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sss defence delivers indigenous Upgrade kit for ak-47s to indian army
sPotLIGht sss deFenCe deLIvers IndIGenous uPGrade kIt For ak-47s to IndIan arMy
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ew Delhi: SSS Defence recently completed the delivery of its proprietary upgrade kits to the Army. In October 2021, the Bengaluru based company had won the contract for upgradation of AK 47 rifles from an elite unit (Para Special Forces) of the Army beating Israel’s Fab Defense, which enjoyed a monopoly in the Indian market over the upgrade of AK-47s.
With the closure of supply to a small order - a key turning point for SSS Defence, the company expects to get a larger contract to upgrade another Kalashnikov rifle; the Drangunov Sniper Rifle (DSR). The Northern Command has come out with a Request for Proposal (tender) for the upgrade of 90 pieces of the nearly three-decade-old rifle. Overall, the Army is estimated to have anywhere between 6,000 and 7,000 pieces of the DSR.
The indigenous upgrade solution provides more stability to the everdependable AK-47 assault rifle and makes it more deadlier. As India continues to rank among the largest importers of infantry systems, the success of indigenous tech will further spur more startup’s and established OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to venture into the area.
According to the company, the upgrade kit package included rugged dust cover, a new gas tube, quad rail fore-end and a flash suppressor. The flash suppressor allows an optic to be mounted along the full length rail along with an under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL) on the bottom rail. The upgrade significantly reduces recoil with a new tactical buttstock with a built-in monopod and adjustable cheek rest.
The new tactical, foldable butt stock, allows the soldier to operate it better. There is no need for external locking mechanism. The new dust cover allows mounting of sights to help the soldier aim, a feature that the AK-47 lacked until now. There have been changes to the front part, which will allow mounting of a bipod or a knife when needed. The package recoils significantly, and it also helps in reducing ‘pull up to the right’
traditional to the AK system.
Several programs are underway as the Indian army and paramilitary have been trying to modernise their arsenal.
Para military and state police forces too are aiming to upgrade to modern day sub machine guns, pistols, sniper rifles and carbines. Having indigenous products to serve these requirements is a major advantage as it ensures continuation of training and missions amidst technological shifts and geopolitical developments.
According to a source in the defence and security establishment, “The AK-47s are a preferred choice because of their dependability and ease of use. The upgrades allow the soldier better grip, firing position, and accuracy. These upgrades are being done at the unit level.”
SSS Defence has forged a different path and has been working on creating its own Intellectual Property in this domain. The company has its own portfolio of India designed and manufactured sniper rifles, assault weapons, carbines and legacy upgrades. With the inclusion of upgrade programme in the negative import list put out by the defence ministry in August 2020, future roadmap for the company looks bright.
As Africa has become the fastest urbanising region of the world, India looks for opportunities for wider cooperation on defence issues. India’s focus is on Africa as a potential market for defence equipment. India and Africa hold defence minister-level talks every two years. A significant number of military officers from African countries are undergoing training courses in India. The Africa-India Field Training Exercises began in March 2019. And, the Indian Ocean Rim Association has eight African member countries
By DevenDra SinGh
The IMF recently declared Africa the world’s second-fastest-growing region, and many are predicting that it is well on its way to becoming a $5 trillion economy, as household consumption is expected to increase at a 3.8 per cent yearly clip to $2.1 trillion by 2025.
China has become a central player in Africa’s urbanisation push, as a huge percentage of the continent’s infrastructure initiatives are being driven by Chinese companies and/ or backed by Chinese funding.
destInatIon For IndIan deFenCe ProduCts
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ith Africa becoming the fastest urbanising region of the world, it has provided opportunities to countries willing to risk billions in an infrastructure building revolution, unlike anything the world has seen before. By 2050, Africa’s 1.1 billion population is slated to double, with 80 per cent of this growth happening in cities The population of Lagos alone is growing by 77 people per hour. By 2025 more than 100 cities in Africa will contain over a million people. India’s focus is on Africa as a potential defence market for Indian defence equipment and platforms. It needs special nurturing and focus. In near future, it can develop into a vibrant export destination for Indian defence products. India says it is focusing on the region as a potential
Defence minister rajnath Singh along with the leaders of various african nations at the india-africa Defence ministers Conclave on the sidelines of Defexpo 2020 in lucknow
market for domestic defence equipment, including UAVs, arms and ammunition, as the country aims for military exports worth $5 billion in the next five years.
