SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A program is gearing up for further expansion. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are moving forward with plans to procure 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This necessitates an increase in engine production by General Electric (GE).
Prior to finalizing the new order, HAL and GE officials will be meeting in Bangalore to address lingering issues from the previous engine contract. This includes delays experienced by the HAL in receiving the 99 F404-IN20 engines ordered in 2021 for the initial batch of 83 Tejas Mk1A jets. The delays were attributed to supply chain constraints and COVID-19 disruptions impacting GE’s global operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A recent video released by the Bharat Shakti defense website on their factory tour of the Kalyani Group showcasing their unique Multi-terrain Artillery Gun (MArG) 155mm 39 calibre gun system. Notably, the video features a MArG 155 – BR variant equipped with what appears to be an autoloader system, a significant development compared to previous iterations.
The autoloader, if confirmed, would eliminate the need for manual loading of shells and charges into the gun, potentially improving firing efficiency and crew safety. This advancement aligns with the ongoing trend of automation in artillery systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy showcased an interesting training solution at the recent MILAN Technical Exposition (MTEX 2024). The Naval Armament Depot utilized a decommissioned Russian-supplied Kh-35E (Kh-35E, 3M-24E) anti-ship missile, repurposed as a sea-skimming target for air defense drills.
The Kh-35E, typically launched from ships or aircraft, was employed in this instance as a low-flying practice target for other warships. These targets, skimming just below 10 meters above the water, simulate real-world anti-ship missile threats, allowing crews to hone their air defense systems and missile interception skills.
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The National Security Guard (NSG) has recently issued a tender for the procurement of concealable 9x19mm carbine submachine guns (SMG) along with accessories, signaling a significant move to enhance its operational capabilities in countering terror threats and safeguarding national security. The tender encompasses a total requirement of 150 units, which will be complemented by 450 magazines and 150 laser aiming devices, aiming to equip NSG personnel with cutting-edge weaponry for efficient and effective response to emergent situations.
The decision to procure concealable carbine SMGs underscores the NSG’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving security challenges and ensuring readiness to tackle a wide range of threats. The ability to deploy compact and concealable firearms is crucial in situations requiring swift and discreet action, such as hostage rescue operations and counter-terrorism missions.
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India has issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) indicating forthcoming missile tests in the Bay of Bengal region. The NOTAM outlines two separate missile tests scheduled for the upcoming weeks, each targeting designated areas within the Bay of Bengal.
The first NOTAM, effective from March 5th to March 11th, 2024, pertains to a designated area spanning 320 kilometers. Speculations suggest that this test could likely be another trial of the BrahMos missile, a potent supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia. The Balasore missile test site in Odisha, known for its strategic significance, is expected to serve as the launch pad for this trial.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The geopolitical landscape of the Caucasus region is once again under the spotlight as Azerbaijan’s bid to acquire fighter jets from Pakistan raises concerns about stability and peace in the region. The potential acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Generation 4.5 jets by Azerbaijan, combined with Armenia’s strategic positioning near the West and India, underscores the delicate balance of power in this volatile region.
Reports suggest that Azerbaijan is considering a significant purchase of JF-17 Thunder jets from Pakistan, with estimates ranging from 18 to 40 aircraft in a deal worth up to $1.5 billion. If realized, this deal would mark one of the largest export orders for the JF-17 fighter jets, surpassing Myanmar’s previous order of 16 jets from China. The move signifies Azerbaijan’s ambition to modernize its air force and enhance its military capabilities, particularly in light of recent conflicts in the Karabakh region.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to deliver the first upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jets next month, marking a significant step forward in its indigenous fighter program. However, the anticipated procurement of an additional 97 jets beyond the existing 83 order has triggered a chain reaction throughout the Tejas ecosystem.
To meet the potential demand, HAL is encouraging its network of 85 private vendors to ramp up production capacity. Key players like Dynamatic Technologies, VEM Technologies, Alpha Tocol, L&T, National Aerospace Laboratory, and Tata Advanced Materials Ltd. are set to expand their capabilities to cater to the projected production of 180 Tejas Mk1A jets within the next 6-7 years.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army recently announced a significant step in its modernization efforts with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of 1054 Light Vehicle GS 4X4 700-900 Kg (Hard Top).
