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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Tejas MkII program, a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter jet development, is progressing smoothly under the collaborative efforts of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). Both organizations are working closely to ensure that the aircraft not only makes its first flight in 2026 but also enters production by late 2029, with deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF) expected to commence in early 2030. This timeline is vital for the IAF, which has specific requirements for its modernization efforts and fighter fleet composition.

For the Tejas MkII to enter production at the desired time, HAL and the IAF must navigate a complex bureaucratic process. A key component of this is obtaining Clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which follows the acceptance of necessity (AON) granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The timeline for these approvals is critical; the IAF will go for CCS clearance by the end of 2027 so that the procurement process can proceed and the aircraft can be in production by late 2029.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step in hypersonic technology by publicly showcasing wind tunnel models of three innovative missile systems at its Hypersonic Wind Tunnel facility in Hyderabad. This event not only highlights India’s advancements in high-speed missile technology but also underscores DRDO’s commitment to enhancing national defence capabilities.

The first model on display is of the “Common Hypersonic Glide Body,” a hypersonic weapon designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making it one of the fastest military assets in development. This glide body is intended to be versatile, capable of being launched from various platforms, including ballistic missile systems, offering India a strategic advantage in both offensive and defensive operations. The CHGB’s ability to maneuver at high speeds makes it particularly challenging for existing missile defense systems to intercept, thereby providing India with a substantial deterrence capability.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is exploring the integration of a small Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand. This innovative development aims to enhance the helicopter’s combat capabilities by improving situational awareness, particularly in complex battlefield environments.

The Mini-AESA radar, under development by HAL, is designed to provide critical aerial mapping, ensuring that the crew has real-time data on the surrounding environment. With an ability to detect and track targets in varied conditions, the Mini-AESA radar would allow the LCH Prachand to navigate and engage with higher precision in combat zones, even when visibility is limited.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

For decades, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has maintained that its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons is essential to address the challenges of a two-front war scenario with China and Pakistan. However, in reality, the IAF is struggling to maintain even a 30-squadron fleet, far short of its desired capability.

In a conversation with idrw.org, an IAF official emphasized that instead of revising the 42-squadron benchmark downward—despite arguments about modern jets being more capable than their predecessors—the IAF needs to plan for an even larger force structure. The reasoning lies in the evolving nature of warfare, where modern air defence systems, long-range standoff weapons, and aerial threats necessitate a significant rethinking of force requirements.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has taken a significant step forward in its Kaveri engine program, initiating procurement of critical materials for a demonstration of the Dry Kaveri engine mated with an advanced afterburner section. This effort aims to demonstrate a fully functional engine capable of generating up to 80 kN of thrust, marking a considerable increase from previous test results and positioning the engine as a potential power plant for both indigenous and foreign aircraft platforms.

The Dry Kaveri engine, initially targeted to produce around 46 kN of thrust, has recently achieved up to 49-50 kN in ground trials. With the integration of a new afterburner section, GTRE expects the engine to produce 80 kN of thrust, an increase from the 73 kN it achieved in earlier demonstrations. This performance upgrade is vital to fulfilling the operational requirements of modern fighter jets, including the possibility of powering India’s indigenous platforms like the Tejas Mk1A in single-engine configurations.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant boost to India’s Indigenous defence production capabilities, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key R&D arm of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be getting Limited scale production of the Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) from Private sector company by early 2026.

The 400-kg thrust class Small Turbofan Engine (STFE) developed by GTRE is specifically designed for subsonic Cruise missiles and UAVs. Subsonic cruise missiles are used to deliver warheads over long distances and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. They fly at speeds below the speed of sound, typically around 0.8 Mach and the same engine will also be used on the SwiFT UAVs to serve in various roles, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance, making them indispensable for military operations that demand agility, precision, and endurance.

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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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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.

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SOURCE: 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.

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SOURCE: 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.

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SOURCE: 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.

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SOURCE: 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.

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SOURCE: 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.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

UTD-20/3 engine

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.

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SOURCE: 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.

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