“India is geared up to provide Offshore Patrol Vessels, fast interceptor boats, body and vehicle armour, Night Vision Goggles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Dornier aircraft and arms and ammunition to our African counterparts,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while addressing the Indo-Africa Defence Ministers’ Conference, which was attended by 12 African defence ministers and representatives from a total of 38 countries.
After the conference, the delegates called for deeper cooperation in the domain of defence industry, including through investment, joint ventures in defence equipment software, digital defence, research and development, provisioning of defence equipment, spares and their maintenance on sustainable and mutually beneficial terms. India’s partnership with Africa is an open partnership with all the possibilities and avenues for collaboration open from India’s side, Singh said.
dIaLoGue For oPPortunItIes
With the second-largest army in the world, India has portrayed itself as a responsible stakeholder in the international system and has employed its military in defence cooperation activities at the global level. India holds defence ministerlevel talks with Africa in order to strengthen cooperation. The talks named Defence Dialogue is organised on the sidelines of the DefExpo every two years. The broad theme of the talks is India–Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation. This dialogue gives both sides opportunities to explore new areas of convergence in various areas such as maritime security, cyber security, counterterrorism, capacity building and training of defence personnel.
India and Africa being connected by the vast Indian ocean have had a close relationship for a long. The foundation of the defence relations between the two is based on two principles: SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region. And, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the entire world is one family.
The first Defence Dialogue was held on the sidelines of the DefExpo in Lucknow in 2020. The conclave was jointly organised by the ministry of external affairs and the ministry of defence. A joint declaration was made at the meeting, which was named the Lucknow Declaration, which was adopted in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his counterparts from 12 African nations and heads of delegations from 38 other African countries. A total of 50 African nations signed the declaration along with India at the conclave. The Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses will be the knowledge partner of the Defence Dialogue. It will assist in providing necessary support for enhanced defence cooperation between India and Africa.
traInInG and PeaCekeePInG
A significant number of military officers from African countries have been undergoing training courses in India at various levels. Our high standards of training and infrastructural facilities are the major contributing factors behind this. The availability of Englishspeaking officers, among the African armies, to a great extent, facilitates india and aFRiCa BeinG COnneCTed BY The vasT indian OCean have had a CLOse ReLaTiOnshiP FOR a LOnG. The FOUndaTiOn OF The deFenCe ReLaTiOns BeTWeen The TWO is Based On TWO PRinCiPLes: saGaR - seCURiTY and GROWTh FOR aLL in The ReGiOn. and, vasUdhaiva kUTUMBakaM – The enTiRe WORLd is One FaMiLY
indian navy offshore patrol vessel inS Saryu
indian women peacekeepers arrive in monrovia to serve in the un mission
imparting of training to officers.
Almost one-third of the 54 African nations are engaged with India in the training fields. India has set up various defence academies in Tanzania, Nigeria and Ethiopia and deployed training teams in Uganda, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, Seychelles, Mauritius and Tanzania.
The Indian defence forces provided humanitarian assistance and conducted disaster relief operations during major disasters, including the 2019 cyclone IDAI in Mozambique and the mass evacuation of stranded people from 41 countries in 2018.
FIeLd traInInG exerCIses
The Africa-India Field Training Exercises began in March 2019. The exercises focused on the exchange of best practices between participating nations, team building and tactical-level operations in the conduct of the United Nationsmandated tasks. The opening
afindex exercise
ceremony of the inaugural Afindex-19 was held at the Aundh Military Station, Pune. Contingents from 17 African nations along with a contingent of the Maratha Light Infantry participated in it.
