SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Tata Advanced Systems has thrown its hat into the ring for the Indian Army’s requirement of 814 Mounted Gun Systems (MGS) by offering its own 155mm/52 calibre mounted gun system. This move adds another contender to the competition, potentially heating the race for this major defence contract.
Tata’s offering differs from the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) being jointly developed by DRDO and Kalyani Strategic Systems. Instead of basing its system on the ATAGS, Tata’s gun draws inspiration from Denel’s 155mm T5-52 Self-Propelled Howitzer. However, it will be mounted on a locally developed Tata 8×8 high-mobility vehicle.
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Get ready for the next evolution of supersonic destruction! DRDO’s BrahMos Corporation is revving up development on the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile, promising a multi-platform powerhouse with enhanced capabilities across air, land, and sea.
Leading the charge is the Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) variant, poised to arm India’s fighter jets – LCA-Tejas Mk1A, Tejas MkII, Su-30MKI, and Mig-29K. Imagine the agility and firepower these platforms will gain, unleashing deadly strikes from beyond enemy radar range.
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Sensing an opportunity after Russia’s T-72 struggles in Ukraine, India has unveiled the Atharva, a hybrid tank merging the T-72 chassis with the T-90’s more powerful turret. This upgrade boosts firepower, armor, and situational awareness, potentially addressing concerns raised by the war.
The T-90 turret brings increased firepower, thicker armor, and improved situational awareness, making the Atharva a more formidable opponent. India could offer this modernization package to other T-72 users seeking to revitalize their fleets without replacing them entirely.
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The 2nd India-Kenya Defence Exhibition & Seminar was held in Nairobi from January 30-31, 2024. The event was co-organized by the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) and the High Commission of India (HCI). Kenyan Defence Minister, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, and Vice Chief of Defence Forces, KDF Lt. Gen J Mwangi, were among the attendees.
More than 21 Indian defence manufacturers showcased their products at the event, including armored vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. Indian companies also gave live demonstrations of their latest technologies.
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In a significant development for India’s indigenous fighter jet program, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has been outfitted with a state-of-the-art Mission Computer, marking a milestone in the country’s defense aviation sector. Prominent defense reporter Anantha Krishnan M has reported that the LCA Tejas SP, equipped with the LCA MK1A Mission Computer, is scheduled for its maiden flight next week, signaling a leap forward in India’s technological prowess in the field of avionics.
The LCA Tejas Mk1A, renowned for its agility, maneuverability, and combat capabilities, will now incorporate the advanced Mission Computer, a pivotal component designed to orchestrate the aircraft’s upgraded avionics suite. Developed indigenously by MCSRDC-HAL, the Mission Computer serves as the nerve center of the LCA Mk1A, interfacing with a myriad of onboard sensors and systems to execute critical functions ranging from navigation and guidance to communication and weapon aiming computations.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking decisive steps to modernize its transport fleet, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari confirming plans for replacing ageing aircraft like the AN-32 and IL-76.
Chaudhari highlighted the crucial role of modern transport aircraft in contemporary warfare, stating, “We are looking at replacing our AN-32 and IL-76 fleets promptly.” The AN-32, a mainstay for decades, has served its purpose, but its limitations in payload capacity and range restrict the IAF’s operational flexibility. Similarly, the IL-76, approaching 40 years of service, requires a capable successor.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is soaring into the future of logistics with the induction of powerful cargo drones, revolutionizing the way supplies reach troops in even the most challenging terrain. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are not just toys, but capable workhorses, lifting payloads ranging from 20kg to 100kg, significantly easing the burden on traditional transport methods.
But the Army’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Plans are already in motion to further expand cargo capabilities, with talks underway with private sector companies for the development of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Cargo UAVs. These behemoths will be game-changers, capable of hauling a whopping 300-500kg of cargo over distances of 400-500km.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to significantly expand its fleet of Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA) to enhance the operational range and flexibility of its fighter jets. This move comes amidst a focus on bolstering India’s airpower capabilities, particularly in light of potential two-front scenarios.
Currently, IAF fighter jets often operate from high-altitude airfields due to their all-weather capabilities. However, these airfields have limitations on the weight of weapons that can be carried due to thinner air at higher altitudes. By deploying FRAs, fighter jets can refuel mid-air, allowing them to take off from hinterland airfields with their full payload and extend their operational range deep into enemy territory.
