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The Indian Army is set to bolster its artillery firepower with an order for 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, bringing the total to 200 units, with plans for another 100 in the near future. While the K9 Vajra, a product of collaboration between Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and South Korea's Hanwha Defence, has proven its worth, this procurement raises questions about a missed opportunity to revive a wholly indigenous alternative, the Bhim self-propelled howitzer. ad The K9 Vajra...

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a major Indian conglomerate, has announced its readiness to accelerate the production of submarines under the Project-75I program by constructing them concurrently at two shipyards. J.D. Patil, CEO and Managing Director of L&T, stated that the company is prepared to undertake this ambitious approach should the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Navy require it. ad L&T, in partnership with Spain's Navantia, has submitted a bid for the Project-75I program...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to test an export variant of its Pralay tactical ballistic missile with a capped range of 290 km. This modification is designed to comply with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) guidelines for non-member countries, facilitating India's growing defence export ambitions. Armenia has emerged as a potential customer for this advanced missile system. ad The standard Pralay missile boasts a range of 150-500 km, making it a...

The Indian Army is taking a significant step towards modernizing its armored forces with the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program. This ambitious initiative aims to replace the ageing T-72 tanks with a modern, indigenously developed main battle tank (MBT). To ensure the success of this program, the Army is actively courting private sector companies and promising a financially viable production plan, learning from the challenges faced during the Arjun MBT program. ad A key concern for...

India and Vietnam are nearing the finalization of a major defence deal for the acquisition of the BrahMos missile system, valued at approximately USD 700 million. Sources suggest that the agreement could be signed within the next two months, as both nations are actively working to finalize procedural and technical details. ad According to sources, the Vietnamese Defence Ministry has already reviewed and discussed the initial techno-commercial proposal shared by BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL)...

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a leading laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is tapping into the expertise of retired defence personnel to advance its aeroengine development efforts. Under the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR)-Technical scheme, GTRE plans to engage retired personnel from the Army, Air Force, or Navy to assist in crucial material characterization and testing activities. ad These experienced professionals will...

The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its artillery capabilities with the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) from Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). These indigenously developed 155mm/52-caliber howitzers are expected to be deployed primarily along the Western front, near the border with Pakistan, reflecting a strategic focus on countering potential threats in that region. ad The ATAGS boasts an impressive range of 48 km, placing...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively exploring options to enhance its aerial refuelling capabilities, with a renewed focus on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). After previous setbacks in securing a procurement deal, the IAF is now considering a wet lease arrangement for a French Air Force-owned A330 MRTT, alongside new proposals from Airbus and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). ad The wet lease option, which involves leasing the aircraft along with its crew and...

The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program has significantly advanced Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) expertise in composite materials, marking a crucial step forward for Indian aerospace technology. This progress demonstrates that composites not only contribute to lighter aircraft but also play a vital role in reducing radar cross-section (RCS), enhancing stealth capabilities. ad HAL's experience with composites in the Tejas program is extensive, with approximately 45% of the...

Mishra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI), a Hyderabad-based Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has reached a significant milestone by delivering its first consignment of titanium and superalloy products to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These advanced materials are crucial for manufacturing the airframe and structural parts of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, an upgraded variant of India's indigenous light combat aircraft. ad The titanium and superalloy products supplied by MIDHANI were developed...

Reports suggesting a potential transfer of Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to Pakistan have raised alarm in India, prompting expectations of a significant shift in New Delhi's strategic posture in South Asia. The acquisition of SSBNs by Pakistan would mark a substantial escalation in the regional arms dynamic, significantly bolstering Pakistan's naval and nuclear capabilities while posing new security challenges for India. ad Analysts suggest that such a move by...

A concerning pattern of accidents within the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the Thirteenth Defence Plan period (2017-2022) has brought to light the urgent need for a comprehensive safety audit and significant improvements in training protocols. The data, revealing a consistent number of mishaps across various aircraft types, underscores critical challenges facing India's aerial defence capabilities. ad The period spanning 2017 to 2022 witnessed a fluctuating yet persistent number of...

Pakistan could potentially field nuclear-powered submarines by 2028, significantly enhancing its naval capabilities and potentially altering the strategic balance in the Indian Ocean Region, a retired senior naval officer has claimed. Commodore (R) Obaidullah, in a recent interview with Suno News HD, suggested that this milestone could be achieved within the next five years, although he did not specify the type of nuclear submarines being considered. ad Commodore Obaidullah highlighted that...

India's indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program is reaching a new milestone with the evolution of the Rustom-1 into a weaponized platform, designated the Short Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Weaponised (SRUAV-W). This development signifies a major step forward in bolstering the nation's aerial strike capabilities through the integration of four Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), potentially the advanced NAG-MK2. ad Originally conceived as a surveillance and reconnaissance platform...

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer has confirmed active discussions with the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding the expansion of India's Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) capabilities, proposing its Praetor 600 business jet as the platform for the program's next phase. This development comes as a strategic pivot following the cessation of production of the ERJ145, the aircraft currently underpinning India's Netra Mk1 AEW&CS. ad The IAF currently operates three Netra Mk1...

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian joint venture renowned for its supersonic cruise missile, is reportedly nearing the completion of a significant new export agreement with an undisclosed foreign nation, according to reports originating from Russian media. This development underscores the growing international appeal of the BrahMos missile system and could further solidify the company's position in the global arms market. ad While the identity of the prospective buyer and the specific...

f India's indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is making significant headway, signaling a major step forward for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) modernization efforts. According to industry sources, the ambitious project, aimed at developing a stealth-capable fighter with advanced avionics, is progressing steadily, with key components nearing completion. ad A crucial milestone has been reached with the ongoing construction of substantial portions of the...

In a move poised to significantly strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance regional security, India has proposed integrating its indigenously developed Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) with the Vietnamese People's Air Force (VPAF) fleet of Russian-origin Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets. The VPAF currently operates 10 Su-27 Flanker and 35 Su-30MK2 multirole fighters, both acquired from Russia. The proposed integration of the Astra Mk1 would provide a...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to resume production of the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet at its Nashik division by early 2025, marking a significant boost to India's air defence capabilities and its "Make in India" initiative. The move comes after a four-year hiatus, with the first of the 12 newly contracted aircraft expected to be delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by April 2027. ad The Ministry of Defence recently awarded a ₹13,500 crore (approximately USD 1.62 billion)...

Islamabad - Pakistan has firmly asserted its commitment to continuing its missile development programs despite the imposition of new sanctions by the United States, directly accusing India and Israel of influencing Washington's decision. The sanctions target several Pakistani entities involved in the country's long-range ballistic missile programs, escalating already strained relations between Pakistan and the U.S. and highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in South Asia. ad The...