SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a recent interview, Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), announced significant advancements in the development of the DRDO-L&T Zorawar Light Tank. He confirmed that the tank will feature a locally developed 105mm cannon, replacing the Cockerill 105mm High Pressure (HP) cannon that was showcased in the prototype. This move underscores India’s push for indigenization in its defence projects.
Dr. Kamat emphasized that by the time the Zorawar Light Tank reaches the production stage, even more imported systems will be replaced with locally developed alternatives. One such development is the Cummins 750hp engine that powers the tank. The engine will see local production in India, courtesy of the Indian subsidiary of Cummins, further reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s Indigenous defence manufacturing as the DRDO-L&T-developed Composite Combat Infantry Vehicle (CCIV) has completed its internal trials. This cutting-edge armoured vehicle is now poised to compete for the Indian Army’s highly anticipated Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) contract.
The CCIV stands out for its impressive weight-to-power ratio. Despite being equipped with a formidable arsenal including a 30mm automatic cannon, a coaxial machine gun, and a remotely operated weapon station with a 12.7mm machine gun, the vehicle maintains a remarkably low weight of under 18 tons. This is primarily attributed to the extensive use of high-performance composite materials in its construction.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
G. Ramamohana Rao, Director of the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), recently announced significant advancements in the development of the WhAP 8×8 Amphibious Wheeled Armoured Vehicle. Rao highlighted that VRDE is aiming to increase the indigenous content of the WhAP to over 80% in its next iteration, with plans to further raise this to 85-90% within the next 18 months, just before the vehicle enters full-scale production.
The DRDO has already unveiled the second-generation Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), which features a host of improvements over its predecessor. According to Rao, the Indian Army, which has taken delivery of 18 first-generation WhAP 8×8 vehicles, has expressed complete satisfaction with their performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy welcomed a significant addition to its fleet on August 29th with the induction of the INS Arighat. This 6,000-ton submarine, constructed at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam, represents a major milestone in India’s indigenous submarine development program.
The Arighat boasts significant technological advancements over its predecessor, the INS Arihant. These advancements, achieved through domestic research and development, highlight India’s growing expertise in submarine design and construction.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has categorically ruled out the possibility of creating a private army in India, emphasizing that the nation already possesses a professional and capable military force. Speaking in an interview with Bharat Tak, Bhadauria responded to questions about whether India might consider employing private military groups like Russia’s Wagner Group, which has been used in recent conflicts, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Bhadauria firmly stated, “India does not need a private army. We have a highly professional and well-trained military that is fully capable of safeguarding our national security interests. The Indian Armed Forces have consistently proven their capability, dedication, and professionalism, and there is no need to consider a private army for our defense needs.”
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully fabricated an 8×2 truck-mounted system for the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM). Initially designed for the Indian Navy, the VL-SRSAM system is now being adapted for use by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The VL-SRSAM is a low-level, quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and precision-guided munitions. Its ability to engage targets at low altitudes makes it an invaluable asset for air defense.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Centum Electronics Limited, a leading player in electronic system design and manufacturing, has announced that it has received a significant order from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) valued at Rs 109.58 crore.
The order pertains to the supply of intersatellite link and other payload subsystems, which are critical components for satellite communication and data transmission. The project is scheduled to be executed within a period of 16 months, highlighting Centum Electronics’ capabilities in delivering complex electronic systems within tight deadlines.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Amid the ongoing standoff with China, the Defence Ministry is set to undertake major projects, including the construction of seven advanced frigates for the Indian Navy and the Indian Army’s proposal to replace its T-72 tanks with modern Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs). The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled for Tuesday at South Block and will be attended by top officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, the Defence Secretary, and other relevant officials.
The Indian Navy’s plan involves acquiring seven new warships under Project 17 Bravo, which will be the most advanced stealth frigates ever built in India, following the Nilgiri-class frigates currently under construction, according to defence officials.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved on Monday a proposal for procurement of 240 aero-engines for Su-30MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at a cost of over ? 26,000 crore, the Defence Ministry said.
The delivery of these aero-engines would start after one year and be completed over a period of eight years, it said in a statement. Su-30MKI is one of the most powerful and strategically significant fighter jet fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
An Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet crashed in Barmer district after developing a “critical technical snag” during a routine night training mission, pilot ejected safely, the IAF said. No loss of life or property occurred in the crash as the fighter jet fell away from the residential areas on Monday night, Barmer Collector Nishant Jain said.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered in the crash, the IAF said. “During a routine night training mission in Barmer sector, an IAF MiG-29 encountered a critical technical snag, forcing the pilot to eject. The pilot is safe and no loss of life or property was reported.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday virtually addressed the Ambassadors Conference of Austrian Foreign Ministry at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
Mr Jaishankar shared Indian perspective on global situation and the prospects of bilateral relationship and European Union. In a post on X, Mr Jaishankar said, “Pleased to address the Ambassadors Conference of Austrian Foreign Ministry today. Thank FM Alexander Schallenberg for the invitation. Shared with them Indian perspective of the global situation, as well as the prospects for our own bilateral relationship and that with the European Union.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A 23-year-old woman was injured after suspected militants launched a fresh bomb attack using a drone in Manipur’s Imphal West district on Monday, police said.
This is the second drone attack in two days. Monday’s place of raid is located around 3 km from Koutruk where two persons were killed and nine others injured in bomb and gun attacks on Sunday. At least two explosives were dropped from a drone on Monday evening at Senjam Chirang in which the woman was injured, they said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma today met interim government’s Home and Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and discussed areas of engagement to advance security cooperation, exchanged views on border management, capacity building, and safety of Indian nationals in Bangladesh.
During his meeting with Mr Chowdhury, Mr Verma also announced that Indian visa centres are now issuing a limited number of visas for Bangladeshi nationals, primarily for emergency medical needs and students pursuing studies abroad.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), Jamil Maqsood, expressed grave concerns about the ongoing human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). During a recent interview with ANI, Maqsood highlighted that activists involved in recent protests in PoJK are facing systematic targeting by Pakistani authorities. Maqsood criticized Pakistan’s actions against protestors demanding reductions in electricity bills and the restoration of various subsidies, such as those for flour and essentials.
He noted, “Student organizations and young political activists have been abducted in cities including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Rawalakot. The cases of Mis Asma Batoor and Raja Mudassar are among them. Approximately 300 activists are reported missing, with no available data on potential torture or illegal detention.” Maqsood called on international institutions and human rights organizations to urgently address the severe human rights violations occurring in the region.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A PIL was filed in the Delhi High Court on Monday seeking a ban on OTT series ‘IC-814: The Kandahar hijack’ over allegations of distortion of facts about the real identities of the hijackers.
The plea alleged that the mini-series erroneously shows the real hijackers as having Hindu names, including ‘Bhola’ and ‘Shankar’, the other names of Lord Shiva, which hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community.
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