SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Maraal Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an IIT Kanpur incubated startup, has introduced a groundbreaking High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS). This innovative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is designed to operate at an altitude ranging from 18 to 30 kilometers, offering several advantages over traditional satellites.
One of the key benefits of the HAPS is its low operational altitude, which enables it to provide high-resolution, conclusive, and effective surveillance multimedia. By operating at 18-20 kilometers, the HAPS can offer round-the-clock services similar to a geostationary satellite. With an endurance of up to 12 weeks, it can be deployed for extended periods.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Recently, a Pantsir-S1 air defence system decoy was reportedly abandoned by Wagner Group forces somewhere in the Malian desert. While this event itself drew international attention, what particularly caught the eye of many Indian defense enthusiasts was the striking resemblance of the truck chassis used in the decoy to the TATA 6×6 Heavy Mobility Vehicle (HMV), an Indian-built platform. This raised curiosity about possible connections between Tata Motors and Russian air defense systems, and a closer look reveals a history of collaboration between the two.
The connection between Tata Motors and Russian air defense technology is not new. In October-November 2013, at the Kapustin Yar range of the Russian Ministry of Defense, a variant of the Tor-M2KM Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system was tested on the chassis of a Tata Motors 6×6 vehicle. These tests were designed to assess the platform’s performance under Russian military standards, and the results were impressive. The Tor-M2KM, mounted on the Tata vehicle, successfully demonstrated its ability to engage air targets at a range of 15 km and handle fast-moving targets flying at speeds of 700 m/s. It also showcased its capability to neutralize targets with a heading parameter greater than 6 km at distances of up to 12 km.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent barrage of Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel has underscored the critical need for India to bolster its missile defense capabilities. The Iranian aggression has demonstrated that even a relatively small nation can pose a significant threat to a technologically advanced country using a large number of inexpensive missiles.
India, with its vast industrial base and densely populated cities, is particularly vulnerable to such attacks. While the country has invested in Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems, these systems may be overwhelmed by a large-scale missile attack. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement for low-cost, high-tech interceptor missiles that can be developed and deployed in a shorter timeframe.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India will receive the remaining two squadrons of the advanced S-400 air defense missile system by the end of 2025, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the head of the Indian Air Force (IAF). In a press conference ahead of the 92nd Air Force Day, Singh attributed the delay in delivery to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized that the S-400 is a complex system that requires all components to be delivered for effective operation.
The S-400, capable of targeting threats up to 400 kilometers, is a significant addition to India’s air defense capabilities. It has been deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan to bolster national security.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s defense manufacturing sector is making significant strides on the global stage, with Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF) and Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF) leading the way. These units, under the umbrella of Gliders India Ltd. and TCL respectively, have recently secured export orders to several countries.
OPF, a key supplier of parachutes to the Indian Army, has expanded its reach to international markets. For the first time, brake and pilot parachutes worth Rs. 21 crore have been manufactured and exported to Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland. These parachutes are compatible with various fighter aircraft, including Sukhoi, Hawk, and Mig-29.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
.jpg?$p=fea8f82&q=0.8)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has temporarily grounded its Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) fleet following a precautionary water landing in Bihar. The incident occurred on October 2, when a Dhruv helicopter deployed for flood relief operations experienced a technical failure.
According to officials, the IAF has suspended training activities involving ALHs until the cause of the incident is thoroughly investigated. Only operational tasks are currently being carried out using the remaining Dhruv helicopters.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India conducted three successful flight tests of a very short-range air defence missile system at Rajasthan’s Pokhran firing ranges. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army for the flight tests of the fourth-generation VSHORADS (Very Short-Range Air Defence System) missiles.
“The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted three flight tests of the 4th Generation, technically advanced miniaturized weapon system VSHORADS, from Pokhran,” Singh’s office said on ‘X’.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
France has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative especially in the defense sector. Hugues du Plessis d’Argentre, Managing Director of Euronaval, says that India is one its best customers and it will continue tow work on its needs. In an interview with ANI, during the 2024 defence exhibition in France, he emphasised the long-standing cooperation between the two countries particularly in the naval defense.