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Indian micro-turbojet engine startup Dg Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL) has achieved a major milestone in the country’s quest for self-reliance. The company successfully completed endurance test runs of its indigenously developed J40 jet engine, marking a significant step towards its potential integration into various applications.
The J40 engine, powered by DPPL’s in-house-developed Electronic Control Unit (ECU), has demonstrated impressive capabilities during testing. Notably, it has consistently cruised at a remarkable 84,000 rpm, showcasing its stability and power. This achievement bodes well for the engine’s potential applications in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones.
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Last year marked a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities as Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, confirmed the commencement of flight trials for the Rudram-II Air to Surface (A2S) missile. With a formidable range of 300 kilometers, the Rudram-II represents a cutting-edge addition to the nation’s arsenal. Recently, a video showcasing the developmental testing of the Rudram-II from the Su-30MKI was prominently featured in a promotional video by the Indian Air Force (IAF), underscoring the missile’s pivotal role in enhancing the country’s air superiority.
One of the standout features of the Rudram-II is its versatility, offering two distinct variants tailored to address specific operational requirements. The first variant serves as an anti-radiation missile (ARM), equipped with a PHH-IIR Seeker engineered to neutralize radar installations with unparalleled accuracy. This capability significantly enhances the IAF’s ability to suppress enemy air defenses and establish aerial dominance in contested airspace. Meanwhile, the second variant of the Rudram-II functions as a formidable Ground Attack missile, featuring an IIR Seeker optimized for targeting airstrips, bunkers, and aircraft hangars. This dual functionality further bolsters the IAF’s strategic capabilities and ensures flexibility in mission planning and execution.
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The Indian Air Force’s combat power faces a potential gap, prompting urgent calls for an interim solution while its ambitious indigenous fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), takes flight. Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, in a recent interview, sounded the alarm about depleting combat assets and the crucial need for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program to fill the void.
“We are aware that projects like AMCA take time and resources to fructify,” acknowledged Chaudhari. “However, given our not-so-friendly neighborhood, it is important that the strength of our combat assets is not depleted further.” This blunt statement underscores the urgency of the situation, with India surrounded by strategic challenges and an ageing fighter fleet nearing retirement.
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Bangalore’s NewSpace Research and Technologies, a rising star in the Indian private defense sector, has piqued the industry’s interest with a glimpse of its latest creation: a Small Rotary Tactical UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). While details remain under wraps, the image sparks speculation about its capabilities and potential applications.
The image showcases a compact, rotary-wing design, likely utilizing a multirotor configuration for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities. This suggests agility and maneuverability, crucial for operating in tight spaces or complex environments. Additionally, the presence of an EO/IR camera payload hints at the UAV’s ability to conduct day-night surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up for a new era of aerial warfare, setting its sights on armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to bolster its offensive capabilities. Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary recently announced the IAF’s interest in acquiring larger UAV platforms capable of carrying out targeted strikes, marking a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy.
This move comes amid the IAF’s satisfaction with the domestic development of smaller drone technologies. “We are happy with the development of swarm drones and loitering ammunition by private sector companies,”. Several orders have already been placed for these agile and cost-effective options, ideal for reconnaissance, surveillance, and close-range attacks.
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India’s pursuit of indigenous fighter jet prowess continues, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in talks for additional Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fighters. This comes on top of the 83 Mk1A jets already ordered in 2021, showcasing the growing confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities.
The IAF is reportedly interested in procuring 97 more Mk1A jets, bolstering its fighter fleet with this domestically built platform. While the IAF seeks no major design changes for this second batch, HAL is proposing minor upgrades based on ongoing refinement of the aircraft.
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The Indian aviation landscape is set for a revolution as Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) join hands to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters within the country. This collaborative venture marks a significant step towards India’s self-reliance in helicopter manufacturing, with the iconic Airbus H125 taking centre stage.
The H125, Airbus’ best-selling single-engine helicopter, boasts immense popularity across diverse sectors. From private ownership and aerial tourism to emergency medical services and military operations, the H125’s versatility has earned it a global reputation. Over a dozen countries rely on the H125 for their armed forces, making its India-based production a compelling proposition.
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