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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reigniting its quest for mid-air refuelling (MAR) platforms, aiming for a significantly larger fleet than previously envisioned. This renewed effort comes after securing approvals for the indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program under the Netra Mk1A, MkII, and MkIII variants.

Previously, the IAF sought to acquire six mid-air refuelers. However, the current plan seeks to double that number, bringing the total fleet to 18. This expansion will bolster the IAF’s ability to extend the operational range and flexibility of its fighter jets, particularly crucial in a multi-front scenario.

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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: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

With a renewed emphasis on the creation of India’s Rocket Force, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to significantly ramp up the production of the Pralay Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM). The Pralay, a mobile, canister-based surface-to-surface missile with a range of 150-500 km, has garnered increasing attention from both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army. Orders for 120 units were placed by each service branch, with an additional order for another 120 missiles currently in the pipeline. As India prepares to strengthen its missile capabilities, production rates are expected to increase substantially over the coming years.

The current production rate of the Pralay SRBM remains in the single digits per year, according to sources close to idrw.org. However, this number is set to rise gradually into double digits as the MoD expands its missile production capacity. The establishment of the Rocket Force, which is expected to require 1,000 Pralay missiles, has created a demand that will drive further production scale-ups. To meet these ambitious targets, outsourcing to private sector companies is being planned, to achieve double-digit production rates by 2027. If necessary, this could eventually increase to triple digits per year.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The recent Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for six Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&CS) has generated considerable interest and confusion. To clarify the situation, we at idrw.org will explain the different AEW&CS programs currently in development, including the Netra Mk1A, Netra MkII, and the long-term Netra MkIII project. While the RFI for six AEW&CS units involves advanced 360-degree surveillance technology, it is distinct from the ongoing Netra programs.

The IAF has received clearance for the procurement of six Netra Mk1A AEW&CS units, which will be based on the ERJ 145 airframe, a proven and reliable platform. The Netra Mk1A will feature an Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar, similar to the one used in the Netra Mk1, but with enhanced capabilities and upgrades. This radar allows for better detection, tracking, and surveillance, but its limited size on the ERJ 145 platform means that it covers a reduced range compared to future systems.

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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

The Indian Navy is set to embark on a significant milestone with the first test flight of the Utility Helicopters-Maritime (UHM), an optimized variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv. Scheduled for May 2025, this test flight represents a crucial step in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s aviation fleet. Sources indicate that the build process for the test aircraft is currently underway, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) rigorously testing and certifying various systems on a separate test helicopter.

While the UHM is based on the proven design of the ALH Dhruv, officials have emphasized that extensive modifications and structural changes are being implemented, making the UHM akin to the development of a new helicopter. This innovative approach ensures that the UHM will meet the specific operational requirements of the Indian Navy, particularly in maritime environments.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking a Bird Detection and Monitoring Radar (BDMR) system to address the significant threat posed by bird strikes. Bird activity has curtailed air operations in the IAF due to the substantial damage caused by these incidents. Unfortunately, bird strikes have led to accidents resulting in the loss of aircraft and precious lives.

The IAF recognizes the urgent need to mitigate the risks associated with bird strikes and is committed to providing a safer environment for its operations. The induction of BDMR technology will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to bridge a potential production gap between the Tejas Mk1A and MkII fighter jets. With extended production of the Mk1A due to additional orders, and a desire for faster delivery of the more advanced MkII, the IAF has instructed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to explore involving the private sector in Tejas MkII production.

The HAL’s initial plan envisioned three Tejas Mk1A production lines, capable of delivering up to 24 jets annually. However, recent plans for an additional 97 Mk1A jets have extended the production timeline to 2031-32. This creates a potential two-year delay before HAL can fully switch to MkII production, which was initially slated to begin in 2029.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Israeli defence technology firm ELBIT Systems has proposed its expertise in developing a new Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system that could be integrated with India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.

ELBIT’s solution aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the AMCA’s pilots by integrating the HMD with the existing DASH helmet system. This advanced HMD could potentially replace the conventional Head-Up Display (HUD) currently featured in the AMCA cockpit simulator developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) continues its efforts to convince the Indian Navy to acquire Naval LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) platforms. In September 2024, the DRDO chief reiterated the organization’s push for an order of 8-10 Naval LCA aircraft, initially intended for pilot training.

However, the Indian Navy reportedly has broader ambitions for the Naval LCA, envisioning roles beyond pilot training for its aircraft carrier operations. This aligns with the Aeronautical Development Agency’s (ADA) plans to showcase the Naval LCA’s potential for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Adani Defence and Bombardier Defence are reportedly in discussions to offer Global series jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its upcoming Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Airborne Early Warning (AEW), and Electronic Warfare (EW) programs.

The IAF is currently seeking an ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance) platform for battlefield and ground surveillance operations. The Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of DRDO is leading the development of this platform, with reports suggesting it will be based on the Bombardier Global Express business jet platform.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is pushing the boundaries of missile technology with the proposed Hypersonic Missile Development Program under Project Vishnu. As part of this initiative, DRDO has set its sights on developing two long-range hypersonic missile systems. One of the most anticipated outcomes is the creation of the Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM), designed to revolutionize India’s strike capabilities and offer a formidable deterrent.

The Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) will have a range of 1,000 km, and DRDO aims for it to enter production by the late 2020s. Unlike traditional cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making them nearly impossible to intercept. According to recent developments, DRDO is working to outpace Russia’s 3M22 Zircon, a nuclear-capable hypersonic cruise missile, by targeting a speed beyond Mach 9 for the Indian HCM.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is set to bolster its strategic capabilities with the deployment of Pralay ballistic missiles starting in 2026. These missiles, capable of striking targets at a range of 150 to 500 kilometres, are designed to counter threats from India’s northern borders.

The Pralay missile, a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile, has been developed with advanced technology to evade interception by enemy interceptor missiles. Its unique design and trajectory make it a formidable weapon system.

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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to initiate flight testing of outer dual rack pylons for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets in 2025, a development aimed at significantly boosting the platform’s close combat capabilities. The new pylons will allow the Tejas Mk1A to carry two Close Combat Air-to-Air Missiles (CCMs), such as the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) or Python-5, on a single pylon, effectively doubling its short-range firepower.

The decision to integrate dual rack pylons followed the successful completion of wind tunnel testing of a scale model of the Tejas Mk1A, equipped with the dual rack configuration. These tests were carried out to gather critical data on aerodynamics and the missile separation process. Additionally, HAL conducted extensive computer simulations to study the effects of dual missile launches on the aircraft’s performance, particularly focusing on the potential for gas ingestion into the engine air intake.

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