SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
India’s Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) has witnessed a significant reduction in its unit cost as production stabilizes and orders surge from both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. The missile, designed for air combat superiority, is becoming a cost-effective alternative in its class.
Initially cleared for production at a rate of $1 million per unit, the Astra Mk1 BVRAAM has rapidly become more competitive in terms of pricing. The recent influx of orders, totaling 250 units from the IAF and the Indian Navy, has contributed to the falling cost. It is now available at a much more budget-friendly rate of approximately $0.7 million per unit.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The latest satellite images reveal that India’s overseas military base on Agalega Island in Mauritius has reached completion. This strategically significant facility features a deep-sea port capable of accommodating destroyers and frigates, along with an airbase equipped with a 3-kilometer long runway and facilities suitable for operating fighter jets and naval surveillance aircraft like the P-8I.
Agalega Island, comprising North and South Agaléga, is situated in the southwestern part of the Indian Ocean. This region has been a blind spot for the Indian Navy, and the construction of this military facility aims to expand India’s maritime domain awareness.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Despite reservations expressed by Air Chief Marshal Vivek R Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff, regarding the procurement of Armed Drones due to their vulnerability in contested airspace, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring the development of stealthy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and Loyal Wingman systems, driven by the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare.
The IAF’s strategic outlook is shaped by the changing dynamics of warfare, with a focus on the “Contours of Future Wars” and the rise of multi-dimensional hybrid warfare, which has been observed in recent global conflicts.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy’s forthcoming Naval Innovation and Indigenization Organization Seminar, Swavlamban, scheduled for October 4-5, 2023, is generating considerable buzz and excitement within defence and aerospace circles. The seminar promises to unveil cutting-edge indigenous naval air assets that are currently in development, sparking intrigue and anticipation among defence enthusiasts and industry experts.
One notable figure contributing to the excitement is Harsh Vardhan Thakur, a former Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot and a distinguished test pilot with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Thakur, in response to the anticipation surrounding Swavlamban, extended an invitation to attendees, hinting that the event would showcase the future of Indian-origin naval air assets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile is set to undergo a series of rigorous tests in the coming months, despite its recent successful test launch from the LCA-Tejas LSP-7 aircraft off the coast of Goa. These tests are crucial for clearing the missile for operational use and ensuring its effectiveness in combat scenarios.
The Astra Mk1 missile, which was successfully tested last month, is an indigenous BVR missile designed to engage and destroy aerial targets at extended ranges. However, before it can be deployed in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) LCA-Tejas operational fleet, it must undergo more stringent testing parameters.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Indonesia’s Ambassador to India, Ina H. Krisnamurthi, has expressed interest in acquiring BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missiles, marking a significant development in the defense ties between the two nations. This announcement comes after advanced discussions between India’s BrahMos Aerospace and Indonesian authorities regarding a potential deal.
Earlier this year, Atul D. Rane, the CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, revealed that the company was in advanced negotiations with Indonesia for a deal worth an estimated $200 million to $350 million. The proposed agreement would involve the supply of shore-based BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and a version suitable for mounting on warships.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is in the process of finalizing a lease deal for the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from the French Air Force. This strategic move aims to bolster the IAF’s aerial tanker capabilities, providing vital support for its aircraft during missions.
The proposed lease agreement is expected to span a period of five years, during which the IAF will have access to this versatile aircraft. The A330 MRTT is renowned for its ability to serve as both a tanker and a carrier, offering flexibility and adaptability in various mission scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s indigenously developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is poised to make its production debut in 2024. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has already commenced the production of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, which will be equipped with the Uttam AESA radar from the 21st aircraft onward. This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence technology.
The Uttam AESA radar has completed all developmental trials and is now ready for production. An improved variant of the radar was developed to integrate seamlessly with the Tejas Mk1A, incorporating technological advancements achieved over the past few years. This radar system promises to enhance the capabilities of India’s fighter aircraft significantly.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a strategic approach to streamlining the Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender process as it seeks to expedite the acquisition of 114 fighter jets under the “Made in India” initiative with a 100 per cent Transfer of Technology (ToT) clause. The IAF is keen to minimize the time required for issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP), evaluating proposals, and moving on to the technical evaluation phase.
