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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has received enthusiastic responses from over a dozen private sector companies regarding its tender for the manufacturing of aircraft structural assemblies for the upcoming Tejas Mk-2, Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs. These companies, already involved in the manufacturing of the fuselage for the Tejas Mk1A, are keen to expand their roles in India’s burgeoning defence aerospace sector.

The tender is part of ADA’s strategic initiative to enhance the involvement of Indian private companies in defence manufacturing. The move comes as India aims to bolster its indigenous capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical military assets. With combined orders of nearly 400 units anticipated over the next two decades, the stakes are high, and the participation of private players will be pivotal.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India is making significant strides in its Submarine Shipbuilding Program, particularly with the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) that will also function as guided missile submarines (SSGNs). This initiative represents a strategic enhancement of India’s naval capabilities, focusing on both land-attack and anti-ship operations.

As the Indian Navy collaborates with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a new generation of long-range cruise missiles is set to emerge, effectively doubling the strike capabilities of existing systems.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is making significant strides in its commitment to the development of the SWiFT stealth UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) program, a move driven by the performance shortcomings of traditional short- and medium-range UAVs and the operational challenges faced by conventional UAVs, particularly their vulnerability to detection and engagement, have underscored the need for advanced capabilities that can operate effectively in modern warfare environments.

The recent conflicts have demonstrated that traditional UAVs can be easily detected and targeted, relegating them to secondary roles on the battlefield. As such, the IAF’s push for the SWiFT program reflects a strategic pivot towards incorporating stealth technology into its unmanned systems.

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SOURCE: AFI

At the Airshow China in Zhuhai, the United Engine Corporation (UEC), a part of the Russian state corporation Rostec, is making waves by presenting a fifth-generation engine for operational-tactical aviation to an international audience for the first time. The press release highlights that UEC’s showcase includes not only the latest fifth-generation engine but also an updated line of engines from the renowned AL-31F/FN family, as well as the new SM-100 engine. Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec, emphasized that this marks a significant debut for these advanced propulsion technologies on the global stage.

The AL-31F/FN engine family has been a cornerstone for various fighter jets and remains an essential component of UEC’s engine line. Originally developed by Salyut for the Chengdu J-10, the AL-31FN variant offers enhanced thrust, reaching up to 12.7 tonnes-force. This variant incorporates a redesigned gearbox, repositioned from the top to the bottom of the engine, which optimizes its configuration for the J-10 platform. Subsequent upgrades to the AL-31FN series have bolstered its performance, with the Series 3 variant increasing thrust output to an impressive 13.7 tonnes-force.

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SOURCE: AFI

Japan has recently proposed forming a security alliance—often referred to as an “Asian NATO”—with the United States, India, and other key Indo-Pacific nations to counter China’s growing influence and assertiveness in the region. The idea has stirred debate within Indian strategic circles, raising important questions about India’s role in regional security, the benefits and risks of a more formalized military alliance, and the impact of such an alliance on India’s complex relationship with China.

The idea of an “Asian NATO” refers to a formalized regional security pact, akin to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which would commit member countries to collective defense against threats, primarily from China. Although the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the United States serves as a security forum, it is not a formal military alliance and avoids direct defense commitments. Japan’s proposal aims to go further, potentially establishing a structured alliance for joint defense and coordinated military strategies across the Indo-Pacific.

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SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force are expected to initiate the termination of their transportation contracts with Uber, citing security and data privacy concerns, according to sources within the defense sector. The contract, originally aimed at providing affordable transportation services to the family members of defense personnel, has come under scrutiny due to fears surrounding data access and potential security vulnerabilities.

The primary reason for reconsidering the contracts with Uber stems from data security concerns. Sources report that defense officials are concerned about the personal data of service members and their families becoming accessible to third parties. In particular, there is an apprehension that this data could be susceptible to breaches by hackers who might target sensitive personal and locational information, raising the specter of security risks.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.

In a significant development for India’s defense aerospace sector, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has initiated the evaluation of control laws for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2, marking a crucial step in the aircraft’s developmental progress. The evaluation process, undertaken in 2023-24, specifically focused on the control laws governing the aircraft’s take-off phase, with pilots actively participating in the testing loop.

The LCA Mk2, a next-generation iteration of the Tejas Mk1, features numerous enhancements, including a more powerful engine, extended range, and increased payload capacity. Control laws, or “flight control laws,” are algorithms that dictate how an aircraft responds to pilot inputs and environmental factors, playing a critical role in ensuring safe, stable, and efficient flight performance. For the LCA Mk2, these control laws are essential for enabling precise maneuverability and optimal stability across various flight phases.

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SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Telangana-based BluJ Aerospace Pvt. Ltd is set to revolutionize urban and regional air transportation with its innovative BluJ Hop vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Powered by hydrogen, the BluJ Hop promises a quieter, cleaner, and safer flying experience while maximizing performance.

Designed for long-range regional travel and high payload capacity, the BluJ Hop aims to redefine the standards for sustainable, commercially viable air transportation. By utilizing hydrogen as a fuel, the aircraft minimizes noise pollution and reduces its environmental footprint, making it an ideal solution for urban and regional areas.

