SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has achieved a significant milestone in the field of defence technology, as it completed the developmental and joint user trials of the indigenous Helina and Dhruvastra Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). With these trials now concluded, the missile technology is ready to be transferred to a public sector company for mass production of these advanced ATGMs.

Helina and Dhruvastra ATGMs represent the Army and Air Force variants, respectively, of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). It is noteworthy that Indian ALH-Rudra WSI (Weapon Systems Integrated) and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) have been in service without ATGMs, as these missiles are typically regarded as the primary weapons of attack helicopters. However, the development and successful trials of Helina and Dhruvastra have the potential to revolutionize the capabilities of these aircraft.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Tejas Mk1A, equipped with the highly anticipated Uttam AESA radar, is set to redefine the nation’s aerospace capabilities. While the developmental and testing work on the radar has already been completed on two Limited Series Production (LSP) Tejas Flying testbeds, the final rollout of the Tejas Mk1A is scheduled for the end of 2026. However, the production technology for the radar has already been transferred to a private sector company, marking a significant step towards indigenous technology development.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the developer of Tejas Mk1A, is gearing up for the commencement of deliveries of the first two aircraft from March 2024, followed by eight more deliveries in 2025, and 16 more from 2026 onwards. The inclusion of the cutting-edge Uttam AESA radar is expected to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities significantly.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a move to bolster its aerial capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively engaged in discussions with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the renowned state-owned aerospace and defence company in India. HAL, in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), has presented a compelling proposal to convert civilian airliners into Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) aircraft within the country.

The Boeing 767-based MMTT has emerged as a strong contender, with IAI and HAL favouring this platform for its versatility and potential for adaptation to the IAF’s requirements. While the IAF is yet to make a final decision on the type of aircraft, the Boeing 767 platform is likely to be the preferred choice. The primary objective is to meet the IAF’s combined requirement of 12 mid-air refuelers, which will supplement the existing fleet of six Ilyushin Il-78 tankers acquired in 2002.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development in India’s defence capabilities, the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a laboratory of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), is gearing up to conduct weapons trials for the Short Range-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Weaponized (SR-UAV-W), also known as Archer. This cutting-edge UAV has already completed all ground trials and carriage trials, and the upcoming weapons trials are expected to mark a crucial milestone in its operational readiness.

The Archer UAV, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is designed to cater to a variety of military requirements, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, tracking, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). With its ability to gather real-time and high-quality imagery, the Archer is a potent tool for enhancing situational awareness and battlefield intelligence.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a bid to enhance its military capabilities and address the challenges posed by high-altitude warfare, BrahMos Corporation has embarked on the development of a miniaturized missile called BrahMos-Ng (Next Generation). This new missile variant, weighing just 1.4 tons compared to its 3-ton predecessor, has caught the attention of the Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy.

The IAF has expressed keen interest in developing an air-launched variant of the BrahMos-Ng, capable of being equipped on all fighter types, including Western-made aircraft in its fleet. This air-launched capability is expected to bolster the IAF’s precision strike capabilities and provide a significant advantage during aerial operations.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a strategic move to strengthen defence ties and foster maritime cooperation, India has extended the service of its state-owned shipyards, particularly Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), to assist in extensive repairs, upgrades, system integration, and trials of the Kilo-class submarine’s operational with the Vietnamese Navy. Vietnam currently operates six Kilo-class submarines in its fleet, and India has taken a proactive approach to enhance Vietnam’s naval capabilities by offering its expertise and facilities.

The recent transfer of INS Kirpan, a Khukri-class corvette, to Vietnam free of cost was a significant gesture aimed at bolstering Vietnam’s naval fleet. This move demonstrated India’s commitment to forging stronger maritime partnerships with neighboring countries, fostering regional security and stability.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is gearing up for a significant milestone as it prepares to test the Autopilot system on its 3t Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). This cutting-edge technology marks a crucial step in the LUH’s journey towards entering Indian military service. Having already received its initial operational clearance from the Indian Army in 2021, the LUH is poised to become a game-changer in India’s aviation landscape.

With the Indian Army expressing keen interest in the LUH, HAL has received a Letter of Intent from the Services for the manufacture of 12 LUH units. However, the Army has put forth one crucial condition before finalizing the order— the incorporation of the Autopilot system. The Army’s insistence on this advanced feature underlines its commitment to enhancing operational capabilities and ensuring the highest standards of safety during missions.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is poised to take a significant leap in its unmanned aerial capabilities with the expected conclusion of a deal with General Atomics for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. Estimated to cost around $3.5 billion, this deal is set to be finalized by the end of November this year, with deliveries commencing from the end of 2025 onwards.

