SOURCE: AFI
A rare image has surfaced online, showcasing an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21BIS fighter jet equipped with French-manufactured Matra R550 Magic 2 air-to-air missiles. This pairing is a testament to the IAF’s diverse inventory and its historical ties with various international defense suppliers.
The Matra R550 Magic 2 is a short-range, infrared homing air-to-air missile that was primarily developed for the French Air Force and Navy. Renowned for its highly effective infrared homing guidance system, the Magic 2 is capable of targeting heat-emitting sources, such as jet engines.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India on Friday successfully test-fired the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) for the second consecutive day from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on the Odisha coast, defence sources said.
A statement from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) confirmed that both tests on September 12 and 13 were successful. “In both the tests, the missile successfully intercepted a high-speed low altitude aerial target mimicking sea skimming aerial target,” the statement said. For safety reasons, the Balasore district administration temporarily relocated 3,100 residents from six villages within 2.5 km radius of ITR Launch Pad 3.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the commander of the Brazilian Navy, has expressed interest in collaborating with India in the sector of nuclear-powered submarines, particularly focusing on technical and training aspects.
During a recent interview, Admiral Olsen highlighted Brazil’s advanced capabilities in nuclear technology. The country possesses significant uranium deposits, has mastered enrichment technology, and is nearing completion of small nuclear reactor development.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a setback for India’s Tejas Mk-1A fighter program, GE Aerospace has confirmed that the delivery of two F404-IN20 engines, originally scheduled for later this month, has been pushed back to November. This delay adds to the ongoing challenges faced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in procuring the necessary engines for the production of the Tejas Mk-1A.
The Tejas Mk-1A, a more advanced variant of the Tejas light combat aircraft, made its maiden flight in March this year with Category B reserved engines. HAL had been relying on GE Aerospace to supply 16 engines for the current financial year. However, due to production constraints, the delivery schedule was revised, and GE Aerospace committed to providing six engines before the end of March 2025.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India and the United States are inching closer to a joint venture to locally manufacture Stryker armoured infantry combat vehicles (ICVs). Following successful trials by the Indian Army, the US is pressing for the deal, despite India having domestic alternatives available at a significantly lower cost.
The US is keen to finalize the Stryker deal with India, emphasizing the vehicle’s capabilities and potential benefits for bilateral defence cooperation. However, the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) and the Indian Army are weighing their options carefully, considering both the Stryker and domestically developed alternatives.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant development, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari of the Indian Air Force (IAF) emphasized the urgent need to ramp up the production capabilities for India’s home-grown fighter jet, like Tejas MkII, to meet the IAF’s increasing demand. Speaking on Thursday, Chaudhari highlighted the importance of expanding assembly lines and called for greater collaboration with the private sector.
“The way forward is to diversify the production lines, have more public-private partnerships or joint ventures with private partners to establish multiple production lines. This is the way to catch up with our requirement,” Chaudhari stated.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to significantly advance its missile program with a comprehensive testing schedule slated for next month. According to sources, the DRDO will conduct trials for a diverse range of missile systems, encompassing both conventional and strategic weapons. This ambitious initiative marks a pivotal milestone in India’s efforts to bolster its defence capabilities and achieve self-reliance in the sector.
The upcoming tests will not only refine the performance of existing missile systems but also pave the way for the introduction of new-generation technologies. This strategic focus aligns with India’s commitment to strengthening its defence posture in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. The DRDO is now actively engaged in developing cutting-edge missiles to address emerging threats in both land and maritime domains.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Air Chief Marshal VK Chaudhuri has called for a swift resolution to the ongoing delays in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Indian Air Force (IAF), grappling with a critical shortage of fighter jets, is eagerly awaiting the delivery of additional Tejas fighters to bolster its combat capabilities.
