news Round Up

boeInG seCures order For addItIonaL Mh-47G bLoCk II ChInook heLICoPters FroM us arMy

philaDelphia. Boeing extends its partnership with the Us army special Operations aviation Command (UsasOaC) with an order for six additional Mh-47G Block ii Chinook helicopters. The award, valued at $195 million, brings the total number of Mh-47G Block ii aircraft under contract with the UsasOaC to 36.

The upgraded Mh-47G Block ii Chinook features improved structure and weight reduction initiatives that increase the aircraft’s performance and efficiency, allowing for extended lift and range.

Boeing has delivered five Mh-47G Block ii aircraft to date. deliveries of the new order are scheduled to begin in 2024, with production to primarily take place at Boeing’s Philadelphia site.

The h-47 Chinook program supports more than 20,000 jobs and 360 suppliers in 40 states, and is relied on by the Us army and 19 countries around the globe. supporting a global fleet of more than 950 aircraft, Boeing continues to deliver unrivalled production, maintenance and sustainment cost efficiencies.

dsIt unveILs the advanCed underWater aCoustIC CoMMunICatIon systeM - WhItePoInter

tel aviv. israeli company dsiT has unveiled its WhitePointer - the most advanced underwater acoustic communication system that enables simultaneous communication between multiple surface and underwater platforms. The system is based on the company’s advanced underwater technology that allows networked communication between various users. according to the company, the WhitePointer system complies with naTO standards and enables reliable voice and data communication between surface ships, submarines, and other underwater users including divers and drones such as swimmer’s delivery vehicles (sdvs), diver Propulsion vehicles (dPvs), autonomous Underwater vehicles (aUvs) and Unmanned Underwater vehicles (UUvs). The system supports underwater acoustic networked communication with multiple users and can be fully integrated with any onboard communication system. The solution – which implements multiple types of modulations for data transmission – includes a synthesized, high-power transceiver with pre-set frequencies. This allows the Operator to rapidly switch channels without risking errors. a subsidiary of RaFaeL advanced defense systems Ltd., dsiT solutions Ltd. has, for the last three decades, developed and implemented comprehensive defence and protection solutions against various underwater threats, focusing on six main types of solutions: Underwater Coastal Terrain dominance systems, Underwater security systems, anti-submarine Warfare (asW) systems, sonar systems for submersible Platforms, acoustic analysis & Trainer systems, and underwater communication. Based on dsiT solutions’ wide range of capabilities, experience and innovative technology, the company’s underwater systems and technologies have been successfully deployed by many sophisticated customers worldwide for naval defence, hLs, and energy security applications.

hensoLdt equIPs GerMan C-130 'herCuLes' WIth state-oF-the-art MIssILe deFenCe systeM

taufkirchen/Germany. in the course of the acquisition of three Lockheed C-130J-30 and kC-130J "hercules" aircraft each, the German Bundeswehr decided to equip all aircraft with hensOLdT’s latest generation of defence sensor technology. With MiLds Block 2, hensOLdT is supplying a total of 35 sensors (five per aircraft and five units for lab use) to danish company Terma a/s, which is managing the integration of the systems at Lockheed Martin through Terma inc.

The contracts, with a scope of 2.9 million euros, were signed in 2020. so far, 20 sensors and the ordered desiccant-kits have already been delivered. By January 2023, the remaining 15 sensors will be delivered. The first "hercules" for the German air Force was handed over in évreux/Fauville (France) on February 19, 2022 to the Franco-German air-transport squadron. With MiLds Block 2, hensOLdT is also helping to close the capability gap created by the retirement of the C-160 "Transall".

MiLds Block 2 is a passive, true imaging sensor system optimised for detecting emission signatures in the Uv solar blind spectral band emitted from an approaching missile exhaust plume. The sensor is designed as the successor to the well-known MiLds an/aaR-60, offering increased sensitivity and additional applications. MiLds Block 2 detects incoming missile threats and indicates the direction of arrival with maximum warning time. MiLds Block 2's high spatial resolution combined with advanced temporal processing provides a very high declaration rate while virtually eliminating false alarms. MiLds Block 2 consists typically of four to six identical interconnected detectors integrated into the higher-level eW system. in addition, neither cooling nor a central processing unit are required. a high percentage of aircraft losses in current and recent conflicts have been caused by ground-based defence systems using iR saM (infrared surface-to-air missile). To keep pace with this evolution on the threat side, hensOLdT sensors has developed the MiLds an/aaR-60 Block 2 missile warning system, a self-protection solution specifically for helicopters and wide-body aircraft that allows for higher performance and enables additional features such as in-sensor data recording and hostile Fire indication (hFi). Rapid detection and declaration, combined with automatic countermeasure release and crew alerting, supports mission success and safe crew and aircraft return.