One significant change in the approach is to make the RFP more specific and concise, reducing the extensive documentation that can sometimes run into thousands of pages. By providing clearer and more focused requirements, the IAF aims to expedite the evaluation process.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to withdraw from the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) program, led by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), to develop a 90-seater turboprop aircraft designed for regional civilian use within India. While the government has granted in-principle approval for the full-scale engineering development of the RTA project and allocated funding to a Special Purpose Vehicle, the IAF’s participation in the program seems unlikely.
The NAL estimates that the RTA project could require funding of up to $2 billion to develop three prototypes for developmental and certification purposes. This decision comes as India’s aviation sector has experienced significant growth in the last decade, with an anticipated need for approximately 300 RTA-class aircraft in the country over the next 20 years.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is engaged in discussions with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to acquire an additional 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This procurement is part of the IAF’s strategy to bolster its capabilities, particularly along India’s western border with Pakistan.
The IAF’s objective in acquiring more LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets is twofold. First, it aims to strengthen its presence on the western front to enhance its preparedness and response capabilities in the event of any contingencies. Second, by deploying these advanced aircraft on the western front, the IAF intends to free up some of its Sukhoi-30MKI squadrons for deployment on the eastern border with China.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Brazilian Army Commander, General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva, paid a strategic visit to Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) in Bangalore to explore India’s state-of-the-art Akash surface-to-air missile systems. These missile systems are manufactured by BEL in collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
This visit follows earlier meetings between top Brazilian army officials and the CMDs of BEL and BDL during the LAAD DefExpo in Rio, Brazil. General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva’s visit to BEL’s facility in Bangalore aimed to gain insights into the capabilities and technology behind the Akash missile system.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are engaged in discussions for an additional order of 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This potential surge in orders comes as a resounding endorsement of the LCA-Tejas program and holds the potential to rejuvenate its image in the global export market.
The decision to explore an additional order of 100 LCA-Tejas Mk1A jets signifies a significant milestone for the program, as it comes in the wake of the initial order for 83 jets that were placed in 2021. This augmented order not only underscores the IAF’s confidence in the capabilities of the LCA-Tejas but also paves the way for the aircraft’s enhanced recognition and acceptance on the international stage.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s pursuit of indigenous military capabilities is driving the development of its Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Class Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). As the nation gears up for user trials of the Tapas UAV with the Indian Armed Forces, a new contender, the Archer-NG (Next-Generation), is emerging on the horizon, posing both challenges and prospects for India’s UAV capabilities.
The Tapas UAV, known as the BH-201, has garnered attention for its capabilities, but it is not without its share of challenges. The UAV aims to achieve an operating altitude of 30,000 feet and an endurance of more than 24 hours. However, current flight tests have indicated that the UAV falls slightly short of these targets. Achieving these operational requirements remains a priority, and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is working on enhancing the engine’s capacity to meet these goals.
One of the noteworthy features of the Tapas UAV is its T-shaped tail assembly and shoulder-mounted wings design. This design is intended to offer inherent stability and improved control during flight, especially in pitch. However, weight optimization remains a challenge for the Tapas program. Despite ongoing efforts, the UAV’s weight has not been brought down to the desired levels, and this factor could impact its operational efficiency.
Parallel to the Tapas program, the development of Archer-NG has been pursued. The Archer-NG UAV features a Single Engine Twin Boom (SETB) configuration, which has garnered attention for its potential benefits. The twin-boom design enhances structural support, minimizes flexing, and provides efficient mounting of tail assemblies. These features contribute to better flight stability and control.
Archer-NG’s focus extends beyond intelligence and surveillance capabilities; it also incorporates the potential for armed strikes.
The competition between Tapas and Archer-NG is of strategic importance as India seeks to bolster its indigenous UAV capabilities. The Armed Forces’ desire to procure around 97 MALE Class UAVs underscores the significance of this development. While Tapas offers promise, Archer-NG’s more advanced design and stability could provide a compelling alternative.
Time is of the essence for both programs. To secure its position, Archer-NG must swiftly demonstrate its operational readiness and meet the specified requirements. Tapas, on the other hand, needs to overcome its weight challenges and achieve the intended operational capabilities quickly to maintain its competitive edge.
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
The realm of international defence collaboration is witnessing a new dawn as the United States expresses keen interest in partnering with India for the development of future weapons programs. This burgeoning partnership, poised to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries, reflects a growing synergy in their strategic and defence objectives.
The most recent manifestation of this collaborative endeavour is the co-development of Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs, designed for surveillance missions and capable of air recovery after fulfilling their mission objectives, represent a successful initial step towards bolstering joint defence initiatives.
Continue reading