SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Dassault Aviation has projected India to become one of the largest operators of the Rafale fighter jet globally, following the French Air Force and Navy. With the Indian Air Force (IAF) already possessing 36 Rafales and the recent approval for 26 Rafale Marine fighters for the Indian Navy, India’s Rafale fleet is set to expand significantly.
Dassault’s optimism stems from the potential for further Rafale exports to India. The company has offered to manufacture Rafale jets in India to meet the IAF’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) for 114 jets. This proposal positions India as a key market for the Rafale, solidifying Dassault’s lead in the export of this advanced fighter aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Nigerian Army has announced its plans to acquire four Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) through a soft credit arrangement as reported by ” Financial Express Online “. This decision comes amidst escalating violence in the region, fueled by the resurgence of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) following the recent withdrawal of French forces from the Sahel.
The Nigerian Army’s choice of the LCH over other contenders, such as TAI’s T-129 ATAK helicopter, was reportedly influenced by cost considerations. The LCH, a domestically developed Indian helicopter, is believed to offer a more cost-effective solution for the Nigerian Army’s requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is exploring the integration of heavy cargo drones to enhance connectivity in high-altitude regions. According to sources within the establishment, the Army is considering deploying these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for last-mile delivery of essential supplies.
Discussions are currently underway with stakeholders to identify suitable cargo-carrying UAVs capable of transporting significant payloads. The Army aims to acquire new drones that can meet the specific requirements of high-altitude operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the first phase of field firing trials of the Zorawar Light Tank, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities. The trials, which took place in a controlled environment, garnered widespread attention due to the tank’s notably low recoil performance. Defence industry experts were impressed by the tank’s superior stability, especially when compared to its potential adversary, the Chinese Type-15 Light Tank.
One of the standout features observed during the trials was the Zorawar’s exceptionally low recoil when firing from a static position. The Zorawar Light Tank currently mounts a 105mm John Cockerill low-recoil gun, which significantly reduces the movement of the vehicle during firing. This stability is not only crucial for maintaining accuracy but also contributes to the overall durability and comfort of the vehicle and its crew.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Engine Factory Avadi (EFA), a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has announced it’s working on in-house development of an engine codenamed “Arjun.” This news raises questions as it appears similar to the MTU 838 Ka-501 engine currently powering India’s Arjun Mk1 MBTs.
Earlier reports from idrw.org suggested EFA was localizing the MTU 838 engine with Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) due to the German manufacturer, MTU, ceasing production. EFA hasn’t confirmed if they’re now aiming for full-fledged domestic production.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), expressed optimism about the growing global demand for Indian defense products. Speaking at the India Defence Expo (IDAX-24), he emphasized that DRDO’s innovations are now gaining traction in international markets.
“Our products are now gaining interest in the international market,” Dr. Kamat stated. He further highlighted that the ongoing IDAX-24 exhibition primarily showcased aeronautical products, but there was also considerable interest in other defense sectors.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, the US Air Force’s ambitious 6th generation fighter jet program, has stirred discussions due to its potential costs. US Air Force recently estimated the cost of each NGAD fighter to be around $300 million per unit. However, this figure has sparked concerns about the affordability and long-term viability of the program, especially since the NGAD’s intended fleet is expected to consist of approximately 200 fighters.
While addressing these concerns, US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall highlighted that no definitive price threshold has been set for the NGAD fighters. He offered a more measured perspective, stating, “I’ll just give you this off the top of my head: The F-35 kind of represents, to me, the upper bounds of what we’d like to pay.” The F-35, considered one of the most advanced 5th generation fighters, currently averages around $82.5 million per unit in the latest production lots, making it a valuable comparison.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Squadron Leader Mohana Singh has become the first woman fighter pilot to join the elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, operating India’s indigenously ‘Made in India’ LCA Tejas fighter jet’s squadron.
One of the first female fighter pilots of the country, Mohana Singh has shattered glass ceilings once again. Her remarkable feat underscores the Indian Air Force’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
With an aim to boost military capabilities in high altitude areas like northern borders, the ‘Him-drone-a-thon-2’ event was conceptualised by the army design bureau at Army headquarters and then in northern command, 14 corps AOR (area of responsibility). Following this, the Army conducted a drone exhibition at an altitude of 15,400 feet at Wari La in Ladakh on Tuesday.
Colonel Abhishek Gunjan, part of the ‘Him-drone-a-thon 2’ organising team, said, “The aim of this event is to give the opportunity to various companies of the Indian drone industry to showcase their products and to give a capability demonstration as to whether the products are fit for operations at this altitude or not.”
Continue readingSOURCE: AP
Pagers used by hundreds of members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded near simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday, killing at least nine people — including an 8-year-old girl — and wounding several thousand, officials said. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government blamed Israel for what appeared to be a sophisticated, remote attack.
A U.S. official said Israel briefed the U.S. on the operation — in which small amounts of explosive secreted in the pagers were detonated — on Tuesday after it was concluded. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the information publicly.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has commenced work on the Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), which is set to bring significant improvements to India’s anti-tank capabilities. According to reports from idrw.org, this new iteration of the Nag ATGM will be mounted on the BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle and is expected to incorporate several performance enhancements, including a minor range increase and a reduction in weight.
One of the notable developments in the Nag Mk II program is that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been appointed as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP). L&T has a long-standing association with DRDO in the development of the Nag ATGM series, having also been the DcPP for the Nag Mk I.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Maraal Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an IIT Kanpur incubated startup, has showcased its innovative Solar Powered Fixed Wing Drone. This groundbreaking technology offers a significant endurance of 12-16 hours, making it ideal for various applications such as Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), maritime scientific research, search and rescue, mapping, environmental protection, and agriculture.
The MARAAL-3 is a high-altitude solar-powered unmanned aircraft capable of reaching a service ceiling of up to 5 kilometers. It can be launched from any location with a small runway of approximately 200 meters. Equipped with high-definition optical and infrared cameras, state-of-the-art sensors, and a ruggedized design, the MARAAL-3 is ready for round-the-clock missions, including border patrolling, target tracking, maritime surveillance, and navigation.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Dornier aircraft, manufactured by HAL, the largest aerospace and defence manufacturer of India, and operated by the Indian Navy, made its debut at the Selangor Aviation Show (SAS2024), Malaysia, from 12-14 September. This marked the first time that an aircraft manufactured by HAL participated in this prestigious aviation event.
The Crown Prince of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, along with the Chief Minister of Selangor, visited the HAL booth and interacted with High Commissioner B N Reddy and the HAL officers. They expressed their appreciation for India’s maiden and active participation in the SAS2024.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making significant strides in the realm of space tourism with the development of a reusable space tourism rocket and capsule. Drawing inspiration from its successful Gaganyaan mission, ISRO aims to provide an unforgettable experience for space enthusiasts by taking them to the edge of space.
The reusable rocket and capsule will transport customers to a minimum altitude of 100 kilometers, which is considered the boundary of space. At this height, passengers will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of zero gravity for approximately 3.5 minutes. The entire flight duration is estimated to be around 8.5 minutes.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Space Philic Private Limited, an Indian space-tech startup, has introduced the RUPAK Launch Vehicle, a versatile dual-use system designed for both civilian and military space operations. The RUPAK is a significant addition to India’s growing space technology landscape.
Alongside the RUPAK, Space Philic has also showcased the Engine Shakti, Engine Vibhu, and GP-300 technologies. These components are integral to the RUPAK launch vehicle, demonstrating the company’s comprehensive approach to space exploration.
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