The post Pravaig’s VEER stealth vehicle triumphs in military trials appeared first on IMR.

Largely geared towards the Indian naval needs in the IOR, this program is one of the path breaking contracts awarded under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the DAP2020, with assured MOQs and a direct procurement post realisation of TRL 7-9. It is also one of the only few real world commitment for a HAPS class UAS product development effort across the world.

As one of the only two organisations in India carrying our indigenous development of a HAPS UAV from the ground up (arguably one of most difficult aerospace platform to realise); NRT will leverage its experience gained from successfully developing and flight testing the technology demonstrator as part of the previous iDEX – DIO sub scale aircraft development with the Indian Air Force.

NRT expects to develop this cutting edge dual use platform in the years ahead, focussing on persistent ISR, communication, ELINT missions of the Indian military and the communication needs, including beaming down of WiFi and 5G networks, as well as disaster monitoring applications from the stratosphere for civilian use cases.

The post NewSpace Research Gets Contract For HAPS UAS appeared first on IMR.

Operational Preparedness

Northern Borders. As part of diplomatic and military efforts concerning ongoing standoff along the LAC, 20 rounds of Corps Commander Level Meetings and 14 related Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meetings were held with the Chinese.  Both sides agreed to maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through the relevant military and diplomatic mechanisms. Indian Army has exercised the established border mechanisms to maintain peace and tranquillity along the LAC in all sectors.

LoC & Counter-Terrorist Ops. After the understanding of February 2021, between the Directorate Generals Military Operation of India and Pakistan, the situation along the Line of Control improved significantly compared to pre-understanding violence levels. Relentless operations conducted in synergy with other agencies resulted in successful and incident-free conduct of international and national level events such as G-20 meetings and Amarnath Yatra with 4.45 Lakh yatris visiting the shrine. Synergised counter-terrorist operations also resulted in elimination of 34 terrorists and apprehension of four terrorists in the hinterland. 18 infiltration bids were eliminated on LC in which 36 terrorists were killed besides recovery of large war-like stores.

North East. The balanced posture of firm and compassionate outlook by the Indian Army & Assam Rifles in militancy affected North Eastern part of the country is evident through both tangible & intangible outcomes. This is reflected by results in operations against militant groups, mainstreaming of militants and the critical decision of the Government of India to reduce areas under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA-1958). Since 1 January 2023, synergised efforts by Army, Assam Rifles and State Police resulted in neutralisation of three cadres, apprehension of 233 cadres, surrender by 186 cadres of various militant groups and recovery of 271 weapons of different types. Security Forces also continued with the earnest endeavour to reduce the drug menace in the region. Indian Army along with Assam Rifles, Police & Civil administration, successfully recovered narcotics & contraband worth Rs 1,567.55 crore during the year in the hinterland as well as India-Myanmar Border.

Manipur. Indian Army and Assam Rifles have played a key role in controlling the internal security situation in Manipur and saving precious lives, property and evacuating approximately 35,000 internally displaced population to safety. Security Forces have been assisting the civil administration and other security agencies with a neutral and transparent approach to restore peace and normalcy in the State.

ALSO READ: JOINT OPERATIONS – Tri-Services Joint Exercise AMPHEX 2021

Year of Transformation

2023 was the Year of Transformation for the Indian Army. The process of transformation hinges on the five pillars- ‘Force Structuring & Optimisation’, ‘Modernisation & Technology Infusion’, ‘Systems, Processes & Functions’, ‘Human Resource Management’ and ‘Jointness & Integration’.

Force Restructuring & Optimisation. Efforts towards jointness and integration preceding Theaterisation are being made with renewed impetus.

Reorganisation of Early Warfare (EW) and Electronic Intelligence units under EW Brigades has been formalised. Raising of additional EW Battalions is under progress.

Reorganisation of Surveillance and Target Acquisition (SATA) units is underway.

Outsourcing of Non-Core Services is under progress to realign combat manpower for core tasks.

Modernisation & Technology Infusion. A roadmap has been put in place for Upgrades, New Acquisitions & infusion of Niche technology. The right balance between ‘Conventional’ and ‘New’ capabilities is being maintained. A focussed approach is being followed to ensure timely & pragmatic trials.

