SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Russia’s Rosoboronexport has proposed its Su-35 multi-role fighter for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ambitious Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to procure 114 advanced fighters. According to Rosoboronexport officials, the company has ramped up Su-35 production to double-digit levels, despite the ongoing war, and is prepared to deliver the required quantity to India should the Su-35 be selected.
The Su-35, an advanced and highly manoeuvrable multirole fighter, boasts a range of capabilities that align with IAF requirements for air superiority and ground attack roles. Equipped with an upgraded AL-41F engine—an advanced iteration of the AL-31F used in India’s existing Su-30MKI fleet—the Su-35 promises both ease of transition for IAF pilots and significant performance enhancements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is set to begin trials for the much-anticipated Mounted Gun Systems (MGS), with three contenders from India’s defence industry preparing to showcase their artillery solutions. The Army’s requirement for around 300 units of MGS has prompted significant competition between DRDO-Kalyani, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL).
DRDO, in collaboration with Kalyani Group, has developed a 155mm/52 calibre Mounted Artillery Gun System (MGS), which is already undergoing company trials. Mounted on a BEML-developed Tatra 8×8 chassis, the DRDO-Kalyani MGS is designed for high mobility, allowing the rapid deployment of artillery firepower in diverse terrains.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is developing a cutting-edge Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC) for India’s 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fighter jet program. This next-gen DFCC will feature a core processor offering nearly 25 times the computing power of the DFCCs seen on the Tejas Mk1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII aircraft.
In a modern fighter jet, the DFCC plays a crucial role in managing flight control systems and ensuring the aircraft’s stability, manoeuvrability, and overall performance. It acts as the brain behind the aircraft’s flight control operations, processing data from sensors and input devices and sending real-time commands to the aircraft’s control surfaces, engines, and avionics.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
For over two decades, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been grappling with the urgent need to replenish its dwindling fighter squadron strength, a need that first became painfully evident during the 1999 Kargil War. The call to procure 126 new fighter jets, identified as critical to maintaining India’s air superiority, has since spiraled into a complex web of political delays, bureaucratic red tape, and shifting priorities.
Despite successive governments, from the Congress-led UPA to the BJP-led NDA, no administration has successfully navigated the complex defense procurement process to deliver a full fleet of modern fighter jets to the IAF. Today, as the IAF continues to grapple with depleting squadron strength, the blame for this 25-year debacle lies squarely at the feet of political indecision and a flawed procurement process.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The highly anticipated Russian Su-57 stealth fighter has arrived at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, showcasing its advanced capabilities on the international stage. In a much-anticipated move, legendary test pilot Sergey Bogdan, renowned for his exceptional skill and contributions to the Su-57 program, is slated to pilot the aircraft during the airshow. The Su-57, Russia’s premier fifth-generation fighter, is set to demonstrate its agility and advanced technology to the global audience, generating considerable excitement among defense enthusiasts and aviation experts.
The Su-57, also known as “Felon” by NATO, is Russia’s answer to modern aerial combat demands, built to rival platforms like the American F-22 and F-35. Developed by Sukhoi, the Su-57 integrates stealth, super-maneuverability, and advanced avionics in a single platform, making it a formidable player in the realm of fifth-generation fighters. The Zhuhai Airshow provides a unique opportunity for Russia to display the Su-57’s capabilities, especially as global interest in advanced combat aircraft surges.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent development, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (RMAF) officially confirmed that the Indian WhAP 8×8 Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) outperformed the Chinese Type-08 during a series of rigorous trials. According to information from the Atlantic Observatory, these tests were part of Morocco’s international tender process, aimed at selecting a reliable 8×8 AFV for the RMAF, with the stipulation that any selected vehicle must come with the ability to transfer technology and establish a local production line in Morocco. In a highly competitive trial, India’s WhAP 8×8 AFV emerged as the superior choice.
The trials, which began with the WhAP 8×8’s arrival in Morocco in 2022, lasted over four months. The vehicles underwent extensive testing across varied terrains, including mountainous and hard-to-reach areas that were especially challenging. The WhAP, designed by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India, met and exceeded RMAF’s performance benchmarks. In contrast, the Chinese Type-08, developed by NORINCO (also known as 08-ZBL), struggled during these tests, encountering technical issues that ultimately contributed to its elimination from consideration.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India is on the verge of a historic achievement with the near-completion of the nation’s highest airfield at Mudh-Nyoma in Eastern Ladakh, perched at a staggering 13,700 feet above sea level. Situated close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), this airfield is not only a marvel of high-altitude engineering but also a strategic asset poised to bolster India’s defense capabilities and regional connectivity.
