SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has provided an update on the 25 kN Hindustan Turbofan Engine (HTFE-25), revealing that two core engines have been produced and are currently undergoing development trials. However, this information remains consistent with reports from the past 3-4 years, raising concerns about the program’s progress.
HAL initially set a target of 2025 for completing the engine’s development. Given the lack of significant advancement, achieving this goal seems unlikely.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMPL) has secured a significant order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of a Precision Approach Radar (PAR) system. The contract value stands at ?56 crore and includes a comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) spanning 10 years.
This acquisition by HAL bolsters India’s air traffic management infrastructure with a state-of-the-art PAR system. The radar plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient landing of aircraft during adverse weather conditions or low visibility.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s quest for a robust long-range air defence system takes a significant step forward as Project Kusha, the indigenous LRSAM (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile) program, reportedly completes the design phase. This development, according to an official source told idrw.org, paves the way for the creation of crucial components that will form the LRSAM system.
Project Kusha, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to equip the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a powerful tool to neutralize various aerial threats. The envisioned system boasts a range of nearly 350 kilometres and is designed to counter stealth fighters, conventional aircraft, ballistic and cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), a leading Indian aerospace and defence R&D company, recently took a step forward in fostering US-India military cooperation. NRT participated in discussions with the U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
During the discussions, NRT CEO Sameer Joshi presented NRT’s vision for “#NRT Next Generation Missions & Technologies (NGMT)” and a roadmap for co-development projects. This engagement aligns with the priority of both the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the United States Department of Defense to strengthen military cooperation between the two nations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria’s recent entry into politics, particularly joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the possibility of his candidacy from Ghaziabad, has sparked discussions not only in political circles but also within defence and aerospace communities. Bhadauria, known for his staunch advocacy of indigenous fighter jet programs and strategic defence procurement decisions during his tenure, brings a unique perspective to the political arena.
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria is renowned for his illustrious career in the Indian Air Force (IAF). As a former test pilot of the LCA-Tejas fighter jet, he played a pivotal role in advancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities. His unwavering support for programs like the Tejas MkII underscores his commitment to bolstering India’s defence industry and reducing reliance on imports for critical defence equipment.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force, marking a significant development in the growing partnership between the two nations. The aircraft arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on board Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport planes.
This delivery follows a recent agreement between Guyana and India. The High Commission of India in Guyana, in a social media post on platform X, highlighted the visit of an Indian Air Force team to deliver the aircraft. The post reads, “High Commissioner welcomed IAF team visiting Guyana to deliver the HAL-228 aircraft as part of Line of Credit from India to Guyana,” further adding, “A new chapter in the India-Guyana partnership begins.”
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal, Chairman of Solar Industries India Limited (SOLARINDS), confirmed a significant development for Indian defense exports. Armenia placed orders for three variants of the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system in a deal valued at US$265 million (?2,000 crore) last year.
This marks the first-ever export of the indigenously developed Pinaka system. Armenia’s order encompasses four Pinaka batteries along with other defense equipment. The Pinaka comes in three variants:
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India’s space ambitions have taken a significant leap forward with the formalization of the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) project at Sriharikota. Aimed at establishing India’s own space station and lunar exploration missions, the NGLV project represents a bold stride towards self-reliance and innovation in space exploration. Powered by green fuel combinations, boasting higher payload capabilities, and emphasizing reusability, the NGLV promises to revolutionize India’s space program and reduce launch costs significantly.
One of the defining features of the NGLV is its utilization of green fuel combinations such as methane-liquid oxygen or kerosene-liquid oxygen. This environmentally friendly propulsion system not only reduces carbon emissions but also enhances the rocket’s efficiency and performance. With a projected payload capacity of up to 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), the NGLV surpasses India’s current heaviest rocket, the LVM-3, by more than double. This enhanced payload capability opens up a myriad of possibilities for launching larger satellites, conducting interplanetary missions, and supporting future space exploration endeavors.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a recent Hindustan Times column, Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd.), a former Chief of the Naval Staff, called for an expedited development program for the K-series of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). These missiles, designed to be equipped with Multiple Independently Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), would significantly enhance India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Admiral Prakash emphasizes the growing importance of a robust underwater leg for India’s nuclear triad – a deterrent system encompassing land-based ballistic missiles, airborne nuclear bombs, and sea-launched ballistic missiles. SLBMs offer a distinct advantage due to their mobility and stealth, making them a critical factor in maintaining credible deterrence.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has taken a major step forward in modernizing its communication infrastructure by issuing a Project Sanction Order (PSO) to two vendors for the design and development of prototypes for the Tactical Communication System (TCS).
The TCS is set to replace the existing Army Radio Engineering Network (AREN) and will boast significantly enhanced capabilities. It will be able to handle the complex communication requirements of Tactical Command Control, Communication & Intelligence Systems, providing the Indian Army with a critical advantage in the field.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a trial run of a new emergency landing/take-off strip for fighter aircraft in Bijbehara, Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. This marks a significant development for the region’s security infrastructure.
The construction of this 3.5-kilometer emergency landing strip strengthens the IAF’s operational flexibility in the strategically important region. Previously, fighter jets operating in the area had limited options for emergency landings in case of technical malfunctions or adverse weather conditions.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
An unnamed Indian Navy official has shed light on the potential replacement for India’s Kilo-class submarines, currently nearing the end of their operational lifespan. The official, speaking to idrw.org, suggests that the Spanish-built S-80 Plus class submarines could be a perfect fit.
The Kilo-class submarines, procured in the mid-1980s, have served India’s maritime interests for decades. Extensive refits and upgrades have extended their operational life, but their time is coming to an end. The Navy is now exploring options for their replacement. Project-75I tender will see induction of six new submarines that will replace order Kilo Class of Submarines.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has expressed keen interest in the development of reconfigurable phased-array radar systems integrated into drones. This technology promises significant advancements in airborne surveillance and target detection capabilities.
Phased-array radars are electronically steered antenna systems that offer several advantages over conventional mechanical radar systems. They can rapidly switch beams in different directions without physically moving the antenna, allowing for faster scanning and improved tracking accuracy. Reconfigurable phased-array radars take this a step further by enabling the dynamic adjustment of beam shape and frequency, providing even greater flexibility in detecting and identifying various targets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has issued a tender for maintenance, testing, and field service support of GE-F404 and GE-F414 engines. These engines are critical for powering various LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) variants, including the Tejas PV, LSP, and NP series. The GE-F414-INS6 engines will also be used in upcoming LCA-AF Mk2 and AMCA fighters.
Currently, ADA manages the maintenance of 10 GE-F404-F2J3 engines, 17 GE-F404-IN20 engines, and 9 GE-F414-INS6 engines. To further enhance its capabilities, ADA has established a comprehensive MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility for GE engines at GTRE, Bangalore. This facility includes a module replacement shop and a roof-mounted engine test bed located at Test Cell #5.
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Satellite images reveal the progress of a dry dock at the BNS Sheikh Hasina naval base in Bangladesh, constructed with China’s assistance. This development signifies a deepening defense partnership between the two nations, potentially solidifying China’s influence in the Bay of Bengal region.
The BNS Sheikh Hasina base, located at Pekua in Cox’s Bazar, aligns with Bangladesh’s “Forces Goal 2030” program, a military modernization initiative. The base’s dry dock suggests maintenance capabilities for submarines, raising concerns for India.
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