IdeaForGe aWarded LarGest MInI-vtoL uav deFenCe ContraCt

mumbai: Within a month of the Union Budget 2022-23 announcing that 68% of its defence Capital Procurement budget would be reserved for domestic organizations, the largest single vTOL Mini Uav defence contract globally has been awarded to ideaForge for its sWiTCh Uav. as a part of this contract, ideaForge shall deliver 200 systems to augment the indian army’s surveillance capabilities. ideaForge won this contract against stiff competition from israel, Russia, Ukraine, France, india and others. The sWiTCh Uav was the only system that emerged successful from the rigorous testing and field trials that the indian army is well known for.

Built on a strong foundation of interdisciplinary engineering, ideaForge has become a global leader in Uav technology. its drones offer class-leading performance, reliability, and autonomy, and have been widely adopted for defence, homeland security and enterprise applications. in india, ideaForge has by far the largest market share in the security, surveillance, and industrial market for drones. its customers include the indian defence and homeland security Forces, who have conducted over 220,000 missions using its drones. ideaForge has a diverse list of industrial customers such as geospatial surveying, mining sectors.

LoCkheed MartIn staLker vxe uas CoMPLetes a WorLd reCord 39-hour FLIGht

palmDale, California. Lockheed Martin skunk Works® demonstrated the expanded endurance capabilities of a specially configured Lockheed Martin stalker vxe unmanned aerial system (Uas) through a world record endurance flight on February 18, 2022, at the santa Margarita Ranch in California. The flight establishes a new record in the Group 2 (5 to <25-kilogram) category with a flight time of 39 hours, 17 minutes and 7 seconds. The flight has been submitted to the Fédération aéronautique internationale (Fai), the world sanctioning body for aviation records, through its U.s. affiliate, the national aeronautic association, for certification. a production stalker vxe was modified for this record-setting flight with an external, wingmounted fuel tank. The flight provided valuable insight for improvements to stalker vxe aimed at scaling its mission capabilities for the future. stalker vxe’s class-leading endurance, broad operating envelope, modular payload compliance, vertical take-off and landing capability, and open system architecture allow it to execute diverse and demanding missions while maintaining a small operational footprint and crew. To achieve this world record flight time, Lockheed Martin partnered with edge autonomy as a developer and original equipment manufacturer of high-performance unmanned systems, including the stalker vxe aircraft. adaptive energy to develop cutting-edge fuel cell technology, investing in advanced power sources and testing innovative implementation techniques for field operations. Composite Technology development inc. to build a light-weight external wing tank. Precision integrated Programs to provide flight operations support. Clovis area Modelers to provide Fai official contest directors to continuously monitor and adjudicate the world record flight for ratification.

IndIGenous FIrePoWer: dhanush CLears FIrInG trIaLs, ataGs set For FInaL trIaL

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ew Delhi: The long delayed project for indigenous artillery seems to be finally reaching its conclusion, with the towed howitzer, Dhanush, clearing firing trials and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) set to begin its last round of testing this month.

The Army had, in 2018, placed an initial order for 114 of the 155mm x 45mm Dhanush, manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board’s Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur — now known as Advanced Weapons and Equipment India (AWE) Limited. However, the delivery was hit by production quality issues flagged by the force and hence needed fresh firing trials before being deployed fully.

According to sources two Dhanush guns, which have a strike range of 38 km, fired 90 rounds each “flawlessly” as part of the second line of firing in Zone 6 at the Pokhran firing range. This meant that all decks have been cleared for its induction.

Second line of firing means the firing of guns through ammunition replenishment of 45 rounds each continuously, while zone 6 refers to the highest charge, which makes the gun fire at its maximum range. During this process, the barrel gets very hot and may burst and hence the successful firing showed that the gun is now ready for active deployment, sources said.

Meanwhile, the ATAGS, being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) along with private firms Bharat Forge and TATA Power SED, will possibly undergo its last round of test firing. If successful, it will pave the way for orders to be placed by the Army, which is in dire need of artillery guns.

