SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Indian defense experts are urging the government to prioritize developing its own fighter jets instead of locally manufacturing foreign aircraft under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. Ranesh Rajan, a prominent analyst, spoke to idrw.org, highlighting the critical need for an Indian alternative to the French Rafale fighter jet, which the Indian Air Force (IAF) desires.
Rajan argues that simply manufacturing foreign jets under license, like the Rafale, offers minimal benefits to the Indian aerospace industry. “Local manufacturing of any foreign fighter jets under the MRFA tender will not teach Indian Industry anything,” he asserts.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited, a leading technology company based in Chennai, has unveiled the Vajra Shot, a groundbreaking handheld anti-drone jammer. This innovative device is poised to redefine the landscape of drone defense with its unique software-defined functionality.
Unlike traditional jammers that operate on fixed frequencies, the Vajra Shot boasts the ability to adapt its interference output frequency through software. This adaptive capability allows it to effectively neutralize a wide range of standard and non-standard unauthorized drones, making it a versatile tool for countering evolving drone threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
UAE’s EDGE Group, a leading advanced technology and defense company, is actively seeking an Indian private sector partner to expand its defense collaboration with India. This partnership aims for the local production of EDGE Group’s extensive UAV portfolio, catering not only to the Indian market but also for potential exports.
EDGE Group boasts an impressive portfolio of over 20 drones and UAVs, offering a variety of solutions for Indian defense needs. According to idrw.org, EDGE Group has expressed particular interest in offering the REACH-M Fixed-Wing MALE UAV to Indian defense forces with the possibility of local production rights.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
According to prominent defense journalist Anantha Krishnan M, both squadrons of the Tejas fighter aircraft, currently stationed at Air Force Station Sulur, are grappling with significant maintainability issues. Sources have confirmed to Mr. Krishnan that certain components within the Tejas are experiencing recurring problems.
The Indian Air Force operates two Tejas Mk1 squadrons, each consisting of 16 jets. These aircraft recently participated in Exercise Tarang Shakti-24, one of the largest multinational air exercises conducted by the IAF in Jodhpur. Mr. Krishnan also said, ” Please note that these are common issues fighter squadrons face the world over”.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its latest Combat Free Fall (CFF) parachute system at the Land Forces 2024 exhibition, held from 11 to 13 September in Melbourne. This advanced system is designed to enhance the capabilities of paratroopers by allowing them to jump from extreme altitudes and land at precise locations, ensuring mission success in challenging environments.
The CFF parachute system features a sophisticated nine-cell ram air design, which measures 8.84 meters in length. This design offers excellent lift and maneuverability, boasting a lift-to-drag ratio of 3.3:1. With a maximum forward speed of 40 km/h, the parachute enables controlled descents from altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 30,000 feet. The system allows paratroopers to glide over long distances, with the ability to cover 30 km and reach designated targets with precision.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), is set to make history as the first-ever privately built version of the launch vehicle takes flight. According to D Radhakrishnan, the chief of NewSpace India Limited, this maiden launch is anticipated to occur by the end of 2024.
The industry consortium of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is spearheading the development of the private PSLV, known as the PSLV-XL N1. The consortium has successfully completed several critical stages, including the realization of solid motors, last year.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Lokesh Machines Limited has achieved a significant milestone with the acquisition of a license from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India. This authorization empowers the company to manufacture Fixed/Towed Heavy Machine Guns with calibers ranging from above 12.7mm to up to 30mm.
The acquisition of this license underscores Lokesh Machines Limited’s commitment to contributing to India’s defense capabilities and self-reliance in critical military equipment. The company’s ability to manufacture heavy machine guns domestically will not only reduce dependence on imports but also create opportunities for technology transfer, skill development, and local job creation.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday rejected Reuters reports claiming that Indian defence exports have been diverted to Ukraine, labelling them “speculative and misleading.” “We have seen the Reuters report. It is speculative and misleading. It implies violations by India, where none exist and, hence, is inaccurate and mischievous,” the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said.
The MEA further added that India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items. “India has an impeccable track record of compliance with international obligations on the export of military and dual-use items. India has been carrying out its defence exports taking into account its international obligations on non-proliferation and based on its own robust legal and regulatory framework, which includes a holistic assessment of relevant criteria, including end-user obligations and certifications,” the MEA added further in a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Navaratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on Thursday signed a teaming agreement with Reliasat Inc. Canada to collaborate in the area of space products, officials said. The agreement aims at leveraging BEL and Reliasat’s capabilities in the domain of space, they said.
“This is a significant step that will enable BEL to foray into the space segment in line with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives and strengthen its existing portfolio,” BEL said in a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The Rajasthan Atomic Power Project’s Unit 7 (RAPP-7) achieved the significant milestone of ‘criticality’, or the start of controlled fission chain reaction, at the indigenously designed plant, officials said here on Friday. The RAPP-7 – of the twin RAPP-7/8 units with a 2×700 MW capacity – attained criticality at 10.42 p.m. on Thursday, after clearing the First Approach to Criticality by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) said.
The RAPP-7 is the third in the series of 16 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) of 700 MW each, being set up by the nuclear plant operator NPCIL in the country. The first two 700 MW PHWRs are operational in KAPS 3/4 at Kakrapar in Gujarat, followed by the RAPP-7, coming up at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
The Electro OpticalInfrared (EOIR) payload on board EOS-08, ISRO’s latest Earth Observation Satellite, launched through the third developmental flight of ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on August 16, 2024, commenced its operations (EOS-08 Mission) offering excellent thermal imaging capabilities. In an update, ISRO said EOIR is a state-of-the-art payload aboard EOS-08, along with the Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) payload and the SiC UV Dosimeter. Developed by the Space Applications Centre (SAC-ISRO).
The EOIR payload is equipped with advanced mid-wave infrared (MIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) channels, marking a significant advancement in thermal imaging technology with its high performance. One of the first images captured by the EOIR payload was taken on August 19, 2024, over Pune city at 07:45 AM local time.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Philadelphia on Thursday (local time) ahead of the four-nation Quadrilateral summit scheduled to be held on 21 September in Delaware. The Australian PM said that four great democracies – India, Australia, Japan, and the United States – are committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Albanese said he is looking forward to having discussions with leaders of the grouping including “my friend Prime Minister Modi.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday appealed to Maoists to give up violence, lay down arms and surrender, saying an all-out operation will otherwise be carried out against them.
Addressing 55 victims of Maoist violence from Chhattisgarh at his residence here, Mr Shah also said that Maoists will take their last breath on March 31, 2026. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that Maoist violence and ideology will be wiped out from the country.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Bangladesh’s Interim Government will seek extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India following the fall of the Awami League regime last month, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said. According to leading Bangladesh media outlet The Daily Star, prosecutors for the International Crimes Tribunal have already been recruited, and authorities have made clear progress towards the trial of those accused of crimes against humanity during the student demonstration.
“Soon, the trial process will begin, and then we will seek extradition of former prime minister from India,” Nazrul said on Thursday.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as the Indian government extended budgetary support to the Maldives with the rollover of the USD 50 million Treasury Bill. He said the Indian government’s announcement demonstrates “enduring bonds of friendship between the Maldives and India.”
In a post on X, Mr Zameer stated, “Sincere gratitude to External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar and the Government of #India for extending crucial budgetary support to the Maldives with the rollover of USD 50 million Treasury Bill. This generous gesture reflects the enduring bonds of friendship between #Maldives and #India.”
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