Indian Army
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has introduced an innovative missile, named “Teaser,” which is being hailed as a breakthrough in guided weaponry due to its unique guidance technology. Unlike conventional guided missiles, the Teaser relies on an external optical sight rather than a built-in homing sensor, a design that sets it apart in the world of lightweight, tactical missiles. IAI has expressed intentions to establish partnerships with international manufacturers, especially focusing on India as a strategic production base for both local and export markets.
The Teaser missile is designed for deployment by infantry units, with capabilities suited for battalion-sized forces and special operations. Weighing under five pounds and equipped for shoulder-launched deployment, it represents a highly portable, low-cost solution for ground forces. Teaser uses Automatic Command to Line-of-Sight (ACLOS) guidance and is steered by an operator using an external sight called the “Teaser-Sight,” allowing precise guidance up to a range of 2.5 kilometres (1.6 miles). A key advantage of this guidance system is that it does not depend on GNSS, making it resistant to GNSS jamming or spoofing — a critical feature in electronic warfare environments.
Continue readingSOURCE: 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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In a significant move toward strengthening defence cooperation, India and Brazil are reportedly in discussions to finalize a government-to-government deal for the procurement and local manufacturing of the Akash-NG (Next Generation) Air Defense system.
Developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the Akash-NG represents a major advancement in India’s indigenous air defence capabilities. The system is designed to intercept highly manoeuvrable, low-observable aerial threats, making it an ideal candidate for enhancing Brazil’s air defence framework.
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The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has embarked on developing a new 105mm high-pressure (HP) barrel that will be a key feature of the Zorawar Light Tank. According to sources familiar with the project, the design phase of the 105mm gun has been completed, and an industrial partner has been selected to commence the fabrication process.
The development of the 105mm HP gun comes as part of India’s broader initiative to reduce its dependence on foreign military technology by creating indigenous alternatives. The ARDE-designed 105mm gun is intended to replace the current Cockerill 105mm HP gun (a NATO-standard system) that is currently fitted on the Zorawar Light Tank prototypes.
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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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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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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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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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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.
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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.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
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Adani Defence, a key player in India’s defence manufacturing sector, is set to commence the production of high-calibre rounds for artillery guns from its facility in Kanpur starting in April 2025. This significant development comes as part of Adani Defence and Aerospace’s broader plans within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
The Kanpur facility has already made significant strides in ammunition production, having commenced the manufacturing of small-calibre ammunition from its units. The upcoming production of high-calibre rounds for artillery guns marks the next phase of expansion for Adani Defence in the defence sector.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is taking a multi-pronged approach to strengthen India’s tank defenses. While actively developing an Active Protection System (APS) for tanks, DRDO is also exploring its potential to counter the growing threat of swarm and FPV (First-Person View) armed drones.
An APS is a crucial defensive suite designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming threats before they can damage a tank. Traditionally, these systems focus on neutralizing ATGMs, tank rounds, and other infantry anti-armor weapons. However, the recent war in Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerability of Armoured vehicles to drone attacks, particularly highly maneuverable first-person view (FPV) kamikaze drones.
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The Indian Army is actively exploring the potential of weaponized robot dogs to bolster its capabilities against drone threats. Lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have highlighted the growing need for advanced anti-drone technologies.
The army has already inducted a robot dog equipped with a machine gun and RPG, demonstrating its interest in employing robotic platforms for military operations. Now, the focus is on harnessing these capabilities to counter drone threats effectively.
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With ongoing delays and a lack of progress in the procurement deal with Russia for the Kamov 226T helicopter, the Indian Army is reportedly considering a significant increase in its order for the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This shift comes as the Army prepares to phase out its ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters over the next decade.
In 2015, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for at least 200 Kamov 226T twin-engine utility helicopters. The initial plan was to import 60 units directly from Russia, while the remaining 140 were to be manufactured locally by HAL. The Ka-226T was chosen for its twin-engine design, which is considered safer for high-altitude operations, particularly in challenging terrains like the Himalayas.
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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.
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