Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) | Business Upturn

India embarks on ₹60,000 crore overhaul to propel Su-30MKI fleet into technological excellence

Gowri Jagadish — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 13:55:43 +0000

India’s fighter jets will enter a new era of technological capability with the planned extensive overhaul of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is assisting Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the private sector in this enormous project, which is valued at an astounding ₹60,000 crore.

A major step forward for the “Make in India” strategy, the project was authorised by the Defence Ministry last year, and HAL has been tasked with spearheading the modification. The overhaul will be completed in two stages: the first will integrate new radars and avionics, and the second will improve the flight control systems.

Developments in Radar and Avionics:
The Indian Air Force expressed reservations about the Su-30MKI fleet’s antiquated avionics and radar systems, which will be addressed in the project’s first phase. The initiative, which demonstrates India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, entails swapping out several equipment of Russian origin for indigenous ones.

To overcome the limits of older-generation radar technology and allow fighter jets to detect and strike targets from substantially larger distances, a new indigenous radar system will be created. The action is intended to guarantee that the Indian Air Force can compete with enemies.

Native Combat Edge Systems:
The primary focus of the update is to improve the aircraft’s combat capability by incorporating native systems into the platform. A new electronic warfare system will be implemented as part of this to jam incoming threats and obstruct enemy communications. Improved engagement capabilities with air-to-air and air-to-ground targets will also be achieved through the use of new domestic Infra Red Search and Track systems.

The extensive overhaul is expected to strengthen the Su-30MKI fleet’s standing as a potent force in the area and fulfil the changing demands of contemporary combat.

Accelerating the Improvement:
In order to hasten the renovation of its whole fleet of Sukhois, the Indian Air Force has placed the project on high speed. About ninety fighters are scheduled for the initial phase of improvement, which will concentrate on avionics and radars. The first phase of the project is anticipated to begin this year. Significantly, the entire refurbishment procedure will take place in India, demonstrating the country’s technological prowess and dedication to independence.

Prospects for the Economy and Exports:
The project offers substantial economic prospects in addition to strengthening India’s defence capabilities. The upgrades provide a sizable export market, with over 600 Su-27/30 aircraft in service in several nations, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Algeria. The Su-30MKI fleet’s achievements have the potential to establish India as a major player in the international defence industry.

Along similar lines, last year an extra ₹11,000 crore deal was authorised for 12 Su-30MKI planes, which HAL is expected to produce using more than 50% indigenous components.

Indian Air Force to showcase cutting-edge technology at Maharashtra MSME Defence exposition

Gowri Jagadish — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:35:12 +0000

The Maharashtra government has extended an invitation to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to take part in and showcase its capabilities at the forthcoming Maharashtra MSME Defence Exposition. The International Exhibition Convention Centre in Moshi, Pune is the venue for the event, slated to happen from February 24 to February 26, 2024.

The exhibition’s primary objective is to highlight the various capacities of several Maharashtra-based Defence Public Sector Unit (DPSU) installations, private businesses, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative’s planners also intended to involve college and high school students, giving them a chance to engage with other agencies that are involved.

The Government of India is preparing to demonstrate its indigenous skills as part of Nirbhar Bharat. The latest Advanced Light Helicopter MK-IV and Light Combat Helicopter, which showcases the state-of-the-art technology created by the Indian Air Force, will be on static exhibit. The demonstration of the Aakash and SAMAR missile systems will also showcase the nation’s missile technical capabilities.

The IAF booth at the exposition will highlight partnerships with private business partners and showcase products created internally. Indian Air Force high-ranking authorities would strongly interact with involved industries to convey requirements for the future and promote independence in defence manufacturing.

The Indian Air Force will have special publicity stands at the event to encourage young people to think about joining the service. The Induction Publicity and Exhibition Vehicle (IPEV) will offer an almost lifelike portrayal of the several roles and endeavours carried out by the IAF. The intention is to inform students from various academic institutions about the many opportunities that the Indian Air Force offers, for both men and women who want to serve as officers and Agniveervayu.

DRDO’s innovative technology to safeguard Srinagar-Leh National Highway from avalanches at Zoji La Pass

Gowri Jagadish — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:21:32 +0000

A modern remotely operated avalanche warning and monitoring system at Zoji La is being installed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a major step towards guaranteeing the safety of road users along the Srinagar-Leh national highway. Zoji La, the second-highest pass on this crucial route, closes in the winter owing to avalanche activity, therefore early avalanche detection and monitoring systems must be put in place.

The ground-breaking technology, created by DRDO, will consist of a network of infrasonic sensors that can identify stress vibrations or sound waves below human hearing thresholds. These sensors will be positioned carefully along the Sonamarg–Zojila–Tangdhar axis, an area where avalanches can occur at any time. The principal objective is to augment the security of military personnel and civilians traversing this demanding terrain.

