SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is steering a renewed campaign for India to procure Eurofighter Typhoon jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) under its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 jets. The move comes after the Eurofighter Typhoon lost out to the Dassault Rafale in India’s previous Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, where the Typhoon was declared L2 (second lowest bidder) and the Rafale emerged as the L1 (lowest bidder).
The Eurofighter Typhoon, built by a consortium consisting of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, is a multi-role fighter jet involving four key European nations—Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain. Although the UK is currently leading discussions with potential buyers, any sale of the Eurofighter requires approval from all four consortium nations, each of which has the power to veto the transaction. Chancellor Scholz has reportedly emphasized to Eurofighter consortium officials the importance of aggressively pursuing the MRFA tender to secure a deal with India.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems has proposed a joint development initiative with India to create a new Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) or High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for the Indian Armed Forces. This offer comes at a critical time, as India’s indigenous UAV programs face delays and challenges.
The proposal follows an agreement between General Atomics and India, under which the U.S. firm will serve as a consultant for the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in its HALE UAV program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has drawn significant interest from South-Asian and East Asian nations, according to a DRDO official who spoke to idrw.org. As DRDO moves closer to concluding development trials of this hybrid missile system, it is seen as a promising solution for nations seeking effective anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities without the need to heavily invest in expensive submarines or warships.
The SMART system has been designed as a canister-based missile that combines supersonic speed with a lightweight torpedo payload. The missile consists of advanced technologies, including two-stage solid propulsion and precision inertial navigation. Once fired, the missile travels at supersonic speeds and, upon nearing the target area, releases a torpedo via a parachute-based mechanism. This hybrid approach enables fast and precise delivery of the torpedo, making it highly effective in neutralizing underwater threats.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Commodore Jaideep Maolankar, a highly respected test pilot with the Indian Navy and one of the key figures at the National Flight Test Centre working on the Tejas program, has recently raised concerns about the future of India’s indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) project. He warns that the Navy’s potential procurement of the Rafale M (the naval variant of the French-made Rafale) could jeopardize the TEDBF initiative. In his words, the Rafale acquisition might “kill TEDBF” as the rationale behind an “industrial strategy” could push the Navy towards committing entirely to the Rafale platform.
Maolankar’s statement underscores the complexity of India’s defense procurement strategy, especially in light of its ambitions for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). As India pursues greater indigenous capabilities in defense, the looming choice between the TEDBF and Rafale M presents both operational and strategic dilemmas.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
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Angad Singh, a respected defense analyst, recently voiced his perspective on India’s Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender during an interview with India Today. Singh emphasized that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has made it clear that its preference is the Rafale fighter jet, arguing that any attempt to conduct an open tender for the MRFA would be a costly waste of time.
Singh’s comments come as India approaches a significant decision for bolstering its fighter jet capabilities. The MRFA tender, which is anticipated to involve the acquisition of 114 advanced fighter jets for the IAF, has seen considerable interest from global aerospace companies. However, according to Singh, the IAF’s intent is straightforward, and so is the government’s understanding of it: the IAF wants the Rafale to complete its fleet requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), in its recent annual report, has highlighted a significant milestone in the development of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 2. The report confirms that NAL has successfully completed the structural design and analysis of the radome composite structure and associated parts for the Mk 2’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, achieving a successful Critical Design Review (CDR).
A radome is a protective, aerodynamic cover that shields radar equipment from environmental factors while allowing radar waves to pass through with minimal distortion. For an AESA radar system, the radome must not only withstand high-stress flight conditions but also ensure minimal electromagnetic interference, which is crucial for radar accuracy and effectiveness.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, has made significant strides towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a premier shipyard of India, has successfully indigenized Sacrificial Zinc Anode Flanges.
These critical components are essential for the corrosion protection of various onboard systems, including pipes, valves, and pumps, which are exposed to seawater. Previously, these flanges were imported from M/s Metrocontrol, Spain. However, through a collaborative effort with M/s Sargam Metals, Chennai, MDL has successfully developed and manufactured these flanges domestically.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that India’s Aatmanirbhar drive was “yielding the desired results” and the country was poised to reach ? 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029-30. Addressing the 65th Foundation Day celebrations at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, the Defence Minister called upon Indian youth to indigenously develop high-end technologies, which the country imports, to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
He stressed on the need to get a hold on high-end technology, urging the young ignited minds to realise their potential and contribute to the country’s progress. He termed institutions like IIT Kanpur as academic engines, which can provide a dynamism to India in the present competitive environment.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly protested against recent allegations made by the Canadian government against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s purported involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The MEA described these allegations as “absurd and baseless” and lodged a formal protest against Canada. During a press briefing on Saturday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that a “diplomatic note” was handed to a representative of the Canadian High Commission on Friday, conveying India’s strong objections.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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India on Saturday accused Canada of indulging in “harassment and intimidation” of Indian consular staff there by putting them under audio and video surveillance in “flagrant violation” of diplomatic conventions.
Responding to a query during a media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said India has “formally protested” to the Canadian government.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday reacted to the recent US sanctions imposed on several Indian firms and nationals, with a spokesperson stating that Indian companies have not violated any national laws.
The sanctions announced by the US State Department target 19 Indian companies and two individuals accused of allegedly supplying materials and technology to Russia to support its military amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that verification patrolling has commenced in Demchok and Depsang, paving the way for coordinated patrolling to begin once the disengagement is fully finalized.
This development follows an agreement reached on October 21, 2024, between India and China on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, bringing an end to the over four-year military standoff.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Days after the US authorities deported a batch of Indian nationals who were staying in that country illegally, New Delhi Saturday said it hopes that with India-US cooperation on mobility and migration, “we will be able to deter illegal immigration”.
At his weekly briefing in Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India engages in “regular dialogue” with the United States on migration and mobility. “On October 22, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a large-frame charter removal flight to the Republic of India of Indian nationals who did not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States,” the DHS said in a statement last week.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Classmates of Colonel Santosh Mahadik, an Army officer from Maharashtra, who was killed in action near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, have sent 300 kg of sweets to soldiers in his unit.
Col Santosh Mahadik, the Commanding Officer of 41 Rashtriya Rifles, was critically injured during the operation in the Haji Naka forest area of Kupwara in November 2015 and died due to his injuries at a hospital later.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
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A top Pakistani commander of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) who was active in the Valley for several years was killed and four security personnel were injured in an encounter in the Khanyar area here on Saturday, officials said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the densely populated locality of Khanyar in the interior city following inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. The search operation turned into an encounter as the terrorists opened fire at the search party, which retaliated, a police official said.
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