India has been one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping in Africa. It has participated in all the UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and has had sizeable contingents in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea. India and Africa have come together for anti-piracy operations as well. The African Union leaders want to strengthen their cooperation with India in enhancing peacebuilding efforts, including support to the African Standby Force through courses and peacekeeping training centres in Africa.
The African leaders also underlined the need for greater involvement of Troop Contributing Countries, who are the members of the UN, not only in peacekeeping training but also in the decisionmaking process. The leaders further called for cooperation in defence industry including investment and joint ventures in defence equipment software, research & development, provision of defence equipment and their maintenance.
They recognised various common security challenges such as terrorism and extremism, organised crime including human trafficking, piracy, transnational crime, drug trafficking and weapon smuggling and agreed to fight against them together and ensure no territory under their control is used to launch terror attacks on other nations. They called for the strengthening of the UN Counter-Terrorism mechanisms and ensuring strict compliance with the UN Security Council sanctions on terrorism. They also urged the international community to look into adopting the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UNGA.
MarItIMe CooPeratIon
India has always been urging the African nations to participate in various multilateral frameworks within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). An India-led initiative - Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) - based in Mauritius has eight African member countries, including the strategic island states such as Madagascar and Comoros.
Then there is the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, which is a multinational naval mechanism that was established in 2008 by the Indian Navy. This has been set up to help in fostering greater interoperability and shared awareness in the maritime domain. There are six African countries as its member — Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa and Seychelles. India and Africa have sought to increase cooperation in preventing maritime crimes, piracy, unregulated fishing and securing sea lanes of communication through regular information exchange and surveillance. India needs to establish a system of regional cooperation with the Indian Ocean littoral countries to combat threats emanating from non-state actors, particularly those related to terrorism, armed robbery and piracy.
-The writer is a Delhi-based freelance journalist who has been connected with the various national and international newspapers for three decades
sPotLIGht Mku beCoMes the FIrst PrIvate seCtor CoMPany to reCeIve the tot oF drIver nIGht sIGht For t-90 tanks FroM drdo n
ew Delhi: MKU Ltd., a global defence and homeland security company, is the first private sector company to receive the TOT (Transfer of Technologies) of Driver Night Sight for T-90 Tanks from IRDE (Instruments Research & Development Establishment), DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, for their Netro TD-5100 Driver Night Sight.
With an aim to provide platform optronics solutions like Driver Night Sight (DNS) for tanks and other armoured vehicles for Indian armed forces, the DRDO observed the need to partner and get on board private defence and homeland security companies.
DRDO found MKU a suitable applicant to partner with for transferring the technology for driver night sights for T-90 tanks due to the befitting infrastructure, R&D and production capabilities of MKU. They observed MKU's global footprint and presence in over 100 countries along with its experience of successfully armouring over 3000 platforms, its infrastructure spread out over 4 manufacturing facilities, spanning over 4,00,000 square feet, across India and Germany, and its in-house R&D Centre recognised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, India. MKU has built a steady and growing reputation for ‘Making in India, for the World’.
The Netro TD-5100 Driver Night Sight enhances the situational awareness of tank operators by accurately analysing the contours of the terrain, especially during full night operations, which are a significant challenge faced by tank commanders and operators who operate without such sensors. This driver night sight offers enhanced viewing capabilities and operability to tank operators with their thermal and optic sensors while moving or manoeuvring in formations, or when carrying out operations with ground forces and dismounted soldiers.
