SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has initiated development work on external fuel drop tanks for the upcoming Tejas MkII program. As per tender specifications, ADE plans to develop two distinct models: a 1700-litre drop tank and a 1300-litre drop tank.
Initially, ADE will focus on producing two units of each drop tank for testing purposes. However, the final procurement will include six units of the 1700-litre drop tank and three units of the 1300-litre drop tank. These external fuel tanks will be integrated with the Tejas MkII prototypes, which are currently under development.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a premier lab under DRDO, has embarked on a series of new initiatives in the optoelectronics domain, particularly aimed at revolutionizing radar systems. The focus is primarily on integrating photonics technologies into radar applications, which promises to enhance the performance, accuracy, and efficiency of future radar systems.
The introduction of photonic radar technology marks a significant leap from conventional radar systems. While traditional radar relies on electronic components for signal transmission and reception, photonic radars use light-based technologies, such as lasers, to process signals. This allows for faster data transmission, increased bandwidth, and better signal resolution. LRDE’s efforts to develop photonic modules demonstrate its forward-looking approach to enhancing India’s radar capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
As negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale M fighter jets for the Indian Navy progress, the Navy is also planning to procure two Rafale Simulation Centers to train its crew, including pilots.
The proposed deal for the Rafale M includes 22 single-seater and 4 two-seater aircraft. However, the two-seater Rafale M variants are not carrier-capable, meaning they cannot take off or land from aircraft carriers. To address this limitation, the Indian Navy has decided to invest in simulation centres to provide comprehensive training for its pilots.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), is preparing for a series of critical weapon trials using a specially modified Su-30MKI fighter jet. This modified testbed will be used by the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) to conduct combined trials of DRDO’s advanced air-launched weapons, including the Rudram-1, Rudram-2, Rudram-3 anti-radiation missiles, and the Long-Range Glide Bombs (LRGB).
This testbed will enable DRDO to evaluate the performance of the Rudram missile series and the LRGB, both in terms of aerodynamics and weapon integration. The Su-30MKI’s ability to simulate various flight profiles and engage in combat scenarios makes it an ideal platform for testing advanced air-launched systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Following the successful export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei have expressed strong interest in acquiring the Indian-developed shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile system. According to sources close to AFI (Agence Focused India), these three Southeast Asian nations are in advanced stages of discussion with India, having held multiple rounds of negotiations. The potential for a deal with these countries is reportedly high.
The interest from Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei signals the growing demand for the BrahMos missile system, which is jointly developed by India and Russia. Known for its supersonic speed, precision, and versatility, the BrahMos missile is capable of targeting ships and other naval assets with high accuracy, making it a valuable asset for nations looking to bolster their maritime defense capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is actively exploring the procurement of AI-infused autonomous systems, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), to enhance operational capabilities in Ladakh’s extreme altitudes, often exceeding 15,000 feet. These high-altitude areas pose unique challenges, requiring cutting-edge technology that can function effectively in harsh conditions.
To address these requirements, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), is hosting Himtech, an event themed “Harnessing Defence Technology for High Altitude Areas.” The event brings together over 90 vendors from across India, showcasing indigenous defense technologies that can be tailored for high-altitude operations. The initiative is in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, promoting the development and deployment of homegrown solutions for the Indian Armed Forces.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace company, is eyeing a significant upgrade in its status. The government is considering elevating HAL from its current “Navratna” status to the coveted “Maharatna” category, a move that would significantly enhance the company’s operational autonomy and financial independence.
Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan is set to preside over a meeting of an apex committee on September 23 to discuss this proposal. The official said, “The Cabinet secretary has called for a meeting of the apex committee on September 23 to consider the grant of Maharatna status to HAL.”
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Following Lockheed Martin’s teaming agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to establish a C-130J MRO facility in India and expansion of C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft acquisition, Lockheed Martin held its 10th edition of India Suppliers Conference held in Bengaluru.
The conference was inaugurated by Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, Karnataka, who spoke about how Karnataka has always championed “local for global” thereby driving self-reliance through manufacturing.
Continue readingSOURCE: PIB
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat). The jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT, Delhi.
These jackets have been created from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. The design configuration is based on characterisation of various materials at high strain rate followed by appropriate modelling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
On the 10th anniversary of the ‘Make in India’ initiative Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that “The impact of ‘Make in India’ shows that Bharat is unstoppable.” PM Modi wrote a blog on the social media site Linkedin and congratulated the people of India. “Each of you is a pioneer, visionary and innovator, whose tireless efforts have fuelled the success of ‘Make in India’ and thereby made our nation the focus of global attention as well as curiosity.
It is the collective drive, relentless in nature, which has transformed a dream into a powerful movement,” the Prime Minister said. PM Modi said the effort started 10 years back and is showing results now. In 2014 India has only two mobile manufacturing units and we used to import most of the mobiles. “In 2014, we had only two mobile manufacturing units in the entire country.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Ace fighter pilot Air Marshal SP Dharkar has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of Air Staff. He would be succeeding incumbent Air Marshal AP Singh, who has been designated as the next Chief of Air Staff.
SP Dharkar would be assuming his new appointment after the new Chief takes over.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday (local time) on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hold talks on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia said in an X post.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
The Embassy of India in Beirut on Wednesday issued an advisory notice strongly advising against travelling to Lebanon till further notice following the recent incident of air strikes and blasts in communication devices.
“As a reiteration of the advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice,” the embassy said in their notice.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
A 36-year-old man from Jammu and Kashmir was detained by police after he arrived in Khavda village in Gujarat’s Kutch district, intending to cross the border into Pakistan to meet a woman he connected with online, officials said on Wednesday.
Imtiyaz Sheikh, a resident of Bandipora district, travelled to Kutch with the hope of meeting a Pakistani social media influencer from Multan. Believing he could legally enter Pakistan via the Kutch border, Sheikh sought assistance from local residents to gain permission from authorities.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The 32-year-old man, charge-sheeted in the deadly terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district five years ago in 2019, has died of a heart attack at the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu yesterday night.
Akashvani Correspondent reports that Bilal Ahmad Kuchey of Hajibal village of Kakapora in Pulwama district was among 19 people formally charged in the case. Forty CRPF personnel were killed and eight more injured when a terrorist of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad rammed his explosive-laden car into a convoy in Lethpora area of Pulwama district on February 14, 2019. Kuchey was hospitalised on September 17 after he fell sick at the Kishtwar district jail. He died of a heart attack yesterday night.
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