SOURCE: AFI
Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding (L&T Shipbuilding) has once again welcomed the US Navy’s hospital ship, USNS Charles Drew, for Mid-Term Availability (MTA) repairs. This visit marks another milestone in the strong partnership between L&T Shipbuilding and the U.S. Navy, following the successful completion of Voyage Repair Availabilities (VRAs) for USNS Charles Drew, USNS Matthew Perry, and USNS Salvor.
The MTA repairs are being carried out under the Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) signed between L&T Shipbuilding and the U.S. Navy in 2023. The MSRA provides a framework for long-term collaboration and ensures efficient and effective maintenance and repair services for U.S. Navy vessels.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A successful 12-week training program for the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Mechanised Infantry has concluded at the Mechanised Infantry Centre & School (MIC&S) in Ahmednagar. The intensive training, conducted from July 1 to September 24, 2024, focused on equipping TPDF soldiers with the technical, operational, and tactical skills required to operate and maintain the ICV BMP 2.
The training program covered a wide range of topics, including technical operations, maintenance procedures, and tactical functions of the ICV BMP 2. Through hands-on training and practical exercises, TPDF soldiers gained valuable experience and expertise in handling this advanced armored vehicle.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is set to receive the first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December 2024, following a delay of over six months. The delays were attributed to global supply chain disruptions, which have affected the manufacturing schedule, according to a report in The Hindu. Initially, the delivery was planned for May, with the next batch scheduled for July. However, the first set of helicopters will now arrive in December, with the remaining three set to follow in the coming months.
The Apache AH-64E attack helicopters will be deployed primarily in the desert regions, significantly enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities in desert warfare. Known for their lethal firepower, advanced sensors, and precision strike capabilities, the Apaches are considered one of the most formidable attack helicopters in the world. These helicopters will play a critical role in improving the Army’s ability to respond to potential threats along India’s western borders, where the desert terrain can present unique operational challenges.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Bengaluru-based Celeritas Automation LLP has emerged as the winner of the Indian Navy Open Challenge 9.0, securing a contract to develop an advanced Optical Landing System (OLS) for aircraft carriers. The OLS, often referred to as the “meatball,” is a critical piece of equipment that provides pilots with precise glidepath information during the final stages of landing on an aircraft carrier.
The OLS plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient landing of aircraft on aircraft carriers. It consists of a series of lights that project a visual glidepath onto the carrier’s flight deck. Pilots use this information to maintain the correct approach angle and speed for a successful landing.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent Plans for the acquisition of 31 MQ-9 UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) from General Atomics by the Indian armed forces signals a major shift in India’s drone capabilities. Despite the ongoing efforts of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to indigenize drone development, particularly through its TAPAS UAV (Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon 201), a combination of technical limitations and engine deficiencies forced India to look elsewhere for a more capable solution.
Y. Dilip, Director of the public sector Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), highlighted a crucial factor that hindered the development of India’s TAPAS UAV. As he put it, “Primarily, we were constrained by the engines.” This constraint, compounded by several other factors, limited the TAPAS platform’s performance, particularly in areas critical for modern military operations.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
MTAR Technologies Limited, a leading manufacturer of precision components for the aerospace and defense sectors, has secured a significant contract valued at Rs 15.4 crore from the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL). The contract entails the supply of full-scale combustors for the development of a next-generation engine for defense programs.
This order aligns with MTAR’s ongoing commitment to providing critical components for advanced aerospace and defense applications. The company is expected to deliver the combustors by September 2025, demonstrating its expertise in manufacturing high-precision components for critical engine systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a significant step towards strengthening their military collaboration. In a joint statement issued following a meeting between President Joe Biden and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the White House on Monday, the US announced that the UAE would be recognized as a “major defense partner.”
This designation, previously granted only to India, will pave the way for unprecedented cooperation between the military forces of the US, UAE, and India, as well as other common military partners. The joint statement highlighted the potential for joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration to enhance regional stability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
)
India’s journey towards high-speed transportation could soon become a reality, thanks to the innovative work being done by TuTr Hyperloop, a deep tech startup incubated at IIT Madras. This startup is spearheading efforts to create a full-scale hyperloop infrastructure capable of reaching speeds of 600 km/h.
With Chennai’s strong technological ecosystem and supportive local community, the city is poised to become a global hub for hyperloop development. The 410-meter hyperloop test track at IIT Madras’ Discovery campus in Thaiyur is set to be the first of its kind in the world.
Continue reading