Conclusion of 85 Capital Contracts. A total of 85 Capital Contracts worth Rs 12,343 crore have been concluded in current Financial Year. This will boost the Capability of Indian Army in the domain of mobilisation, firepower, communication/non communication, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) & Drone/Counter-Drone Systems.

Induction of Niche Technology through iDEX. Four Projects worth Rs 70 crore have been contracted this year, thereby paving the way for the induction of Niche Tech in communication, ISR & stealth Technology. It is also a step towards providing impetus in developments favourable to defence eco system.

Exploiting 5G/6G and Artificial Intelligence. Indian Army has collaborated with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to develop advanced electronics and infrastructure, aligning with Digital India and Make in India initiatives. 5G laboratories have been established at various locations including Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE). In addition, Military grade 5G and 6G laboratories are being established at various locations. MCTE has been developed as a key Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence.

Emergency Procurements. The EP were utilised to augment capability along the Northern and Western Front besides catering for training aggregates. The equipment procured under the EP are being fully exploited by field formations to refine their operational philosophy, TTPs and maintenance support requirements. In Financial Years 2020-22, 68 projects, worth Rs 6,592 crore were procured while 73 projects, worth Rs 11,000 crore have been procured in the Financial Years 2022-24.

System, Processes & Functions. The following has been achieved under the pillar of System, Processes & Functions:

Right-sizing and Ease of Doing Business. Digital initiatives have been undertaken in a major way to effect improved efficiencies in domains of Operational Enablement.

National Logistics Policy & PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. The Indian Army has been an important partner in the Prime Minister Gati Shakti National Master Plan and formulation of NLP. Efforts have been made to align initiatives undertaken by the Indian Army to the national vision. 180 Officers have been trained on Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi platform and additional training with BISAG-N is being planned. A Tri- Services Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Infrastructure Portal akin to PM Gati Shakti is being created under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.

The post DEFENCE REVIEW 2023 – Army’s Operations and Transformation Milestones appeared first on IMR.

Make Scheme

IN is pursuing a total of 38 Make projects under Chapter III of DAP 2020. Presently, 26 projects are being steered under Make-II category, 10 projects under Make I category and two projects under Make III Category. In addition, Eight Make II joint projects are being steered with IA and IAF as lead services. Under Make II, AoN has been accorded for 12 projects. Prototype development contracts have been concluded for nine projects (for a cost of Rs 400.84 Cr) and 03 project are at EoI stage. Remaining 14 projects are under various stages of feasibility study/ AIP stage. Under Make I, AoN has been accorded for 02 projects, remaining 08 projects are under various stages of feasibility study/ AIP stage. Under Make III, there are two projects and presently both are at feasibility study stage.

Technology Development Fund

In order to introduce cutting edge technology on board IN platforms, 25 projects are being pursued under the ‘Technology Development Fund’ scheme. Contract has been concluded for 10 projects at a cost of Rs 34.92 Cr. One project is at CNC stage, EOI evaluation is in progress for eight projects, and six projects are at pre-AoN stage.

Joint iDEX Challenges

Exchange of various iDEX proposals by both India and US startups under ‘India-US Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X)’ initiative was commenced in July 2023. Two proposals pertaining to maritime domain were launched by   Raksha Mantri in presence of US Ambassador to India Mr Eric Garcetti during the NIIO Seminar.

iDEX Scheme: IN is progressing 41 problem statements under Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) and Open Challenge (OC) categories through 59 startups.

Induction of Niche Technologies

A wide range of niche technologies are being inducted to enhance long range precision attack capabilities. Loitering Munitions in land and sea based versions are being inducted to enhance the targeting capabilities. Additionally, containerised missile systems are being inducted to enhance the operational capability and to augment flexibility in operations.

‘Swavlamban 2023’

Swavlamban 23 seminar was scheduled at Bharat Mandapa, Pragati Maidan from October 04 to 05, 2023.  Day 2 of the seminar focused on interactive session on indigenisation and armament. A dedicated interaction session was scheduled in Session II on the theme, ‘Discussion on Swavlamban 2.0 – Indian Navy’s Indigenisation Roadmap’. The target audience was primarily manufacturer/ import/ export/ service industry in Defence sector. Nearly 300 industry partners participated in the aforementioned session.

