviation is eyeing an expansion of its presence in India, with plans to utilize the Nagpur plant for the assembly of Rafale fighter jets themselves.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development that promises to bolster India’s naval prowess, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently revealed plans for three additional Scorpène class submarines to be ordered by the Indian Navy. These submarines are expected to incorporate substantial enhancements in equipment and technology, making them even more potent assets for the country’s maritime defence.

Sanjeev Singhal, Director (Finance) at MDL, shed light on the forthcoming upgrades during the Q1 FY 24 Earnings Call. He stated that the three additional Scorpène class submarines would boast significant changes in their equipment, rendering them more formidable than their predecessors. This strategic move aims to address the evolving challenges of modern naval warfare and ensure that the Indian Navy remains at the cutting edge of technology.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The construction of two frigates under the Russian-Indian Warship Project 11356M is progressing steadily and is poised to enter the trial phase with only minor deviations from the revised schedule. As preparations for factory short trials get underway, this joint venture between Russia and India is nearing a significant milestone that underscores the strength of the bilateral defence partnership.

The Project 11356M frigates, being constructed for the Indian Navy, have witnessed slight schedule adjustments, with some aspects experiencing delays of less than six months. Despite these minor deviations, progress remains steady, and the completion and trial schedule continues to be the guiding framework for the project.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM

The Indian Navy is embarking on a monumental voyage of modernization with its ambitious Next-Generation Destroyer (NGD) program, colloquially dubbed Project 18. Set to reshape India’s naval capabilities, this endeavor envisions the procurement of eight NGD-class warships, organized into two batches of four each. The Indian state-owned shipyards, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), are at the forefront of this project, poised to undertake the local manufacture of these cutting-edge vessels.

While the NGD program remains in its conceptual studies phase, tantalizing details have emerged, offering a glimpse into the future of Indian naval warfare. A promotional video released last year provided a graphical rendition of a possible NGD concept, revealing a striking canister-based universal Vertical Launch System (VLS) configuration. This innovative design features 144 missile cells, organized in a three 6×4 VLS 2 layout, positioned at the bow and aft. Additionally, the NGD showcases eight slant launchers situated behind the main radar, potentially designated for the formidable BrahMos-2 anti-ship missile.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a surprising turn of events, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co has officially withdrawn from India’s high-stakes tender for Project-75I, dealing a significant twist to the competition for the acquisition of six next-generation diesel-electric submarines. The withdrawal of Hanwha Ocean Co underscores the dynamic nature of defence procurement processes and sets the stage for a fierce two-way competition between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany and Spain’s state-owned Navantia.

The announcement of Hanwha Ocean Co’s withdrawal was confirmed by Sanjeev Singhal, Director (Finance) at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). He revealed that initial talks were held between Hanwha Ocean Co and MDL regarding the potential collaboration on the KSS-III Batch-II submarines. These submarines boast cutting-edge features such as Fuel-Cell Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), highly efficient AC motors, and advanced Lithium-ion batteries. However, Hanwha Ocean Co later opted to withdraw from the tender process altogether.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for a technology tie-up related to the 155 mm / 52 Caliber Mounted Gun System (MGS). This strategic move underlines BHEL’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence infrastructure by seeking collaborations that foster indigenous technological innovation and self-reliance.

The Expression of Interest solicits responses from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who are willing to engage in a Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) with BHEL. The objective of this collaboration is to jointly design, develop, engineer, manufacture, assemble, test, integrate, commission, maintain, operate, repair, overhaul/retrofit, service, troubleshoot, and ultimately sell the 155 mm / 52 Caliber Mounted Gun System (MGS).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s quest for advanced military capabilities continues to gain momentum as prominent defence companies enter the race to supply state-of-the-art air defence guns to the Indian Army. The Economic Times has reported that Larsen & Toubro, Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Ltd (AWEIL), and a consortium consisting of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A are among the three contenders vying for the prestigious contract.

The competitive bid requires the participating companies to prepare a prototype of the air defence gun and secure approval before the final contract is awarded. This meticulous selection process ensures that only the most capable and reliable weapon systems make their way into the Indian Army’s arsenal. The request for proposal for these air defence guns was issued by the Ministry of Defence in October of the previous year, and bids are anticipated to be opened this month.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up for a new phase of production as it plans to begin deliveries of the upgraded Tejas Mk1A aircraft from February 2024 onwards. The company’s ambition doesn’t stop there, as it aims to secure orders for an additional 50 units of Tejas Mk1A, signalling its commitment to bolstering India’s indigenous fighter aircraft capabilities.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) placed a significant order for 73 Single-Seater Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas from HAL in 2021, amounting to a cost of approximately ?47,000 crore. This was a crucial step towards enhancing the IAF’s fleet and modernizing its air capabilities. The Tejas Mk1A variant comes with more than 40 modifications compared to its predecessor, the Mk1 variant. These modifications include several significant upgrades that contribute to its advanced combat capabilities.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development for India’s aerospace industry and defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up for the inaugural flight of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet by December 2024. The announcement comes from CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of HAL, in an interview with Economic Times.

The Tejas Mk2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), is poised to be a game-changer in India’s defence landscape. The aircraft is being developed as a more advanced iteration of the Tejas Mk1, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, enhanced performance, and improved capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a move to strengthen its defence capabilities and improve connectivity, Guyana, a South American nation, is exploring avenues for collaboration with India in various defence sectors. Capt. Gerald Gouveia, Guyana’s National Security Adviser, has expressed keen interest in acquiring two Dornier aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), along with other defence equipment such as patrol vessels, armoured vehicles, radar systems, and anti-drone technology.

The Dornier 228, a versatile twin-engine aircraft, has garnered Guyana’s attention due to its reputation as a reliable transport solution. HAL produces both transport and 19-seater civilian variants of the Dornier 228, making it an ideal choice for enhancing connectivity and logistics in the region.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As India embarks on a journey of bolstering its defence capabilities, one of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the country’s ambitious plans to develop its own High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE)-Class Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This endeavour, currently under consultation between the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the Indian Tri-service, aims to provide India with a homegrown solution for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.

The proposed HALE-Class UAV is envisioned to be a state-of-the-art aerial platform that offers a wide range of capabilities, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance, and Targeting. With an All-up Weight of 4 to 5 tons, this UAV will be powered by a Turbo Prop engine generating 940 horsepower. This engine configuration is carefully chosen to ensure optimal performance at high altitudes and long endurance missions, allowing the UAV to operate effectively in challenging environments.