SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has been given the green light by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to complete the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, specifically tailored for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier needs. In an exclusive interview with idrw.org, ADA officials expressed optimism about the potential for a modified version of the TEDBF to serve the Indian Air Force (IAF), should there be interest.
The TEDBF, a 26-ton aircraft designed for naval operations, could be adapted for Air Force use by removing features like the folding wings and the heavy-duty undercarriage and landing gear, which are essential for carrier operations. This adaptation process, according to ADA officials, could be accomplished in less than two years, presenting a significant opportunity for the IAF to leverage indigenous technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant revelation, a high-ranking official from the Indian Air Force (IAF) has indicated to idrw.org that there is little interest in procuring the Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers. Despite the aircraft being indirectly offered, the IAF seems deterred by the presumed high operational costs and the lack of suitable infrastructure to support such a fleet in India.
The Tu-160, also known as the “White Swan” or “Blackjack” by NATO, is one of the largest and most powerful strategic bombers in the world. Its advanced capabilities, including carrying a range of nuclear and conventional munitions over long distances, come at a steep price. The maintenance, operation, and lifecycle management of these sophisticated aircraft would require a significant investment, which, according to the IAF official, might not be justifiable given the current budgetary constraints and strategic priorities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the cusp of a significant upgrade in India’s aerial combat capabilities with the Astra Mk2 (Astra-2) missile, which is poised to become the primary Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weapon in the Indian arsenal. This development does not, however, diminish the importance of the Astra Mk1 (Astra-1), which remains vital for building a robust domestic supply chain for BVR missiles.
The Astra-2 missile is undergoing rigorous developmental trials, with expectations to complete these by 2026, leading directly into production.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a move to bolster the naval air wing’s capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is poised to formally approve the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. This significant defense deal, which has already received the nod from the Ministry of Defence, is anticipated to be a key agenda during PM Modi’s upcoming visit to Paris.
The deal, pegged at an estimated $7.2 billion, encompasses the procurement of 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater Rafale trainers. These aircraft are tailored for naval operations, designed specifically to operate from aircraft carriers, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational range and combat effectiveness.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A recent audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has shed light on concerning practices within the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the formulation of Aircraft and Systems Qualitative Requirements (ASQRs). Instead of adhering to the spirit of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), which aims for a transparent and competitive procurement process, the IAF has been found to tailor ASQRs based on the technical specifications of already available products in the market.
The audit pointed out that the IAF has been drafting ASQRs by directly copying the technical specifications of products which are already in the commercial domain. Moreover, these requirements have often been based on the inputs provided by vendors in response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the IAF. The DPP envisages the RFI as a tool to gather widespread information that would help in crafting broad, inclusive Qualitative Requirements (QRs) to ensure a level playing field among potential suppliers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In an ambitious move to bolster its indigenous defense capabilities, India is set to significantly increase the production of composites for its burgeoning fighter jet programs. This initiative is driven by the escalating demand for local manufacturing of advanced materials for aircraft like the Tejas M1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII, with production orders expected to exceed 300 units by 2035.
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a key player in aerospace research and development under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has been at the forefront of this technology. NAL has pioneered the use of composites in India’s aircraft programs, including the LCA Tejas and the SARAS, where composites make up a significant portion of the aircraft structure. Now, with the Tejas M1A and MkII projects, the focus is on enhancing these capabilities further, leveraging composites for their lightweight, strength, and durability benefits.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a move bolstering India’s journey towards self-reliance in defense production, Tembo Defence Products Private Limited, a subsidiary of Tembo Global Industries Limited, is poised to ink a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maharashtra government. This agreement is scheduled to be signed at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, marking a pivotal moment for India’s defense sector.
The MOU aims to establish a state-of-the-art defense manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative. This initiative seeks to enhance the domestic manufacturing of defense equipment, reducing reliance on imports and promoting national security through self-sufficiency. The facility is expected to bring cutting-edge technology and innovation to the region, fostering an environment conducive to advanced defense manufacturing.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Defence cooperation and bilateral issues figured prominently in Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s telephonic conversation with the UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey on Thursday. Both reviewed the progress made between the two countries in niche defence technology areas such as electric propulsion and jet engines. They expressed satisfaction over the recent signing of the Statement of Intent on Electric Propulsion, a statement said.
The two ministers also reviewed the ongoing programme on the exchange of military instructors in each other’s training institutes.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved the establishment of the third launch pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, a release said. The Third Launch Pad project envisages the establishment of the launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles of ISRO and also to support the second launch pad at Sriharikota as a standby launch pad.
This will also enhance the launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions. TLP Project, which is of national importance, is designed to have a configuration that is as universal and adaptable as possible that can support not only NGLV but also the LVM 3 vehicles with a semi-cryogenic stage as well as scaled-up configurations of NGLV.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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State-owned SAIL on Thursday said it has supplied 4,000 tonnes of special steel for INS Nilgiri, which was commissioned on Wednesday.
INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vaghsheer were the three Indian Navy warships commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai.Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has supplied the entire 4,000 tonnes of special steel for INS Nilgiri. The special steel provided by SAIL includes DMR 249A grade hot-rolled (HR) sheets and plates, according to an official statement.SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant contributed about 2,000 tonnes of HR sheets and plates, with an additional 1,600 tonnes and 400 tonnes of plates supplied by the Bhilai and Rourkela steel plants, respectively, the Ministry of Steel said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
At the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E Prabowo Subianto will pay a State Visit to India during 25-26 January 2025. President Prabowo will also be the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.
2. This will be President Prabowo’s first visit to India in his capacity as President, after assuming office in October 2024
SOURCE: PTI
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Ahead of a looming ban on TikTok in the United States, US senators have alleged that the Chinese Communist Party-owned platform has interfered in the elections of various countries, including India. A group of lawmakers has called for extending the deadline to shut it down.
Participating in a debate on TikTok, the lawmakers also applauded India’s ban on the social media platform which is highly popular among teenagers and youths.As per a law signed by President Joe Biden a year ago, TikTok faces a ban from US app stores unless the Chinese parent company ByteDance Ltd. divests its American arm by Sunday, January 19.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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The 77th Army Day Parade on Wednesday saw many firsts which included an all-girl marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), an all-woman Agniveer contingent and a pack of nimble four-legged robotic mules.
The annual parade took place at Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and Centre in this historic city of Maharashtra which comes under the Army’s Southern Command. Pune hosted the prestigious parade for the first time. While the Army displayed its military might through some of the latest platforms, the debutants got much eyeballs during and after the event.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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The Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari) Thursday slammed the Punjab government for the arrest warrants issued against 25 farmers and insertion of an attempt to murder charge in the FIR in connection with the 2022 prime minister security breach matter in the state.
Leaders of the farmers’ body said they came to know about the insertion of Section 307 (attempt to murder charge) of the Indian Penal Code in the FIR after the bail plea of one of the protesting farmers was rejected by a court in Ferozepur.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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As many as 12 Naxalites were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Thursday, a senior police official said, days after eight cops lost their lives in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the district.
The gunfight broke out at around 9 am in a forest of south Bijapur when a joint team of security personnel was out an anti-Naxalite operation and the intermittent exchange of fire lasted till late in the evening, he said.
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