SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are reportedly collaborating on a fast-track mission to develop new long-range rockets. These rockets, with ranges of 120 kilometres (74 miles) and 300 kilometres (186 miles), could see developmental trials as early as 2025.
This initiative prioritizes speed, with both programs categorized as “fast-track mission mode.” This urgency suggests a potential need to address emerging strategic requirements.
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The Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) has opted to acquire 24 ex-Danish F-16A/B MLU fighter jets in a deal valued at $650 million USD. This decision comes after considering offers from India’s LCA-Tejas and China’s JF-17 Thunder.
The ex-Danish F-16s were offered at a significantly lower price point compared to the new-build alternatives. At $14 million per unit, the F-16s were nearly three times less of the price of the offered Tejas and JF-17 jets.
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The Defence Ministry’s CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) has approved a critical upgrade for the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, a mainstay of the Indian Army’s mechanized forces. These upgrades are particularly important for the ongoing situation in Eastern Ladakh, where BMP-2s have been deployed in large numbers to counter Chinese forces.
The BMP-2s, currently manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) under Russian license, are set to receive a significant power boost thanks to Pinaka Aerospace Solutions, a Bangalore-based company. Pinaka’s key contribution is the development of a fully indigenous Transmission Control Unit (TCU). This unit sits at the heart of the engine upgrade, ensuring optimal power delivery.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s long-delayed Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) program, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), might finally be taking flight. Sources close to the project have indicated to idrw.org that production could be nearing reality after the IJT undergoes a significant redesign and upgrades.
The program is expected to complete all developmental trials following a major overhaul. This overhaul included a redesign of the IJT’s tail section and substantial upgrades to its avionics and other systems. These changes address concerns raised earlier regarding the aircraft’s performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move that could revolutionize aerial surveillance and communication in India, Abu Dhabi’s Mira Aerospace and Indian startup VEDA Aeronautics have joined forces to develop a strong foothold in the High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) market.
HAPS are solar-powered drones designed to operate for extended periods in the stratosphere, offering a unique combination of benefits over traditional satellites and drones. They can provide persistent coverage over a large area without the complexity and cost of launching a satellite while offering greater endurance than conventional drones.
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Leaked sketches have revealed India’s progress on a crucial element of its long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) program. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a mobile High Power Radar (HPR) designed to bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) air defence capabilities.
This HPR system could be a vital component of the upcoming LRSAM program. The radar, with a weight of 30 tons and a transportable antenna measuring 10 meters by 6 meters, will provide superior detection capabilities. The carrier vehicle boasts a 60-ton load capacity and a travel speed of 20 kilometres per hour, ensuring mobility for deployment across various terrains.
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India’s ambitious plans for its 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program take a significant step forward with the hunt for an engine development partner. Sources close to the program reveal that the Defence Research and Development Organization’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is actively courting foreign collaboration.
GTRE aims to finalize a partner by mid-2024, paving the way for a contract later this year or early next year. This partnership is vital for developing a new 5th generation engine capable of generating 110-130kN thrust, a significant upgrade for the AMCA MkII variant.
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Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the growing threat posed by drones in modern warfare during a meeting with the Indian Navy’s top brass on Tuesday. He urged the Navy to prioritize preparedness to counter such challenges.
This call to action comes amidst the Navy’s ongoing efforts to integrate drone capabilities into its operations. The planned incorporation of loitering munitions on frontline warships signifies a strategic move towards long-range engagement of sea-based targets.
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EDGE Group, a leading UAE-based technology and defense company, has expressed its interest in collaborating with India on the production of its AL TARIQ smart weapons. This move signifies a potential boost to India’s indigenous defense capabilities.
EDGE Group’s Managing Director & CEO, Hamad Al Marar, has proposed the transfer of AL TARIQ technology to India, enabling local production by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). This collaboration could lead to significant benefits for both countries.
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India’s ambitious 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program will be taking a crucial step towards achieving true aerial dominance. A key feature of the AMCA will be Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) technology, a cornerstone of modern stealth aircraft.
LPI radars are a cornerstone of modern aerial warfare. They function by minimizing an aircraft’s radio frequency (RF) emissions, making them significantly harder to detect by conventional radar systems.
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Dr Avinash Chander, a former head of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has reignited discussions regarding the development of a longer-range tactical ballistic missile. Dr Chander, while speaking to Nitin A. Gokhale of Bharat Shakti, proposed the development of a tactical missile with a range of 1200 to 1500km. He emphasized the potential for a cost-effective approach to this project.
India’s existing tactical missile arsenal includes the Pralay, a short-range ballistic missile with a maximum range of 500km. This missile is specifically designed for battlefield deployment and will be integrated into the Integrated Rocket Force (IRF).
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India’s BrahMos Corporation is gearing up for a significant advancement in its missile technology with the New Generation (NG) BrahMos cruise missile. This lighter and smaller variant of the existing BrahMos promises enhanced capabilities for the Indian Air Force.
As per recent announcements by Atul Dinkar Rane, Director General of DRDO and CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, the BrahMos NG is on track for a series of crucial tests. By mid-2025, the program expects to commence drop and dummy testing. These initial trials focus on validating the missile’s aerodynamic design and separation mechanism from the launch platform before progressing to powered flight.
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India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) designating a no-fly zone over the Bay of Bengal, effective from an unspecified date. This restricted airspace spans a significant 1680 kilometers, raising speculation about a potential missile test.
The size of the no-fly zone strongly suggests India might be testing its next-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile. This missile boasts a reported range of around 2,000 kilometers, marking a significant advancement in India’s indigenous missile technology.
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Airbus and Boeing are caught in a strategic tug-of-war with the Indian government. As India’s commercial aviation market experiences explosive growth, both companies are under pressure to establish final assembly lines (FAL) within the country.
India is projected to need over 2,000 short-Mediumhaul aircraft in the next two decades, making it a lucrative market neither Airbus nor Boeing can afford to ignore. However, the Indian government desires more than just sales. They want a bigger piece of the pie – a local FAL that fosters domestic manufacturing and technological expertise.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas trainers is steadily growing. Recent images emerging from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) assembly line show the sixth trainer aircraft, LCA Trainer (LT 5206), in various stages of preparation.
This development comes after HAL delivered the first twin-seater trainer (LT 5201) to the IAF in Bengaluru on October 4, 2023. These trainers play a vital role in pilot conversion training within IAF squadrons before graduating to flying the upgraded single-seater Tejas Mk1A fighter jets.
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