SOURCE: AFI
India is gearing up to introduce smaller nuclear reactors into the energy market by modifying its existing 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). This strategic move aims to pave the way for private sector participation in the nuclear power industry.
According to RB Grover, a member of the Atomic Energy Commission, the existing PHWR design, which powers several nuclear plants across the country, is undergoing modifications to be adapted as Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs). Grover emphasized that the changes are incremental and minimal, with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) currently finalizing the necessary drawings.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
: India has issued notifications for a naval firing exercise in the Bay of Bengal region, spanning from August 17 to September 1, 2024. This development has drawn significant attention due to the concurrent presence of China’s research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, operating in close proximity to the designated naval firing zone.
The Indian Navy’s planned exercise is a routine operation aimed at enhancing combat readiness and operational capabilities. However, the overlap in the operational areas of the Indian Navy and the Chinese research vessel has raised eyebrows. While Beijing maintains that its vessel is engaged in scientific research, the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the situation.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
In a significant development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Washington later this month, where he is expected to address the critical issue of delays in the supply of GE-F404 turbofan engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the American firm General Electric (GE). This delay has become a primary factor impacting the delivery timeline of 83 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF), a deal valued at ?46,898 crore that was finalized in February 2021.
The GE-F404 engine is the heart of the Tejas Mk1A, India’s indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA). Under the agreement, the IAF is to receive 83 upgraded Tejas Mark-1A jets from HAL, with deliveries originally expected to commence in 2023. However, the delay in engine supply from GE has posed a significant hurdle in meeting the delivery schedule.
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Lekha Wireless has made significant strides in the field of wireless communication by successfully demonstrating the capabilities of its Software Defined Radio (SDR) with advanced Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) radios to the Indian Army.
The company’s technology, which boasts below noise floor communication and an impressive frequency hopping rate of over 5000 hops per second, has garnered significant praise from the Army’s elite technical officers. The demonstrated features, including secure voice communication in LPI/LPD mode and applications like situational awareness and messaging, have left a lasting impression.
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The Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its artillery capabilities by collaborating with private vendors for the development of the 155mm Towed Gun System (TGS). In July 2024, AWEIL released an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the selection of a strategic partner for a long-term collaboration agreement. This agreement aims to facilitate the co-development and co-production of the TGS, with leading contenders such as Tata and L&T at the forefront of this collaboration.
As part of the TGS program, AWEIL is expected to offer its Dhanush 155×52 Towed Gun System. This system is an upgraded version of the Dhanush 155×45 Calibre Gun, which faced significant delays and quality control issues during its development. The earlier program was delayed by four years due to these challenges, and AWEIL is keen to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
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Big Bang Boom Solutions, a Chennai-based technology firm, is on the cusp of a major breakthrough in defense technology. The company is in advanced negotiations with a UK-based company for the export of its innovative ‘See-Through Armor’ (STA) system, designed to provide tank crews with a 360-degree view of their surroundings.
The STA system, also known as the 360 Active Battle Interface, is a revolutionary technology that utilizes multiple RGB and thermal cameras strategically placed around the armored vehicle. This advanced setup offers tank crews a comprehensive, real-time view of their environment, including an 8x digital zoom capability, through a Heads-Up Display (HUD). The system boasts impressive detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) ranges for both humans and vehicles, ensuring superior situational awareness.
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MRF, a leading tyre manufacturer in India, has unveiled its latest innovation, the ‘Aero-Muscle’ tyre, specifically designed for the upcoming Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2. The tyre was showcased during the recent ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise at Sulur Airbase.
The LCA Tejas Mk2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, featuring increased size and power. To complement these advancements, MRF has developed a tyre that is not only larger but also exceptionally robust. The ‘Aero-Muscle’ tyre is engineered to withstand the heightened speeds, loads, and demanding operational conditions of the LCA Mk2.
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Boeing is intensifying its focus on India, aiming to transform the country into a pivotal hub for research, development, and supply chain operations. The American aerospace giant is seeking to bolster its presence in the country through strategic partnerships, increased sourcing, and expanded maintenance and training capabilities.
A recent substantial investment in a Bengaluru technology center underscores Boeing’s commitment to India. This facility will focus on developing advanced cabin products and digital solutions, catering to the needs of both Boeing and Airbus operators.
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A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s naval modernization as INS Tushil, the first of two stealth frigates being built for the Indian Navy by Russia, departed Baltiysk for sea trials.
As part of a USD 2.5 billion deal, approximately 200 Indian Navy personnel are currently in Russia to oversee the acceptance trials of this advanced warship. Christened ‘Tushil’, meaning ‘shield’ in Sanskrit, the frigate is expected to join the Indian Navy by mid-September if all trials are successful.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s maritime capabilities, Japan is set to supply advanced naval ship antennas to its Quad ally. Developed by NEC and other Japanese companies, the NORA-50 antennas are renowned for their ability to rapidly detect missiles and drones, a critical capability in modern naval warfare.
These cutting-edge antennas, currently deployed on Japan’s most advanced escort ships, offer a unique combination of functionalities. Integrated into a single, horn-shaped structure, they house multiple antennas for tactical data link, TACAN, and communication purposes. This design significantly reduces the radar cross-section (RCS), making the equipped vessel harder to detect by enemy radar systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, recognizing the growing importance of closer cooperation in the current geopolitical landscape. During their meeting, the two leaders identified numerous areas for enhanced collaboration, with a particular focus on defence and security.
A key highlight of the discussions was India’s proposal to offer Vietnam the technology transfer for the production of the Akash 1S air defence system. This advanced weapon system, already in service with the Indian Army and Air Force, has proven its effectiveness in multiple operational scenarios. By offering technology transfer (ToT), India aims to bolster Vietnam’s defence capabilities and deepen bilateral defence cooperation.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development, General Atomics has agreed to increase the Indian content in its MQ-9B HALE UAVs from the initial 7-8% to a substantial 16-20%. This decision comes after the Indian Ministry of Defence expressed dissatisfaction with the earlier level of indigenous content.
India is in the process of acquiring 31 MQ-9B UAVs for its tri-services, a deal valued at over $3 billion. The increased focus on indigenous content is in line with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
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The certification process for the upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is in its final stages. According to the latest update, the crucial milestone is expected to be achieved within the next month. Once certified, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) can resume deliveries of the advanced fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The first Tejas Mk1A took to the skies in March this year, initiating a rigorous series of certification trials encompassing new systems, radar, and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). The successful completion of these tests is a significant step forward for the indigenous fighter program.
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A significant stride in India’s defense indigenization has been marked with the successful development and trials of the ASMI 9mm machine pistol. The brainchild of DRDO ARDE Lab Scientist Dr. Bhupinder Singh in collaboration with Col Prasad, the ASMI has cleared rigorous testing by the Army, Navy, and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Two domestic companies, SAF Kanpur and Lokesh Machines, Hyderabad, have been entrusted with the production of the ASMI. A substantial initial order for 550 units has been placed by the Indian Army’s Northern Command, underscoring the confidence reposed in the weapon.
SOURCE: AFI
Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd. has received a significant boost to its order book with its associate company, Controp-Paras Technologies Pvt Ltd, securing a substantial order worth Rs 305 crore from Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
The contract entails the manufacturing and supply of 244 units of the advanced Sight-25 HD Electro-Optics (EO) System. This cutting-edge technology is set to enhance the capabilities of L&T’s Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) program, a critical component of India’s naval defense infrastructure.
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