Indigenisation

Navy has transformed from a ‘Buyers Navy’ into a ‘Builders Navy’, with aircraft carrier, destroyers, stealth frigates, corvettes, submarines and other war vessels being constructed in our country. Today, of the 66 ships under construction 64 are being built in India. Further, AoN has been accorded for 24 ships and submarines that are all planned to be constructed in Indian Shipyards. At present, IN has achieved approximately 90% indigenisation in the Float segment, 60% in the Move segment, and 50% in the Fight segment. Indian Navy is committed to becoming a fully  Aatmanirbhar Navy by 2047. As on date, we are on track towards this goal, and 80% of the IN Capital Budget in CFY 2023-24 has been earmarked for domestic procurements in support of GoI vision of ‘ Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

New Shipbuilding contracts in 2023

Five shipbuilding contracts at a total value of Rs 41,742.37 Cr have been concluded with Indian shipyards. Conclusion of five shipbuilding contracts within span of six months is testimony to the importance being accorded to the Indian Navy by the Govt of India. Construction of 25 ships will generate a total employment of 346.30 lakh man-days over the next one decade and engage numerous MSMEs in the shipbuilding activity.

Commissioning/ Delivery of Ships

The ships/submarines which have been commissioned this year, as also the status of shipbuilding projects underway are highlighted below:-

INS Vagir, fifth Submarine of Kalvari class, was commissioned on 23 January 2023.

Maldivian CG Ship Huravee, a Trinkat Class Fast Attack Craft was returned to India by Maldives post handing over INS Tarmugli to Govt. of Maldives in May 2023. The ship, post refit, was re-commissioned into Indian Navy as INS Tarmugli on 14 December 2023.

INS Imphal, the third Ship of Project-15B successfully completed her sea trials followed by Final machinery trials on 25 August 2023. The ship was delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 October 2023 by MDL, Mumbai. The ship is planned to be commissioned on 26 December 2023.

Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first of the four Survey Vessel (Large) ships was delivered to Indian Navy by GRSE on 4 December 2023. The ship would be commissioned in January 2024.

The third GRSE ship of Project P17A Frigates, Vindhyagiri (Yard 3024), was launched on Aug 17, 2023 at GRSE, Kolkata

The fourth ship of Survey Vessel Large, i.e. Sanshodhak (Yard 3028) was launched on 13 June 2023 at L&T Kattupalli.

Two ASW Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) namely Androth (Yard 3035) and Anjadip (Yard 3030) were launched on 21 March and 13 June 2023 respectively at GRSE, Kolkata.  Three more ASW SWC namely Mahe (Yard 523), Malvan (Yard 524) and Magrol (Yard 525) were concurrently launched on 30 November 2023 at CSL, Kochi.

The last of the seven P17A ships, i.e. Mahendragiri (Yard 12654) was launched on 1 Sep 2023 at MDL, Mumbai.

1st Diving Support Craft A-20 (Yard-325) was launched on 31 August 2023 at Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd, Kolkata.

The post DEFENCE REVIEW 2023 – Indian Navy Modernisation and Indigenisation appeared first on IMR.

The following measures have been instituted to support indigenisation of spares and systems:

Positive Indigenisation List: In pursuance of India’s endeavor for self-reliance, Ministry of Defence is promulgating ‘Positive Indigenisation Lists’ at periodic intervals. The fifth PIL was released in October with 98 items, out of which 13 pertain to IAF.

Srijan Defence Web Portal: A list of 630 spares has been uploaded on www.srijandefence.gov.in website towards seeking feasibility for indigenous development. 78 companies have shown interest so far.

Inter Governmental Agreement: An IGA was signed in September between India & Russia for enabling manufacture of Russian Origin Spares in India. A series of JVs have been signed by Indian companies towards fructification of the same.

Industry Outreach: To bring together the users from the IAF and the Indian Defence industry representatives to discuss, identify and understand problem areas, Industry Outreach was planned by undertaking visits to IAF bases. Two Industry Outreach events were conducted at Air Force Station Bareilly and Air Force Station Pune in September and October respectively. The station authorities organized the visit, providing guided tours to various sections within the Station. Industry representatives were given the chance to engage in discussions and Q&A sessions with Air Force experts in their respective fields, facilitating knowledge exchange and networking.