Addressing the media following the conclusion of the multinational exercise Tarang Shakti, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhuri emphasized the urgent need to establish diversified production lines to bridge the growing gap in the supply of Tejas jets. He underscored the industry’s responsibility in finding innovative solutions to ramp up production and ensure timely delivery of the aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, is currently on an important visit to India. During his trip, he will receive a first-hand demonstration of India’s indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jet as well as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) facility in Bengaluru. This visit comes at a time when the Brazilian Air Force is actively looking to modernize its fleet, and the collaboration between India and Brazil in the defense sector is poised to expand significantly.
One of the key highlights of the Brazilian Air Force’s visit is their interest in acquiring new helicopters for various roles. Brazil has a requirement for 24 helicopters, which could include a new squadron specifically for operations in the Amazon region and for flood relief missions. Given Brazil’s vast and diverse terrain, a versatile fleet of helicopters is crucial for the country’s military operations, especially for conducting search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, and providing relief during natural disasters.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
In a recent interaction with Indian media, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, revealed that Brazil may consider India’s Tejas fighter jet as a potential replacement for its aging Northrop F-5 fleet, which is set to be retired post-2030. Damasceno acknowledged the need for additional fighter platforms alongside Brazil’s existing Gripen-E jets and expressed interest in the Tejas as a candidate for the role.
Currently, the Brazilian Air Force operates both the F-5 and the Gripen-E. However, as the F-5 approaches the end of its service life, Brazil will need to introduce a new platform to maintain its operational capabilities. Speaking about the search for a successor to the F-5, Damasceno noted, “We will need maybe two more kinds as the F-5 goes. So, while the Gripen remains, the Tejas is one of the options for our second or third fighter plane.”
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight-testing of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from an Indian Air Force Su-30 MK-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha. This indigenously developed missile system is designed to neutralize various enemy assets, including surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites, radars, and air defense systems.
A number of advanced technologies developed by DRDO laboratories have been incorporated into the RudraM-II missile, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The missile’s capabilities and performance during the flight test have been lauded by defense experts and officials.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a test launch of a Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from a missile test facility off the Odisha coast on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
Developed indigenously by DRDO, the VL-SRSAM is a sophisticated air defense system designed to intercept and neutralize aerial threats such as aircraft and drones. The missile is equipped with advanced technology, including a solid propellant rocket motor and a highly maneuverable flight control system.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
ATR, the French turboprop aircraft manufacturer, is exploring the possibility of setting up an assembly line in India following the government’s decision to extend the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for another ten years. The regional connectivity scheme, which provides subsidies to airlines operating flights to remote areas, presents a significant opportunity for ATR to expand its presence in the Indian market.
According to Alexis Vidal, ATR’s chief commercial officer, the company is closely evaluating the potential benefits of establishing an assembly line in India. Such a move would not only allow ATR to better serve the growing Indian market but also create jobs and contribute to the country’s aerospace industry.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Bengaluru-based startup SpaceFields Pvt. Ltd., incubated at the esteemed Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has made significant strides in aerospace technology by successfully unveiling and hot-firing India’s inaugural AeroSpike Rocket Engine. This groundbreaking achievement marks a pivotal moment for the Indian space industry as the country ventures into advanced propulsion systems.
The static-test campaign for the 168mm rocket motor was conducted at the Propulsion test facility at IISc Challakere. Upon ignition, the engine exhibited initial chuffing, which was quickly followed by a stable and steady-state combustion phase. The rocket motor utilized a high-performance HTPB-based composite propellant, demonstrating its capability to deliver substantial thrust and impulse.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Peggy Whitson, a renowned American astronaut, has expressed her excitement about commanding her second commercial human spaceflight mission with Axiom Space. In her recent social media posts, she highlighted the cultural diversity of the crew and emphasized the mission’s significance in fostering international collaboration and advancing scientific knowledge.
The upcoming Ax4 mission, a joint venture between Axiom Space, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Hungary, and Poland, will mark a significant milestone in space exploration. The mission will send three national astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), including Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from India, who has been selected as the prime astronaut.
Continue reading