SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has presented a comprehensive roadmap for the next-generation submarine being offered to India, emphasizing plans to customize the submarine to meet specific Indian requirements. Germany has proposed a government-to-government contract for the submarines, and while it may still be asked to participate in the tender for Project-75I, the current offer places Germany in a favorable position against South Korea, which is also vying to supply its submarines.

Under the proposal, state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and private-sector dock Larsen & Toubro (L&T) will divide the orders, with MDL handling four submarines and L&T handling two. They will collaborate with German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for local manufacturing of a variant of the U-214 submarine in India. The estimated cost for this project is over Rs 60,000 crore.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

BrahMos Aerospace has undertaken the task of developing multiple systems and subsystems that may be utilized in the future development of the Hypersonic BrahMos-2 cruise missile. The Hypersonic BrahMos-2 will draw inspiration from Russia’s 3M22 Tsirkon anti-ship hypersonic cruise missile, specifically incorporating elements of its scramjet engine technology.

In a recent revelation, it was disclosed that the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan last year resulted in a loss of Rs 24 crore to the Indian state exchequer. The Chief of BrahMos Aerospace has already confirmed that the cost of the Hypersonic BrahMos-2 will be double that of the standard BrahMos missile. This places it in a price range comparable to some of the domestically produced nuclear-capable Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has sought assistance from Germany in maintaining the MTU’s MT 881 Eight-Cylinder Diesel Engine, which powers the South Korean K-9 Vajra, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer. The Indian Army, which currently operates 100 K-9 Vajra howitzers, is eager to procure an additional 100 units with a Winterization kit to enhance operations in high-altitude regions. However, to operate effectively in such areas with low oxygen levels, upgrades to the fuel pump and air filter of the MTU engine are required.

In light of these requirements, the Indian Army intends to procure another 100 K-9 Vajra howitzers for deployment on its western front. To ensure a more direct and reliable supply chain for the MTU engine, India is seeking the establishment of a local supply chain within the country. This would reduce dependence on South Korea for engine-related support and spare parts. Instead, India aims to establish a direct supply chain with MTU in Germany.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-run company in India, and American firm General Electric (GE) are in advanced discussions regarding the joint manufacturing of F-414 jet engines for fighter aircraft. The collaboration aims to explore opportunities for technological cooperation beyond the engines. Initially, the Engine Division of HAL in Bangalore will produce the F-414 engines with 60 per cent indigenous content, which will gradually increase over 10-15 years.

The F-414 engine, proposed by General Electric (GE), can generate 98kN of thrust and is currently the leading candidate for a contract to develop and locally produce the engine. The engine can be further developed into a high-thrust variant, generating 120-130kN of thrust, which would be suitable for India’s 5th generation fighter jets such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the 5th generation variant of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India and the United States have initiated discussions to collaborate on the advancement of cutting-edge, next-generation technologies, including the development of Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missiles. These missiles would possess the capability to be air-launched from India’s P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, enabling them to target heavily defended Carrier Battle Groups (CBGs) or flotillas of warships.

Both countries share a strong interest in the creation of long-range hypersonic cruise missiles capable of engaging heavily fortified, high-value targets such as enemy military bases and surface warships from extended distances.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has issued Revised Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) for a launch of a missile in the Bay of Bengal for the period from 07-08 June 2023 that was previously issued for the period of 18-19 May 2023 as per information provided by Twitter user Damien Symon@detresfa_.

The designated area for the NOTAM is 1680 km in length which indicates it might be a test of the Agni-P from Abdul Kalam Island. Agni P is a two-stage Canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile with dual redundant navigation and guidance system.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Indian Navy and DRDO officials have engaged in discussions regarding the incorporation of long-range air defence interceptor missile systems into future frontline warships. This initiative aims to integrate extended-range interceptor missiles developed under the Extended Range Air Defense System (ERADS) program by DRDO.

The missiles being developed include the ERSAM (Extended Range Surface to Air Missile) and XRSAM (Extra Long Range Surface to Air Missile), designed to counter various targets, including enemy fighters, AWACS, and anti-ship missiles.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, a Defense Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) firm, has announced its groundbreaking achievement of developing India’s first truly indigenous conventional submarine.

The Midget submarine prototype, designated as MS-X02A, is scheduled to be commissioned by December 2024. It is expected to play a vital role in covert maritime missions, such as the infiltration of combat swimmers and the placement of limpet mines on target vessels.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Once again, Russia has reaffirmed its previous proposal to supply additional Mig-29K fighter jets to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements. This offer comes in response to rival proposals made by Dassault Rafale M and Boeing for their respective aircraft, the Rafale M and F-18 E/F Superhornet, to fulfil the Indian Navy’s order for 26 fighter jets.

Russia’s updated offer includes equipping the Mig-29K with new and improved RD-33 engines. These engines provide a higher thrust of 91kN compared to the current engines’ 88kN, which also addresses concerns raised by the Indian Navy regarding the wearing of parts at high speeds.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to approve plans for the development and production of an electro-optical (EO) satellite weighing between 150-200 kg. This satellite will serve as a space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) asset, providing backup support in case primary military satellites become disabled.

Under the project named Veda, or Vehicle for Defence Application, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is already engaged in the development of a three-stage, solid-propellant rocket. This rocket is designed to deploy defence satellites into lower orbits, enabling various applications such as surveillance, communication, and navigation for the Indian armed forces.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is likely to declare the winner of the tender for its deck-based fighter jet requirements for its aircraft carrier later Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend this year’s Bastille Day Parade in Paris as the guest of honor on July 14 in France but the deal will not be inked this year as per information provided by people familiar with the matter to idrw.

Although the signing of the agreement is anticipated to take place in 2024, While the announcement of the preferred bidder is anticipated during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France, the finalization of the deal will likely be postponed until after the upcoming general elections. This decision aligns with the standard practice of deferring major defence contracts during the election period to avoid potential controversies and political implications.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has embarked on the development of a Long-Range Multiple Rocket Launcher program. The project aims to create solid-fueled 300mm rocket projectiles equipped with various warheads, surpassing the performance capabilities of the Russian BM-30 Smerch heavy self-propelled 300mm multiple rocket launcher.

According to sources familiar with the matter have told idrw that, DRDO will focus on developing 300mm rockets with firing ranges of 120km and beyond, which will play a crucial role in the upcoming Integrated Rocket Force. The unguided 300mm rockets will undergo enhancements in terms of navigation and targeting systems, incorporating improved tactical and technical features.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

British aerospace and defence company, Rolls-Royce, is currently under scrutiny for alleged corruption in the procurement process of the Hawk 115 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force and Navy. The allegations suggest that intermediaries were involved, and the company made illicit payments to swing the deal. This information was revealed in a First Information Report (FIR), and a British court order from 2017 also mentioned the company’s alleged complicity.

If found guilty of the violations, Rolls-Royce could face severe consequences. It may be debarred from undertaking any Government of India projects for the next five years, and a penalty would eliminate any possibility of the company engaging in a joint development venture for the new engine of India’s AMCA 5th Generation fighter jet program.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Ministry of Defence of the Government of India has expressed its intention to procure approximately 5,000 Fire & Forget Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGMs) along with 500 Launcher Systems that will be adapted on BMP-2/2K vehicles.

In a Request for Information (RFI) issued, the purpose is to finalize the Specific Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determine the procurement category, and identify potential Indian vendors capable of supplying Fire & Forget ATGMs and Launcher Systems adapted on BMP-2/2K within three years from the contract’s award. The expected quantity is approximately 1,750 Fire & Forget ATGMs along with 175 Launcher Systems adapted on BMP-2/2K per year.