SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Russia is making a renewed push to attract India to its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet program, claiming to have addressed key concerns raised by the Indian Air Force (IAF) that led to India’s exit in 2018.
The IAF had reservations about the baseline Su-57, particularly its engine and stealth capabilities. The original AL-41F engine, based on the Su-30MKI’s engine, limited the jet’s ability to achieve sustained supersonic speeds without afterburner, a vital feature for a true fifth-generation fighter. Additionally, the IAF questioned the overall stealth design of the Su-57.
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In a bid to overcome the challenges faced in its High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program, the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is seeking foreign expertise. General Atomics, a renowned aerospace and defense company, has extended an offer to act as a consultant for India’s HALE UAV development.
The ADE’s previous attempts at developing UAVs, particularly the Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV, Tapas, have been marred by delays and performance issues. This has cast a shadow over the ambitious HALE UAV project.
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India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has achieved a significant breakthrough in tank design with the Zorawar Light Tank. The 25-ton tank is the first to utilize a Composite Armour Monocoque construction, leading to a remarkable 40% weight reduction compared to traditional steel-armoured vehicles.
The Composite Armour Monocoque technology integrates the hull and Armour of the tank into a single, unified structure. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a separate chassis, resulting in a lighter and more agile combat platform.
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In a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is poised to finalize a deal for the procurement of three additional Kalvari-class submarines by the end of this year. These submarines will be locally manufactured by the state-owned Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with the French Naval Group.
The decision comes on the heels of successful negotiations and price submissions for the project. This acquisition marks a continuation of the successful Kalvari-class program, which has already seen six submarines join the Indian Navy.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with a severe shortage of fighter squadrons, a crisis that is set to deepen in the coming years. Currently operating at a strength of just 31 squadrons, significantly below the required 42, the IAF is facing a daunting challenge to maintain its operational readiness.
The situation is further compounded by the impending retirement of the last two MiG-21 Bison squadrons by the end of 2025. While the Tejas Mk1A is positioned as their replacement, delays in its production and delivery have exacerbated the shortfall.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant advancement for India’s naval capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has received authorization to commence the design of a next-generation conventional diesel submarine as part of Project-76. While comprehensive details of the program are still emerging, several key aspects have been confirmed, highlighting the ambitious scope and advanced technological integration envisioned for the new submarines.
The Indian Navy has specified that the new submarines must incorporate the latest Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and lithium-ion batteries. These innovations are expected to enhance the submarine’s endurance and operational efficiency. The planned displacement of the submarine is nearly 3,000 tonnes when submerged, positioning it as a formidable asset in India’s underwater fleet.
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The Instruments Research & Development Establishment (IRDE), a premier laboratory of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has made a significant breakthrough with a new airborne Search and Track System. This indigenous system holds immense potential for enhancing the capabilities of Indian military aircraft.
To evaluate the system’s real-world performance, IRDE plans to integrate and test it on a leased British Aerospace BAE 125-800A aircraft, also known as the Hawker. The system comprises two Line Replaceable Units (LRUs): a Sensor Head Unit (SHU) and a Processing Unit (PU). These units will be strategically placed on the aircraft – the SHU housed in the nose section with its dome protruding outside for optimal signal reception, and the PU positioned entirely within the nose section for secure operation.
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The Indian Navy’s fleet of Shishumar-class submarines, based on the German Type 209 design, is set to continue serving the nation for years to come. German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has pledged its unwavering support in maintaining these vital vessels, even if the Indian Navy decides to extend their operational life for another 10-15 years.
The Shishumar class represents a successful collaboration between India and Germany. The first submarine, INS Shishumar, was commissioned in 1986, while INS Shankul, the youngest of the fleet, joined the Indian Navy in 1994. Despite their age (with INS Shishumar nearing 40 years of service), these submarines remain a crucial part of India’s underwater defence capabilities.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to commence the production of LCA Tejas Mk1A fighter jets at its newly restructured Aircraft Division in Nasik by the end of next month. With most of the skilled workforce in place and the necessary machinery and tooling installed, the plant is rapidly progressing towards its operational readiness.
The initial assembly of the Tejas Mk1A is scheduled for December 2024, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet production. The Nasik facility aims to deliver three aircraft in the financial year 2024-25, followed by a steady production rate of eight jets annually thereafter.
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The Department of Defence Production (DDP) has taken a significant step towards self-reliance in the crucial area of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with the announcement of the 5th Positive Indigenization List (PIL). This list prioritizes the local manufacture of critical equipment by the end of December 2027, specifically targeting:
Both UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) and C-band datalinks are essential for communication between UAVs and their ground control stations. Indigenizing these ensures secure and reliable data transmission for UAV operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Recent reports suggesting a collaboration between India and Russia for local manufacturing of Su-30MKI/SM aircraft for export raise doubts about its viability. While this could potentially help Russia circumvent export sanctions due to their banking system, several factors make it a commercially unappealing proposition.
Analysts at idrw.org believe Indian-built Su-30MKIs will struggle to compete with their Russian counterparts due to a significant cost difference.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for flight trials of the TARA (Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation) precision guidance kit, a significant development by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). The ADM& SPJ division of AIRPPNCSS Group within ARDE (Armament Research and Development Establishment) has formally requested flight test support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Su-30 MKI aircraft.
TARA represents a major leap forward in the IAF’s air-to-ground weaponry. This indigenous guidance kit transforms unguided bombs into smart munitions, significantly enhancing their accuracy and effectiveness.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aeronautical manufacturer, has announced a significant collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines. This partnership will focus on the development and integration of a new, indigenous engine for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program.
HAL will initially utilize Safran’s ANETO-1H engine for the IMRH’s development and testing phases on the Intermediate Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) variants. The ANETO-1H, currently used on the AW189 helicopter with a power range of 2500shp, will provide a reliable platform for these crucial initial stages. RWRDC (Rotary Wing Research and Development Centre) will acquire a total of 12 ANETO-1H engines, with deliveries expected within 24 months of contract finalization.
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In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, India has successfully rolled out the first prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank. The Indian Defence Ministry has confirmed that the entire development and production of this initial prototype was completed at a remarkably low cost of Rs 234.5 crores.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy due to the expedited timeline of the project, transitioning from the drawing board to the first prototype in just two years. The Zorawar Light Tank is poised to be a game-changer for the Indian Army, especially in high-altitude regions.
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India is set to carry out a series of missile tests in the Bay of Bengal over the next month, according to recent Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) issued by the country’s aviation authorities. These tests are expected to showcase India’s growing prowess in missile technology.
The first NOTAM, effective from July 27 to August 10, 2024, designates a large area of approximately 595 kilometers in the Bay of Bengal as a no-fly zone. The extensive area covered suggests the possibility of a long-range missile test, potentially involving a cruise missile such as the BrahMos or the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM).
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