According to sources, there was “inconsistency” in the overall performance of the gun when firing was conducted in June last year. The gun, which has cleared the mobility trials, faced issues with the auto ammunition loading bridge opening operation, sources said. They added that if the new trials, which will begin this month, are cleared, then it would pave the way for the Army placing orders. While the Army is satisfied with the gun in terms of firepower and mobility, it had flagged multiple concerns regarding the production quality.

The ATAGS has unmatched range, with Extended Range Sub-Bore Boat Tail (ERFB BT) ammunition capable of hitting targets at 35 km and with ERFB BB (Base Bleed) ammunition with a 45 km range. The ATAGS actually fired at a range of 47 km in 2017. It is said that when the ATAGS will finally be ordered, both the private firms, Bharat Forge and TATA Power SED, will get orders, but the lowest bidder would get the largest share — 60 per cent or more.

IndIGenousLy deveLoPed sPeCIaLIst vehICLes by tasL, bharat ForGe InduCted by arMy ChIeF P

une: The first set of indigenously developed vehicles were inducted by Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane at a ceremony held at the Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre here on April 12. The inducted vehicles were Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle Medium (QRFV), Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicle (IPMV) developed by Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and Monocoque Hull Multi Role Mine Protected Armoured Vehicle developed by Bharat Forge.

The IPMV is a co-development project with DRDO. The vehicles jointly designed and developed by TASL along with the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE), have been manufactured at a facility in Pune and built on the strategic 8×8 Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP). The vehicles have undergone stringent field trials in different terrains including high altitude areas and desert areas by the Indian Army. These vehicles include TASL’s inhouse designed and developed Remote Controlled Weapon Station and have onboard thermal sights and external add-on armour protection panels which have been developed by Defence Metallurgical Research

Laboratory of DRDO. This is the first commercial sale of a strategic platform that has been co-developed by DRDO and a private player. Apart from the vehicles, Ultra

Long Range Observation System developed and manufactured by

TASL was also inducted. It will be mainly used for surveillance, observation, border security, artillery, and strategic security applications. The induction of these indigenously developed armoured protected vehicles by TASL and Bharat Forge would greatly enhance the operational capabilities of Indian Army in future conflicts.

drdo's Counter drone systeM tot doCuMents handed over to IndIan Industry InCLudInG L&t, astra MICroWave, adanI deFenCe, eCIL

new Delhi: dRdO-developed Counter drone system transfer of technology documents were handed over by the defence Minister Rajnath singh on april 7 to the indian industry, including companies like Larsen & Toubro, astra Microwave and adani defence systems in new delhi. at an event organised at dRdO Bhawan, the handover to the indian industries took place in the presence of Union and state defence ministers, other dignitaries. The transfer took place while singh released the third positive indigenisation list of defence equipment. The other companies include iCOMM Tele Ltd and electronics Corporation of india Limited (eCiL). Counter drone system can detect, track and identify airborne drones using multiple sensors, transfer the information to associated systems and enable counter techniques to deny them the intended operation (soft kill) and/ or destroy them (hard kill). The detection of drone is done with the help of Radars and RF based detection system. The identification is done with the help of electro Optic sensor and COMinT. The soft kill is carried out with RF jamming & anti Gnss technologies, and hard kill with the help of Laser directed energy Weapon (deW). The system can detect, identify and neutralise different types of drones including small hybrid Uavs, Micro Uav/ Multi rotor, and nano Uavs.

The third list consists of over 100 items, including complex equipment and systems which are being developed and likely to translate into firm orders over the next five years. Orders worth more than Rs 2, 10,000 crore are likely to be placed on the industry in the next five years as part of the items covered in the third list, the defence Ministry had said. Contracts for 31 projects worth Rs 53,839 crore have been signed by the armed Forces since the notification of the first and second lists. acceptance of necessity (aons) for 83 projects worth Rs 1, 77,258 crore have been accorded. in addition, cases worth Rs 2, 93,741 crore will be progressed in the next five-seven years.

news ROUnD UP daC CLears ProCureMent oF equIPMent FroM IndIGenous Industry

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ew Delhi: In keeping with the government focus on self-reliance in the defence sector, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence minister Rajnath Singh, cleared the procurement of 14 items worth Rs 380.43 crore from the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on March 22, 2022. These items will be procured by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The DAC also approved the new simplified procedure for procurement from iDEX startups and MSMEs. This would fast-track the procurement from the startups and the MSMEs.

The DAC also approved the simplified procedure for MakeII category projects on similar lines of iDEX procedure and would considerably bring down the time taken from prototype development to contract signing in Make-II projects.

