SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
A computer-generated model of HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), a medium-lift helicopter currently under development, has been revealed. The IMRH is depicted with an optional armament configuration, capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg of weapons externally.
The image showcases at least three hardpoints on each side of the helicopter, suggesting its ability to carry a dual ATGM rack of anti-tank guided missiles. It is also likely to be equipped with pods containing 57 mm and 80 mm unguided rockets, or even a nose-mounted 20 mm cannon.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning for the long haul with its Su-30MKI fighter jets. A proposed integration and upgradation program aims to keep these powerful aircraft operational until the mid-2050s.
This ambitious plan hinges on a significant boost to domestic involvement in the Su-30MKI program. The IAF anticipates achieving a staggering 78% indigenization of the aircraft through this upgrade process. This would essentially transform the Su-30MKI from a Russian platform into an aircraft built and maintained largely by India.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Adani Defence, having secured a major order for its Larger Drishti-10 MALE UAV from the Indian Navy, Adani Defence is now setting its sights on increasing domestic participation in its Drishti-6 tactical UAV program.
The Drishti-6 is a medium-sized, multi-payload UAV based on the Elbit Systems Hermes 450. Adani Defence has been part of the Hermes 450’s global supply chain since 2016, bringing valuable experience to the table.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed details about a groundbreaking underwater vehicle, the High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV). This mini-submarine boasts impressive capabilities, making it a valuable asset for India’s maritime security and research endeavours.
The HEAUV’s key strengths lie in its long endurance, autonomous operation, and diverse mission capabilities. This underwater drone can operate for extended periods without human intervention, ideal for long-range missions. Autonomous ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions are a major strength, allowing for covert data collection without risking personnel. The HEAUV is also equipped for limited combat capability, offering an additional layer of strategic flexibility.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India is making significant strides in hypersonic technology with two key programs: the BrahMos-2 hypersonic cruise missile and the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV).
Developed collaboratively by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), BrahMos-2 is a next-generation hypersonic cruise missile. This technological marvel is designed to achieve speeds exceeding Mach 7 (nearly 8,650 kilometers per hour) and possess a strike range of up to 600 kilometers.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
In a significant diplomatic move, the Philippines and India have embarked on a path towards enhanced defense cooperation. During a recent high-level meeting between Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, both nations expressed their commitment to deepening their defense relations.
One of the key agreements reached during the meeting was the establishment of a multi-level dialogue mechanism, aimed at facilitating regular communication and coordination between the defense establishments of the two countries. This mechanism is expected to serve as a platform for discussing a wide range of defense-related issues, including strategic cooperation, joint exercises, and defense procurement.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
People familiar with the program told idrw.org that India is poised to take a significant leap in air defence capabilities with the upcoming inflight trials of the Astra Mk3 air-to-air missile, according to informed sources. These trials are expected to begin later this year or early next year.
The news comes on the heels of the Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) year-end review in 2023, which highlighted the Defence Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) impressive progress in air-to-air missile technology. While details remain classified, the review mentioned the successful testing of a cutting-edge air-to-air missile powered by a revolutionary “Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)” propulsion system. This successful 2022 flight test of the SFDR booster paved the way for further advancements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) remains committed to developing its Software Defined Radio 1 (SDR-1) for the Tejas MkII fighter program. This comes despite the recent maiden flight of the upgraded Tejas Mk1A, which was equipped with the Israeli-made B-NET SDR radio.
The HAL-developed SDR-1 has officially entered the testing phase, signifying progress towards integration into the Tejas MkII. This domestically produced solution aims to provide advanced communication capabilities for the next-generation fighter.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defense, and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have successfully concluded a joint research project. This collaboration focused on Visual SLAM-based GNSS Augmentation for Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and Robotics.
The project, titled “Project Arrangement Concerning the Visual SLAM-based GNSS Augmentation for UGV/Robotics between Japan and India,” aimed to develop a cutting-edge navigation system for autonomous military vehicles. The collaboration involved ATLA’s Future Capabilities Development Center and DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR).
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India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is seeking industry collaboration to develop a crucial component for its next-generation air defense system, the Very Short Range Air Defense System (VSHORADS).
VSHORADS, indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO labs and industry partners, is a man-portable missile system for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Dg Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL) has achieved a major breakthrough with the grant of their third patent, titled “A Hybrid System Comprising Integrated Micro-Gas Turbine and Fuel Cell.” This innovative technology represents a significant leap forward in power generation efficiency and environmental sustainability.
DPPL’s hybrid system merges two powerful technologies: micro-gas turbines and fuel cells. Micro-gas turbines, acting as miniature power plants, utilize fuel combustion to generate electricity. Fuel cells, similar to batteries, create electricity through a chemical reaction. By combining these technologies, DPPL’s system achieves exceptional efficiency in power generation.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s indigenously developed light combat aircraft, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A, is gearing up for a crucial phase of testing. After completing its maiden flight last month, the aircraft will now head to the Pokhran range for a series of weapons tests.
These tests are essential due to the significant upgrades incorporated into the Tejas Mk1A. A key change is the adoption of the advanced EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar by Elta Systems. This new radar necessitates the revalidation of weapons that rely on radar guidance for the Mk1A to achieve operational clearance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move to bolster its mobile firepower, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Army issued a tender last year (November 27, 2023) for the acquisition of 200 new self-propelled howitzers equipped with 105mm guns. This initiative emphasizes the Indian government’s push for indigenous defence solutions.
The primary objective of this procurement is to equip the Indian Army with modern and mobile artillery systems for high-altitude border regions. These self-propelled howitzers will offer greater operational flexibility and firepower compared to traditional towed artillery, especially in challenging mountainous terrain.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Recent events in the Ukraine conflict have sent ripples through the Indian Navy, prompting a strategic rethink to address the growing threat posed by sea drones. The successful deployment of explosive-laden drones by Ukraine against Russian warships has highlighted the vulnerability of even large vessels to these low-cost, unconventional weapons.
Traditionally, destroyer-type ships have served as protectors against smaller, faster torpedo boats, safeguarding larger vessels like battleships. However, the rise of sea drones challenges this established dynamic. The Indian Navy, along with other major naval forces, is now forced to adapt its strategies to this new and evolving threat.
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In a significant development highlighting the growing defense cooperation between India and Brazil, a delegation led by Brig. Gen. Marcelo Rocha Lima, Head of the Brazilian Army Project Office (EPEx), is currently on a visit to India. The primary objective of the delegation is to inspect ongoing defense projects and explore avenues for collaboration in various strategic areas.
During their visit, the Brazilian delegates had the opportunity to visit Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading Indian defense electronics company known for developing cutting-edge communication and cyber systems. This visit underscores Brazil’s interest in leveraging India’s expertise in defense technology and exploring potential partnerships in areas such as radars, electronic warfare systems (EWs), and anti-drone jammers.
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