SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, has expressed concerns over the company’s supply chain disruptions, which are impacting the production of both Falcon business jets and Rafale fighter aircraft. In a recent press conference, Trappier highlighted shortages in production lines due to inefficiencies among certain suppliers, particularly in the aerostructure sector. These challenges have introduced risks to delivery timelines and customer support operations.
To mitigate these issues, Dassault Aviation is implementing a combination of internal and external measures aimed at improving supply chain resilience and anticipating potential supplier shortcomings.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune is at the forefront of developing innovative protection systems for armoured vehicles. The laboratory is currently focused on designing and developing a hard-kill type futuristic tank protection system to safeguard armoured vehicles against incoming threats.
A crucial aspect of this development involves understanding the complex interaction between blast waves and incoming projectiles. To achieve this, HEMRL is undertaking extensive research to develop sophisticated mathematical models and conduct Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. These simulations will accurately predict the behavior of blast waves as they encounter moving bodies, analyzing how these waves influence projectile trajectories and cause structural damage.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
As Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar prepares to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, fissures in the India-U.S. relationship have resurfaced, particularly over India’s ties with Russia. The timing is critical, given recent developments that have the potential to strain bilateral relations further.
One of the primary points of contention is the sale of the General Electric F-414 engines to India, which includes an 80% transfer of technology (ToT). This deal is crucial for India’s defense modernization and indigenous fighter jet programs. However, reports suggest that the U.S. might slow down the approval process for this sale, raising alarms within India.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant move to boost the country’s Earth observation (EO) space economy, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has announced a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative. Through an Expression of Interest (EOI) released on July 25th, IN-SPACe is inviting Indian companies to participate in the design, construction, and management of a space-based EO system.
This project represents a major leap forward for India’s space industry. Selected Indian entities (Non-Governmental Entities or NGEs in space terminology) will have the opportunity to design, build, and launch a constellation of satellites equipped with advanced imaging technologies. These satellites will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and carry a combination of sensors, including panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and microwave capabilities.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), recently visited the forward locations of the Chinar Corps along the Line of Control (LoC) to review the security situation. During his visit, General Dwivedi interacted with the commanders and troops stationed in these strategic positions, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by the soldiers on the ground.
General Dwivedi’s visit to the LoC comes at a crucial time, given the persistent tensions and the strategic importance of the region. He conducted a thorough review of the current security measures and operational readiness of the Chinar Corps. The COAS’s presence and direct engagement with the troops serve to boost morale and provide firsthand insights into the operational dynamics at the front lines.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
A significant leap in India’s naval aviation capabilities was marked today with the commissioning of the Naval Aircraft and Ship Instrumentation (NASI) complex and the Airborne Weapon and Sensor Integration Lab (AWSIL) by Flag Officer Naval Aviation at the Naval Flying Training School (NFTS), Hansa.
This state-of-the-art complex is set to revolutionize flight testing by providing a comprehensive platform for the development and integration of advanced systems. The NASI complex will play a pivotal role in enhancing the operational efficiency and combat readiness of the Indian Navy’s aircraft fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is nearing a critical milestone. With Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval secured and over $2 billion allocated, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is set to make a crucial call – choosing a co-development partner for the AMCA’s engine.
According to reliable sources to idrw.org, DRDO has concluded most discussions with potential partners – French Safran, American GE Aviation, and British Rolls-Royce. Negotiations focused on intellectual property rights (IPR) and investment terms. DRDO will submit its recommendation to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) based on these evaluations.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a move highlighting proactive strategy, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun procuring materials for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, even before finalizing a contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for 156 units.
HAL Chairman C B Ananthakrishnan recently confirmed that the company has initiated material procurement for the LCH. This proactive approach comes after the MoD requested an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the 156 Prachand helicopters, intended for the Indian Army (90 units) and Indian Air Force (66 units).
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Boeing is strongly pushing to sell additional CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This comes after the successful delivery of 15 Chinooks in 2020 through a $3 billion deal under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
The American aerospace giant is proposing its latest Block II configuration Chinooks to the IAF. The Block II upgrade offers a significant boost in capability, with an additional 4,000 pounds of maximum gross weight and an extended mission radius for most payloads. This translates to increased capacity for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies over longer distances.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Dassault Aviation has reported a steady increase in its Rafale order book. The company currently has a backlog of 223 Rafale aircraft, a 12-unit increase compared to the previous year. This robust order pipeline includes 159 aircraft destined for export markets and 64 for the French Air and Space Force.
Dassault is also actively engaged in negotiations with India for the sale of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft to bolster the Indian Navy’s capabilities. This potential deal is expected to be finalized later this year.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has categorically dismissed reports suggesting a Turkish ban on military equipment exports to India. In a statement, Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal characterized the claims as “fake news,” clarifying that there is no official Turkish policy prohibiting defense exports to India.
While acknowledging that the sale of Turkish defense articles requires the approval of the Turkish military, the SSB, and the Foreign Ministry, the spokesperson emphasized that India currently has no pending requests for military equipment from Turkey. The decision to abstain from seeking Turkish military hardware is attributed to Turkey’s consistent support for Pakistan on issues such as Kashmir, as well as its supply of weapons to the neighboring country.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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 reading