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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Cochin Shipyard, one of India’s premier shipbuilding and maintenance facilities, is embarking on an ambitious Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) Pilot Project. This venture represents a significant step forward in the field of maritime technology, as Cochin Shipyard develops fully indigenous, IRS-class-approved scalable solutions catering to both commercial and defence use cases. With the vision of “Made in India & Made for the World,” this initiative highlights India’s commitment to technological innovation, self-reliance, and global competitiveness.

The ASV Pilot Project aims to develop cutting-edge autonomous vessels that can operate efficiently and effectively in various maritime scenarios. By leveraging advanced technologies and indigenous expertise, Cochin Shipyard is striving to create a scalable solution that meets international standards and addresses the diverse needs of both commercial and defence sectors.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from June 1st to June 2nd, 2023, indicating a missile test to be conducted from Abdul Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal as per information provided by Twitter user Damien Symon@detresfa_. The designated area for the test covers a range of 700 kilometres, leading to speculation that it may involve ballistic missiles.

One of the potential missile systems that could be tested during this period is the Pralay Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile. With a range similar to the designated area, the Pralay missile has been undergoing developmental trials. The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has already secured orders for over 300 of these missiles from the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A retired Indian Air Force (IAF) captain, Harsh Vardhan Thakur, showcased a scale model of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, a loyal wingman program co-developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and New Space Research & Technologies.

The CATS Warrior is a cost-effective, twin-engine teaming drone designed to operate in conjunction with existing manned fighter jets of the Indian Air Force. It serves as a support system for the manned aircraft during missions. Powered by the PTAE-7 engine in a twin-engine configuration, the CATS Warrior can effectively penetrate deep into enemy territory, reaching targets located at least 700km inside enemy airspace.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is closely analyzing the evolving role of artillery gun systems in recent conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia war, and the emergence of new threats like loitering ammunition targeting artillery systems. This assessment has prompted the army to reconsider its requirements for Towed versus Mounted Gun Systems that it intends to procure.

According to reliable sources close to idrw, the vulnerability of towed artillery gun systems, which are stationary and can pose occasional mobility challenges, has become apparent. These systems have suffered significant losses in recent conflicts. On the other hand, self-propelled artillery systems, which can move under their power, have experienced comparatively lower losses. This difference in loss rates may be attributed to the relative mobility of the smaller self-propelled platforms and their proximity to the front lines.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army have initiated the exchange of BrahMos Crew between their ranks of Captain and Major rank officers. This exchange program aims to train these officers to operate each other’s BrahMos Cruise missile Batteries, laying the foundation for their collaboration under the upcoming Integrated Rocket Force (IRF). The IRF is planned to be equipped with a range of missiles including BrahMos, Pinaka, Pralay, and sub-sonic cruise missiles.

The establishment of the Integrated Rocket Force will involve the transfer of responsibility for the existing BrahMos Missile regiments, which currently operate the supersonic cruise missile. This force is expected to be a tri-service organization, bringing together the expertise and capabilities of the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Indian Navy. The objective behind the creation of the IRF is to develop a specialized force dedicated to non-contact conventional warfare.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The current designs of India’s fifth-generation AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) fighter jet suggest the inclusion of an internal cannon. However, the necessity of having a gun on every jet and its relevance in dogfighting scenarios are being carefully examined.

According to sources familiar with the matter, told idrw that the impact of the internal cannon on the aircraft’s performance will be thoroughly studied before deciding on its inclusion in the final production variant. This cautious approach is due to the concerns raised by various stealth programs worldwide, which have opted to exclude cannons to avoid potential damage to the fuselage, which often affects the aircraft’s stealth characteristics unless the damage is repaired or repainted leading to downtime of the jet.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

South Korea has extended an offer to India for its advanced KSS-III Batch-II submarine, presenting a potential procurement opportunity. The KSS-III Batch-II represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, incorporating enhancements in combat management systems, sonar capabilities, and firepower.

This offer arrives at a time when Germany is also competing for India’s submarine acquisition program, known as Project-75I. The KSS-III Batch-II’s improved features, including an increased number of Vertical Launching System (VLS) cells, offer enhanced operational capabilities, particularly with Submarine Launched Cruise Missiles (SLCMs).

South Korea’s emphasis on domestically developed and sourced components in the KSS-III Batch II submarine presents several advantages for Export customers like India since it enhances the submarine’s operational reliability by reducing potential vulnerabilities associated with relying on foreign suppliers.

KSS-III, a 3,000-tonne class of submarine is the lone bid in Project-75I that meets all the technical requirements set by the Indian Navy but Germany is trying to secure a deal through a Government to Government (G2G ) contract since Germany has issues with liability clauses in the Project-75I tender.

NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

A Bangalore-based drone startup has made a groundbreaking announcement, unveiling the development of a swarm of drones with autonomous capabilities for forest penetration. These innovative drones, equipped with GPS-denied abilities, are set to revolutionize complex military and civilian missions.

Acting as pathfinders and scouts, they will play a crucial role in tasks such as counter-insurgency operations (COIN), humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief (HADR). These advanced agents merge cutting-edge localization, AI-based navigation, cooperative mission autonomy, object detection, and sense/avoid techniques.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently inaugurated a new production facility in Nashik, aimed at bolstering the manufacturing capacity of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. While HAL already has two manufacturing facilities for LCA Tejas in Bengaluru, with a combined capacity of 16 jets per year, the Nasik facility is expected to further augment the production with an additional capacity of up to 24 jets annually.

However, according to sources at idrw, the Nasik facility is not yet ready to commence production of LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets. The staff at the facility are currently undergoing training, and the procurement of necessary equipment for the assembly of LCA-Tejas is still underway. HAL officials have confirmed that the Nasik facility has the potential to accommodate the production of more than 8 jets, but achieving this installed capacity is contingent upon securing a fresh contract for the Tejas.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Navy Chief recently confirmed that the Second Vikrant-class aircraft carrier, IAC-II, will undergo minor redesigns to enable the seamless operation of MALE/HALE Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs). The Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau is already actively involved in this endeavour.

According to sources at idrw, individuals familiar with the matter have affirmed that IAC-II will feature Dedicated Ground Control Stations (GCS) to facilitate drone pilots, along with other essential sensors and satellite terminals for long-range connectivity.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is eagerly awaiting a sanction order from the Indian Navy to commence the development of a new Utility Helicopter (Marine) based on the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. This initiative aims to fulfil the warship requirements of the Indian Navy, with a projected demand of 50 units. HAL estimates a development timeframe of 2-3 years for the UH Marine.

The upcoming UH Marine helicopter will incorporate foldable rotor technology, which has been successfully demonstrated to the Indian Navy. This feature, combined with other modifications, will enable the helicopters to carry out reconnaissance, surveillance, and other essential operations as per the fleet’s requirements.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is scheduled to visit India next month, during which he will present detailed proposed plans for the sale of six next-generation electric-diesel submarines. The deal, valued at 50,000 crores, will be conducted under a Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement if cleared by India.

India’s procurement plans for the six next-generation electric-diesel submarines, part of Project-75I (India), have encountered obstacles due to a single vendor situation. Currently, the only standing offer is from Korea, with its KSS-III submarine, also known as the Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine. Germany declined to bid for the project due to concerns related to liabilities clauses but offered a separate G2G deal for submarines earlier this year.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

India’s BrahMos Aerospace has initiated discussions with the Russian side to secure the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the liquid-fueled ramjet sustainer motor used in the Indo-Russian BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile. The objective is to enable local assembly of the motor within the country.

While India already manufactures the indigenous solid propellant boost motor for the BrahMos along with many other systems that has put 78% indigenous system in each BrahMos missile , the liquid-fueled ramjet sustainer motor is currently sourced from Russia. However, due to ongoing economic and military sanctions imposed on Russia, procuring weapons and spares for Russian-origin systems has become challenging. To mitigate this dependency and ensure a reliable supply chain, BrahMos Aerospace aims to localize the production of the ramjet sustainer motor.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

According to recent media reports, the indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to undergo its final round of user trials next month. The successful completion of these trials will mark the conclusion of both the developmental phase and the user phase of the project.

Earlier this year, in an interview with CNBC TV, Cmde Siddharth Mishra (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), confirmed that the Indian Army would conduct further user trials of the DRDO-developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) later in the year. These trials are expected to continue until the end of the year, with the company anticipating orders from the Indian Army by the end of 2024.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

The Indian Army has undertaken a significant revision of the parameters for the upcoming Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) tank, which is slated for local manufacturing starting in 2030. This revision comes as a response to the evolving threat landscape and takes into account the new level of challenges observed during the Russia-Ukraine war. As a result, the FRCV has shifted towards a heavier-weight 55-57ton tank configuration, signifying a substantial change in tank design and capabilities.

The lessons learned from recent conflicts have underscored the importance of enhanced protection and firepower capabilities for modern tanks. The Russia-Ukraine war, in particular, has provided valuable insights into the nature of contemporary warfare and the threats faced by armoured vehicles on the battlefield. The Indian Army has recognized the need to adapt to these evolving challenges and has consequently adjusted the parameters of the FRCV to meet the new requirements.

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