SOURCE: 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
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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 readingSOURCE: 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
Picture this: swarms of armed drones unleash deadly strikes as terror outfits behind the joystick control fire from thousands of miles away. Or somewhere high above, eyes in the sky zero in to your location to watch every move you make.
A plot straight out of sci-fi thrillers not so long ago, the breathless pace of tech development has put drones at the centre of everyday life, being used for delivery to intelligence gathering and from covert surveillance missions to large-scale assaults. And just as important as the knowhow that makes drones ubiquitous is the one that detects it.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not mention Kashmir in his annual address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the first time in years, breaking from a tradition he has maintained since 2019.
This marked a significant departure from his usual stance, where he has consistently raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after India abrogated Article 370 and removed the special status of the region. His comments were seen as unwarranted interference in India’s internal matters, and New Delhi repeatedly dismissed them as such.
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: ANI
India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, according to an official statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday. The ministry highlighted that this achievement is driven by India’s dynamic growth, youthful population, and expanding economy, solidifying its position as a leading force in the region. It also reflects country’s increasing geopolitical stature. “In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature” said the ministry.
The Asia Power Index, launched by the Lowy Institute in 2018, is an annual measure of power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. It evaluates 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, examining their ability to shape and respond to the external environment. As per the ministry, one of the most significant findings in the 2024 Asia Power Index is India’s steady rise in the regional power rankings.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The India-US relationship is “strong and getting stronger”, the White House said, adding that President Joe Biden when looks back at his term will be most proud of deepening the partnership with India, making it more inclusive and broadening.
“I think one word — well, actually, three words: strong, and getting stronger,” White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said on Tuesday during a press briefing here. Kirby was responding to a question by Press Trust of India on how he would characterise the trajectory of bilateral relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Biden as his term as the American leader ends soon.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, has held a high-level meeting with Eric Martel, CEO of Bombardier, and deliberated on “transformative partnerships” in the aviation sector.
In a post on social media platform X, on Wednesday, Gautam Adani informed that they will aim to harness synergies for a stronger, self-reliant India. “Powering India’s aviation growth! Had a great discussion with @Bombardier CEO Eric Martel on transformative partnerships in Aircraft Services, MRO and Defence,” said the Adani Group Chairman.
Continue readingSOURCE: NewsVoir
Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (BBBS), India’s fastest-growing defense sector start-up, has secured over INR 250 Crores from investors as part of its latest round keeping it poised to takeoff into the big leagues. This funding comes on the back of the Defence Ministry signing over Rs 200 Crores in a deal for Indigenous Anti-Drone Technology and its successful foray into the African continent. The company had already turned profitable in the previous financial and looks set to deliver on its expectations in the years ahead.
The round was heavily oversubscribed and included marquee investors who led the round including the Mumbai Angels Network, the Vyom Family Office, the SBI Startup Branch Chennai, Asquare Investing and others which was facilitated by the team of Negen Wealth. Given heavy oversubscription, the firm also offered existing investors a chance to exit.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister and Vice President of the National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah on Wednesday criticised the Centre for allowing foreign diplomats to witness the legislative Assembly elections in the UT.
Talking to reporters, Omar Abdullah said, “I don’t know why foreigners should be asked to check elections here. “When foreign governments comment, then the government of India says this is an internal matter for India and now suddenly they want foreign observers to come and look at our elections.” Omar Abdullah told reporters that the Assembly elections in J&K “are an internal matter for us”, and “we do not need their certificate.”
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