Projects under 'Make-II' category involves prototype development of equipment, systems, platforms

vsr700 autonoMous take-oFF and LandInG CaPabILItIes

Marignane. airbus helicopters has begun trialling autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities at sea for the vsR700, an unmanned aerial system (Uas) being developed in the frame of the sdaM (système de drone aérien de la Marine) programme, conducted by the dGa (direction Générale de l’armement - the French armament General directorate) for the French navy . Trials were conducted using an optionally piloted vehicle (OPv) based on a modified Guimbal Cabri G2 equipped with the autonomous take-off and landing (aTOL) system developed for the vsR700. This flight test campaign paves the way for the upcoming demonstration of the vsR700, at sea, onboard a French navy frigate.

The test campaign was conducted off the coast of Brest, France, onboard a civilian vessel equipped with a helicopter landing deck in the presence of experts from the dGa. Beyond demonstrating the aTOL system developed for the vsR700, the trials were also used to assess the approach procedures before landing on the vessel. The vsR700 flight envelope at sea, in proximity to a vessel, was tested in line with development objectives and was confirmed to be fully compatible with naval operations.

Both the semi-autonomous and the fully autonomous modes of the aTOL system were demonstrated with success in different sea states. The vsR700 uses airbus deckFinder to enable autonomous ship deck take off and landings in all weather conditions, during the day or night. in total, 150 autonomous launches and recoveries took place. The handling and manoeuvring of the OPv, representative of the vsR700, on the ship deck were also tested.

The OPv can carry one test pilot in order to enable safer and more agile initial testing

enous Industry Worth `380 Cr

or their upgrades for import substitution or innovative solutions, for which no government funding is provided for prototype development purposes. The iDEX was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 with the objective of fostering innovation and incorporating cutting-edge and disruptive technologies in the Armed Forces in a quick time-frame.

The iDEX scheme has been instituted under the overarching mission of the defence ministry to achieve self-reliance and indigenisation. The aim is to provide at least 50 world class solutions to the Armed Forces and the defence industry in the near future.

es tested at sea

before those systems are integrated into the fully autonomous vsR700. The OPv initially conducted piloted take-offs and landings before switching progressively to fully autonomous manoeuvres. designed to operate alongside other shipborne naval assets, the vsR700 is a Uas in the 500-1,000 kg maximum take-off weight range. it offers the best balance of payload capability, endurance and operational cost. it is capable of carrying multiple full-size naval sensors for extended periods and can operate from existing ships, alongside a helicopter, with a low logistical footprint. The first prototype of the vsR700 performed its maiden flight in 2020 and expanded its flight envelope in 2021. in april 2021, the dGa ordered a second prototype of the vsR700 to focus on trials covering sdaM requirements and to permit broader, more rapid development towards that goal.

Grse Inks strateGIC Mou WIth border roads orGanIsatIon, to suPPLy 27 Grse Make, FIrst oF Its kInd ModuLar doubLe-Lane steeL brIdGes

kolkata. Facilitating roadway infrastructure development in difficult terrains of india, Garden Reach shipbuilders and engineers Ltd., (GRse), a Mini Ratna Category 1 defence PsU and a leading warship building company of india, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for the fabrication, supply, erection and launching of first-of-its-kind, 27 nos. double-lane Class 70 modular steel bridges in border areas. The two year contract worth Rs. 65 Crore (approx.) was inked by director General Border Roads Organisation, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary and Cmde PR hari, in (Retd.), Officiating Chairman & Managing director, GRse, in new delhi on 15 Mar 22.

These bridges have been designed in-house by GRse & all components have been manufactured with 100% indigenous raw materials, in line with india’s aatmanirbhar Bharat abhiyaan. Live load testing had been completed successfully on the prototype and connectivity through these bridges shall be an ideal solution for strategic roadway infrastructure development in north & north-east india.

The first bridge of this kind, was constructed at Flaghill, dokalam, sikkim at an altitude of 11,000 feet under Project swastik of the BRO, inaugurated by defence Minister shri Rajnath singh on 28 december 2021. The bridges have a carriageway width of 7.5 meters, permitting plying of two-way traffic in compliance with specifications laid down by the national highways authority of india (nhai). high tensile steel of Grade e-410 ensures high strength, long life and low temperature applications. The galvanized surface finish ensures easier maintenance and longer service life. Load Class iRC 70R permits movement of both Wheeled/ Tracked vehicles of up to 100 / 70 MT. The modular concept ensures easier transportation of bridge components to remote areas and faster erection of bridges in a short span of 30 to 45 days.

