SOURCE: AFI
Navi Mumbai is set to take a significant step towards becoming a major aviation hub as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) prepares for its first trial aircraft landing next month.
The Indian Air Force will be conducting the trial run using a C-130J transport aircraft and a Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet. This crucial exercise will test the airport’s infrastructure and systems before it officially opens to commercial flights in March 2025.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
In an unprecedented move, the Pakistan Army on Monday announced that it has arrested former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd.) Faiz Hameed and initiated court martial proceedings against him in connection with a housing scheme scandal.
“Complying with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a detailed court of inquiry was undertaken by Pakistan Army, to ascertain correctness of complaints in Top City Case made against Lt Gen Faiz Hameed (Retd),” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) – the media wing of the army- said in a statement.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
BEML Limited’s Engine division has achieved a significant breakthrough with the successful completion of the first round of ground trials for India’s first indigenously made 1500 Horsepower (HP) engine for Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).
This marks a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology. The 1500 HP engine, developed at BEML’s Mysuru complex, performed as expected during the trials, exceeding expectations. Engineers are currently analyzing the collected data to identify potential areas for further optimization.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring a novel role for the indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM). Originally designed to protect moving armoured columns from aerial threats, the QRSAM could now be deployed as a crucial layer of defence for the formidable S-400 long-range air defence system.
The S-400, a cornerstone of India’s air defence capabilities, is vulnerable to saturation attacks by multiple rocket launchers, a tactic employed by adversaries to overwhelm the system.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Airbus Defence is revamping its campaign for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, aiming to convince the IAF of the A400M’s operational efficiency and affordability.
Airbus has offered its A400M Atlas military transport aircraft in response to the IAF’s tender for 60 new transport planes. The company acknowledges earlier challenges related to the A400M’s service introduction, which resulted in a “reputation” for availability issues. However, Airbus emphasizes that these concerns are a thing of the past. “That is behind us,” declared Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defence and Space, in a recent media statement. “Now the aircraft is there, it does the job, and it does many jobs.”
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s indigenous supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, is rapidly gaining global recognition. Following the successful sale to the Philippines, the joint venture between India and Russia, BrahMos Aerospace, is currently engaged in negotiations with at least four other countries for the acquisition of this potent weapon system.
Southeast Asian nations, Indonesia and Vietnam, have expressed keen interest in the BrahMos missile, recognizing its strategic value in bolstering their maritime capabilities. Additionally, the Middle Eastern powerhouses, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are also in discussions to procure the missile.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Data Patterns (India) Ltd has achieved a significant milestone by successfully developing two critical components for the upgrade of the Naval Dornier 228 aircraft. The company has engineered a state-of-the-art Maritime Patrol Radar and a cutting-edge SIGINT EW suite, both integral to the aircraft’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Impressively, these crucial systems were developed in a remarkably short timeframe of less than a year, showcasing the company’s technical expertise and efficiency. The components are currently undergoing rigorous flight trials to ensure optimal performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Indian space startup, EtherealX, has successfully secured $5 million in seed funding to propel its ambitious project of developing fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicles. The startup is set to revolutionize the space industry with its flagship vehicle, the Razor Crest Mk-1, designed to deliver impressive payloads into orbit.
In its fully reusable configuration, the Razor Crest Mk-1 is capable of transporting 8 tons into low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle’s versatility extends to expendable and partially reusable modes, enabling it to carry over 24.8 tons and 22.8 tons, respectively, to LEO. EtherealX’s aspirations reach even further, as the company aims to deliver payloads to geostationary transfer and trans-lunar injection orbits.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of an Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mark II A) or IDDIS Mk II A. The system is expected to bolster India’s anti-drone capabilities.
The proposed IDDIS Mk II A system will be equipped with advanced surveillance, detection, and tracking capabilities. The system will also include a microprocessor for computing precise targeting solutions. Notably, the system will possess both hard-kill and soft-kill options. A laser weapon system will be integrated for hard-kill, or destruction, of hostile drones, while a jamming capability will be incorporated for soft-kill, or denial, measures.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The Indian Army is undergoing a significant shift in its training paradigm, placing greater emphasis on tactical proficiency and real-world combat simulations. Triggered by the evolving geopolitical scenario and the stark lessons from the Ukraine conflict, the armed forces are accelerating efforts to enhance soldier capabilities.
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has served as a stark reminder of the complexities of modern warfare. The effective utilization of tactics, technology, and terrain by both sides has exposed vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for robust training. The Indian Army, recognizing the implications, has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its training regimen.
SOURCE: AFI
The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk II, an ambitious upgrade of India’s indigenous fighter jet, has been plagued by a series of delays since its inception. While the project has seen some progress, the timeline for its development has consistently slipped, raising concerns about its eventual operational capability.
The initial optimism surrounding the LCA Mk II was evident in early 2021 when the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) chief predicted a rollout by August of that year. However, this timeline was quickly pushed back to 2022. By November 2021, the Conceptual Design Review (CDR) was completed, indicating a step forward, but the subsequent months witnessed further delays.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India is on the cusp of finalizing a significant deal with the United States for the acquisition of GE 414 jet engines. The agreement, expected to be inked in the coming months, will mark a crucial milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet program.
General Electric has already submitted its bid for the engines, and negotiations on technology transfer are in advanced stages. The deal is anticipated to include an unprecedented 80% technology transfer, a substantial leap from previous agreements. This will significantly bolster India’s capabilities in jet engine manufacturing.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) has successfully developed a second-generation Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) specifically designed for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) operations. This cutting-edge platform boasts a range of enhancements, including amphibious capabilities, a compact design, reduced weight, optimized engine performance for high-altitude conditions, and reinforced protection measures.
The new WhAP is equipped to carry a crew of eight personnel, along with three additional members, and can be armed for combat operations. The vehicle’s amphibious nature significantly expands its operational scope, enabling it to traverse water bodies with ease. The compact design and reduced weight enhance maneuverability and transportability.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Border Security Force (BSF) has raised an alarm over the increasing sophistication of drones being used to smuggle weapons and drugs across the India-Pakistan border. According to Inspector-General of BSF (Punjab Frontier) Atul Fulzele, the newer drone models have become smaller, quieter, and capable of flying at higher altitudes, making them significantly harder to detect.
In a press briefing on Friday, Fulzele revealed that the BSF had intercepted 137 drones since January 1, seizing 28 weapons, including pistols and AK rifles, along with 160.28 kg of heroin. He emphasized that while land smuggling has become negligible, drone-based smuggling has emerged as the primary method for infiltrating contraband.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant gesture underscoring the deepening maritime relations between India and the United Kingdom, Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord & Chief of Naval Staff of the Royal Navy, paid a visit to the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS Tabar, during her stay in London, UK. The visit highlighted the growing cooperation and camaraderie between the two navies, which play pivotal roles in maintaining maritime security across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Captain MR Harish, the Commanding Officer of INS Tabar, warmly welcomed Admiral Key aboard the ship. During the visit, Captain Harish provided an extensive overview of INS Tabar’s capabilities, emphasizing the advanced technology and operational readiness that make her a formidable asset in the Indian Navy’s fleet. He also discussed the broader objectives of INS Tabar’s Operational Deployment, which aims to foster closer ties with partner navies, including the Royal Navy, through joint exercises, port visits, and professional exchanges.
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