The proposed deal outlines the induction of 15 Sea Guardians into the Navy, and eight Sky Guardians each into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The MQ-9B Reaper drones, also known as Sea Guardians and Sky Guardians, are high-altitude long-endurance drones equipped with strike missiles capable of eliminating enemy targets with precision.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s state-owned shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), is all set to make a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of maritime surveillance. The company has recently announced on Twitter that it will be unveiling its first indigenously made Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) on the 28th of this month. This development promises to revolutionize India’s ability to monitor and safeguard its vast coastline through innovative and homegrown technology.

Maritime surveillance has witnessed significant advancements with the adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones. These state-of-the-art tools have proven to be highly cost-effective and efficient resources, empowering governments and organizations to monitor and protect expansive water areas while minimizing risks to personnel.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) has achieved a significant milestone in its partnership with the Indian Army by securing an order to supply 400 indigenously made Software-Defined Radios (SDRs). These cutting-edge SDRs will be integrated into the tanks operated by the Indian Army in forward areas, marking a major technological leap in enhancing the army’s communication capabilities.

The SDRs hold immense strategic importance as they enable secure and seamless communication among tank platforms, offering improved command and control capabilities on the battlefield. With this procurement, the Indian Army is poised to revolutionize its tank fleet with state-of-the-art communication technology, enhancing coordination, and ensuring real-time information exchange among Armoured units.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics and Bharat Electronics co-developed and co-produced a long-range dual band infra-red search and track system for Su-30 MKI and will commence developmental trials from mid of 2024 onwards as work is progressing towards a limited scale of production for development testing.

The co-developed IRST system aims to replace the existing Russian-supplied OLS-30 IRST system on the Su-30MKI fleet, with the process expected to commence from 2026 onwards.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Venkat Katkuri, the head of Airbus’ defence and space vertical for India & South Asia, has confirmed that Airbus has actively responded to India’s Air Force (IAF) Request for Information (RFI) for the acquisition of 60-80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to serve as Medium Haul Transporters. The IAF is seeking modern and versatile aircraft to replace its Soviet-origin AN-32s and bolster its transport capabilities.

In the competitive bid, Airbus has offered its state-of-the-art A400M aircraft, designed to cater to the IAF’s medium transport requirements. Additionally, Lockheed Martin has also submitted its response, proposing the C-130J Super Hercules, while Embraer has offered its C-390 Millennium for consideration.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army has recently made a strategic decision to rule out the procurement of additional British/American-supplied M777 155-mm, 39-calibre towed artillery guns for high-altitude regions. Instead, it has turned its focus towards upgrading the existing M777 howitzer to a 155mm/52 calibre ER (Extended Range) variant. This decision comes amidst rising tensions along the border with China, where the deployment of Chinese troops has prompted calls for additional artillery capabilities.

The M777 Howitzer has proven its worth in high-altitude regions, making it an important asset for the Indian Army. However, the upgrade to the 155mm/52 calibre ER variant is seen as a more cost-effective and locally sustainable solution. The upgrade will significantly increase the maximum firing range of the M777 howitzer, enhancing its firepower and range of engagement.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a renowned state-owned aerospace company, has agreed to undertake the replacement of 16 major British components used on the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, as per Argentina’s request. However, the key condition for the collaboration is that Argentina must bear the cost of certain major system changes required in the aircraft. While this collaboration represents a significant opportunity for Argentina to upgrade its fleet, some challenges lie ahead, particularly in replacing the British-origin Martin Baker ejection seats.

One of the most significant hurdles in the upgrade process is the replacement of the Martin Baker ejection seats, which are of British origin. Incorporating ejection seats from either the United States or Russia would necessitate modifications to the cockpit and recalibration of the ejection seat firing sequence. Additionally, recertification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (Cemilac) will be required to ensure the aircraft’s safety and compliance with aviation standards.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Naval Group, the renowned French naval defence and marine renewable energy company, has presented India with an enticing offer to enhance the capabilities of its Kalvari-class submarines. The proposal includes equipping these submarines with the state-of-the-art F21 Heavyweight Torpedo, which has already demonstrated its effectiveness aboard the Brazilian Navy’s Scorpene-class submarines.

With its impressive features and versatile applications, the F21 Torpedo has the potential to revolutionize India’s submarine warfare capabilities. Additionally, France has expressed keen interest in setting up a local assembly line for the torpedo, provided India procures them in substantial quantities.