defense
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has issued a tender for the refurbishment of the LCA Tejas Technology Demonstrator 2 (TD2), which was the second aircraft in the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program’s technology demonstration phase.
The TD2 aircraft, after being stripped of its operational components and systems, now weighs around 6 tons and is slated to be used as a static display on a raised platform at the ORANGE Facility at the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad. This facility is renowned for its Outdoor Radar Cross Section (RCS) testing capabilities, serving as a test facility for various aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
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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
In a recent address at the Khatre Memorial Talks, Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), candidly acknowledged a key misstep in India’s fighter jet development strategy.
Kamat stated, “The mistake we made was to develop an engine (Kaveri) and platform (LCA) together.” This misjudgment significantly hampered the progress of the Kaveri engine and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), delaying both projects and preventing the Kaveri from becoming the indigenous power plant for Tejas. That’s never done. You design a platform around the available engine and engine development is a continuous process; that was a rookie mistake.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF), grappling with delays in the delivery of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets due to a supply shortage of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace, is now considering extending the service life of its remaining MiG-21 Bison aircraft. The decision comes as the IAF faces the challenge of maintaining operational readiness until sufficient Tejas Mk1A jets are delivered to form a full squadron.
The MiG-21 Bison, which had been slated for complete retirement by next year, will now remain active for a little longer than initially planned. The IAF intends to slow down flying operations of the MiG-21s, ensuring that they remain in service until the Tejas Mk1A squadrons are fully operational.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), provided a detailed update on the much-anticipated Tejas MkII program during a press briefing on Friday. He outlined key milestones for the program and emphasized the need for greater collaboration with the private sector to expedite the production and operationalization of the indigenous fighter jets. The CAS also reflected on past delays in the Tejas Mk1 project and stressed the importance of learning from those experiences to ensure smoother development for future platforms.
Air Chief Marshal Singh confirmed that the Tejas MkII is on track for its first flight next year, marking a crucial step forward for India’s indigenous fighter program. The research and development (R&D) phase for the Tejas MkII is set to conclude by December 2027, with the IAF planning to induct the first units by 2028. The IAF has already committed to acquiring at least 120 Tejas MkII jets, which are expected to fill a vital role in the force’s combat fleet, especially as older aircraft are phased out.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development aimed at enhancing the Indian Army’s capabilities, the military is currently engaged in discussions with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop a new UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM) V3. The proposed missile, designed to be mounted on Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), promises to provide infantry units with a potent weapon system for assaulting enemy positions.
The ULPGM V3, a successor to the already inducted ULPGM V1, is expected to offer a significantly increased range compared to its predecessor. While the V1 boasts a range of 4 kilometres, the V3 is likely to have a range of nearly 12 kilometres. This extended range will enable the missile to strike targets at a greater distance, enhancing the safety of troops.
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 Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has reportedly rejected the Indian Navy’s proposal to equip its Rafale M fighter jets with the DRDO-developed Uttam Fire Control Radar (FCR). The Navy had sought this upgrade to maintain commonality with the MiG-29K and the upcoming Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, both of which are slated to receive the same radar.
The decision to reject the Uttam FCR integration has sparked controversy. While the RBE2 radar on the Rafale M boasts 838 GaAs T/R modules, the Uttam FCR AESA offers 968 TR modules. Although this difference may seem marginal, the Uttam FCR’s local development provides the Navy with greater control over weapons integration, eliminating the need to rely on OEMs like Thales and Dassault for costly upgrades.
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
The proposed civilian HAL/NAL Regional Transport Aircraft-90 (RTA-90) program has encountered a potential hurdle with the Indian Air Force (IAF) expressing reservations about its military utility. While the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering greenlighting the project to develop a commercial plane for the UDAN program connecting smaller Indian cities, the IAF remains unconvinced about its suitability for military applications.
A senior IAF officer, speaking anonymously to idrw.org, highlighted the limited utility of a military cargo variant derived from the RTA-90 design.
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.
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India and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen their military collaboration, with a particular focus on the maintenance and upgrade of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) operated Su-30MKM fighter fleet. Under the proposed agreement, the RMAF’s Su-30MKM fleet could be overhauled and upgraded with Indian-made systems. This cooperation would not only benefit both countries but also strengthen their strategic partnership in the region.
In addition to the Su-30MKM upgrades, both countries are exploring other areas of cooperation in the maintenance of Russian-origin fighter jets. The RMAF has expressed interest in acquiring the BrahMos-A air-launched cruise missile, a joint Indo-Russian venture.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army’s plans to bolster its armoured capabilities with the new Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tank (MBT) have hit a snag due to a shortage of engines. The state-of-the-art Mk-1A variant, designed for enhanced firepower, mobility, and survivability, was ordered in 2021 with an initial delivery expected in 2024.
The challenge lies in the supply of the German-made 1400 HP MTU MB 838 Ka-501 V10 diesel engine, a crucial component for the tank’s operation. This engine shortage has put Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai, in a difficult position.
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.
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