Space Industry Outreach: Of the total 29 DefSpace challenges pertaining to IAF (12 iDEX and 17 Make challenges), High Power Steering Committee (HPSC) meeting for 12 iDEX has been concluded. iDEX winners for eight DefSpace Challenges and one open challenge were announced in October. Selection of winners for the four iDEX DefSpace challenges is under progress at DIO. Feasibility study for the Make I and II DefSpace challenges are under progress. PDC for completion of Feasibility Study for all Make challenges is 31 Dec 23.

Signing of MoUs: IAF entered into 21 MoUs with Academia, Educational Institutes and DRDO labs for cooperation and promotion of R&D in areas of mutual interest.

Indigenisation of CU of LLLWR: To achieve self-reliance in the maintenance and upkeep of the IAF’s Low Level Light Weight Radars, a contract for design and development of three critical components was signed with BEL. The high altitude field trial of one such component was completed successfully. The case for procurement of these is now under progress.

Indigenisation of Parachutes: Almost 90-95% of pilot parachutes and brake parachutes in use by IAF have been indigenised by ADRDE within a timeframe of two years.

ALSO READ: DEFENCE REVIEW 2023 – Indian Navy Modernisation and Indigenisation

Indigenous ‘Miniature Detonating Cord’: The firing trials of the indigenous Miniature Detonating Cord (MDC) for the Hawk Aircraft Canopy Severance System were successfully completed in November. Airworthiness clearance for use on fleet is under progress. The effort will mitigate delays in supplies of imported MDC.

Modification of Electric Operating Fire Extinguisher Cartridges: The modification was successfully completed through OF, Khamaria and AQAW(A), Khamaria to address quality issues of earlier design. The modified carts were inducted in service in July.

Development of Unexploded Ordnance Handling Robot: Project on development of UXOR for disposal of UXOs with the technique of water cutting jet was pursued with R&DE (Engg), Pune. Three prototypes had been developed based on approved ASQRs. Procurement of UXOR was taken up through FTP route. Contract has been signed with Hi-Tech Robotics Systemz Ltd, Gurugram for UXORs in September.

MRSAM: Five Firing Units and one training centre of MRSAM system have been commissioned in IAF in this year. System has been successfully deployed.

Project SAMAR: IAF has successfully indigenised the prototype of ground based platform for firing Air-to-Air missile under project SAMAR. Fabrication of SAMAR Firing Units (FUs) have been successfully completed this year. SAMAR FUs were delivered to field units and firing is planned in Dec 23.

Self-Reliance Plans: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has resulted in inability to send major aggregates like the aero-engines, critical avionics and specialist wpns abroad for Repairs and Overhaul. To mitigate the situation, 44 shortlisted projects pertaining to Russian Fighter, Transport and Helicopters are being progressed through OCPP under the following categories:

Life Extension.

Development and execution of ROH technologies for Airframes, Electro-Mechanical rotables, avionics, EW systems of AN 32, Mi Series helicopters.

Repair and refurbishment of Russian ALMs and Russian aero engines and avionics.

Replacement of avionic aggregates.

A comprehensive self-reliance plan to engage the Defence Industrial Corridors at Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu has been chalked out. Regular interaction has been established with UPEIDA and feasibility to identify the domain specialists, academia and MSMEs/Industry partners is being explored. A meeting with Tier-I industries of TIDCO was conducted in September at Chennai to highlight the indigenisation projects under OCPP with the IAF team led by AOM. The industries were appraised in detail on the indigenisation requirements of IAF. The team visited Research Park at IIT Chennai on 13 Sep 23 and interacted with the potential Industry partners who could take on the task.

New Acquisitions and Trials

A-321 aircraft: Pre-owned Airbus A-321 were acquired by DRDO from Air India for AEW&C role. They are available for utilisation by IAF before they are modified. Aircraft and aircrew were made operational at the earliest and IAF has commenced the Courier operations since May 2023. The A-321 scheduled flights to Srinagar, Guwahati and Bagdogra have augmented IA movement plan and the courier ops from Kolkata, Chennai and Port Blair has benefitted the ANC AoR.  MoU for handling by Air India at all IAF and Non IAF bases has been signed.

C-295 aircraft: First C-295 MW aircraft arrived in India on 20 Sep 23 and was inducted into the IAF on 25 Sep 23. The ageing Avro aircraft would be replaced by C-295 MW aircraft. With the delivery of remaining ac from May 24 onwards, the first unit is likely to be functional by end of year 2024. The induction of C-295 fleet will boost IAF’s airlift capability and increase the versatility of ground forces.

