IAF
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan has reported that Russia has once again extended an offer to India for its heavy bomber aircraft, the Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 “White Swan.” The Soviet-designed Tu-22M3 was previously proposed for the Indian Navy nearly two decades ago. However, high leasing costs and modernization expenses kept the deal from finalizing. Now, with the potential addition of the Tu-160M, a modernized, highly capable strategic bomber, Russia seeks to provide India with aircraft that could enhance its long-range strike capabilities.
Russia’s renewed offer includes the Tu-160M, a modernized version of the iconic Tu-160 “White Swan.” Unlike the Tu-22M3, the Tu-160M is still in production under a 2018 contract that calls for 10 units to be delivered to the Russian Air Force by 2027. These upgraded models come with extensive avionics and navigation enhancements, and Tupolev, the manufacturer, claims the modernized Tu-160M is 60% more effective than its predecessor. Each Tu-160M, priced at around $163 million, is equipped to carry up to 12 long-range cruise missiles or short-range nuclear missiles, giving it significant reach and flexibility.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The supply of 99 F-404 engines by GE Aerospace to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a 2021 contract has experienced significant delays, with deliveries postponed by nearly 10 months. Despite provisions in the contract that allow for financial penalties due to delayed supply, HAL has decided not to enforce these penalties on GE Aerospace. Sources close to the program have indicated idrw.org that the strategic nature of the project, combined with the necessity for continued collaboration with GE for future engine procurement, influenced this decision.
GE Aerospace has not yet delivered any of the F-404 engines meant for the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1A program. However, the company is set to begin deliveries from this month and has committed to accelerating the delivery schedule over the next few months. By 2026, production is expected to ramp up significantly to meet the growing demands of the Tejas Mk1A and the upcoming Tejas MkII program.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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).
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Armenia is seeking to bolster its air defence capabilities through a potential two-pronged approach with India. The first involves upgrading its existing fleet of four Su-30SM fighter jets to an Indian “Super-30” configuration.
This upgrade would see the integration of advanced Indian weaponry and technology, including the Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, RudraM air-to-surface missiles, Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and an Indian mission computer. Replacing the original Russian PESA radar with the Uttam AESA radar would significantly enhance the detection and targeting capabilities of the Armenian Su-30SMs.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In the race for India’s highly anticipated Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal, Swedish defense technology giant Saab has made significant strides by offering to establish full-scale production of its Gripen fighter jets in India. Kent-Ake Molin, Saab Campaign Director and Head of Gripen for India Programme (Business Area Aeronautics), recently emphasized the company’s commitment to indigenization and localization efforts in India. He stated, “We foresee that we can set up full-scale production in India, which will include everything; not just airframe, but also systems and software.”
Saab’s proposal goes beyond just delivering aircraft; it aims to create an entire ecosystem centered around the Gripen platform in India. The defense major has been in favorable discussions with multiple private partners, laying the groundwork for what Molin referred to as a “rapid indigenization” strategy. This move aligns with the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, aimed at boosting domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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).
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Air Marshal A.P. Singh has been appointed as the new Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), succeeding Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari. This leadership change has sparked speculation about potential shifts in IAF priorities, particularly concerning the long-stalled Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement program.
Air Marshal Singh’s close association with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program raises expectations for increased focus on this indigenous fighter jet. His prior experience as project director for flight testing of the Tejas Mk-1 at the National Flight Test Centre suggests a deep understanding of the program’s potential. This could lead to renewed efforts to expedite the Tejas’ integration into the IAF’s operational fleet.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India is set to become the first nation to receive 31 Predator drones equipped with two DAP-6 gun pods, each containing the formidable M134D-H rotary machine gun. This upgrade significantly enhances the Predator drones’ firepower, making them more versatile and lethal in combat roles.
The M134 Minigun, an American 7.62×51mm NATO six-barrel rotary machine gun, is known for its exceptionally high rate of fire, ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute. With its Gatling-style rotating barrel assembly powered by an external electric motor, the M134D-H is designed for sustained and rapid-fire, providing overwhelming firepower in a short period. The “Mini” in Minigun is a nod to its use of rifle ammunition, in contrast to the larger-calibre autocannon shells, like those of General Electric’s earlier 20mm M61 Vulcan.
Continue reading