SOURCE: AFI
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Navratna Defense Public Sector Undertaking, has embarked on a new project to build six multipurpose cargo vessels (MPVs) for Navi Merchants, a subsidiary of the Copenhagen Merchants Group of Denmark. The total value of the contract is $86.05 million (approximately ?700 crore).
Each MPV will have a capacity of 7,500 deadweight tonnage (DWT) and will feature a hybrid propulsion drive, making them environmentally friendly and compliant with stringent emission standards. The vessels will be classified under Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a renowned international accreditation registrar.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Chinese navy for the first time carried out exercises and tests of all three of its aircraft carriers recently to highlight that its carrier warship programme has entered a fast lane, official media reported on Tuesday.
Currently, China has two aircraft carriers in operation – the Liaoning, a refit of the Soviet-era ship commissioned on Sept 25, 2012 – and Shandong, an indigenously built 2nd aircraft carrier commissioned in 2019.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
General Electric (GE) Aerospace was caught by surprise when the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) placed an order for an additional 83 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets in 2021, necessitating the delivery of nearly 99 more F404-IN20 engines. The F404-IN20 is a variant of the F404 engine developed specifically for the Tejas Mk1 program, providing enhanced thrust and optimized performance for single-engine operations.
The F404-IN20 engine, producing 19,000 pounds of thrust (or 84kN of wet thrust), was custom-designed by GE Aerospace for the Tejas Mk1 program to meet India’s unique operational requirements. It delivers the highest wet thrust among all F404 variants, specifically catering to the demands of India’s indigenous fighter program. Initially, GE Aerospace provided around 75 F404 engines to India over the last two decades, which was seen as a slow pace of supply for the company.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
As Reported earlier by idrw.org, India is now considering a request from Armenia to supply the Pralay tactical ballistic missile. This development comes amidst heightened tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
idrw.org reported in June that Armenia had approached India seeking to procure the Pralay tactical ballistic missile to counter Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the Israeli LORA long-range surface-to-surface missile system. The LORA system was allegedly used by Azerbaijan against Armenia in October 2020 during a military conflict.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, and India-based Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and co-produce scaled Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) systems. This collaboration aims to strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and promote defense cooperation between the United States and India.
The Wave Glider, Liquid Robotics’ flagship USV, is an ideal platform for this partnership due to its endurance, reliability, and adaptability. Powered by wave and solar energy, the Wave Glider can operate continuously for months, providing real-time data and communications for various applications.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set an ambitious target for its upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission: to return 3-5 kilograms of lunar samples to Earth. If successful, this would surpass the current record held by China’s Chang’e 6 mission, which brought back 1.9 kilograms of lunar material.
Chandrayaan-4 is scheduled to be launched in 2027 with an approved cost of Rs 2,014 crore. The mission’s primary objective is to collect and return lunar samples to Earth for scientific analysis.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Eric Trappier, Chairman & CEO, of Dassault Aviation has said that In today’s complex global landscape, the aviation industry faces unprecedented challenges, including supply chain disruptions and the potential for sub-contractor inefficiencies. To mitigate these risks and ensure the continued success of our operations, Dassault Aviation is implementing a comprehensive strategy that involves both internal and external measures.
One of our key priorities is to strengthen our supply chain resilience. We are actively working to diversify our sourcing channels and explore alternative suppliers to reduce our reliance on any single vendor. Additionally, we are investing in advanced technologies and analytics to improve our supply chain visibility and optimize inventory management.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Apollo Micro Systems Ltd has achieved a significant milestone in its defense manufacturing journey. The company has been shortlisted by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) related to the production of PRACHAND munition hardware.
PRACHAND is a potent anti-tank munition designed to deliver a full-width attack on enemy armor. The successful transfer of technology will empower Apollo Micro Systems to manufacture and supply PRACHAND munition hardware to the Indian Armed Forces. This development aligns with India’s strategic goal of self-sufficiency in defense equipment and technology.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) has taken a significant stride towards self-reliance by indigenizing the production of Multi Cable Transit (MCT) Glands. This initiative not only boosts orders for Indian manufacturers but also saves valuable foreign exchange.
MCT Glands are essential components on warships, used to seal cable entries through bulkheads or deck heads. A typical warship requires approximately 950 MCT Glands of varying sizes. These glands consist of a metallic frame made from ST37 Grade steel and internal cable modules of different sizes fabricated from halogen-free material. They ensure gas-tight integrity up to 0.3 bar and water-tight integrity up to 4 bar, allowing cables of various sizes to pass through while maintaining a secure seal.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
An alleged image of India’s K-15 Sagarika Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), also known as B05, going through a sequential launch from an Arihant-class nuclear submarine has recently gone viral. The image reportedly depicts the missile launched at 10-second intervals, stirring excitement and speculation among defence enthusiasts and analysts.
India has been steadily advancing its nuclear triad capabilities, and the K-15 plays a crucial role in the country’s underwater strategic deterrent. The missile, which is designed to be launched from a submerged submarine, is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, providing India with a second-strike capability that is essential for maintaining credible deterrence.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India has revised its Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for an upcoming missile test, extending the designated danger zone and potentially indicating a more powerful missile than initially planned.
The original NOTAM, issued on September 23, specified a danger zone extending over 1,720 kilometers. However, the revised NOTAM has expanded this area, suggesting that a larger missile may be under consideration.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A Predator drone operated by the Indian Navy suffered a technical failure and crashed into the sea off the Chennai coast last week. The incident occurred during a routine surveillance mission on Wednesday afternoon.
The drone, an MQ-9B Predator leased from the American firm General Atomics, experienced a malfunction in its power generators and onboard batteries. Despite attempts to resolve the issue in flight, the drone’s crew was unable to restore its systems. To prevent further damage or potential hazards, the drone was deliberately guided to a safe area over the sea, where it was ditched in a controlled manner.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hyderabad-based Enertech Engineering Private Limited has made significant strides under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with the development of SnowTent. This innovative tent is designed to provide essential warmth to India’s Armed Forces operating in sub-zero conditions, particularly in high-altitude regions.
SnowTent boasts a robust 3-in-1 kerosene heating system, ensuring a steady supply of heat even in the harshest weather. Additionally, its solar-powered electricity feature provides a sustainable and eco-friendly source of energy for lighting and other essential functions.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
On the opening day of the Bengaluru Space Expo 2024, Bellatrix Aerospace made a groundbreaking announcement with the unveiling of Project 200. This innovative satellite is designed to operate at an Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (ULEO), ranging from 180 km to 250 km.
Project 200 is more than just a satellite; it’s a tech demonstration mission aimed at qualifying a novel, unconventional propulsion system. This system is specifically designed to function effectively at the challenging altitudes of ULEO. The success of this mission could revolutionize the satellite industry, offering significant advantages to satellite owners and operators.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A rare sight recently graced Indian airspace: a C-146A Wolfhound belonging to the U.S. Air Force. The aircraft, originating from Delhi, was observed en route to an undisclosed destination within India.
The C-146A Wolfhound is a versatile tactical aircraft designed to provide flexible and responsive operational movement for small teams and cargo in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. Its primary mission involves airlift missions to prepared and semi-prepared airfields worldwide, executed by Air Force Special Operations Command aircrews.
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