GRse has delivered more than 5300 Portable steel Bridges to indian army, Border Road Organisation and state Governments & exported to friendly neighbourhood countries including nepal, Bhutan, sri Lanka & Myanmar.

news ROUnD UP GLobaL arMs trade FaLLs sLIGhtLy, but IMPorts to euroPe, s

tockholm: International transfers of major arms saw a slight drop between 201216 and 2017-21 (-4.6 per cent). Nevertheless, exports by the United States and France increased substantially, as did imports to states in Europe (+19 per cent), East Asia (+20 per cent) and Oceania (+59 per cent). Transfers to the Middle East remained high, while those to Africa and the Americas decreased, according to new data on global arms transfers published March 14 by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

The biggest growth in arms imports among world regions occurred in Europe. In 2017-21 imports of major arms by European states were 19 per cent higher than in 2012-16 and accounted for 13 per cent of global arms transfers. The largest arms importers in Europe were the United Kingdom, Norway and the Netherlands. Other European states are also expected to increase their arms imports significantly over the coming decade, having recently placed large orders for major arms, in particular combat aircraft from the USA. Despite armed conflict in eastern Ukraine throughout 2017-21, the country's imports of major arms in the period were very limited.

Asia and Oceania remained the largest importing region for major arms, receiving 43 per cent of global transfers in 2017-21, and six states in the region were among the 10 largest importers globally: India, Australia, China, South Korea, Pakistan and Japan. Transfers to the region overall fell slightly (-4.7 per cent), but there was wide variation among different sub regions.

Arms imports to South Asia fell by 21 per cent and those to South East Asia fell by 24 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21. In the same period, arms imports to Oceania grew by 59 per cent, due

eLbIt systeMs uk to ProvIde torCh-x based soLutIon to CanadIan deFenCe’s asCCM ProJeCt

Tel Aviv: The Canadian Department of National Defence has selected Elbit Systems UK to provide a TORCH-X based solution as part of the Airspace Coordination Centre Modernization (ASCCM) Project.

The project requires the delivery of a digitized informationbased system for air situational awareness and enhanced airspace coordination and management into headquarters. The solution to be supplied will be provided to the Canadian Military Headquarters for both Land and Joint Command in order to support air missions and joint-task force operations.

Under the project, Elbit Systems UK will supply a jointair version of its TORCH-X based Battle Management Application (BMA) that will provide situational awareness by constantly displaying a local or recognized air picture, thus enabling effective co-ordination of air assets into complex land and joint battlespace.

The system will be operated utilizing Elbit Systems’ E-CIXT open architecture framework that will enable connectivity to the Canadian Armed Forces’ legacy applications and tactical datalinks while also allowing future integration of new applications in support of the Canadian Armed Forces digital

e, east asIa and oCeanIa rIse, says sIPrI rePort

to a 62 per cent increase in Australia's imports, and imports to East Asia rose by 20 per cent.

Indian arms imports decreased by 21 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21. However, it remained the largest importer globally and India is planning large-scale arms imports in the next few years from several suppliers.

Middle Eastern states imported 2.8 per cent more arms in 201721 than they did in 2012-16. This followed an 86 per cent increase in arms imports to the region between 2007-11 and 2012-16. Arms imports by Saudi Arabia—the world's second largest arms importer—increased by 27 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21. Qatar's arms imports grew by 227 per cent, propelling it from the 22nd largest arms importer to the 6th largest.

In contrast, arms imports by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) shrank by 41 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21, taking it from the third largest to the ninth largest arms importer globally. All three of these states and Kuwait have placed large orders for major arms planned for delivery in the coming years.

Arms exports by the USA grew by 14 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21, increasing its global share from 32 per cent to 39 per cent. Arms exports by the USA in 2017-21 were more than double (108 per cent more) those of the second largest exporter, Russia. Russia, which accounted for 19 per cent of all exports of major arms in 2017-21, saw its exports shrink by 26 per cent between 201216 and 2017-21. The overall decrease in Russia's arms exports was almost entirely due to a fall in arms deliveries to two recipients: India and Vietnam. However, several large arms deliveries from Russia to India are expected in the coming years.

France accounted for 11 per cent of global arms exports in 2017-21, making it the third largest arms exporter. France increased its arms exports by 59 per cent between 201216 and 2017-21.