The Netro TD-5100 Driver Night Sight also enhances the detection range of tanks manoeuvring at faster speeds thereby enabling them to detect and recognise the presence of friend or foe entities, i.e. artillery guns, infantry troops, weapons, engineering equipment, AAD (Army Air Defence) guns or other equipment, to allow the tank commanders and crew to take better decisions at safer distances. The Technology of the Netro TD-5100 Driver Night Sight In addition, the device is smartly designed to remain a minimal maintenance solution that form-fits on to existing T-90 platforms without the need for cutting through the armour. It is also compatible for use with all T series tanks, BMPs and other armoured vehicles.
teCh buzz nasa deveLoPs 3d PrIntInG aLLoy Grx-810, boasts reMarkabLe PerForManCe IMProveMents over exIstInG aerosPaCe aLLoys
The new development in 3D printing alloy is considered to be a major breakthrough. The use of alloy for high-performance aerospace systems would ensure more strength and durability of the components and parts used in aviation and space exploration
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n a major breakthrough in alloy which could be used for high-performance aerospace systems, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has developed an all-new metal 3D printing alloy GRX-810 which is an example of an oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloy: a metal containing nanoscale oxide particles.
The material can reportedly withstand temperatures of over 1090°C (2000°F), while being more malleable than existing aerospace alloys.
The metal alloy developed by NASA innovators dramatically improves the strength and durability of the components and parts used in aviation and space exploration, resulting in better and longer-lasting performance.
The alloy GRX-810, can survive more than 1,000 times longer than existing state-of-the-art alloys and used to build aerospace parts for high temperature applications, like those inside aircraft and rocket engines, because ODS alloys can withstand harsher conditions before reaching their breaking point.
According to Dale Hopkins, deputy project manager of NASA’s Transformational Tools and Technologies project, “this breakthrough is revolutionary for materials development. New types of stronger and more lighter materials play a key role as NASA aims to change the future of flight.”
The production of ODS alloys for extreme environments being a challenging and expensive method, agency researchers used computational models to determine the alloy’s composition. The team then leveraged 3D printing to uniformly disperse nanoscale oxides throughout the alloy, which provides improved high-temperature properties and durable performance. This manufacturing process is more efficient, cost effective, and cleaner than conventional manufacturing methods.
These alloys have major implications for the future of sustainable flight. For example, when used in a jet engine, the alloy’s higher temperature and increased durability capability translates into reduced fuel burn and lower operating and maintenance costs.
It affords engine part designers new flexibilities like lighter materials paired with vast performance improvements. Designers can now contemplate tradeoffs they couldn’t consider before, without sacrificing performance.
“Previously, an increase in tensile strength usually lowered a material’s ability to stretch and bend before breaking, which is why our new alloy is remarkable.
NASA intends to use its latest innovation to 3D print hightemperature components for systems such as rocket engines, claiming it can ultimately enable improved fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. The agency has already used the alloy to 3D print a turbine engine combustor, a monolithic part designed to mix fuel and air,“ said Hopkins.
“Applying these two processes has drastically accelerated the rate of our materials development. We
naSa alloy Grx-810
can now produce new materials faster and with better performance than before,” said Tim Smith, a material research scientist at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and one of the inventors of this new alloy.
Using thermodynamic modeling, one of many computational tools discussed within the NASA 2040 Vision Study, the team discovered the optimal alloy composition after only 30 simulations.
“The performance of this alloy clearly demonstrates the modeling tool’s maturity and ability to produce significant results,” said Steve Arnold, materials and structures technical discipline lead at NASA Glenn.
This new alloy is just one example of how the Transformational Tools and Technologies project delivers innovative solutions through foundational research and crosscutting tools.
Owing to the harsh nature of outer space, NASA’s materials R&D efforts aim to enable enhanced mechanical properties in extreme environmental conditions. GRX810 is the epitome of this, as it boasts ‘remarkable performance improvements’ over many of today’s leading alloys such as Inconel.
GRX-810’s impressive blend of characteristics is due, in large part, to NASA’s new alloy development process. In this case, 3D printing technology was combined with thermodynamic modeling to achieve the material’s breakthrough performance.
ODS alloys tend to be difficult and costly to develop, so NASA’s researchers initially had to use computational models to fine-tune GRX-810’s composition. The team leveraged thermodynamic modeling to determine exactly which metals to combine and in what amounts. Then, the researchers utilized laserbased 3D printing to uniformly disperse the nanoscale oxides throughout the alloy’s matrix, which is what provides the temperature resistance and strength properties.
