SOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India’s ambitious AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program recently received a critical boost with CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) clearance for development. However, the journey to deploying this 5th generation fighter jet heavily relies on the Tejas MkII program, acting as a technological stepping stone and crucial “feeder” program.
The Tejas MkII program goes beyond being just an upgraded version of the Tejas fighter jet. It serves as a vital test bed for several advanced technologies destined for the AMCA. This not only reduces risks associated with untested systems in the AMCA but also streamlines the development process.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
Chennai-based space startup Agnikul is gearing up for a historic launch! They have confirmed that their sub-orbital rocket, Agnibaan SOrTeD, will lift off from Sriharikota sometime between March 22nd and 28th, 2024. This will mark India’s second private space launch, following Skyroot’s successful Vikram-S launch.
Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by a revolutionary engine – the Agnilet. This engine holds the distinction of being entirely 3D-printed, a single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic marvel. Unlike traditional sounding rockets that require launch rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD will take off vertically, following a predetermined path and performing a series of precise maneuvers during its flight..
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has highlighted a growing concern for India’s air defense capabilities. The report, published in February 2023, stated that China’s production of the J-20A Mighty Dragon, its fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, is outpacing that of the United States’ F-22 Raptor.
The F-22 Raptor was the first operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft globally. However, China’s J-20A program has seen a rapid increase in production, with estimates suggesting China already surpassed the US in the number of operational J-20s by 2023. According to IISS, China had over 150 J-20As by February 2023. Aviation magazine Scramble further reported that China might have built as many as 250 J-20s by the end of 2023, exceeding previous production projections. This rapid expansion of China’s stealth fighter fleet poses a significant challenge to regional airpower dynamics.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt Ltd (BBBS) has secured a major win, landing one of the largest contracts ever awarded to an Indian startup. The company will be supplying its cutting-edge anti-drone systems to the Indian Air Force and Army for a staggering sum exceeding ?200 crore.
The winning system, named Vajra Sentinel, employs a two-pronged approach to combat drone threats. It offers:
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is taking a critical step towards strengthening its artillery capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This move involves the deployment of two new regiments equipped with the indigenously developed Pinaka Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Pinaka MLRS is a long-range weapon system designed for swift and precise delivery of firepower. These regiments will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s ability to engage targets deep within enemy territory.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
)
India is poised to embark on a new chapter in its defence exports with the imminent delivery of its Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to Armenia. This marks a significant milestone, as Armenia becomes the first export customer for the indigenously developed Akash system.
Reports suggest deliveries could commence as early as next year, potentially setting the stage for a robust defence partnership between India and Armenia. However, the groundwork for this collaboration is expected to begin sooner, with training for Armenian personnel on operating the Akash system and its radar likely to commence later this year.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Airbus Defense & Space finds itself at a crossroads following its recent triumph in India’s defence procurement landscape, where it secured a significant contract for 15 C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) destined for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy. While this achievement marks a milestone for Airbus, the company now faces the challenge of navigating complex market dynamics and strategic considerations, particularly in its aspirations to develop a maritime patrol variant based on the A320 airliner platform.
The decision to explore the design and development of a maritime patrol aircraft derived from the commercial A320 airliner reflects Airbus’ strategic response to evolving customer demands and emerging opportunities in the maritime surveillance domain. With growing interest from France and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Airbus aims to capitalize on its expertise in aircraft manufacturing and defence technology to meet the evolving requirements of maritime security.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Kalyani Group, a leading Indian industrial conglomerate, is making strides in the field of underwater technology with the development of the SEA EXPLORER, a multi-mission underwater glider.
The SEAEXPLORER is designed to be a powerful and cost-effective solution for oceanographic and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) applications. It operates as an autonomous sensing platform, silently gliding through the water column for extended periods, collecting valuable data.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the successful amendment of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday. This revision reflects an increase in the contract value from Rs 2,700.87 crore to Rs 5,077.95 crore.
The original LCA IOC contract, signed in March 2006, has already been fulfilled. HAL delivered 20 LCA Tejas aircraft to the IAF under this agreement.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant shift, the Indian government has announced a new policy for foreign investment (FDI) in the space sector. This policy balances the need to attract much-needed investment with national security concerns.
Under the new guidelines, announced on March 5th, foreign companies can now invest:
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The recent mega turnout at the rally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in held Kashmir has reignited debates and discussions over the region’s political landscape. Modi’s visit marked his first since the controversial revocation of Article 370 of India’s constitution, which granted special autonomous status to the region. This move, deemed by Pakistan as an attempt to fabricate normalcy in the disputed territory, has failed to spark tensions or draw any international attention to the Kashmir conflict.
In the aftermath of the revocation in 2019, Pakistan has consistently dismissed India’s efforts to portray a semblance of normalcy in Kashmir. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, reiterated this stance in a recent press briefing, emphasizing that such endeavors are merely superficial in nature. Baloch highlighted concerns regarding the alleged intimidation of local residents and the denial of their rights and freedoms.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India has taken a firm stance on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) loan to Pakistan. While abstaining from the initial vote, India is now advocating for “stringent monitoring” of the $3 billion emergency fund.
This monitoring, according to India, should ensure the funds are used for their intended purpose and not diverted towards Pakistan’s military spending or repaying debts to other countries. India’s position was conveyed by its representative, Krishnamurthy Subramanian, during a recent review of the loan program.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM
In a significant move towards enhanced interoperability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army are set to synchronize their maintenance crews for common platforms in their fleets. This announcement was made by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhuri during a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Nitin A. Gokhale of Bharat Shakti.
This initiative aims to optimize maintenance processes for platforms like the ALH-Dhruv helicopter, currently operated by both the IAF and the Army with separate maintenance crews. By combining expertise and resources, the synchronized crews will be able to:
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG TEAM.
India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a missile test scheduled between March 19 and March 21, 2024, within a designated area of 155 kilometers. While the exact nature of the test remains unconfirmed, analysts speculate it could involve an air-launched platform like a fighter jet, hinting at the possibility of an air-to-air missile (AAM) or air-to-surface missile (ASM) system being evaluated.
The NOTAM, along with the mentioned 155-kilometer designated area, suggests the missile might be launched from an airborne platform. This sparks speculation about the nature of the upcoming test.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden surface run of its High Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HEAUV) at Cochin Shipyard’s International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) Jetty in Kochi.
This marks a crucial step forward in developing indigenous underwater exploration and defense capabilities.
Continue reading