SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In recent months, reports of China’s development of a 6th-generation fighter jet have raised concerns among defence analysts and military experts, especially in countries like India. However, according to a senior official of the Indian Air Force (IAF) speaking to idrw.org, these concerns might be premature, given that China’s touted 6th-gen aircraft is still powered by the WS-10C engine, a 4th-generation jet engine. While China’s ambitious plans to develop next-generation fighter jets are undeniably significant, the reliance on an older engine technology for their 6th-gen fighter represents a crucial technological gap that the IAF can take advantage of.
The WS-10C engine, which powers China’s current 5th-generation fighters such as the J-20 and is expected to feature in their 6th-gen fighter jet, is a 4th-generation engine. This means that despite the advanced airframe and futuristic features expected from China’s 6th-gen fighter, it is still limited by the performance constraints of its engine. The WS-10C is an improved version of earlier Chinese engines, and while it has been crucial in enhancing the performance of China’s existing fleet, it does not meet the high-performance standards required for a true 6th-generation fighter. This gap in engine technology could hinder the aircraft’s ability to deliver on the promises of next-generation capabilities, including supercruise, hypersonic speeds, and sustained high-speed flight—all of which are essential features for future air superiority.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant move towards bolstering innovation in the aerospace sector, Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL). This partnership aims to delve into groundbreaking areas like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as announced by Tata Elxsi in a company filing on January 7.
The collaboration, dubbed ‘Strategic Partnership for Advanced Air Mobility’, seeks to leverage the profound aeronautical knowledge of CSIR-NAL alongside Tata Elxsi’s prowess in technology and design to serve both the global and Indian markets. This alliance is poised to accelerate the development of cutting-edge air mobility solutions, positioning both entities at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant shift towards bolstering its coastal defense capabilities, the Indian Navy is reportedly considering the procurement of more advanced 155mm Howitzer guns. This move aims at enhancing low-cost anti-ship and coastal defense operations, particularly for engaging near-shore targets, marking a departure from the currently deployed 105mm Light Field Guns.
The Indian Navy’s current setup for coastal artillery includes the 105mm Light Field Gun, which has served its purpose but lacks the range and firepower necessary in modern naval warfare scenarios. These guns, while effective in their time, do not match the extended reach or the punch required to counter contemporary threats from surface ships or to provide robust defense along India’s extensive coastline.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s strategic defense community is expressing caution regarding the recent French offer to co-develop an engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This skepticism stems from past experiences with French aerospace giant Safran, previously known as Snecma, in a collaboration that proved largely unproductive.
In the late 2010s, India embarked on a journey to upgrade its indigenous Kaveri engine through a partnership with Snecma. The aim was to enhance the engine’s performance, particularly for use in the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). However, after four years of discussions, the collaboration was mired in challenges, primarily due to Snecma’s reluctance to share pivotal technologies.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been a prominent player in the development of indigenous defense technologies, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which has gained significant recognition. HAL’s proposed new aircraft, the HLFT-42 (Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer), is designed to serve as a supersonic trainer and light fighter aircraft. While the aircraft is still in its conceptual phase, it is expected to play a pivotal role in providing advanced training to pilots before transitioning to more complex fighter jets.
However, the HLFT-42 could face substantial challenges in the global defense export market. The emergence of cheaper, more advanced supersonic fighter trainers, such as the T-7 Red Hawk from Boeing and Hurjet from Turkey, presents a formidable threat to the HLFT-42’s success in international markets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) is set to revolutionize India’s naval aviation capabilities as a specialized naval variant of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). Designed to meet the diverse operational requirements of the Indian Navy, the DBMRH will incorporate advanced technology, including a planned Airborne Early Warning (AEW) variant equipped with a state-of-the-art radar system. This radar system’s technical specifications promise to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency.