He mentioned 70 years of cooperation between both the countries adding that the France has helped establish 20 factories in India and facilitates local production of critical naval assets, including submarines, under the ‘Make in India’ vision. He said that France has rich relationship with India and both sides have been engaging for the cooperation in the field of defence. He said, “We have very old and rich cooperation with India Navy.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The project 75 that was started in 2006 has been a first of its kind in indigenous naval defence manufacturing, and it has gained momentum ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, said Soumyajyoti Basu, Vice President of Sales at Naval Group (India). Speaking to ANI on the Make in India initiative, he said, India’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiative aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.
The initiative has been supported by various groups, including Naval Group, which collaborates for indigenous building of submarine by Mumbai based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. In January 2024, India and France announced joint defence cooperation roadmap together including the joint production of aircrafts, submarines, and other defence equipment for the Indian Defence Forces following Narendra Modi and Emmaneul Macron’s meeting in New Delhi and following announcement of Horizon 2047 during Indian PM’s state visit to France during 14 July 2023.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday that he is not going to Islamabad to discuss “India-Pakistan relations”. He said his visit is about the SCO Summit 2024, which is taking place in the neighbouring country. The minister said that he will be traveling to Pakistan only to be a “good member of the SCO”.
“Yes, I am scheduled to go to Pakistan in the middle of this month and that is for the meeting of the SCO –the heads of government meeting,” Mr Jaishankar said while delivering the Sardar Patel Lecture on Governance, organized by IC Centre for Governance in New Delhi.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, has questioned the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Pakistan, where the foreign minister will lead the Indian delegation for the SCO Summit 2024. Sharing a post on his social media, Sibal asked what has India gained and what has Pakistan lost.
“Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Invitation to Heads of Government Jaishankar to go to Islamabad First visit after 9 years Just a thought: What has India gained? What has Pakistan lost?” he questioned. “I don’t have an answer!” he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Border Security Force is fully capable of checking infiltration, drone attacks and smuggling, and is getting encouraging results in the fight against Naxalism, said BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary on Saturday.
He was addressing an event after attending the passing out parade of Assistant Commandants at the BSF Academy in the Tekanpur area of Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior. “BSF is deployed along the borders of the country. We are ready and in action to ensure that there is no infiltration, drone attack or smuggling in any area. We are fully capable of checking infiltration, drone attack and smuggling,” he told reporters here.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a major crackdown on left wing terrorism, security personnel killed 31 Naxals in the Maad area on the Narayanpur-Dantewada border in a two-day operation, the police said. A joint operation by DRG Dantewada, DRG Narayanpur, and STF teams was launched after receiving the information of the presence of 40 to 50 Naxalites who had come together for a meeting, the police informed.
According to the police, a heavy exchange of fire took place between security personnel and Naxalites after forces surrounded the Naxals in the forest. “We had received information of the presence of 40-50 Naxalites who had come together for a meeting.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Two terrorists were killed on Saturday as the alert troops of the army foiled an infiltration bid at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kupwara district. Officials said that two unidentified terrorists were killed by the army in the Gugaldhar area of Kupwara district when an infiltration bid from across the LoC was foiled by them.
Srinagar headquartered 15 Corps of the army posted on its X: “Two terrorists have been eliminated by the security forces in the ongoing Operation GUGALDHAR. War-like stores have been recovered. Search of the area is underway and Operation is in progress.”
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), provided a detailed update on the much-anticipated Tejas MkII program during a press briefing on Friday. He outlined key milestones for the program and emphasized the need for greater collaboration with the private sector to expedite the production and operationalization of the indigenous fighter jets. The CAS also reflected on past delays in the Tejas Mk1 project and stressed the importance of learning from those experiences to ensure smoother development for future platforms.
Air Chief Marshal Singh confirmed that the Tejas MkII is on track for its first flight next year, marking a crucial step forward for India’s indigenous fighter program. The research and development (R&D) phase for the Tejas MkII is set to conclude by December 2027, with the IAF planning to induct the first units by 2028. The IAF has already committed to acquiring at least 120 Tejas MkII jets, which are expected to fill a vital role in the force’s combat fleet, especially as older aircraft are phased out.
Continue reading