SOURCE: ANI
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In a series of successful joint operations, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, in collaboration with Manipur Police and other security forces, recovered 11 weapons and other war-like stores from both hill and valley regions in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, and Thoubal of Manipur.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, an information-based operation launched in Churachandpur district on October 22 by the Indian Army, in coordination with the Manipur Police and CRPF in the Thoroilok Area resulted in the recovery of two country-made mortar (Pompi), one country made pistol, grenades, explosives, ammunition and war like stores.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The supply of 99 F-404 engines by GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a 2021 contract has experienced significant delays, with deliveries postponed by nearly 10 months. Despite provisions in the contract that allow for financial penalties due to delayed supply, HAL has decided not to enforce these penalties on GE Aerospace. Sources close to the program have indicated idrw.org that the strategic nature of the project, combined with the necessity for continued collaboration with GE for future engine procurement, influenced this decision.
GE Aerospace has not yet delivered any of the F-404 engines meant for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A program. However, the company is set to begin deliveries from this month and has committed to accelerating the delivery schedule over the next few months. By 2026, production is expected to ramp up significantly to meet the growing demands of the Tejas Mk1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reigniting its quest for mid-air refuelling (MAR) platforms, aiming for a significantly larger fleet than previously envisioned. This renewed effort comes after securing approvals for the indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program under the Netra Mk1A, MkII, and MkIII variants.
Previously, the IAF sought to acquire six mid-air refuelers. However, the current plan seeks to double that number, bringing the total fleet to 18. This expansion will bolster the IAF’s ability to extend the operational range and flexibility of its fighter jets, particularly crucial in a multi-front scenario.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has issued a tender for the refurbishment of the LCA Tejas Technology Demonstrator 2 (TD2), which was the second aircraft in the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program’s technology demonstration phase.
The TD2 aircraft, after being stripped of its operational components and systems, now weighs around 6 tons and is slated to be used as a static display on a raised platform at the ORANGE Facility at the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad. This facility is renowned for its Outdoor Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing capabilities, serving as a test facility for various aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A continues to solidify its standing as a formidable multirole fighter with the latest integration of the Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER). The development, first reported by idrw.org, highlights that the JDAM-ER systems, ordered in 2022, have started arriving from the United States. This addition further enhances the Tejas Mk1A’s already impressive arsenal, which includes advanced smart munitions from various global suppliers, showcasing its versatility and interoperability.
JDAM-ER, a guidance kit developed by Boeing, converts unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions by incorporating GPS guidance. The extended-range variant of JDAM significantly increases the range of the bomb to over 70 km, allowing the aircraft to engage targets from a safer distance. This is particularly advantageous in modern aerial warfare where long-range precision strikes are crucial to mission success. The JDAM-ER will allow Tejas Mk1A to deliver effective strikes with minimal exposure to enemy air defense systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is spearheading the development of Project Khusha, a cutting-edge air defense initiative that will employ a tiered approach to counter various aerial threats. Often dubbed the “Desi S-400,” Project Khusha is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing air defense systems, including the Russian S-400 Triumf system, providing a robust, layered defense architecture. This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to establish a comprehensive, interconnected air defense network capable of neutralizing threats ranging from ballistic missiles to enemy aircraft.
At the core of Project Khusha is a multi-tiered system utilizing three interceptor missiles—designated as M1, Mk2, and Mk3—each tailored for different ranges and target profiles. This tiered approach will allow India to defend against a wide spectrum of aerial threats by engaging targets at multiple distances, providing a layered shield over critical infrastructure and strategic assets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing its work on an extended-range variant of the Guided Pinaka rocket system, which will have a range exceeding 120 km. Fabrication of this new version is scheduled to begin by mid-2025, with the first test planned for as early as October 2025. This development comes in response to the Indian Army’s request for an expedited program, as the military seeks to enhance its precision-guided rocket artillery capabilities.
The Guided Pinaka system, currently in testing, has a range of 75-90 km and has proven to be an effective and reliable solution for long-range artillery support. It was developed by DRDO to provide the Indian Army with a more accurate and extended-range variant of the unguided Pinaka rockets that had a range of 40 km. Equipped with a guidance system comprising an inertial navigation system (INS) and a GPS, the Guided Pinaka offers greater accuracy and precision, allowing the Army to strike targets with minimal collateral damage.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) today marked a significant milestone with the plate cutting ceremony for its advanced trailing suction hopper dredger (TSH) project. This event signifies the commencement of construction on a high-performance vessel destined for a valued foreign client.
GSL has entered into a strategic partnership with the Jan De Nul Group of Luxembourg to build this next-generation TSH dredger. The vessel is designed as a plug-in hybrid, capable of operating autonomously for up to four hours initially. This innovative feature is particularly suited for operations in smaller harbors, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit, underlined the need to progress bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, enhance strategic communication and explore cooperation to address developmental challenges. PM Modi welcomed the recent agreement “for complete disengagement and resolution of issues” that arose in 2020 in the India-China border areas and underscored the importance of properly handling differences and disputes and not allowing them to disturb peace and tranquility.
“The two leaders agreed that the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question will meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and tranquility in border areas and to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question,” a PMO release said. The relevant dialogue mechanisms at the level of Foreign Ministers and other officials will also be utilized to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations, it added.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann has noted that Germany has always said India is in a “very good position” to basically listen to both sides when it comes to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Though he does not know what New Delhi is intending to do, but Berlin would “welcome any engagement”, he added.
Ambassador Ackermann interacted with media at his residence here, ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India.
On October 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Scholz will co-chair the seventh Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC).
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
The idea of the BRICS group ever challenging the US dollar is for the fairies as long as China and India remain so divided and refuse to cooperate on trade, the former Goldman Sachs economist who came up with the BRIC acronym told Reuters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is using the summit of BRICS leaders to show that Western attempts to isolate Russia over the Ukraine war have failed and that Russia is building ties with the rising powers of Asia.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
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Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi during his visit to the National Defence College, UAE, interacted with the Commandant, Brig Gen Staff Saeed Hassan M Al Yammahi, faculty and Staff on Tuesday.
During the visit, the Indian Navy chief was given an overview of organisation and course structure at NDC UAE. He highlighted opportunities for mutual learning and experience sharing between the institutions of higher learning in India and the UAE.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that India wants to enhance its influence in the world as one in every six persons is Indian and the world cannot ignore India’s economy.
While participating in a panel discussion on the ‘Bretton Woods Institutions at 80: Priorities for the Next Decade’, organised by the Center for Global Development on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Annual Meetings 2024 in Washington, DC, Ms Sitharaman stated that no country, whether US which is far away or China which is very close cannot ignore India.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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Days after the Ganderbal terror attack, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir is bearing the brunt of the animosity between India and Pakistan, and reconciliation between the two is the only way to stop such incidents.
Seven people a local doctor and six non-local labourers were killed and five injured when terrorists attacked their camp in Gund in Ganderbal district on Sunday. The labourers were working on a tunnel project.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday released the photographs of two foreign terrorists involved in the Sunday terrorist attack on a workers’ camp in the Ganderbal district, leaving seven people dead and several others injured.
The photographs were developed from footage recorded by CCTV cameras installed inside the camp in Gagangir area in Ganderbal. The police had said earlier that two foreign terrorists had entered the workers’ camp in the evening and fired indiscriminately at civilians. Seven people, including six non-local workers and a local doctor were killed in the attack, and four others were injured.
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