In 2017-21 China was the fourth largest arms exporter and Germany the fifth largest. Arms exports by China decreased by 31 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21, while Germany's arms exports fell by 19 per cent. Italian arms exports represented 3.1 per cent of the global total in 2017-21 and were 16 per cent higher than in 2012-16.

Arms exports by the United Kingdom dropped by 41 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21. The UK accounted for 2.9 per cent of total arms exports in 2017-21. Between 2012-16 and 2017-21 there were overall decreases in arms imports by states in three world regions: the Americas (-36 per cent), Africa (-34 per cent), and Asia and Oceania (-4.7 per cent).

Israeli arms imports increased by 19 per cent between 2012-16 and 2017-21. Egypt's arms imports grew by 73 per cent between 201216 and 2017-21, making it the third largest arms importer globally. In 2017-21 the five largest arms importers in sub-Saharan Africa were Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali and Botswana.

transformation plan.

According to Elbit systems, Torch-X Air enables commanders to plan, evaluate and conduct strategic and operational plans and missions and creates an integrated Aerial Common Operational Picture (ACOP). The system creates a unified situation picture for all aircraft participants based on the different sensors integrated into the system (e.g. EO/IR imagery sensors, RADAR, SIGINT, COMINT, and other applicable sensors) and from other sources and external systems, supporting decision making as well as real-time operation while optimizing resource usage and improving force agility, effectiveness and overall mission accomplishment.

The situational awareness system is designed to support the operational process through all stages including: • Local Air Picture (LAP) • Recognized Air Picture compilation and sharing • Tactical airspace monitoring and coordination • Mission planning • Mission execution • Post mission analysis

The system’s overall architecture is a flexible and modular composition of the sensor interfaces and the communication, hardware and software elements.

news ROUnD UP MInIstry oF deFenCe sIGns ContraCt WIth Larsen & toubro Ltd For aCquIsItIon oF tWo MuLtI-PurPose vesseLs For IndIan navy n

ew Delhi: Ministry of Defence signed a contract on March 25, with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. for acquisition of Two MultiPurpose Vessels (MPVs) for Indian Navy at an overall cost of Rs. 887 Crore under “Buy-Indian” Category. The contract was signed in the presence of VAdm SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff and Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Additional Secretary & Director General Acquisition. Delivery of vessels is scheduled to commence from May 2025. MPVs will be the first of its kind platform, constructed to provide a costeffective solution to meet a variety of requirements of Indian Navy. These vessels, to be built by L&T Shipyard at Kattupally (Chennai), will perform multirole support functions such as maritime surveillance & patrol, launching/ recovery of torpedoes and operation of various types of aerial, surface and underwater targets for Gunnery/ ASW firing exercises. These vessels would also be capable of towing ships and rendering Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support with limited hospital ship capability. They will also act as trial platform for naval weapons and sensors under development, support platform for ISV & salvage operations, and to provide logistics support for our island territories. This contract will further boost and encourage active participation of Indian Shipbuilding Industry in consonance with the “AatmanirbharBharat” initiatives of the Government of India. With majority of the equipment and system sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels will be a proud flag bearer of “Make in India, Make for the World” initiatives of Ministry of Defence.

adanI, L&t shoW Interest In buILdInG sateLLIte LaunChers

new Delhi: The government said adani enterprises Limited and L&T are part of two consortia led by state-run enterprises that have evinced interest in building the Polar satellite Launch vehicle (PsLv), the isRO's warhorse rocket to put satellites in orbit, Parliament was told.

Minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra singh said in a bid to encourage private sector participation in the space sector, new space india Limited (nsiL), a company under the department of space, had invited proposals from the indian industry to build five PsLvs. he said two consortia, one comprising hindustan aeronautics Limited and Larsen & Toubro, and another involving Bharat electronics Limited (BeL), adani enterprises Limited (aeL) and Bharat earth Movers Limited (BeML), have submitted techno-commercial proposals for building PsLv. state-run Bharat heavy electrical Limited too has submitted a techno-commercial proposal for end-to-end realisation of PsLv, he told the Rajya sabha.

The indian space Research Organisation (isRO) had been working closely with the industry in building launch vehicles, satellites and other components, but it was for the first time in 2020 that the government opened up the sector for private participation for the entire spectrum of space operations, including planetary exploration missions.

