SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian aerospace industry is abuzz with excitement as the Tejas MkII, the next-generation variant of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, inches closer to taking shape. The Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), a premier Indian Air Force (IAF) institution, has been entrusted with a crucial role in preparing the Tejas MkII for its maiden voyage.
According to reports in idrw.org, aircraft assembly is set to begin this month in Bangalore, with small equipment and fuselage sections already arriving at the HAL facility. The first fully assembled Tejas MkII is expected to roll out next year, marking a significant milestone in the program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s aerospace industry, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will secure a complete transfer of technology (ToT) for the Shakti 1H1 engines. This strategic move will enable HAL to fully control the manufacturing process of these critical components, which power a range of Indian-made helicopters.
The Shakti engine, a derivative of the Safran Ardiden 1H1, is specifically designed for high-altitude operations. It has been successfully integrated into several Indian helicopters, including the ALH MKIII (Dhruv), MK IV (Rudra – WSI), and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter). With a demand for nearly 2000 engines to support ongoing operations in the next 20 years, HAL’s decision to develop its turboshaft engine, the HTSE-1200, was driven by a desire to reduce dependence on Safran.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is poised to revolutionize its anti-ship warfare capabilities with the upcoming deployment of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR). This indigenously developed missile system features a new Small Gas Turbine Jet Engine (SGTJE), which is being jointly developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
The SGTJE, with a maximum power of around 2.7 KN, will provide the NASM-MR with high sub-sonic speed and an impressive range of 300 kilometres. This significant boost in performance will enable the missile to effectively target small- to medium-sized warships such as frigates, corvettes, and destroyers.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Jaideep Maolankar, a retired Naval Aviation Commodore and former sole and Chief Test Pilot for the LCA-Navy program, has expressed frustration over the slow progress of the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program. In a recent post on X, Maolankar highlighted the program’s delays and questioned the government’s intentions for India’s Second Aircraft Carrier (IAC2).
Maolankar emphasized the importance of the TEDBF program for the IAC2, stating that it is a crucial component of the carrier’s capabilities. He criticized the government for not sanctioning the TEDBF program yet, despite mentioning the IAC2 in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meetings.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently revealed the intricate details behind the production of India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the Tejas Mark IA. According to the company, each Tejas Mark IA aircraft is composed of a staggering 14,837 parts. This astonishing figure underscores the complexity and precision involved in the manufacturing process.
To assemble such a sophisticated aircraft, HAL employs a wide range of specialized tools and equipment. The company has indicated that 11,000 tools are required to ensure the accurate and efficient production of the Tejas Mark IA. This vast arsenal of tools highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating this cutting-edge fighter jet.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s drone industry is at a critical juncture, grappling with the delicate balance between national interest and vested interests. Recent interactions with top defense officials have highlighted the growing importance of drones as a strategic asset, but also exposed the challenges posed by a fragmented and often misguided industry.
The realization that drones are a “must-have” technology from a national security perspective has spurred calls for a more cohesive and focused approach. Past missteps, characterized by a reliance on cheap Chinese products and a lack of support for indigenous development, have compromised India’s self-reliance in this vital sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Chennai-based Dream Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. has introduced its groundbreaking “Atom” Green Monopropellant Thruster, a cutting-edge propulsion system that utilizes a HAN-based (Hydroxylammonium Nitrate) non-toxic green fuel. The Atom thruster is designed to deliver efficient and eco-friendly propulsion for space missions, offering thrust levels starting from 1 Newton (N), catering to various satellite and space vehicle applications.
The Atom thruster stands out in an industry traditionally reliant on hydrazine, a highly toxic and hazardous fuel commonly used in space propulsion systems. Dream Aerospace’s adoption of HAN-based fuel marks a significant advancement in reducing environmental impact and enhancing safety. HAN, a high-performance monopropellant, is known for its non-toxic properties and easier handling compared to hydrazine. This makes the Atom thruster a much safer option for satellite operators and manufacturers, while also reducing the risk to ground personnel during fuel handling and transportation.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
India on Monday strongly reacted to remarks by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the “suffering” of the Muslim community in the south Asian country, along with in Gaza and Myanmar. “We strongly deplore the comments made regarding minorities in India by the Supreme Leader of Iran. These are misinformed and unacceptable,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
“Countries comm`enting on minorities are advised to look at their own record before making observations about others,” it added.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Abdul Naeem, one of the three young men from Karnataka who returned from the Russia-Ukraine war zone said he was just miles away from the border and could hear loud explosions of bombs dropped by drones.
The parents of the youth expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge who hails from Kalaburagi for their son’s safe return.
Continue readingSOURCE: United States Air Force Website
Tarang Shakti 24, India’s largest multinational exercise involving 10 participating nations and 18 observers, lived up to its namesake from Aug. 29 to Sept. 14, 2024, at Jodhpur Air Force Station, Rajasthan, India. Throughout large force tactical employment operations, cultural events, and learning opportunities, Airmen from the 28 nations embodied Tarang, which means ripple, and Shakti, the name of an Indian deity symbolizing the collective power of life force.
“All of these platforms and exercises provide us a chance to connect with each other,” said India Air Force Air Commodore S.K. Taliyan, 32nd Wing Commanding Air Officer. “I believe it is not so much the interoperability of networks or platforms—more importantly, it is the interoperability of people, and that is the key takeaway when you do this kind of exercise.”
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Top commanders of the Indian Navy will carry out a comprehensive review of India’s maritime security challenges, including China’s growing forays into the Indian Ocean, at a four-day conclave beginning Tuesday.
The commanders are also likely to deliberate on the overall situation in the Red Sea and adjoining areas that witnessed a series of attacks by Houthi militants on cargo vessels till a few weeks back. The conference would witness comprehensive review of the operational preparedness, discussions on the Navy’s capability enhancement plan, promoting national vision of indigenisation and realising combat effectiveness of Naval forces, officials said.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
India and the US held the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue here today between officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Defence, and from the US State and Defense Departments. The discussions covered bilateral strategic and defence priorities, alongside regional and global issues, the MEA spokesperson said in a post on X. “India and the U.S. held the 2+2 Intersessional today with officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Defence, and the U.S. State and Defense Departments. “Key discussions covered bilateral strategic and defense priorities, alongside regional and global issues.
” US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu alongside U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah P. Royal co-chaired the eighth US-India 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Consulate General of India in New York has strongly condemned the vandalism of a temple in New York, saying it has raised the matter with the US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against perpetrators of the “heinous act”.
“The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable,” the Indian Consulate said in a post on X Monday.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the Summit of the Future on September 23, but not the annual high-level meeting of the General Assembly, according to the latest schedules from the UN.
Earlier, PM Modi was listed earlier as a speaker at the September 26 session of the Assembly high-level meeting, but it would appear he will not remain all through the high-level meeting that follows the Summit of the Future and runs from September 24 to 30.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Six minors were apprehended after a video of them allegedly riding two-wheelers holding the Palestinian flag surfaced on social media platforms, police said on Monday.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 1 pm on Dantaramakki road in Chikkamagaluru town here, they said.
According to police, three of them were on a two-wheeler and one of the pillion rider, a 17-year-old boy was allegedly holding and waving a Palestinian flag while three of their friends followed them on another bike. They also shouted slogans on ‘free Palestine’.
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