The DBMRH’s AEW variant, equipped with this advanced radar, will serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy. It will enable the detection and tracking of airborne and surface threats, support maritime domain awareness, and provide early warning of potential adversarial activity. These capabilities will significantly enhance fleet protection, maritime surveillance, and network-centric warfare.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In an intriguing blend of traditional ingenuity and modern warfare, the Indian Army has introduced tractor-mounted Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), igniting debates on platforms like X about whether this is a case of resourceful ‘Jugaad’ or a strategic move to evade drone detection in potential border conflicts.
The term ‘Jugaad’—Hindi for an innovative fix or a makeshift solution—has often been used to describe India’s knack for improvisation, particularly in challenging scenarios with limited resources. The use of farm tractors to mount ATGMs is seen by some as a reflection of this philosophy. With the Indian military facing budget constraints and delays in procuring state-of-the-art armored vehicles, the tractor-based system represents a cost-effective, quick-to-deploy solution. This approach allows the army to enhance its anti-tank capabilities without the need for extensive investment in new military hardware.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
BSF jawans were attacked by Bangladeshi cattle smugglers on the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Thursday night, a statement from the paramilitary force said.
In a retaliatory action carried out in self-defence, the jawans successfully foiled the smuggling attempt and recovered 10 bulls, it added. The incident took place at Khutadah border outpost (BOP), where BSF personnel saw smugglers approaching the border fence from the Indian side with cattle. Simultaneously, smugglers from the Bangladesh side crossed the international border into India.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today chaired a high-level review of ISRO’s major upcoming space missions for 2025, alongside outgoing Chairman Dr. S. Somnath, his successor Dr. V. Narayanan, and other senior officials, including Mr. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of IN-SPACe.
With ambitious projects on the horizon, including the first “uncrewed” orbital mission under “Gaganyaan”, India’s space exploration efforts are poised for groundbreaking achievements.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported extension of visa was unrelated to Dhaka’s request for her extradition to stand trial.
“We have requested India to return Sheikh Hasina as a Bangladeshi citizen. Her status in India has no relevance to this request. It is not a matter of our consideration,” a foreign office spokesman told journalists in a weekly media briefing.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The government has invited officials from all countries, including Pakistan, that were once part of undivided India to mark 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have been invited to join the celebrations. Representatives from the Middle East and Southwest Asia are also on the guest list.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, chairman of the Chairperson of United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), has been advocating for the rights of Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir PoJK people and their struggle for freedom since 1999.
In a recent interview with the Mirror Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri shared his perspectives on the ongoing situation in PoJK, Pakistan’s political and economic challenges, and the international dynamics surrounding the region.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Karnataka government has banned the flying of all sub-conventional aerial platforms from February 10 to 14, while ‘Aero India 2025’ is in progress.
The prohibitory order was issued on Thursday.India’s biennial aerospace exhibition Aero India will be held at Yelahanka on the outskirts of Bengaluru from February 10-14 and it will showcase the country as an emerging hub for manufacturing of military aircraft, helicopters, equipment and new-age avionics.The order was issued by B Dayananda, Commissioner of Police and Additional District Magistrate of Bengaluru City exercising the powers conferred under section Los or the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhitam (BNSS).
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Army will organise a “Know Your Army Mela” on January 11 at the Manekshaw Parade Ground on Cubbon Road here. The Army is inviting Bengalureans to join them for a day of adventure, cultural activities, and equipment displays, according to a statement from the Defence Public Relations Office.
The Mela will take place from 8 am to 4 pm. “Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will be the chief guest of the event, which will be open to all with free entry. The event offers a platform to interact with and understand the lives of soldiers who protect our borders,” the statement read.The event will feature para-motor gliding, tank displays, a daredevil motorcycle show, drone demonstrations, combat bridge-laying, the experience of driving Army vehicles through simulators, and cultural programmes by Army soldiers.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Friday that based on the current information about the Maoist activities in the state, the six individuals, who surrendered recently, are believed to be the last surviving in the state.
Speaking to reporters, he responded to questions on one of the Maoists, Ravindra, remaining elusive even though the government claimed that Karnataka is now a “Maoist-free state”.
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