According to a DRDO scientist, “The network will be deployed along the treacherous terrain of Zoji La to detect and monitor avalanche activities, providing crucial information to mitigate potential risks.” The Chandigarh-based Defence Geo-informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) will carry out the project. The goal of the DRDO laboratory DGRE is to develop crucial technologies for combat effectiveness, with an emphasis on problems linked to topography and avalanches in the Himalayas.

In order to ensure sustainability, the sensors will be positioned strategically in predetermined field sites and outfitted with solar power units, real-time data transmitting modules compatible with satellite and GSM connection, and data acquisition and processing units. The DGRE will receive the gathered data and analyse it to produce useful knowledge that can improve safety procedures.

Zoji La, in the Kargil district, is 11,575 feet high and aptly named the “pass of blizzards.” Strategically significant, it is located on the main road connecting Jammu to Ladakh. The route is impassable in the winter due to severe snowfall, which highlights the need for the 14-kilometer tunnel that is currently being built underground. By 2030, when this tunnel is completed, it will be the longest bidirectional tunnel in Asia and cut the average journey time from three hours to just 20 minutes.

Ensuring the safe mobility of troops in difficult terrains is greatly dependent on the DGRE, which is in charge of mapping, forecasting, monitoring, controlling, and mitigating landslides and avalanches in the Himalayas. Other government departments also use the data produced by DGRE to make sure that residents in remote places are secure, in addition to the military.

Indian Armed Forces show keen interest in domestically-made Tapas drones, engage in comprehensive discussions with DRDO

Gowri Jagadish — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:47:12 +0000

The domestically designed and developed Tapas medium altitude long endurance drone has attracted significant interest from both the Indian Air Force and Navy. According to defence officials, both forces have held discussions regarding the capabilities and possible uses of the drone within the services with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Comprehensive discussions of the capabilities and uses of the Tapas drone took place during a recent meeting between DRDO and the military. In addition, the Indian Air Force has expressed to the DRDO its formal interest in conducting a more thorough investigation into the drone’s capabilities.

The Indian Navy is anticipated to test the Tapas drones in the Andaman and Nicobar Island region, highlighting the gravity of their interest. According to reports, the Navy will test two Tapas drones that DRDO has in stock. The results of these experiments will have a big impact on future procurement choices; if they are successful, the Indian Navy might acquire 10–12 drones.

Although showing interest, the Indian Air Force is more careful, saying it will conduct a thorough assessment of the Tapas drones’ capabilities. According to officials, the Air Force would be guided by many variables, such as performance metrics and other considerations, when making judgements about the acquisition of these domestic drones.

The DRDO has publicly denied claims that it has put on hold the Tapas drone project, despite recent rumours to the contrary. It has emphasised the Tapas drones’ importance in the nation’s defence strategy and reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out further development of the system.

The Aeronautical Development Establishment Laboratory’s Tapas drones have not, however, entirely complied with the Joint Services Qualitative Requirements. The project was disqualified from the mission mode project category due to these restrictions, which include flying at 30,000 feet for more than 24 hours at a time.

The Tapas drones proved their mettle during defense-force testing, ascending to a height of 28,000 feet and maintaining flying for more than 18 hours. Officials from the DRDO have acknowledged that more design and power upgrades are necessary to increase the drone’s suitability for the altitude and endurance service requirements.

The DRDO, led by Dr. Samir V Kamat, continues to be in charge of several significant drone initiatives, such as the creation of unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) like Ghatak and Archer. These programmes demonstrate India’s commitment to developing its defence capabilities via in-house technology advancements.

Indian Army achieves milestone with successful test of upgraded NAG anti-tank missile

Gowri Jagadish — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 13:42:42 +0000

On February 14, 2024, the Indian Army successfully tested an upgraded NAG Anti-Tank-Guided Missile (ATGM) at Rajasthan’s Pokhran field firing range. This four-kilometre missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), could be launched from the shoulder with an infrared seeker for imaging.

The NAG missile has remarkable specifications with a minimum range of 500 metres and a maximum range of 4,000 metres. Its speed ranges from 220 to 230 metres per second. The NAG, which weighs 42 kg, is available in three different configurations: vehicle-mounted, heliborne, and man-portable.

The Helina version, a third-generation, all-weather guided missile intended for helicopter deployment, is one of the noteworthy variations. The strike range of the Helina version is around 8 kilometres, which is farther than the range of the Nag missile, which is only 4 km.

The NAG missile has a ten-year shelf life and an excellent single-shot hit probability of 90%. The NAG missile is a versatile weapon that comes in five different versions, including land, helicopter, and man-portable.

Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) has started serial manufacturing of the NAMICA (NAG Missile Carrier) tank destroyer to supplement the improved capabilities of the NAG missile. Based on an elongated, license-built BMP-2 chassis, NAMICA’s first unit has been deployed. The electro-optical equipment of this tank destroyer includes a laser rangefinder (LRF) and a thermal imager (TI) for accurate target acquisition.

The NAMICA has a hunter-killer sight capability and can fire missiles against targets that are around 7.5 km away. With eight missiles in ready-to-fire mode and four missiles in storage, it can carry a maximum of 12 missiles. The car also has space for four military men.

The NAMICA project, which was created by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), has been given the go-ahead for manufacturing by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), highlighting its strategic importance. NAMICA’s entire project cost is projected to be ₹3,000 crore.

IAF deploys 83 indigenous TEJAS MK-1A fighters, aims for 97 more with ‘Uttam’ radar and ‘Angad’ electronic warfare suite

Gowri Jagadish — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:26:18 +0000

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to equip its domestic Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) TEJAS MK-1A with the state-of-the-art ‘Uttam’ radar and ‘Angad’ electronic warfare suite, marking a huge step towards achieving self-reliance in defence capabilities. The government’s commitment to advancing indigenization in the military is demonstrated by this action, which represents a clear departure from foreign systems.

India Today recently reported that the IAF has put 83 TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets into service and that they intend to acquire an additional 97 shortly. Defence officials have disclosed that the TEJAS MK-1A aircraft would soon be equipped with the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and the Angad electronic warfare suite, which are presently in advanced stages of development.

The replacement programme, which will start with the 41st aircraft out of 83, is a strategic move by the IAF to use AESA radar and electronic warfare suites manufactured in India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) comprises several laboratories that are actively involved in carrying out these initiatives.

Currently in development, the ‘Uttam’ radar is showing promising outcomes and could eventually be installed in high-end fighter aircraft. This move supports the overarching goal of enhancing the IAF’s capabilities through the use of cutting-edge domestic technology and modernising the force’s fleet.

The integration of indigenous weapon systems into TEJAS is expected to result in significant foreign exchange cost savings and the creation of jobs in the defence industry. This action highlights the IAF’s commitment to using domestic capabilities for its operational needs and is vital in harmonising with the government’s ‘Make in India’ policy.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has planned to replace its ageing MiG-series fighter jets with these made-in-India aircraft, in keeping with its strategic goal. The Ministry of Defence and other national security players have received detailed preparations for this transition, according to sources.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was among the important parties that attended a review meeting recently held by Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the head of the Indian Air Force, to evaluate the status and future directions of the domestic fighter jet programme. The partnership between the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) highlights the cooperative efforts of government agencies and private sector companies in strengthening India’s defence capabilities.

General Anil Chauhan stresses cooperation for strengthening India’s defence space capabilities

Gowri Jagadish — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 07:03:36 +0000

India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, has stressed the need to strengthen the nation’s counter-space capabilities in reaction to China’s quick development and use of powerful anti-satellite missiles. During a defence satellite symposium in Delhi, General Chauhan emphasised that strengthening the NavIC constellation—India’s regional navigation satellite system—would require the domestic development of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.

To enhance capabilities, such as the creation of multi-sensor satellites, launch-on-demand services, and an extended network of ground stations, the CDS recommended cooperation between the military and the defence sector. Recognising space as a force multiplier in the land, sea, and cyber warfare domains, India has announced plans to invest Rs. 25,000 crore to address its defence space requirements. This announcement coincides with the call to action.

In light of changing geopolitical concerns, General Chauhan’s emphasis on counter-space capabilities as a deterrent highlights the strategic significance of protecting India’s space assets. With the NavIC constellation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has already taken action, however, the CDS asks for more development and cooperation to guarantee a strong defensive space environment.

India continues to be the world’s greatest arms importer despite being the seventh-largest nation by total area and the fourth-largest military expenditure. For vital armaments imports, the US, France, and Russia are the main suppliers to the nation. While acknowledging the country’s previous reliance on imports, General Chauhan emphasised the need for the home defence sector to take advantage of this opportunity and help create a highly capable military space ecosystem.

Despite India’s encouragement of the privatisation of defence manufacturing, there hasn’t been much of an answer from domestic and international investors. In order to expedite the manufacturing of newer types of weapons and ammunition, the Chief of Defence Staff underlined the necessity of the industry collaborating closely with the military and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The world’s top 100 arms-producing corporations only includes three majority state-owned Indian defence manufacturing enterprises, indicating a significant disparity in comparison to the dominance of US and Chinese companies in the global arms industry. In an effort to potentially push India’s GDP over the $5 trillion barrier and make a substantial contribution to job and income generation, the CDS called on the sector to play a crucial role in achieving self-sufficiency in arms production.