LCA Mk1 Twin Seater Delivery: Delivery of Twin Seaters, LCA Mk1 IOC and FOC contracts have commenced.   PM flew in SPT-1 with Gp Capt D Mandal on 25 Nov 23. He was the first PM to fly a fighter aircraft.

ALSO READ: DEFENCE REVIEW 2023 – Army’s Operations and Transformation Milestones

HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft: HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft used for training of ab-initio pilots. The aircraft is indigenously designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The contract for supply of HTT-40 was signed on 06 Mar 2023.  As per contract, deliveries of the aircraft will start from Sep 2025.

Dornier-228 Aircraft: Dornier-228 is light weight transport Aircraft utilized by IAF for communication, route transport and casualty evacuation. It is manufactured locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A contract for supply of Dornier-228 Aircraft and associated equipment was signed on 10 Mar 2023.

Digital Receiver-118 (DR-118) RWR for Su-30 MKI aircraft: A contract for Digital Receiver-118 (DR-118) RWR for Su-30 ac along with associated equipment has been signed with M/s BEL, BC on 23 Mar 23.

The post DEFENCE REVIEW 2023 – IAF Indigenisation and Atmanirbharta Efforts appeared first on IMR.

HSTDV is intended to attain autonomous scramjet flight for 20 seconds, using a solid rocket launch booster. The research will also inform India’s interest in reusable launch vehicles. The eventual target is to reach Mach 6 at an altitude of 32.5 km.

A mock-up of the HSTDV was shown at the Aero India exhibition in Bengaluru in February 2023.

Israel has provided some assistance on the HSTDV program, including wind tunnel testing, as has Cranfield University of the U.K. According to a report, Russia has provided critical help in the project. India’s main defence-industrial partner is Russia, which has carried out considerable research into hypersonic propulsion.

In the 12 June 2019 test, the cruise vehicle was mounted on an Agni-I solid rocket motor to take it to the required altitude. After the required altitude was reached and the Mach was achieved, the cruise vehicle was ejected out of the launch vehicle. Mid-air the scramjet engine was auto-ignited, and propelled the cruise vehicle at Mach 6.

Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

DRDO is developing a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) as part of its Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). The HGV is a vehicle that is carried to high altitude by a rocket booster and then glides to its target at hypersonic speeds.

The HGV is still in the development stage, but it has already achieved some significant milestones. In 2020, the DRDO successfully tested a scramjet engine that could be used to power the HGV. The engine was tested at speeds of up to Mach 5.

The DRDO is also developing a number of other technologies that will be needed for the HGV, including:

• A guidance system that will allow the HGV to hit its target with precision.

• A thermal protection system that will protect the HGV from the heat of hypersonic flight.

• A control system that will allow the HGV to manoeuvre during flight.

The DRDO expects to complete the development of the HGV in the next few years. Once the HGV is developed, it will be a major addition to India’s arsenal of strategic weapons.

The HGV is expected to have a range of up to 3,000 kilometers. It is expected to be able to fly at speeds of up to Mach 10 and be capable of carrying a conventional or nuclear warhead.

Scramjet Engine

The DRDO is developing an actively cooled scramjet engine for a long duration propulsion system for hypersonic vehicles.

The actively cooled scramjet engine is a significant improvement over conventional scramjet engines. It uses a system of internal and external cooling to prevent the engine from overheating at hypersonic speeds. This allows the engine to operate for longer periods of time, which is essential for long-range hypersonic weapons and vehicles.

The DRDO’s actively cooled scramjet engine is still in the development stage, but it has already achieved some significant milestones. In 2021, the engine successfully completed a series of ground tests at DRDL. The engine is expected to be flight tested in the near future.

The scramjet engine is being designed to operate at speeds of up to Mach 5. It is being cooled by a system of internal and external cooling channels. It is being made from high-temperature materials that can withstand the heat of hypersonic flight. The engine is being designed to be modular, so that it can be easily adapted to different hypersonic vehicles.

Scramjet Testing

On 7 September 2020 DRDO successfully tested the scramjet powered Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). At 30 km altitude payload fairing separated, followed by separation of HSTDV cruise vehicle, air-intake opening, fuel injection and auto-ignition. After sustaining hypersonic combustion for 20 seconds, cruise vehicle achieved velocity of nearly 2 km per second. This test flight validated aerodynamic configuration of vehicle, ignition and sustained combustion of scramjet engine at hypersonic flow, separation mechanisms and characterised thermo-structural materials.

