AWEIL
SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought to halt the export of Indian defense equipment to Israel, citing allegations of war crimes by Tel Aviv in Gaza. The court’s refusal to intervene was rooted in the fact that foreign policy is not within its jurisdiction, deferring the matter to the executive. However, the issue raised by the PIL transcends Israel and touches on a broader debate critical to India’s aspirations to become a major defense exporter.
The question of whether a country should regulate its defence exports based on the actions of its buyers in global conflicts is a normative one. It requires India to balance its moral standing with its strategic and economic ambitions in the global defence market. This debate has gained importance as India seeks to transition from one of the world’s largest arms importers to a competitive exporter of weapons and military systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Major General Rajiv Narayanan, a Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, has announced an innovative project aimed at revolutionizing armored warfare. Collaborating with IIT Madras and Lieutenant General Shankar, Maj Gen Narayanan is working on the development of a tank-fired ramjet-based Fin Stabilized Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) ammunition. This groundbreaking project seeks to significantly enhance the lethality and effectiveness of tank munitions against modern armored threats.
With the advancement of armor technology in modern Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), the need for more effective ammunition has become critical. Traditional FSAPDS rounds are already recognized as the most lethal kinetic energy ammunition available, capable of penetrating all known tank armor within a direct shooting range of up to 3000 meters. However, the limitations in range and velocity present challenges, particularly against advanced Active Protection Systems (APS) that are designed to intercept incoming projectiles.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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Adani Defence, a key player in India’s defence manufacturing sector, is set to commence the production of high-calibre rounds for artillery guns from its facility in Kanpur starting in April 2025. This significant development comes as part of Adani Defence and Aerospace’s broader plans within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
The Kanpur facility has already made significant strides in ammunition production, having commenced the manufacturing of small-calibre ammunition from its units. The upcoming production of high-calibre rounds for artillery guns marks the next phase of expansion for Adani Defence in the defence sector.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is taking a multi-pronged approach to strengthen India’s tank defenses. While actively developing an Active Protection System (APS) for tanks, DRDO is also exploring its potential to counter the growing threat of swarm and FPV (First-Person View) armed drones.
An APS is a crucial defensive suite designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming threats before they can damage a tank. Traditionally, these systems focus on neutralizing ATGMs, tank rounds, and other infantry anti-armor weapons. However, the recent war in Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerability of Armoured vehicles to drone attacks, particularly highly maneuverable first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones.
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The Indian Army is gearing up to conduct user trials of the Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile. This development comes as the missile nears the completion of its developmental trials, powered by a locally made STFE engine.
Sub-sonic cruise missiles with a range of 1000 km are a crucial component of the upcoming Rocket Force, which is set to become the fourth service wing of the Indian Armed Forces. The Nirbhay missile has already been successfully tested from a truck-mounted system earlier this year.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a leading manufacturer of armored vehicles in India, has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the design and development of a 400-horsepower (HP) power pack for the BMP II tracked vehicle. This upgrade aims to significantly enhance the performance and capabilities of the BMP II, a widely used infantry fighting vehicle in the Indian Army.
The current power plant in the BMP II is a diesel UTD-20/3 engine, which produces 285 HP. The new 400 HP power pack will provide a substantial increase in power, enabling the BMP II to achieve higher speeds, improved acceleration, and better maneuverability across various terrains.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant strides in developing a dual-flow automatic loader for its new-generation tank. This innovative system will significantly enhance the tank’s firepower and reduce crew risk.
The dual-flow automatic loader features a conveyor in the hull capable of holding 24 rounds. An additional 16 rounds are stored in a second conveyor in the turret. This dual-storage system ensures a continuous supply of ammunition to the main gun, allowing for sustained firing without manual reloading.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move towards enhancing the Indian Army’s reconnaissance and support capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reissued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of 198 Wheeled Armoured Fighting Vehicles (WH AFV Recce & Support). The project falls under the Buy Indian – IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category, reaffirming the government’s commitment to boosting Indigenous defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.
The MoD has retained the “Buy Indian – IDDM” category as per the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016, emphasizing the need for Indian vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to supply indigenously developed platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A significant milestone has been achieved in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology. The indigenously developed 600 horsepower engine, a joint venture between the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Ashok Leyland, is on the cusp of production readiness.
Initially conceived in 2021, the engine has undergone rigorous ground trials over the past three years. Incorporating advanced technologies, the engine is designed to be compact, efficient, and lightweight, making it a suitable power source for future combat vehicles.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s indigenous defense manufacturing is set to witness a new chapter as Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd (ANVL) plans to form a joint venture (JV) with Russian firms Rosoboronexport (ROE) and Hindustan Power Corporation (HPC) to manufacture a Light Tank for the Indian Army. The JV will be majority-owned by ANVL and India Optel Limited (IOL).
This development is likely to introduce a new contender in the race for the Indian Army’s requirement of 295 Light Tanks under the ‘Make-I’ category. Based on the Sprut-SD design, the proposed Indian Light Tank is expected to compete directly with the DRDO-L&T developed Zorawar Light Tank, which has already commenced trials and secured a first-mover advantage.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move to bolster its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army is set to acquire new towed gun systems (TGS). Earlier this year, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement, paving the way for a substantial upgrade in firepower.
The Indian Army is seeking a robust TGS with a maximum weight of 15 tonnes, ensuring optimal manoeuvrability across diverse terrains. The system must possess a firing range exceeding 40 kilometres and be compatible with the Army’s existing inventory of 155 mm ammunition. This compatibility ensures seamless integration and reduces logistical complexities.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) has achieved a significant breakthrough in tank design with the Zorawar Light Tank. The 25-ton tank is the first to utilize a Composite Armour Monocoque construction, leading to a remarkable 40% weight reduction compared to traditional steel-armoured vehicles.
The Composite Armour Monocoque technology integrates the hull and Armour of the tank into a single, unified structure. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a separate chassis, resulting in a lighter and more agile combat platform.
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Advanced Weapon Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) is set to significantly bolster the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities with the delivery of 200 upgraded Sharang cannons within the next two years. This substantial order, valued at Rs 6000 crore, underscores AWEIL’s growing stature as a key player in India’s defense manufacturing landscape.
The Sharang, an indigenous upgrade of the 130mm M-46 artillery gun to a 155mm/45 caliber platform, represents a significant leap forward in artillery technology. The enhanced range of over 36 kilometers, compared to the original 27 kilometers, coupled with increased explosive capability, provides the Indian Army with a potent weapon system capable of neutralizing a wider array of targets.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Advanced Weapon Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) is set to significantly ramp up production and delivery of the indigenously developed Dhanush 155mm/45 caliber howitzer to the Indian Army. As part of a larger 114-gun order, the company is committed to handing over an additional 48 Dhanush guns by the end of March 2025.
This development marks a crucial milestone in the Indian Army’s modernization efforts. The Dhanush, an upgraded version of the renowned Bofors howitzer, has undergone rigorous testing and refinement to address initial quality concerns. AWEIL has already delivered 32 Dhanush guns to the Army, with the first batch of six guns inducted in 2019.
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