SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is poised to take a significant step towards modernization with the upcoming issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for over 1,750 Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICVs) later this year. This follows a Request for Information (RFI) issued in June 2021, outlining the requirements for these indigenously developed armoured vehicles.
The FICV program, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in 2023, aims to replace the ageing fleet of Soviet-era BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles. These new FICVs will provide a substantial boost to the Indian Army’s capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Advanced Weapon Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) is set to significantly ramp up production and delivery of the indigenously developed Dhanush 155mm/45 caliber howitzer to the Indian Army. As part of a larger 114-gun order, the company is committed to handing over an additional 48 Dhanush guns by the end of March 2025.
This development marks a crucial milestone in the Indian Army’s modernization efforts. The Dhanush, an upgraded version of the renowned Bofors howitzer, has undergone rigorous testing and refinement to address initial quality concerns. AWEIL has already delivered 32 Dhanush guns to the Army, with the first batch of six guns inducted in 2019.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making strides to bolster the country’s air defence capabilities. While the development of the VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) progresses, DRDO has begun assembling the MPDMS, a more portable variant.
The VSHORADS, designed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other Indian labs and industry partners, is a significant achievement. This indigenous Man-Portable Air Defence System offers a 7km range and weighs around 20kg (without the tripod) with a length of 2 meters and a diameter of 90mm. While effective, its size and weight limit easy soldier manoeuvrability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A recently viral image on social media showcases the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) mounted on a rotating platform at DRDO’s Open Range RCS Measurement Facility (ORANGE) situated in Dundigal.
ORANGE serves as a crucial testing facility for both existing defense platforms employed by the Indian armed forces and those futuristic weapon systems currently under development by DRDO. The facility boasts the capability to conduct RCS (Radar Cross Section) measurements in a far-field scenario, along with characterizing onboard antenna characteristics. An official, who preferred anonymity, highlighted this aspect.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Apollo Micro Systems (AMS), a rising star in the aerospace and defence sector, has secured a prestigious contract from the Indian Army. The company was selected based on its capabilities for a Make II project under the Defence Acquisition Programme (DAP) 2020.
This project involves the procurement of a Vehicle Mounted Counter Swarm Drone System (VMCSDS), Version I. In a press release, Apollo Micro Systems described the project as “very prestigious” and their first Make II initiative. The company boasts that the systems developed through this project will be “state-of-the-art” and possess highly futuristic qualities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The battlefield of the future will be dominated by those who can best harness technology. This reality is driving a global arms race, with countries like China and India vying for an edge.
On April 19, 2024, China took a significant step by dissolving its Strategic Support Force (SSF) and creating three independent branches: the Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force, and Information Support Force. Analysts offer several explanations for this move, but one key factor appears to be adaptability. Established in 2016, the SSF may not have kept pace with the rapid evolution of warfare. By creating specialized forces, China aims to address potential shortcomings and streamline its technological integration.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The United States and India are joining forces to hold a critical summit focused on propelling defense innovation. The INDUS-X Investor Summit, scheduled for September in Silicon Valley, will bring together stakeholders to leverage private capital and accelerate advancements in the defense sector.
This summit marks a significant step forward for the INDUS-X initiative, a collaborative effort between the US Department of Defense (DoD) and the Indian Ministry of Defense. Major General Pat Ryder, Pentagon Press Secretary, emphasized the summit’s objective: “harnessing private capital for defense innovation.”
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
In a significant milestone, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the first indigenous P1135.6 Frigate on Tuesday. According to an official statement, the vessel is the first of the two Frigates of the P1135.6 Class being constructed at GSL. It is the first time these vessels are being constructed indigenously. With the launch of this frigate Triput, the Indian Navy and GSL continue their march towards self-reliance, making ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ a reality.
This strategic move adds another Defence Shipyard to the league of yards capable of building weapon-intensive platforms. The ship was launched by Adv. Rita Sreedharan, in the presence of PS Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, the Chief Guest for the occasion. The launching ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, and Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL, along with officials from the Ministry of Defence, senior flag officials of the Indian Navy, and GSL employees.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
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In a latest collaboration, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters have formalised a contract to establish the H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India.
The FAL will be the first instance of the private sector setting up a helicopter assembly facility here in India, which will be responsible for the production of Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and the neighbouring countries, according to an official press release from Airbus.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday proposed roping in the private sector to boost the share of nuclear power in India’s energy basket, as it aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Presenting the Union Budget, Sitharaman announced that the government will partner with the private sector to set up Bharat Small Reactors and in the research and development of small modular reactors.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Taking a strong view into the accident involving INS Brahmaputra warship, the Naval headquarters has ordered a detailed probe led by a Rear Admiral to determine the exact causes and establish accountability based on the inquiry report. The warship is resting on one side in the Naval Dockyard after a fire incident on board on Sunday night.
Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has given strict instructions to the officials concerned to be very careful in handling of vital national assets during his visit to Mumbai to review the cause of the accident, Defence Sources told ANI.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan said that the accident involving the INS Brahmaputra warship that is resting on one side in the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, in which one sailor is missing is sad and they are trying to locate him wherever he is. The warship is resting on one side in the Naval Dockyard after a fire incident on board on Sunday night. “It is a sad incident but the navy will inquire into what happened and whatever corrective measures need to be taken will certainly be taken. The ship had a fire, like all of you know and in fighting the fire, a lot of water was used.
Perhaps because of that, some of the stability of the ship may have gotten upset so the ship just tilted to one side and is resting on the jetty,” he said on Tuesday. Swaminathan said that the missing sailor was seen coming out of the ship trying to swim ashore but later they don’t know what happened to him. “The ship can very well be made upright. Water can be pumped out, we can do a damage assessment and we can reset the ship as soon as we can.
Continue readingSOURCE: API
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made a provision of Rs 1000 crore in her budget to promote the indigenous space economy. She said that the Indian space economy will grow five times in the next decade. This is a venture capital fund. Through which investments will be made in the space industry.
The Finance Minister did not say how and in what way this investment will be made. But this news has created a wave of happiness in the private space industry. Srinath Ravichandran, co-founder of space-tech startup Agnikul, said that this is great news. This will help private space companies to move forward. Along with this, new players will come into the field.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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The asylum applications of migrants entering the UK illegally from countries on its designated safe states list, including India, will be fast-tracked to deport them back speedily under new Labour government proposals.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said she has begun the work to move staff from the previous Conservative-led government’s now-abolished Rwanda scheme to a new Returns and Enforcement programme. In place of the policy of trying to fly out illegal migrants to the African country, the Home Office plans to increase the returns to the countries of origin, starting with an increase in raids on businesses employing illegal workers.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday arrested two persons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) allegedly linked to the funding of the subversive activities of Pro-Pakistan terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen.
“Jammu-based ED has arrested 2 accused persons, namely Arshad Ahmed Allie and Fayaz Ahmed Dar under the provisions of PMLA in connection with a case involving narco-terrorism, linked to funding of the subversive activities of terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen,” the organisation said on X.
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