Fuels for Hypersonic Applications

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India is developing endothermic fuels for hypersonic applications. Endothermic fuels are those that absorb heat during combustion, which can help to improve the performance of hypersonic vehicles.

DRDO is working on a number of different endothermic fuel concepts, including:

Fuels that use metal hydrides as the fuel source. Metal hydrides are compounds that release hydrogen gas when they are heated, which can then be burned to provide thrust.

Fuels that use ammonia as the fuel source. Ammonia is a relatively safe and easy-to-handle fuel that can also be used in endothermic combustion.

Fuels that use a combination of metal hydrides and ammonia. This approach could offer the best of both worlds, combining the high energy density of metal hydrides with the safety and handling characteristics of ammonia.

DRDO is still in the early stages of developing endothermic fuels for hypersonic applications, but the organization has made significant progress in recent years. If successful, these fuels could revolutionize the design and performance of hypersonic vehicles.

The research is being conducted at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, India. The project is being led by Dr. K. Sivan, the former director of DRDL. It is expected to be completed in the next few years.

Endothermic fuels have the potential to offer a number of advantages over traditional hypersonic fuels, including:

• Increased specific impulse, which means that the vehicle can travel farther on a given amount of fuel.

• Reduced thermal management requirements, as the fuel absorbs heat during combustion.

• Improved safety, as endothermic fuels are less likely to explode than traditional fuels.

Comments

The DRDO’s hypersonic glide vehicle is a major technological achievement. If it is successful, it could revolutionize the way that India fights wars.

If the DRDO’s actively cooled scramjet engine is successful, it could have a major impact on the future of hypersonic weapons and vehicles. These engines could make hypersonic weapons more powerful and longer-range, and they could also make hypersonic vehicles safer and easier to operate.

The actively cooled scramjet engine could change the design and performance of hypersonic weapons and vehicles. Endothermic fuels for hypersonic applications could make hypersonic weapons more powerful and longer-range, and they could also make hypersonic vehicles safer and easier to operate.

======================

iDEX-DIO signs first contract under Mission DefSpace

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Ministry of Defence, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 250th contract – first under Mission DefSpace – and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi on May 15, 2023.

Mission DefSpace contract

The first iDEX contract of Mission DefSpace was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Shri T Natarajan and CEO, InspeCity Shri Arindrajit Chowdhary, one of the winners of the challenge ‘Micropropulsion system for cubesats’. This challenge is being led by the Defence Space Agency.

Cubesats are a class of smallsats, which are modular; low-cost; easy to manufacture, integrate, and launch; and form a critical component for launch-on-demand capabilities. For imagery/Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance/ communication purposes, cubesats need to be precisely aligned, hence there is a requirement of a compact micropropulsion system for precise manoeuvring and orbit correction. InspeCity is developing a gas-based system for this purpose. This technology, once developed, can be integrated with other satellites, including the cubesat swarm being developed under Mission DefSpace.

Recognising the strategic significance of the space domain, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had launched Mission DefSpace with 75 Defence Space Challenges to be addressed by the private sector during DefExpo at Gandhinagar in October 2022. It aims to nurture the Indian Private Space industry through challenges addressing every stage of a space mission – from mission planning to satellite data analytics.

100th SPRINT (Navy) contract

The 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract was exchanged between AS (DP) & CEO-DIO and CEO, Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd Shri Sushil Eknath Ghule. Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd is the winner of the Challenge which envisaged the development of a prototype that is a lightweight ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) based communication system using software defined antenna for Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary satellite communication. The solution by Siliconia can provide multiple independent receiver/transmitter sources that are essential in phased-array radars, typically used in satellite tracking.

Under the ‘SPRINT’ initiative, a total of 75 Challenge statements for the Indian industry were unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar ‘Swavlamban’ on July 18, 2022. The initiative aims at inducting at least 75 technologies/ products into the Indian Navy by August 2023 as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

The iDEX achieved the milestone of signing its 1st and 50th iDEX SPRINT contracts under DISC-7 in October 2022 and January 2023 respectively and within a few months the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract was exchanged.