The Light Vehicle GS 4×4 700-900 Kg (Hard Top) holds strategic importance as it is designed to provide essential mobility to the armed forces, particularly in challenging environments such as hills, high altitudes, cross-country terrain, and desert conditions. Its versatile design and robust construction make it well-suited for rapid deployment of small teams during conventional and counter-insurgency operations, catering to the dynamic and evolving security landscape of the nation.
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In a recent interview with Bharat Shakti Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri shed light on the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans for the recently issued Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender.
Air Chief Marshal Chaudhuri confirmed that the IAF intends to utilize the MTA procurement to gradually phase out its fleet of Soviet-era An-32 and IL-76 transport aircraft starting from the early 2030s. These aging aircraft, while serving the IAF for decades, no longer meet the evolving needs of modern military operations.
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India’s burgeoning space tech scene is abuzz with activity, and two innovative startups are leading the charge. GalaxEye, an IIT Madras-incubated company, and Magicmyna, a Bengaluru-based drone developer, have successfully tested a combined SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and EO (Electro-Optical) imaging system on a heavy-lift drone. This collaboration paves the way for all-weather, high-resolution data acquisition from both space and air, with potential applications across diverse sectors.
GalaxEye’s patented Drishti camera represents a significant leap forward in earth observation technology. This multi-sensor fusion camera captures high-fidelity images regardless of weather conditions, making it invaluable for applications like:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to equip its Tejas light combat aircraft with the latest weaponry, thanks to a recent collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paves the way for the Software Development Institute (SDI) of the IAF to spearhead the integration of powerful new weapons and sensors into the Tejas Mk1A fighter fleet.
The SDI will play a crucial role in testing and integrating next-generation missile systems like the Astra Mk-III (BVRAAM with 300km+ range), Tara smart ammunition series (250kg, 450kg, 500kg variants), Rudram anti-radiation missiles, Rudram-II air-to-surface missiles, and even the BrahMos-NG next-generation air-launched cruise missile. This comprehensive upgrade promises to significantly enhance the Tejas’ combat capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Germany’s deputy foreign minister, Tobias Lindner, has announced the German government’s intention to reform its export control rules, aiming to streamline the process for India to purchase weapons from German companies. This move comes in response to recent challenges faced by Indian procurement projects due to delays and restrictions in obtaining German-made equipment.
Germany, known for its stringent export control regulations, has historically placed restrictions on the export of weapons and military equipment. However, recognizing the strategic partnership between India and Germany, Lindner emphasized the need to facilitate smoother transactions between Indian buyers and German manufacturers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is mulling a proposal from Greece to acquire its recently decommissioned Mirage 2000 fighter jets. This potential deal, discussed during Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s recent visit to India, could offer valuable resources for sustaining the IAF’s existing Mirage 2000 fleet until its planned retirement in 2035.
Details remain fluid, but reports suggest Greece is offering the 18 jets at highly attractive prices. An IAF team would need to inspect the stored aircraft before any agreement is finalized.
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Artemon Aerospace, an Indian defense company, showcased its latest innovation, the Tactical Multirole airborne Loitering UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) named VAZRA, at the recently concluded Maharashtra Defence Expo.
Designed for air superiority, the VAZRA is a next-generation loitering UAV, powered by a micro turbojet engine and equipped with an integrated infrared (IR) camera. While details regarding its specifications remain undisclosed, company officials informed idrw.org that the VAZRA is air-launched from other UAVs.
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Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited has entered into an exciting technology transfer agreement with the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This partnership will bring to market innovative Expandable Mobile Shelters (EMS) designed by VRDE to revolutionize field operations for India’s defense forces.
Traditional mobile shelters offer valuable capabilities in the field but can be limited in terms of workspace, particularly when considering transportation requirements. VRDE’s EMS design directly addresses this challenge by providing substantially more workspace in the field while minimizing logistical burdens.
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