The indian national space Promotion and authorization Centre (in-sPaCe) acts as the agency to promote, handhold and authorise private sector activities in the sector, besides enabling sharing of technical facilities and expertise from isRO. nsiL has the mandate to scale up private participation in the space programme and also own and operate capital-intensive assets such as satellites and launch vehicles. singh said since 2020, in-sPaCe has received 48 applications from private players for undertaking space activities and these are being processed for further action. Out of these, the applications with respect to authorizing the space activities to non-government private entities are 16, sharing of technology and facilities of department of space to nGPes are 23 and Consultancy and Promotion are 9, he said in a written response.

bae systeMs reCeIves $34.9 MILLIon ContraCt FroM us MarIne CorPs For an aMPhIbIous CoMbat vehICLe reCovery varIant

staFForD, va. Bae systems has received a $34.9 million contract from the Us Marine Corps for the design and development of an amphibious Combat vehicle Recovery (aCv-R) variant. The aCv-R will replace the legacy assault amphibious vehicle recovery variant (aavR7a1), and will provide direct field support, maintenance, and recovery to the aCv family of vehicles. This contract is for the first phase of the program, which focuses on the design and development of the aCv-R during a 20-month period. The second phase of the program will include delivery of production test vehicles for user evaluation. The aCv program is in full rate production with Bae systems, and the company is under contract to deliver two other variants in the aCv family of vehicles: the aCv personnel variant (aCv-P) and the aCv command variant (aCv-C). The company has also received a design and development contract for a 30mm cannon variant (aCv-30). additionally, Bae systems has received task instructions from the Marine Corps to complete a study of incorporating advanced reconnaissance, command, control, communication and computers/unmanned aerial systems mission payload into an aCv variant. aCv production and support is taking place at Bae systems locations in: stafford, va.; san Jose, Calif.; sterling heights, Mich.; aiken, s.C.; and, York, Pa.

raFaeL ConduCts FIrst ever LIve deMonstratIon oF Its abs systeM & Presents the aIr deFenCe oPtIMIser at It²eC

Tel aviv: Rafael advanced defense systems Ltd. participating at the iT²eC exhibition (april 26-28, 2022) in London unveiled in a first and conducted a first-ever live demonstration of its sophisticated aBs system – a Live virtual Constructive (LvC) solution. in addition, RaFaeL presented its advanced air defence training and simulation tools, most notably the air defence Optimizer (adO). Both the aBs system and the adO have a long-standing operational legacy. as a multi-domain LvC solution RaFaeL's aBs creates a comprehensive scenario at all levels of operation. The aBs integrates and links together all elements of the given scenario from a command and control headquarters straight to the live soldier. it also allows for jointlevel and multi-national exercises which connect all military branches: army, air force, navy, intelligence and special Forces. RaFaeL's LvC solution provides the ability to truly exercise a real-life scenario from every possible dimension and includes a highly capable constructive system. RaFaeL's aBs is supported by an advanced doctrine engine which allows automation of real-time doctrines and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) on every level of the military echelon. The doctrine engine integration allows for a range of operational behaviours to be simulated from that of the individual soldier to the brigade level. The aBs capabilities are all operational and working 24/7 during exercises.

The air defence Optimizer (adO) provides mission planning and rehearsal capabilities, assisting decision makers during real-time operations and enabling them to train using "what-if?" scenarios. The adO is combat-proven and enhances multi-layered air defence capabilities by providing ai-based optimization of air defence array deployments and indepth analysis tools based on high-fidelity simulations. The adO utilizes ai algorithms and high-fidelity simulations to provide the modern air defender' with tools to make accurate and effective decisions. Other solutions that were demonstrated included extended reality and game-based simulations as well as integrated weapon-system trainers that assist in creating well-trained air defenders that can operate, maintain, plan and make real-time decisions while ensuring that systems remain operationally available.

InFosys and roLLs-royCe extend strateGIC CoLLaboratIon WIth LaunCh oF JoInt ‘aerosPaCe enGIneerInG and dIGItaL InnovatIon Centre’ In IndIa

Bengaluru. infosys a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, and Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s leading industrial technology companies, today inaugurated their joint ‘aerospace engineering and digital innovation Centre’ in Bengaluru, india. This centre has been established to provide high-end research and development (R&d) services integrated with advanced digital capabilities to Rolls-Royce’s engineering and group business services from india. infosys and Rolls-Royce’s collaboration has been reinforced through strategic deals, aimed at yielding mutual benefits to both organisations over the next seven years. as part of this collaboration, infosys and Rolls-Royce will combine their aerospace, engineering and digital services capabilities to explore opportunities for driving digital and engineering innovation and associated cost optimisation strategies. By expanding the local talent pool in the country, the two companies will also deliver manufacturing engineering services for the global civil aerospace ecosystem.

