DRDO
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C), known as NETRA, is on the cusp of achieving Final Operational Configuration (FOC). This significant milestone marks a culmination of nearly seven years of development and testing since the program was granted Initial Operational Configuration (IOC) in 2017.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to achieve FOC for NETRA by the end of this year. This milestone will signify that the system is fully operational and ready to meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategic requirements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Mumbai-based Anadrone Systems Private Limited, a company primarily known for manufacturing licensed QinetiQ Banshee aerial target platforms in India, has now developed a new indigenous kamikaze drone called Shakti. This drone is designed to carry out long-range precision strikes, with an impressive endurance of 6 to 7 hours and an operational range of 500 kilometers, making it a formidable addition to India’s growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities.
The Shakti drone can carry a payload of up to 30 kg of explosives, designed to deliver significant damage in combat scenarios. It utilizes a rear pusher propeller engine, a propulsion system that is both efficient and well-suited for the drone’s long-endurance missions. This configuration helps improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, ensuring that the Shakti can remain airborne for extended periods and cover a vast operational area.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is making significant strides in developing an advanced jet engine that could eventually replace the imported power plants in India’s fighter aircraft fleet. Building on its existing work with the Kaveri engine, GTRE is now focusing on validating the current Dry Kaveri engine with an afterburner to achieve wet thrust performance.
Once validated, the organization plans to secure approval and funding for the development of a new prototype core engine, often referred to as “Kaveri 2.” This engine is expected to meet the needs of India’s combat aircraft, offering a domestic alternative to the U.S.-made F-404 and F-414 engines currently used in the Tejas program.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to commence full-fledged developmental trials of the Astra MkII beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile from next year. This significant milestone brings India closer to fielding a state-of-the-art air-to-air missile capable of neutralizing threats at long ranges.
The Astra MkII, an upgraded version of the existing Astra MkI missile, boasts an impressive range of 140-160 kilometres against fighter-sized targets. It has already undergone multiple air-to-air trials, including an unguided mode test to evaluate its Dual-Pulse motor.
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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
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has recently issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify a proven Helmet Mounted Display and Sight (HMDS) system that meets the operational and technical requirements for its current aircraft programs. This move represents ADA’s intent to gather essential information to finalize the technical specifications for procuring and integrating an HMDS system.
The EOI, issued on a No Cost No Commitment (NC/NC) basis, aims to engage with vendors capable of supplying and integrating a ready-to-deploy HMDS system for ADA’s aircraft programs. Importantly, the EOI does not guarantee the issuance of a future Request for Proposal (RFP) but seeks to collect information that will guide the decision-making process for this advanced technology integration.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Armenian Army has completed trials of six units of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) 155mm/52 calibre towed guns, supplied by India in 2023. According to Armenian Army sources to idrw.org, the guns have cleared all operational tests conducted in various locations across the country.
The initial batch of six ATAGS guns was programmed with the Armenian language in the Trajectory Computation Module (TCM) as requested by the Armenian Army. Additionally, several other modifications were made to tailor the guns to the specific requirements of the Armenian military.
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.
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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 Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) aimed at the procurement of six (06) Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, along with the necessary ground segment infrastructure. This RFI invites proposals from registered Indian vendors for the supply of these advanced systems. The AEW&C system is a crucial part of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts, aimed at enhancing air defense and surveillance capabilities.
The AEW&C systems are a sophisticated “system of systems” designed to provide long-range radar detection and comprehensive situational awareness. The primary functions include Long-range radar detection, Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM), Communication Support Measures (CSM), Command & Control (C2), Battle management, and Data link-based networking for real-time integration.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proposed the development of a ground-based version of the RudraM-2 anti-radiation surface-to-surface missile system. Based on the air-launched variant of the RudraM-2, the ground-based version will incorporate a booster stage, enhancing its range and capabilities.
With a range of 300 kilometres and a payload of 200 kilograms, the RudraM-2 missile is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 5.5. Its advanced seekers can detect enemy radio frequencies and signals from radars at distances exceeding 100 kilometres.
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Lt Gen Adosh Kumar, the Director General of Artillery in the Indian Army, has confirmed that the deal for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) will be procured in 2025. The ATAGS, a towed 155 mm/52 caliber howitzer, has already been cleared for production following the successful completion of user trials.
The contract is expected to be finalized in March, coinciding with the end of the financial year. While the Army has not disclosed which specific variant of the ATAGS it plans to procure, both Tata and Kalyani have developed their own versions of the gun based on the same Technology Transfer (ToT) provided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). However, there are notable differences between the two variants in terms of design and other parameters.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army, which has received an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to procure the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV), is set to conduct a rigorous evaluation of potential bidders. The FRCV, which will replace the T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in the Army’s fleet by 2030, is a significant acquisition program that will see intense scrutiny from domestic and international companies.
To ensure that the FRCV program aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, the Indian Army and DRDO will conduct a special audit of all proposals submitted by public and private sector companies. This audit will focus on verifying the indigenous content of the proposed tanks, preventing the introduction of rebadged foreign MBTs into the Indian market.
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