Till date, iDEX has received more than 7,500 applications from individual innovators, MSMEs and start-ups under various categories of challenges like DISC, Prime and Open Challenge. iDEX has also been able to generate thousands of jobs and attract India’s talent back to the country.

The iDEX is working at a path-breaking pace to ensure that its agreements with the start-ups and innovators reach logical conclusions timely, eventually opening a myriad of options for the budding, soon to be unicorns and at the same time addressing the requirement of Services.

The iDEX framework was launched by the Prime Minister in 2018 with the objective to provide the platform of co-creation & co-development in the defence sector. It aims to engage start-ups to contribute to the defence sector and develop defence and aerospace setup in the country. iDEX is being implemented by DIO, established under the Department of Defence Production, MoD.

The post DRDO’s Work on Hypersonic Technology appeared first on IMR.

He exuded confidence that the Defence PSUs would play a major role in achieving this goal with a contribution of 70-80 per cent.

The minister exhorted the Non-Official Directors (NODs) of DPSUs to ensure smooth implementation of various initiatives taken by the government towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’.

He was addressing the CMDs and NODs of DPSUs during the first-of-its-kind workshop organised by the Department of Defence Production in New Delhi.

Rajnath asserted that the country was witnessing a transitional phase towards self-reliance and active and collective efforts were central to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

He listed various initiatives taken by the MoD to achieve self-reliance, including simplification of the acquisition process of defence equipment/platforms under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020; flexibility in Offset guidelines; increase in FDI limit to 74 per cent under Automatic Route and up to 100 per cent under the government route; simplification of the process of obtaining a license; launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence in the defence sector.

The post MoD sets target of Rs 1.75 lakh crores of defence production by 2025 appeared first on IMR.

He exuded confidence that the Defence PSUs would play a major role in achieving this goal with a contribution of 70-80 per cent.

The minister exhorted the Non-Official Directors (NODs) of DPSUs to ensure smooth implementation of various initiatives taken by the government towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’.

He was addressing the CMDs and NODs of DPSUs during the first-of-its-kind workshop organised by the Department of Defence Production in New Delhi.

Rajnath asserted that the country was witnessing a transitional phase towards self-reliance and active and collective efforts were central to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

He listed various initiatives taken by the MoD to achieve self-reliance, including simplification of the acquisition process of defence equipment/platforms under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020; flexibility in Offset guidelines; increase in FDI limit to 74 per cent under Automatic Route and up to 100 per cent under the government route; simplification of the process of obtaining a license; launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence in the defence sector.

Rajnath described NODs as a bridge between DPSUs and the MoD, which not only strengthened corporate governance in public sector companies but also ensured that the work was carried out as per the policies of the government.

The post MoD sets target of Rs 1.75 crores of defence production by 2025 appeared first on IMR.

“The Indian Navy in conjunction with DIO shall be unveiling the problem statements for Indian industries as part of iDEX(SPRINT) during the NIIO seminar ‘Swavlamban 2022’ scheduled on July 18 and 19 at DrAmbedkar International Centre,” said Navy officials. The purpose of the seminar is to engage domestic Industry and academia, commented Navy officials, towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. The Navy has accepted the of Atmanirbhar Bharat challenge and reinvested over 64 per cent of its capital budget into the country’s economy.

The NIIO was launched two years ago to realise Defence Acquisition Policy (DAP 2020) objectives which envisage creation of ‘Innovation and Indigenisation Organisations (IIOs)’ within service headquarters (SHQs).

The post Navy to develop, induct about 75 new indigenous technologies appeared first on IMR.

According to Tresa, the EV.7M RIB can do all of these with a higher stealth mode and cannot be detected by heat maps, as it does not generate heat or sound.

The firm has received Rs 3 crore as grant from the DIO under under MoD’s open challenge- iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) to build specific EV platforms. Later, the DIO (defence innovation organization) gave a use-case to build the RIB, which pushed them to build boats.

Tresa Energy hopes to do the initial prototype test by February 2023, and deliver it to the Navy by April 2023.

Tresa, a high-performance EV platform start-up building next-generation EV powertrains and platforms, is into research, design, and manufacture of high-precision components. Its high-energy dense EV powertrains can be customised exclusively for high-end cars, buses, trucks, aerial and marine vehicles.

The post Tresa Energy to build electric inflatable boats for Indian Navy appeared first on IMR.