The Mudh-Nyoma airfield, with its 3-kilometer-long runway, is designed to support emergency military operations and rapidly deploy resources as needed. In recent years, the heightened tensions along the LAC have underscored the importance of robust infrastructure for quick response and sustained operations. The airfield’s high altitude and proximity to the LAC make it a game-changer, providing the Indian Armed Forces with greater operational flexibility and a secure launch point for surveillance and defense missions.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Sarang Helicopter display team of the Indian Air Force left from Sulur Airbase on Sunday for Bahrain International Air Show 2024 at Sakhir Airbase starting on November 13.
The team left for Bahrain in a mighty C-17 aircraft along with peacock-colored helicopters and essential gear. In a post on X, the Indian Air Force said, “Taking flight to Bahrain. The Sarang Helicopter Display Team lifted off from Sulur Airbase, packed into a mighty C-17 along with their vibrant peacock-coloured helicopters and essential gear.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
India and China have made “some progress” in disengagement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday, describing it as a “welcome” move which opens up the possibility that other steps could happen.
His comment comes days after Indian and Chinese troops completed disengagement at two friction points at Demchok and Depsang Plains in eastern Ladakh. The Indian Army commenced verification patrolling at Depsang while patrolling at Demchok started on Friday.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Foreign affairs expert Sushant Sareen expressed concerns regarding Canada’s audio and video surveillance of Indian diplomats, condemning it as a breach of diplomatic traditions. He also highlighted the deteriorating relationship between Canada and India and asserted that “there is no scope for improvement.” While speaking with ANI, Sareen said, “The action being taken by Canadian authorities against the Indian High Commission, is against diplomatic traditions… So far, we have been saying that Canada is not an issue for India, but the Canadian government is.
But we are increasingly realising that relations between Canada’s political system and India are deteriorating. And there is no scope for improvement.” Sareen further said that the Indian government must think about its approach, as mere protests and warnings of severe consequences are ineffective. He said, “The traditional diplomacy that we were trying to do with Canada will not work now.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
After Khalistani extremists attacked Hindu-Canadian devotees within the Hindu Sabha temple premises in Brampton, Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya condemned the violence and said that a “red line has been crossed” by Khalistani extremists, highlighting the rise of brazen violent extremism in Canada. Arya shared a video of the attack on X and wrote, “A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today.
The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada.” He added, “I begin to feel that there is a small grain of truth in the reports that in addition to Canadian political apparatus, Khalistanis have effectively infiltrated into our law enforcement agencies.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned the recent attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton by Khalistani extremists. Emphasising the importance of religious freedom, Trudeau asserted that every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. Sharing a post on X, Trudeau wrote, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely. “Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident,” the post added.
Earlier, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Poilievre further stated that Conservatives condemn the attack and promised to unite the people and end the chaos. Sharing a post on X, Poilievre wrote, “Completely unacceptable to see violence targeting worshippers at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today.” “All Canadians should be free to practice their faith in peace. Conservatives condemn this violence unequivocally.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
In 1951, an assistant political officer of the erstwhile North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and the present-day Arunachal Pradesh carried out an audacious operation to bring Tawang under the Indian Union.
Seventy-three years later, a museum of valour has been inaugurated in Tawang in memory of the unsung hero, Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing. The museum was inaugurated virtually by Defence Minster Rajnath Singh on Thursday from Tezpur in Assam as he could not fly to Tawang due to bad weather.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Two Chhattisgarh Police constables were injured when Naxalites, dressed as civilians, attacked them with sharp weapons at a weekly market in the insurgency-hit Sukma district on Sunday morning, an official said.
Naxalites also took away the service rifles of the two personnel following the incident which took place when the police were deployed on security duty at the market in Jagargunda village, he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
A United States (US) citizen was detained at Chennai International Airport on Sunday. Airport officials told IANS that the US national was detained for carrying a satellite phone which is not allowed for personal use in India and is banned during travel through Indian airports.
As per rules set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Union Home Ministry, satellite phones are banned in India for personal use.
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