SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Ministry of Defence’s Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) has announced a new challenge under the iDEX DISC-11 initiative. This program seeks technological advancements in two crucial tank components: starter-generators and ultra capacitors.
The challenge focuses on developing replacements for the existing ??-10-1C and ??-18-1C starter-generators currently used in T-72 and T-90 tanks, respectively. These DC electric machines serve a dual purpose.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) plan to develop a High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAV program through the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model seems to be hitting a roadblock. This initiative, intended to leverage private sector expertise for indigenous military equipment development, is facing an unexpected hurdle – a preference for foreign collaboration among some potential Indian participants.
The MoD’s push for private involvement comes after the setbacks faced by the previous Tapas program led by DRDO’s ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment). Delays and technical shortcomings plagued Tapas, prompting the MoD to seek a new approach. The SPV model was envisioned as a way to leverage private sector expertise and expedite the HALE UAV program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is making strides in aerial warfare with the development of a new turbojet-powered loitering munition. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), essentially a flying bomb, boasts impressive capabilities designed to enhance the Indian military’s offensive edge.
With a range exceeding 100 kilometers, the drone can hit targets well beyond the immediate battlefield, offering strategic flexibility. Designed to function effectively day and night, even in harsh weather conditions, the drone ensures mission readiness in diverse scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
French defence giant Naval Group has unveiled a compelling proposition for the Indian Navy’s upcoming Scorpene-class submarines. Their proposal centres on lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, offering significant operational advantages over the conventionally used lead-acid batteries.
This collaboration leverages established expertise. Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL), having already constructed six Scorpène-class submarines for the Indian Navy (known as the Kalvari-class), will serve as the local partner for building these next-generation vessels.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
@CjVarghese96
CJ Varghese, a distinguished innovator hailing from Kerala, has once again made waves in the realm of defense technology with the recent granting of a patent by the Patent Office of the Government of India. This patent marks a significant milestone in Varghese’s illustrious career, adding to his impressive portfolio of multiple patents, and heralds a breakthrough in the field of artillery defense systems.
The newly patented innovation centers around a Multiple Artillery Rocket Interceptor Kill Vehicle System, designed to counter the threat posed by swarms of artillery rockets with unparalleled precision and efficacy. At its core, Varghese’s system boasts several novel features and technological advancements that set it apart from conventional defense mechanisms.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is poised for a significant shift in its combat capabilities as it grapples with the impending retirement of nearly 200 fighter jets by 2030. This large-scale retirement plan, if realized, could lead to a temporary dip in overall squadron strength.
The crux of the issue lies with the ageing Mirage-III/5 fleet, numbering over 150. These French-origin jets are rapidly approaching the end of their airframe service life. Dassault, the original manufacturer, has ceased production of spare parts for the aircraft and its engines, decades ago further plans to buy retired jets to be used as Spares have not gone ahead thus limiting operational viability of shouldering on for more years.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Greece has extended an offer to India to acquire its fleet of French-made Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets. This offer comes amidst a significant modernization effort for the Hellenic Air Force, which recently placed orders for both Rafale and F-35 jets.
General Dimitrios Houpis, Chief of the General Staff of the Defense Forces for Greece, visited India this month and presented the offer as per people familiar with matter told idrw.org. Greece in 2000 purchased 15 Mirage 2000-5s from Dassault Aviation, including five two-seat 2000-5BG trainers and ten single-seat 2000-5EG fighters.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced significant progress on its Light Tank project, codenamed Zorawar. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, confirmed that the tank is currently undergoing rigorous internal testing at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Hazira facility.
Designed for rapid deployment in challenging terrains, the Zorawar prioritizes mobility. It achieves this through a combination of strategic air transportability, extended cruising range, and exceptional maneuverability with low ground pressure. This allows the tank to be swiftly operational in even the most remote locations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
French defence giant Naval Group has entered the fray for a major Indian Navy contract, offering its M940 Oostende mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) in partnership with an undisclosed Indian shipyard. This move comes in response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Navy last year to bolster its mine-warfare capabilities with the acquisition of 12 MCMVs built in Indian shipyards.
The Indian Navy’s latest attempt to procure MCMVs follows at least three previous unsuccessful endeavours. This renewed push underscores the critical need to modernize the Navy’s mine-countermeasure fleet to effectively safeguard India’s vast coastline.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Baba Kalyani, the Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has set an ambitious goal for India’s defense sector. He aspires to make India the number one manufacturer of artillery in the world by 2030. This vision comes amidst India’s growing defense exports, encompassing artillery guns, drones, and rifles.
“It is my vision and dream to be among the top three artillery exporters in the world,” Kalyani said. “Now we are number one in the business. So we are targeting that in the artillery sector, we will be the largest manufacturer in the world with the best of technologies.”
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari recently addressed concerns regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the IAF’s fleet of Russian-made aircraft.
Chaudhari highlighted the IAF’s proactive approach towards “Indianization,” a strategy that involves manufacturing crucial components for its aircraft within India. This initiative has significantly reduced dependence on foreign suppliers, including Russia, for spare parts. As a result, the Ukraine conflict has had a minimal effect on the supply of spares for many Russian aircraft operated by the IAF.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Airbus is throwing its hat in the ring for India’s massive Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, offering its latest iteration of the Eurofighter Typhoon. This Tranche 5 variant promises a significant leap in capability, aiming to secure a place among the 114 jets India seeks to acquire.
The Block 5 Eurofighter boasts a suite of advanced features, including the E-Scan active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. This powerful sensor provides superior situational awareness and target tracking, crucial for modern air combat. Additionally, the Eurofighter benefits from enhanced defensive aids and a human-machine interface (HMI) designed for optimal pilot performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has received the green light to develop a critical component for a new long-range, air-launched weapon a Low Observable Air-Launched Cruise Missile (LOALCM). This project signifies a significant advancement in India’s air attack capabilities.
DRDO will develop a cutting-edge Low Observable (LO) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker. This advanced technology incorporates special materials and shaping to minimize radar signature, making the missile significantly harder for enemy radars to detect. This enhanced stealth capability allows the missile to penetrate enemy defence more effectively and strike high-value targets with greater precision.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Bharat Forge chairman Baba Kalyani has shed light on some of the advanced technologies incorporated into the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) a 155 mm/52 calibre towed howitzer being developed for the Indian Army. These advancements position the ATAGS as a formidable weapon system at the forefront of artillery innovation.
One of the significant improvements attributed to AI involves a reduction in the ATAGS’s turning circle. This is achieved by employing AI techniques that utilize two Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs) arranged in a triangular configuration connected to the towing vehicle. The AI system likely processes data from these sensors to optimize the gun’s positioning and minimize the space required for maneuvering during deployment.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Defense Analyst Ranesh Rajan, in an interview with idrw.org, has cast doubt on the viability of acquiring 114 Rafale fighter jets under the Make in India program within the framework of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.
Rajan argues that the sheer cost of such a large-scale purchase, estimated at around $25 billion, could put significant strain on India’s defense budget. He suggests that prioritizing this acquisition might delay or even derail funding for crucial domestic projects like the Tejas MkII and AMCA fighter jets.
Continue reading