SOURCE: AFI
The Union Budget has allocated a substantial ?1.72 lakh crore for capital acquisition by the Defence Ministry, marking a significant boost to India’s military modernization efforts. This substantial outlay, the largest chunk of which will be channeled into domestic industries, underscores the government’s commitment to boosting self-reliance in the defense sector.
The overall defense budget stands at ?6.22 lakh crore, a marginal increase over the interim budget allocation. While a considerable portion of this will be directed towards pensions and salaries, the capital acquisition allocation will be instrumental in bolstering the armed forces’ capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
In a significant move to strengthen defense ties between the United States and India, Lockheed Martin’s CEO, Jim Taiclet, recently held a high-level meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the meeting, Taiclet advocated for a government-to-government deal aimed at supplying 60-80 C-130J Hercules aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This proposal comes as part of India’s search for a suitable Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to enhance its logistical capabilities.
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules is already a familiar asset within the IAF, which operates 12 of these versatile aircraft. Known for its reliability and multi-role capabilities, the C-130J Hercules has proven its worth in various missions ranging from humanitarian assistance to tactical airlift operations. However, the competition for India’s MTA requirement is fierce, with the C-130J Hercules contending against other formidable offerings such as Embraer’s C-390M and Airbus’s A-400M.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
C J Varghese, a visionary innovator from Kerala, has once again proven his mettle in the field of advanced defense technology by securing his fifth patent for the APS (Active Protection System) Hard-Kill shooter. This latest patent marks a significant milestone in Varghese’s illustrious career, highlighting his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.
The system is designed to offer comprehensive 360-degree protection against various forms of attack, including direct and top-down assaults. This cutting-edge technology is particularly crucial in modern combat scenarios where threats can emerge from any direction and at any angle.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a global leader in defence equipment manufacturing, is making a strong impression at the Farnborough Air Show with its impressive display of ‘Make in India’ technology. The company’s chalet is a focal point, showcasing the pinnacle of Indian aerospace engineering.
A standout exhibit is the scaled model of the HAL Tejas fighter jet, India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured fighter aircraft. This cutting-edge platform represents a significant milestone in the country’s defense capabilities and has drawn considerable attention from aviation industry experts and potential customers alike.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, undertook a two-day visit to Hyderabad on July 23-24, 2024, to assess the progress of key defense projects. His itinerary included visits to DRDO, HAL, and TASL, where he reviewed critical aspects of India’s self-reliance initiatives in the aerospace and defense sector.
A significant highlight of the visit was the granting of production clearance for ASTRA missiles at DRDO. This crucial development marks a major step forward in bolstering India’s air defense capabilities. At HAL, the Air Marshal focused on reviewing the progress of avionics indigenization, a critical component of enhancing the self-sufficiency of the Indian Air Force.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) delegation made significant strides in strengthening India’s position in the global aerospace and defense industry on the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024.
Led by Mr. Neeraj Gupta, Chairman of the SIDM International & Export Committee, the delegation engaged in fruitful discussions with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, and Leonardo.
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A high-level delegation from Panama, headed by renowned economist Dr. Porfirio Ellis Bonilla, paid a visit to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)’s Ghaziabad unit yesterday. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Rashmi Kathuria, General Manager & Unit Head of BEL-Ghaziabad, who along with the Integrated Management Development (IMD) team provided a comprehensive overview of BEL’s diverse business segments and its extensive product portfolio.
During the visit, the Panamanian delegation was given a detailed presentation highlighting BEL’s capabilities in various domains. Of particular interest was the demonstration of the BFSR-SR radar, a cutting-edge, man-portable, battery-powered surveillance and acquisition system.
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In a recent press conference, a Pakistani journalist’s question about the ‘nameplates in Kanwar Yatra’ issue elicited a notably detailed and timely response from US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. This exchange has sparked discussions and speculations among observers, with many questioning the apparent preparedness and coordination behind the interaction.
During the press conference, the Pakistani journalist, reading from his phone, asked Miller about the US stance on the recent reports regarding the Kanwar Yatra nameplates. Miller’s response was prompt and thorough:
“We have seen those reports. We have also seen the reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules. So they’re not actually in effect. Speaking generally, we are always committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all anywhere in the world. And we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on the importance of equal treatment for members of all religions.”
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is vying for a central role in the upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. The company aims to participate in the manufacturing of whichever fighter jet is ultimately selected through the tender process.
This stance puts HAL at odds with some Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) advocating for setting up their independent production facilities in India. Notably, Dassault Aviation of France, frontrunners with their Rafale jets, and Saab of Sweden reportedly want complete control over local manufacturing through their Indian subsidiaries, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) and Saab India, respectively.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A trove of hacked emails belonging to high-ranking Russian officers has unveiled sensitive information about defense contracts between Russia and India, including the controversial S-400 missile system deal. The 2018 agreement for the S-400 “Triumf” missile systems, signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, was hailed as a major milestone for the Russian defense industry, valued at over $5 billion. The leaked documents provide unprecedented insights into this landmark deal.
Crucially, the documents confirm that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has acquired all four types of missiles included in the S-400 system. This comprises 96 units of the 9M96E2 with a range of 80-120 km, 24 units of the 48N6E2 with a range of 200-220 km, 24 units of the 48N6E3 with a range of 220-240 km, and 24 units of the 40N6E with a range of 380-400 km. The latter is the longest-range interceptor missile in the S-400 family.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is embarking on a project to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The company has begun work on an improved version of the existing Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), a 500kg inertially guided bomb.
Designated MkII, 500kg inertially guided bomb will incorporate a newly designed wing kit assembly. This modification is expected to extend the operational range of the bomb beyond the current 30+ kilometres.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s upcoming Zorawar Light Tank is gearing up for battle with a potent armament system, including a new Cannon-Launched Laser Guided Missile (CLGM) and the ability to fire Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) directly from its main gun.
Following the Indian Army’s mandate for light tanks to fire ATGMs, the Zorawar will be equipped with the indigenously developed SAMHO missile (also known as Semi-Active Mission Homing). Successfully tested on Arjun Mk1 tanks, SAMHO is a versatile anti-armor weapon, effective against enemy tanks and low-flying helicopters at ranges exceeding 5 kilometers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) is spearheading a project to extend the service life of the AL-31FP engine, a critical powerplant for several Indian fighter jets. However, this initiative awaits final approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
A significant hurdle in extending the service life lies in the limited indigenization of the AL-31FP’s critical components. These components, including sensors, bearings, and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), are currently sourced from external suppliers. This dependence on foreign sources not only complicates maintenance but also presents challenges for the life extension program.
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The Indian Army has taken a significant step forward in high-altitude logistics with the induction of the logistics drone . This article compares the logistics drone with traditional methods like mules and the Cheetah helicopter for delivering supplies in challenging mountain terrains.
Supplying troops stationed at remote Himalayan outposts has long been a logistical challenge for the Indian Army. Traditional methods like mules are reliable but slow, while helicopters are expensive and have limited range.
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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken a tragic turn for some Indian families. Russia has acknowledged offering compensation to the families of Indian nationals killed while fighting alongside Russian forces, citing “contractual obligations.” This news comes amidst reports of several Indians being duped into joining the war effort.
Roman Babushkin, the Charge d’Affaires at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, confirmed the offer of compensation but did not disclose specific details. He emphasized that the compensation is being provided in accordance with pre-existing contracts, implying recruitment agreements between the deceased and the Russian military.
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