SOURCE: DEEPAK HILORI/ FOR MY TAKE / IDRW.ORG
The recent approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in fighter jet technology. However, the high cost of the AMCA program, coupled with the uncertainties surrounding the TEDBF program for the Navy, raises questions about India’s overall fighter jet development strategy.
With a budget of ?15,000 crore, the AMCA program aims to develop a fifth-generation fighter jet for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF has already committed to procuring 120 AMCA jets in both MkI and MkII variants, reflecting its confidence in the project’s potential.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially confirmed the development of the Arjun MkII, the next iteration of India’s indigenously developed main battle tank (MBT). This announcement comes after the successful order of the Arjun Mk1A variant by the Indian Army.
Defence experts familiar with the program told idrw.org and shed some light on the rationale behind the Mk1A. They explain that the Mk1A served as a bridge between the older Mk1 variant and the more extensively upgraded MkII. The significant changes envisioned for the MkII necessitated the creation of the Mk1A as an interim solution.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) annual report for 2022-23 sheds light on a crucial development for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program: the Swayam Raksha Kavach Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite. This article explores the details of this vital system and its significance for the LCA Mk1A.
The name “Swayam Raksha Kavach” translates to “Self-Defense Armor,” aptly reflecting the suite’s role in protecting the LCA Mk1A from electronic threats. Developed domestically, the suite integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance the aircraft’s survivability in modern warfare scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is poised to take a significant step towards modernizing its artillery capabilities with the imminent release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new 155mm/52 calibre towed gun system, as People familiar with the matter informed idrw.org. This news follows an earlier Request for Information (RFI) issued in December 2022.
The RFI emphasized the Indian Army’s commitment to self-reliance by mandating procurement from local industry. This move aligns with the government’s push for “Make in India” initiatives in the defence sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The US Navy’s search for a replacement for its long-serving Boeing T-45 Goshawk jet trainer appears to be nearing a key milestone. Budget documents released earlier this month indicate a potential procurement start date as early as 2026 for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program.
This development comes nearly six years after the Navy initiated its investigation into a T-45 replacement. Interestingly, the focus is not on a carrier-launched aircraft. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) seeks a twin-seat, land-based jet trainer capable of simulating carrier landings for both Navy and Marine Corps pilots.
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Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is gearing up for a significant milestone in Indian shipbuilding. The state-owned shipyard is on track to deliver the first of its indigenously built Project-17 Alpha (P-17A) frigates, named “Mahendragiri,” by mid-2025, with an estimated delivery date of August 2025. This marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in India’s defense sector.
GRSE is making steady progress on the remaining P-17A frigates. The second and third ships are currently at 55% and 43% completion stages, respectively, with anticipated deliveries in February and August of 2026.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully test-flown the first production variant of its Tejas Mk-1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet program. However, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans for the Tejas program continue to evolve.
While the IAF is expected to formally order an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A jets later this year, their desire for even more advanced capabilities is driving discussions for further modifications. These proposed changes could potentially lead to the designation of a new variant – the Tejas Mk-1B.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
According to a recent Ministry of Defence (MoD) report, India is developing a new Long Range Surface Air Missile (LRSAM) system designed to neutralize airborne threats at extended ranges. This weapon system will be a welcome addition to the Indian Navy and Air Force’s arsenal, bolstering their ability to counter a wide array of aerial attacks.
The LRSAM system, being indigenously developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), boasts impressive capabilities. It’s envisioned to effectively engage not only high-flying aircraft and ballistic missiles but also low-flying, sea-skimming anti-ship missiles and even anti-ship ballistic missiles. Design reviews for crucial sub-systems and rocket motors are reportedly complete, signifying significant progress in the development process.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in the aerospace sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently articulated a bold vision during the Times Now Summit themed “India Unstoppable.” His announcement centred around the exploration of opportunities to export indigenous engine technologies developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
During his address, Minister Rajnath Singh disclosed that he had instructed DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and HAL to investigate the feasibility of exporting the Kaveri and F-414 engines. This directive marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence strategy, emphasizing not only the aspiration for self-sufficiency but also the ambition to emerge as a global exporter in the aerospace domain.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
The development of the Tejas MkII, India’s next-generation fighter jet, is progressing steadily. While component orders are underway, the actual assembly is expected to begin in mid-2025.
Initial progress involves acquiring Line-replaceable unit (LRUs) and other components, some of which will be sourced internationally. However, a delay exists for certain fuselage parts outsourced to private Indian companies. These components are anticipated to arrive by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
A viral video circulating on the x (formerly Twitter) has sparked discussion about the development of China’s J-35 stealth fighter jet. The video shows the J-35 taking off, with puffs of black smoke emanating from its engines.
The black smoke is likely a byproduct of the jet’s engine undergoing testing. The J-35 is believed to be powered by the Guizhou WS-19 engine, which is derived from the earlier WS-13 and ultimately based on the Russian Klimov RD-93 turbofan. During initial tests, particularly engine starts, incomplete combustion can lead to black smoke emissions. This is a normal occurrence and doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with the engine itself.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace giant, is poised to embark on the development of CATS-MAX, a revolutionary program that will transform the LCA-Tejas Trainer aircraft into the brain and brawn of a coordinated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm.
CATS-MAX, derived from “Combat Aerial Teaming System – MAX,” will leverage the existing LCA-Tejas Trainer prototype as a platform for integrating vital data-linking and mission control systems. Industry sources familiar with the program, reported by idrw.org, suggest development could begin in mid-2025 with the first flight targeted for late 2025 or early 2026.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s massive fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets, the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), is undergoing a significant upgrade program. This collaborative effort between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the IAF, and private companies aims to enhance the capabilities of these powerful war machines.
One of the key challenges addressed in the upgrade is the Su-30MKI’s radar signature. Despite its strengths, the aircraft’s large size (around 30 tons) translates to a high Radar Cross-Section (RCS), making it detectable by long-range radars. This can limit its effectiveness in contested airspace, where stealth plays a crucial role.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At the recent AeroSpace Services India (ASI) event in New Delhi, Boaz Levy, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), called for a renewed collaboration between India and Israel on developing a next-generation air defence system.
Levy’s suggestion builds upon the successful collaboration between India and Israel on the medium-range surface-to-air Missile (MRSAM) system. This system, currently deployed by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, boasts a range of 70-90 kilometres and can engage various aerial threats.
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The Tejas Mk1A program achieved a significant milestone yesterday with the successful maiden flight of the first aircraft, LA5033, from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Bengaluru. However, a report in “The Print” suggests potential delays in deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The report indicates that LA5033’s delivery to the IAF might be pushed back by four months due to last-minute modifications requested by the IAF. These modifications include minor software upgrades and structural changes. While HAL has not officially confirmed this information, sources at idrw.org suggest that LA5033 incorporates various alterations, both evident and subtle. These changes could necessitate additional test flights beyond the standard 4-5 pre-induction trials conducted before delivering a new aircraft to the IAF.
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