SOURCE: AFI
Prominent defense journalist Anantha Krishnan M has confirmed that India’s indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A fighter jet achieved a significant milestone on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, with the successful completion of its Low-Speed Taxi Trials (LSTT).
This achievement marks a major step forward for the Tejas Mk1A program, paving the way for its much-anticipated maiden flight. According to sources, HAL Chairman is reviewing all system clearances meticulously. With HAL and ADA teams working tirelessly, the first flight is now expected to take place within the coming week, potentially before March 31st.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy has etched its name in history with its inaugural visit to Campbell Bay, the southernmost port of India located in the Nicobar Islands. This marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, signifying its growing reach and operational prowess.
Campbell Bay’s strategic location far from mainland India makes it a crucial port for bolstering naval presence in the region. The successful visit of the Kalvari-class submarine demonstrates the Indian Navy’s ability to rapidly deploy stealthy submarines in areas of interest, enhancing its flexibility and deterrence capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
The Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina) has opted to acquire 24 ex-Danish F-16A/B MLU fighter jets in a deal valued at $650 million USD. This decision comes after considering offers from India’s LCA-Tejas and China’s JF-17 Thunder.
The ex-Danish F-16s were offered at a significantly lower price point compared to the new-build alternatives. At $14 million per unit, the F-16s were nearly three times less of the price of the offered Tejas and JF-17 jets.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
The Defence Ministry’s CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) has approved a critical upgrade for the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle, a mainstay of the Indian Army’s mechanized forces. These upgrades are particularly important for the ongoing situation in Eastern Ladakh, where BMP-2s have been deployed in large numbers to counter Chinese forces.
The BMP-2s, currently manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) under Russian license, are set to receive a significant power boost thanks to Pinaka Aerospace Solutions, a Bangalore-based company. Pinaka’s key contribution is the development of a fully indigenous Transmission Control Unit (TCU). This unit sits at the heart of the engine upgrade, ensuring optimal power delivery.
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Nearly seven months after the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface, the landing site has been officially christened “Shiva Shakti” by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement on August 26, 2023.
The confirmation comes from the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, a comprehensive record maintained by the IAU that details all officially recognized names on planets, moons, and other astronomical bodies. The Gazetteer describes “Shiva Shakti” as a compound word from Indian mythology, symbolizing the masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) duality of nature.
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The United Kingdom is spearheading a collaborative project to develop a new, sixth-generation fighter aircraft. This multinational initiative, known as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), brings together the UK, Italy, and Japan.
The UK government has demonstrated its commitment to GCAP through significant investment. The March 2021 Defence Command Paper pledged over £2 billion ($2.5 billion) dedicated to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the UK’s contribution to GCAP, by 2 thousand and twenty-five. This represents an initial portion of a larger £12 billion ($15 billion) budget allocated over the next decade. Future investment decisions will determine the final amount committed.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army’s Northern Command recently showcased its unwavering resolve in a field firing exercise conducted under harsh winter conditions. The exercise, which involved the use of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and rocket launchers, was a testament to the soldiers’ ability to operate effectively in extreme environments.
A video shared by the Army on social media platform X (platform name can’t be specified) depicted the soldiers braving the freezing temperatures as they engaged in precision firing of ATGMs, mortars, and rocket launchers. This exercise served as a critical training opportunity, sharpening their skills to achieve the ultimate goal of “One Missile, One Tank” accuracy.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s long-delayed Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) program, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), might finally be taking flight. Sources close to the project have indicated to idrw.org that production could be nearing reality after the IJT undergoes a significant redesign and upgrades.
The program is expected to complete all developmental trials following a major overhaul. This overhaul included a redesign of the IJT’s tail section and substantial upgrades to its avionics and other systems. These changes address concerns raised earlier regarding the aircraft’s performance.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move that could revolutionize aerial surveillance and communication in India, Abu Dhabi’s Mira Aerospace and Indian startup VEDA Aeronautics have joined forces to develop a strong foothold in the High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) market.
HAPS are solar-powered drones designed to operate for extended periods in the stratosphere, offering a unique combination of benefits over traditional satellites and drones. They can provide persistent coverage over a large area without the complexity and cost of launching a satellite while offering greater endurance than conventional drones.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Leaked sketches have revealed India’s progress on a crucial element of its long-range surface-to-air missile (LRSAM) program. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a mobile High Power Radar (HPR) designed to bolster the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) air defence capabilities.
This HPR system could be a vital component of the upcoming LRSAM program. The radar, with a weight of 30 tons and a transportable antenna measuring 10 meters by 6 meters, will provide superior detection capabilities. The carrier vehicle boasts a 60-ton load capacity and a travel speed of 20 kilometres per hour, ensuring mobility for deployment across various terrains.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The reflector dish, a key component of the NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) mission, has taken an unexpected journey. Teams identified potential overheating issues with the 12-meter reflector, prompting its return to the United States for a special coating application.
The large, gold-plated mesh reflector, provided by NASA, is designed to focus radar signals for the mission. However, recent tests conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) indicated the reflector might experience higher-than-expected temperatures during flight. To prevent potential deployment failure due to heat, a special coating is being applied to reflect solar radiation and keep temperatures under control.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) recently released a video highlighting its modernization efforts under Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The video included a glimpse of the Chinese FC-31, a fifth-generation fighter jet, confirming Pakistan’s plans for acquisition.
Reports suggest Pakistan’s ambitions go beyond mere purchase. The plan, some sources claim, involves joint production of the FC-31 within Pakistan with Chinese support before the 2030s. This could potentially utilize the existing PAC facility currently manufacturing JF-17 fighters for the PAF.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India’s ambitious plans for its 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program take a significant step forward with the hunt for an engine development partner. Sources close to the program reveal that the Defence Research and Development Organization’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is actively courting foreign collaboration.
GTRE aims to finalize a partner by mid-2024, paving the way for a contract later this year or early next year. This partnership is vital for developing a new 5th generation engine capable of generating 110-130kN thrust, a significant upgrade for the AMCA MkII variant.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the growing threat posed by drones in modern warfare during a meeting with the Indian Navy’s top brass on Tuesday. He urged the Navy to prioritize preparedness to counter such challenges.
This call to action comes amidst the Navy’s ongoing efforts to integrate drone capabilities into its operations. The planned incorporation of loitering munitions on frontline warships signifies a strategic move towards long-range engagement of sea-based targets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army’s Western Command, spearheaded by its valiant Vajra Air Defence Warriors, recently conducted a successful live-fire exercise involving the Akash missile system. This exercise served to demonstrate and validate the system’s effectiveness against modern aerial threats.
The live firing focused on simulating real-world scenarios, specifically honing the ability to engage Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and standoff weapons with pinpoint accuracy. This exercise underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in air defense capabilities, as UAVs and standoff weapons have become increasingly prevalent on the modern battlefield.
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