According to Hopkins, the process of ODS development usually takes years and is largely based on trial-and-error. Using this new combination of computational modeling and 3D printing, the researchers managed to slash the development time down to just a matter of weeks. In the case of GRX810, the thermodynamic modeling approach allowed the NASA team to discover the optimal alloy composition in just 30 simulations.
“Applying these two processes has drastically accelerated the rate of our materials development. We can now produce new materials faster and with better performance than before,” said Tim Smith, a material research scientist at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The wider aerospace sector is no stranger to metal 3D printing technology. Recently, propulsion system manufacturer Aerojet Rocketdyne used 3D printing to optimize a key component of its Reaction Control System (RCS) quad thruster with the help of nTopology’s design software.
Elsewhere, aerospace giant Boeing recently unveiled a new high-throughput 3D printing facility for the production and testing of small satellites. Spanning one million square feet, the facility is housed within the world’s largest satellite factory in El Segundo and will be powered by Boeing’s subsidiary Millennium Space Systems. In order to increase the rapid delivery timelines for small satellites, the facility will 3D print entire space-qualified satellite buses and is expected to be fully operational in late 2022. The aLLOY GRx-810, Can sURvive MORe Than 1,000 TiMes LOnGeR Than exisTinG sTaTe-OF-TheaRT aLLOYs and Used TO BUiLd aeROsPaCe PaRTs FOR hiGh TeMPeRaTURe aPPLiCaTiOns, Like ThOse inside aiRCRaFT and ROCkeT enGines, BeCaUse Ods aLLOYs Can WiThsTand haRsheR COndiTiOns BeFORe ReaChinG TheiR BReakinG POinT
IndIa In MInd, LoCkheed MartIn Forays Into exoskeLeton
Gunning for the Indian market, US defence major Lockheed Martin has entered the niche and developing Exoskeleton technology vertical with its ONYX offering
By ajit kumar thakur
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ith the exponential advancement of cutting-edge Exoskeleton technology globally, that is finding much wider acceptance and unprecedented traction in military applications, leading American aerospace and defence major Lockheed Martin has now ventured into this very niche sector. The US company has used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop a body armour called ONYX which can bring new capabilities to fighting forces and improve endurance and safety in industrial settings.
There is history behind the name too. Chosen by the team that works on the project, many of whom are University of Central Florida (UCF) alumni, ONYX is named after a Roman amulet. “It was inspired by an amulet that Roman soldiers wore into battle for courage, and this is one you wear for endurance,” says Anthony Mickle, communications lead at Lockheed Martin.
With high potential to fast emerge as part of the modern trooper’s body gear, the new powered lower-body exoskeleton has demonstrated ability to increase mobility and reduce fatigue of its users.
Recently, Lockheed Martin held a demonstration of its Exoskeleton technology before Indian Army officials and select media representatives where it showed the further refinement of its next-generation industrial products with primary focus on
powered exoskeletons.
Basically a robotic, motorized knee brace, ONYX doesn’t help soldiers leap tall buildings, shrug off gunfire, or carry huge videogame-style guns but what it does do is take enough weight off the wearer’s knee—notoriously prone to injuries among troops laden with bullets, armour, and supplies—and quadriceps— which wear out quickly climbing mountainsides or urban staircases so they can keep going longer without risk of injury.
Elaborates Barnes, lead engineer for Lockheed Martin’s exoskeleton technologies program: “Think of a fire-fighter running up the stairs of a burning building, a soldier marching up the side of a mountain, industrial workers who have to squat down and pick up heavy objects. ONYX takes the burden off (the user’s) the knees and the associated muscle groups, so they have more energy to do their job and do it safer because they’re not getting tired.”
Keeping the Indian context in mind and recent militarization of the Line of Actual Control border with China because of escalating tensions, the ONYX can be a vital supplement for Indian soldiers in the difficult Himalayan geography who have to walk and move around a lot in oxygen-depleted environs because of the high altitude requiring much more than normal effort in walking and climbing.
