SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
India’s ambitious collaboration with Russia to develop the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, a project based on the Su-57 platform, came to an end in 2018. While the official reasons remained unclear at the time, new reports shed light on the potential factors that led to India’s withdrawal.
Disagreements on technical aspects appear to have played a significant role in the program’s demise. Sources suggest India desired a two-seater variant of the FGFA, similar to the Su-30MKI fighter jets, a request not readily met by Russia. Additionally, concerns regarding the transfer of critical technology and design specifications from Russia to India reportedly caused friction.
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NewSpace Research and Technologies has unveiled its latest innovation – the PYGMY Vision-based kinetic attack drone platform. This cutting-edge drone boasts a lightweight design and is packed with features that make it a game-changer for military operations.
The PYGMY’s lightweight construction allows for both air and ground launch, making it adaptable to various deployment scenarios. The drone can be equipped with third-party payloads, giving users the flexibility to customize it for specific missions.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment’s (GTRE) plan to develop the Kaveri 2.0 engine for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet raises questions about its strategic rationale. With a targeted thrust output of 90kN, the Kaveri 2.0 seems like a logical upgrade for the Tejas Mk1A, which currently uses American F404 engines. However, the bigger picture paints a more complex story.
Looming large is the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This 5th generation fighter requires a much more powerful engine, with estimates suggesting a thrust requirement of around 110kN. Furthermore, reports indicate that GTRE might collaborate with an international partner for the AMCA engine, potentially leading to a core capable of generating a mighty 130kN thrust. This future-proof engine could even be adapted for India’s potential 6th generation fighter program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is on the cutting edge of counter-drone technology with the development of high-power microwave (HPM) weapons. This Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system boasts the potential to neutralize a range of aerial threats.
Internal documents confirm that Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will be able to effectively take out and disable hobbyist drones and commercially available quadcopters used for malicious purposes. DEW also will be powerful enough to disable Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE)drones, often used for surveillance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A plane spotting enthusiast (vabb_spotter IG) has captured an image of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed Dornier Do 228 aircraft sporting an unusual feature of a hump on the upper fuselage, aft of the main body.
The presence of the standard under-fuselage 360-degree maritime surveillance radar confirms the aircraft belongs to the Indian Navy. Speculation is rife about the purpose of the hump, with some suggesting it houses a satellite uplink system. This would be particularly useful given the aircraft’s frequent flights over vast stretches of ocean, enabling real-time transfer of observation data collected by its robust sensors.
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The U.S. Navy has secured a crucial contract modification with Boeing for the final 17 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, marking a potential turning point for the iconic fighter jet’s production future.
This $1.1 billion contract, announced on March 19th, comes after stalled negotiations last year. The deal secures 10 F/A-18F Lot 46 aircraft and an additional seven from Lot 47, ensuring deliveries begin in late 2026 and conclude by spring 2027.
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China’s domestically-produced passenger aircraft, the C919, is making waves in the aviation industry. Built by the state-owned Commercial Aviation Corporation of China (COMAC), the C919 has garnered significant interest, with around 1,200 orders – primarily from domestic airlines. However, its global ambitions might face a hurdle in the form of the world’s fastest-growing aviation market: India.
According to leaked internal company documents, COMAC plans to actively promote the C919 in various Asian markets. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the region’s burgeoning aviation sector. The C919, a narrow-body jet designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX families, offers airlines an alternative within the single-aisle aircraft category.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is gearing up for a crucial study related to the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. This project focuses on integrating the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) onto the Mk1A variant.
The study will explore the feasibility of incorporating both single and twin ASRAAM configurations on the Tejas Mk1A. A crucial aspect of the study will involve conducting an ASE analysis for the proposed configurations. This analysis assesses the interaction between the aircraft’s structural flexibility and aerodynamic forces, ensuring safe and stable flight characteristics with the added weight and configuration changes of the ASRAAMs.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a significant step towards self-reliance by seeking domestic manufacturers to produce spare parts for its fleet of Rafale fighter jets. This initiative involves collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and is expected to culminate in a meeting with the Chandigarh-based 3 Base Repair Depot (BRD) next month.
The IAF has identified a specific list of components crucial for ongoing maintenance. These parts are primarily those that require periodic replacement and are not mission-critical systems like engines or onboard computers. Additionally, some ancillary equipment that doesn’t directly impact core functionalities are also included.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a Request for Technical and Commercial Proposal (RTCP) for a significant upgrade package for its Jaguar Darin-III fighter jets.
The IAF seeks a new missile to enhance the close-combat capabilities of the Jaguar with ‘Next-Generation Close Combat Missile’ NGCCM integration. NGCCM is a license-produced version of the MBDA ASRAAM air-to-air missile. While previous media reports have mentioned NGCCM integration with the Jaguar has been completed, this tender suggests either live-fire testing hasn’t been conducted or previous trials were limited to captive flights (missile mounted but not fired).
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India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the lookout for a development and production partner. This collaboration aims to create mission systems for a new generation of maritime patrol aircraft based on the C295 platform.
The project envisions two variants of the patrol aircraft, Multi-Mode Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) is a variant intended for the Indian Coast Guard, enhancing their capabilities in various maritime operations. Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) is Designed for the Indian Navy, the MRMR variant will bolster their long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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The Indian Army is set to procure 550 indigenously-developed ASMI 9×19mm submachine guns (SMGs) from Lokesh Machine Ltd (LKM) at a cost of ?4.6 crore. This marks the first major order for the ASMI, a significant development for India’s defense indigenization efforts.
The ASMI is a domestic 9×19mm SMG designed to utilize the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge, a common caliber used by the Indian Army and other security forces across the country. This rimless, tapered cartridge is known for its affordability and widespread availability, making it a popular choice for handguns and SMGs.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Lockheed Martin, a leading global aerospace and defence company, is signalling its intent to strengthen its ties with India’s research, industry, and academic sectors. Randy Howard, Vice President of Global Pursuits at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, recently highlighted their exploration of “advanced transfer of technology opportunities” with Indian partners.
This collaboration could encompass a wide range of cutting-edge technologies like Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) a life-saving technology that automatically takes control of an aircraft to prevent ground collisions, significantly enhancing flight safety for Indian pilots.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) is set to receive a significant boost in its capabilities with the imminent arrival of the BrahMos supersonic missile system, according to local media reports, BrahMos shipment will arrive today (19/04/2024) from IAF Transporter Aircraft. This acquisition marks a major milestone in the modernization efforts of the AFP, particularly in the face of ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The BrahMos missile system was first ordered in 2021, is expected to be shipped by the end of March 2024, as confirmed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) will take the lead in operating the BrahMos Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile (SBASM) system, with the Philippine Navy planning to acquire its own BrahMos system in a separate deal.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move to strengthen Indian ground forces amidst border tensions with China, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently announced a collaborative effort with India to develop Stryker armored vehicles.
The program reportedly focuses on the Stryker M-SHORAD (Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense) variant. This highly mobile air defense system, equipped for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats, will be built on a new Stryker A1 chassis jointly developed by both nations.
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