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SOURCE: AFI

With recent delays in the supply of F-404 engines from General Electric (GE) Aerospace, India’s Tejas Mk1A program is facing potential delivery setbacks. This has raised questions about the feasibility of switching to the more advanced GE F-414 engines, currently planned for the Tejas Mk2. While the F-414 offers higher thrust and performance benefits, integrating it into the Tejas Mk1A airframe would require extensive modifications.

This article explores the technical feasibility, dimensional differences, and challenges of retrofitting F-414 engines into the Tejas Mk1A.

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SOURCE: AFI

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The Dassault Rafale, widely regarded as one of the most advanced multirole fighters in the world, is celebrated for its exceptional blend of agility, versatility, and low observability. Since its conception, stealth—often referred to as “low observability”—has been an integral design requirement for the Rafale. Former Dassault Aviation Vice President Bruno Revellin-Falcoz famously highlighted that the Rafale C’s frontal sector radar cross-section (RCS) is comparable to that of a sparrow, underscoring the focus on minimizing its detectability. This focus on stealth is evident in the aerodynamic construction of the Rafale’s airframe, its radar-absorbent materials (RAM), and the low observable characteristics built into its M88 engines, making it a formidable platform in both air superiority and ground strike missions.

From the outset, Dassault envisioned the Rafale as a highly survivable aircraft capable of operating in hostile environments with minimal risk of detection. This necessitated the incorporation of stealth features into the Rafale’s design, primarily to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS) and limit the potential for radar-based detection. France prioritized this capability due to the changing nature of modern warfare, where advanced radar and missile systems posed increased threats. By minimizing RCS, the Rafale could operate with greater freedom and flexibility, avoiding enemy radars while performing reconnaissance, ground strikes, or air combat missions.

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SOURCE: AFI

In a significant milestone for India-Russia defense cooperation, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to induct the guided-missile frigate Tushil on December 9 at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. This highly anticipated induction, reported by Sputnik India, marks the arrival of the first of four advanced frigates under construction for the Indian Navy, strengthening India’s maritime capabilities amid evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Tushil frigate, an advanced stealth ship equipped with state-of-the-art weapons systems, is part of Project 11356, a collaborative effort between Russia and India to enhance the Indian Navy’s surface combatant fleet. These guided-missile frigates are designed for multi-role functionality, capable of executing air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat missions with agility and precision. The frigate’s Russian name, Tushil, aptly signifies “protector” in Sanskrit, symbolizing its intended role in safeguarding India’s maritime borders and interests.

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SOURCE: AFI

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Kazakhstan’s UKTMP JSC have formed a joint venture, IREUK Titanium Ltd., to produce high-grade titanium slag from ilmenite deposits in Odisha. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen India’s titanium value chain and boost the domestic production of titanium pigment and sponge.

The joint venture is a significant milestone in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance and industrial growth. It aligns with the DAE’s Platinum Jubilee year, marking a new era of international cooperation and innovation.

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SOURCE: AFI

Amid a wave of incidents targeting Hindu temples in Canada, Hindu Canadians are voicing their anger and organizing to protect their religious spaces and communities from further defacement and intimidation. The tensions have ignited calls for a boycott of Khalistani-affiliated businesses that are suspected of supporting anti-Hindu actions and fostering division within Canada’s diverse immigrant population.

Following recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canadian cities, there has been a growing movement among Hindu Canadians to identify businesses and individuals associated with Khalistani support and influence. This comes after an attack on a prominent Hindu temple that has stirred fear, frustration, and resolve within the Hindu community. Many feel that Hindu Canadians are being unfairly targeted due to their opposition to Khalistani demands, which call for a separate Sikh state thousands of kilometers away.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Ministry of Defence is progressing toward finalizing an extensive upgrade plan for 84 of its SU-30MKI fighter jets under the “Super Sukhoi” program, marking a major step in the modernization of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Following the Defense Acquisition Council’s (DAC) approval on November 30, 2023, the draft proposal for the upgrade, valued at approximately ?63,000 crore, is now pending clearance by the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). This ambitious project aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the SU-30MKI, transforming it into a near fifth-generation platform, though it will lack certain stealth features.

Once the CCS grants approval, a formal contract will initiate the project, with the first upgraded aircraft expected to be rolled out after three and half years. The timeline for the complete development and flight testing process is projected to span seven years. This process includes integrating advanced avionics, new radar systems, enhanced electronic warfare (EW) suites, and more powerful engines. Notably, two test-bed aircraft will be modified to the Super Sukhoi configuration, providing a basis for the comprehensive testing of new systems.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in the process of developing a lighter variant of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for a more mobile, lightweight artillery system.

This new Towed Gun System (TGS) is designed to feature a 23-litre chamber capacity and a lighter barrel, which will bring its weight under the 15-ton threshold mandated by the Army. The TGS is intended to meet the Army’s growing need for agile, high-performance artillery, with plans to procure approximately 1,200 units in the future, starting with an initial order of 400 guns.

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