Designed to provide strength and endurance to soldiers, workers and first responders who must perform strenuous tasks in difficult environments, the Exoskeleton will enhance strength and endurance to carry taxing loads over long distances besides aiding better handling and support for heavy weapons.
It will also reduce the cost of transport while increasing ability to traverse stairs, inclines and rough terrain, especially with load.
Says Barnes: “It is for knee intensive activities and is AI based. It is an AI-controlled module with sensors distributed across the structure to determine how the person is moving and it can predict what they are going to do next by using motors at the knees and especially when picking up something heavy or marching up a mountainous terrain.”
The lead engineer explained that the ONYX exoskeleton is a wearable robot that supports and boosts the energy of its user during physically demanding tasks that require repetitive kneeling, squatting, climbing and carrying heavy loads.
Sensors at the feet, knees and hips collect data based on the user’s movement and send it to the control module at the waist. The AI component within the computer enables the device to predict the user’s next movements and react accordingly. “Once (AI) can predict what you’re about to do, it knows the right amount of torque and the timing for it to be applied to the motors at your knees to give you that boost of assistance and energy,” says Barnes.
Weighing nearly 20 pounds, including its battery, ONYX is made of carbon fibre, aluminium, plastic, fabric and a bit of titanium. “It’s not ready for water, sand, dust, shock or vibration,” says Barnes. “But our users will ultimately put it through all those paces, so (we’re working on ensuring) it can withstand any environment.”
It takes about 150 milliseconds for ONYX to respond to a user’s movement, which is similar to the amount of time it takes muscles to The neW POWeRed LOWeR-BOdY exOskeLeTOn has deMOnsTRaTed aBiLiTY TO inCRease MOBiLiTY and RedUCe FaTiGUe OF iTs UseRs
Key Features
ONYX has been designed to provide strength and endurance to the soldiers, workers, and first responders who must perform strenuous tasks in difficult environments: • Enhances strength and endurance to carry taxing loads over distance • Enables better handling and support for heavy weapons • Reduces metabolic cost of transport to improve endurance and reduce fatigue • Increases ability to traverse stairs, inclines, and rough terrain, especially with load • Reduces stress on leg muscles • Guides orthopedic alignment to help evenly distribute weight and maintain skeletal system alignment to avoid overstress and pressure injuries.
respond to signals from the brain. The team plans to use a technique called ‘electromyography’ to cut that time in half, enabling the exoskeleton to not just predict what movements will be based on AI, but to implement the next motor command while the user is in motion.
Said Naib Subedar (Retd) Trilok Singh, currently employed by Lockheed Martin after performing the live demo of ONYX’s functional aspects: “It is very helpful for soldiers who are deployed in altitude above 10,000 feet. It has really worked for the power portions of the soldier who is going on long patrols. A soldier’s endurance is limited but when this is worn, the soldier’s capacity is doubled and he can go on for long periods.”
With most of the focus having been on the lower portion of the body especially at the knee level, a company official said “most of the things that we have done is for the lower body but we also are recognizing the need for what the upper portions need.”
The Indian Army has reportedly expressed interest already in having similar equipment for the upper portion of the soldier’s body so that it would make it more useful especially for those Army personnel posted in the higher terrain.
ONYX conforms to the human body. Sensors distributed on the exoskeleton report speed, direction, and angle of movement to an on-board computer that drives electro-mechanical actuators at the knees. The exoskeleton delivers the right torque at the right time to assist knee flexion and extension. ONYX ultimately reduces the energy needed to cross terrain, squat, or kneel.
The use of Exoskeleton reduces stress on leg muscles and guides orthopaedic alignment to help evenly distribute weight and maintain skeletal system alignment to avoid overstress and pressure injuries.
Lockheed Martin is now in talks with some Indian private companies as also defence PSUs and the Indian Army for collaboration on this and work with them as partners to come out with a solution that will cater to the needs of the Army.
