SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Solar Industries India Limited (SOLARINDS) is gearing up for a new challenge, as confirmed by Chairman Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reportedly requested the development of a 1000kg (one-tonne) air bomb. This large-scale weapon is likely to be part of the Make-II Defence Production program, aimed at bolstering domestic production of critical defence equipment.
The new bomb project follows the successful testing of SOLARINDS’ indigenously developed 125kg bomb on Su-30MKI fighter jets. Similar to the 125kg bomb, the new one is expected to be a universal weapon, compatible with existing IAF aircraft like the Su-30MKI and Mirage-2000. This interchangeability would provide pilots with operational flexibility and streamline logistics.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s acquisition of the S-400 long-range air defense missile system from Russia has been hit by a further delay. While three squadrons have already been delivered, the remaining two squadrons won’t arrive until August 2026, according to information conveyed by Russia to India.
This delay is attributed to the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine. The original agreement stipulated delivery of all five squadrons by 2024. However, Russia’s focus on its own military needs in the conflict has necessitated a revised schedule.
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The much-anticipated launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is experiencing a delay. Initially planned for an early 2024 launch, the mission will now likely lift off no earlier than late May.
This shift comes despite the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirming that the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) intended for the NISAR mission is on schedule for completion by March-April. However, final testing and integration of the sophisticated radar instrument on the satellite itself are taking longer than anticipated.
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Argentina’s defense landscape stands at a crossroads as the country grapples with the daunting task of modernizing its armed forces amidst fiscal constraints and geopolitical hurdles. Despite promises made by the new president to revitalize the country’s defense capabilities, experts question the feasibility of such ambitions given the harsh fiscal realities facing the government.
The Argentine Air Force (FAA) has long sought to bolster its fleet of fighter aircraft, particularly following the retirement of the aging Dassault Mirage III and its variants in 2015. With the A-4AR Fightinghawk serving as the mainstay of Argentina’s air defense, the urgent need for modernization has become increasingly apparent.
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India’s elite Parachute Special Forces (Para SF) are evaluating the IWI ARAD assault rifle as a potential replacement for their current M4 rifles. This move signifies the Para SF’s commitment to staying at the forefront of combat effectiveness.
The IWI ARAD is designed for adaptability, catering to infantry, special forces, and law enforcement units. Its key feature lies in its caliber convertibility. The rifle can seamlessly switch between the standard 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition and the .300 Blackout (BLK) round, offering greater flexibility for various combat scenarios.
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A growing rift between Azerbaijan and Armenia has drawn India into the geopolitical spotlight. Recent developments highlight a potential escalation as Azerbaijan directs criticism towards India’s arms sale to Armenia.
India’s recent major sale of weapons systems to Armenia has triggered discontent in Azerbaijan. This discontent has reportedly spilled over into the information sphere, with the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry suspected to be behind efforts to spread negative information about Indian military technology.
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A recent Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crash has brought renewed focus to the safety records of the Tejas and its competitor, the Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder. On March 12th, 2024, an IAF Tejas LCA unfortunately crashed while returning from the “Bharat Shakti” military exercise. This marks the first such accident for the Tejas in its 23-year history.
In contrast, the JF-17 Thunder has a history of accidents. According to The Flight Safety Foundation’s Aviation Safety Network, the JF-17 has been involved in four crashes since 2011, with at least one fatality. These incidents occurred in:
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India recently greenlit its ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, aiming to develop a domestic 5th-generation fighter jet. With a budget of ?15,000 crores (roughly $1.8 billion), the AMCA program boasts one of the lowest funding levels for such an undertaking globally.
For comparison, South Korea’s KF-21 program, launched in 2015, carries an estimated price tag of $6.59 billion. The initial variant of the KF-21 lacks features like an internal weapons bay and stealth coating, making it more of a 4.5-generation aircraft for now. While a true stealth variant (Block-III) is planned for 2030, its unit cost is expected to exceed $100 million, pushing the overall program cost past the $7 billion mark.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently showcased its WHAP 8×8 armoured vehicle platform, with a variant specifically designed for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defence.
Discussions are reportedly underway between the Indian Army and DRDO regarding the development of a 105mm cannon variant of the WHAP platform. This variant is envisioned as a Light Combat Tank (LCT), designed to complement Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) on the battlefield. idrw.org has been told some countries are looking for more firepower and might be interested in LCT variant. DRDO is already developing ATGM Variant of the Whap.
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A 2004 article from Flight International, a renowned aerospace magazine, has resurfaced online, sparking a wave of interest. Authored by Veena Singh, the piece titled (original title can be inserted here) details discussions between China and India regarding collaboration on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program.
The article reveals that in late July 2004, a high-level Chinese delegation, led by Aviation Industries of China vice-president Zhang Yang-Chong, visited India to explore joint development of the LCA. This news comes as a surprise, considering the current geopolitical realities between the two nations.
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Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos, a private space startup, is poised for a major milestone. This Friday, they plan to test-fire their indigenously developed rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator).
The 580-kilogram Agnibaan will take off from Sriharikota. This first test flight will focus on reaching a suborbital altitude of 20 kilometers before returning and splashing down in the Bay of Bengal. The rocket can potentially carry a payload of up to 7 kilograms.
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In a recent column for Tribune.com.pk, Dr. Moonis Ahmar, a former Dean Faculty of Social Science at the University of Karachi, highlighted a critical issue that often remains overlooked amidst the complex geopolitics of South Asia: the persecution faced by Indian Muslims. Dr. Ahmar’s reflections resonate deeply, shedding light on the moral imperative for Pakistan and Bangladesh to stand in solidarity with their fellow Muslims across the border.
Principally, Dr. Ahmar argues, the creation of Pakistan was rooted in the aspiration to provide a homeland for Muslims in the Indian Subcontinent. Yet, despite this foundational principle, the influx of Indian Muslims into Pakistan ceased after 1951. This historical fact raises pertinent questions about the responsibility of Pakistan, and indeed Bangladesh, towards their brethren facing persecution in India.
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Solar Industries India Limited (SOLARINDS) has achieved a significant milestone in Indian air warfare capabilities. Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal, Chairman of SOLARINDS, confirmed successful test flights of their indigenously developed 125kg bomb onboard Su-30MKI fighter jets.
This bomb is part of the Make-II Defence Production program, aiming to equip the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a versatile and domestically produced air-to-ground weapon. Designed as a universal bomb, it shares similarities with the widely used MK-81 bomb and is expected to seamlessly integrate with existing IAF aircraft, including the Mirage-2000.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to elevate its special forces training with the procurement of a Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT). This advanced technology simulates realistic free-fall conditions, offering unparalleled training opportunities for the elite Garud Commando Force.
As the special forces unit of the IAF, the Garud Commandos shoulder critical responsibilities. They specialize in counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue, protection of vital IAF assets, and unique air force-centric special operations. Since their establishment in 2004, the Garuds have proven their mettle in various missions.
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A report by Azerbaijani outlet Caliber.az has ignited controversy, casting doubt on the functionality of Indian-supplied weaponry to Armenia. The report cites comments by former Armenian Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan, who served for three months in 2021, alleging unidentified Indian-origin weapons have exhibited performance issues for the past year.
The crux of the issue lies in Karapetyan’s reported remarks. However, credibility is a factor here. Karapetyan served as Armenia’s Defense Minister for only three months in 2021. Additionally, the specific weapon systems he critiqued are not mentioned.
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