Over the last decade, Rolls-Royce established a multidisciplinary engineering centre in Bengaluru as part of its efforts to boost engineering and R&d services in india. in december 2020, infosys and Rolls-Royce announced a collaboration for sourcing engineering and R&d services for Rolls-Royce’s Civil aerospace business, whereby Rolls-Royce transitioned a significant part of its engineering centre capabilities to infosys. infosys will continue to harness its experience, expertise, and investments in the domain to strengthen its existing capabilities and deliver enhanced end-to-end solutions while optimising operational costs for its customers.

PrIMe MInIster Pedro sanChez PresIdes the CuttInG oF the FIrst steeL PLate oF F-110 CLass FrIGate For sPanIsh navy

Ferrol (a Coruña): navantia has started the construction process of the new F-110 class frigate for spanish navy, with the cutting of the first steel plate in an event presided by spanish Prime Minister Pedro sánchez. The programme, whose implementation order was signed in 2019, foresees the construction of five frigates, valued at 4,320 million euros. The F-110 will be commissioned in 2027 and deliveries will take place yearly. The cutting of the first steel plate has taken place the april 6 in navantia’s shipyard in Ferrol (a Coruña, spain), where all five F-110 class frigates will be built. The event was also attended by spanish vice Prime Minister for Labor and social economy, Yolanda díaz; Finance Minister María Jesús Montero, along with navantia’s Chairman, Ricardo domínguez; vP for shipbuilding, agustín Álvarez; vP for systems and services, donato Martínez, and Ferrol shipyard's director, eduardo dobarro, among other authorities.

The F-110 frigates for the spanish navy are multi-purpose escort ships, with antiaircraft, anti-surface, and anti-submarine capabilities to perform their force protection and naval power projection duties. They will operate in combination with other units, and they are versatile platforms that can also perform functions related to maritime security and support to civilian authorities. The design of this new frigate includes advanced technological features, such as an integrated mast with different sensor and antenna solutions, a multi-mission space that expands the ship's capabilities in all defence segments and a new, more efficient and silent hybrid propulsion plant, providing the ship with great versatility. The frigates will be equipped with the spanish combat system, sCOMBa, developed by navantia sistemas. The F-110 frigate will be a smart ship, the first spanish naval programme designed to have a digital Twin: a virtual replica of the ship that constantly receives information from the vessel, data permanently supplied by a network of sensors distributed throughout the ship, constituting a cyber-physical system that through the use of behavioural models and technologies such as Cloud Computing, Machine Learning and the internet of Things (ioT) allows to support its maintenance and operation even thousands of miles away through the digital Twin deployed ashore. The digital Twin is complemented by an integrated services system (iss), an R&d developed with the Universities of vigo and Coruña, which will provide the ship with integrated sensors in its light points, substantially reducing its wiring. The F110 will also have 3d printers on board for the manufacture of spare parts.

dIehL deFenCe and hensoLdt are enhanCInG the PerForManCe oF theIr exIstInG Ground-based aIr deFenCe systeMs

taufkirchen/Germany. The system houses diehl defence and hensOLdT have agreed to intensify their cooperation in the field of ground-based air defence. Based on proven joint systems that are currently in production and can be delivered at short notice, the two companies intend to offer top-class products for defence against missile threats. These air defence systems employ the latest technologies, thus offering defensive potential even against new and emerging threats. The companies can thereby make a contribution to addressing the changed threat situation for Germany and in europe. diehl defence and hensOLdT already work together in the field of ground-based air defence systems. in its medium-range system (iRis-T sLM), diehl defence has integrated the battle management standard software iBMs-FC from airbus, as well as active and passive radars from hensOLdT, transferred them to series production and already delivered them to an export customer. The iRis-T sLM missiles are part of diehl defence's iRis-T product family. iRis-T sLM can be supplemented by elements of the short-range version iRis-T sLs, which is already under contract in several european countries and is in operational use in sweden, in order to also meet the requirements for so-called short-range and very short-range protection (nnbs). For this purpose, diehl defence has already presented a further developed variant which is now under contract outside naTO and is in the process of implementation. This provides a product portfolio that is capable of meeting the demands of German air defence. The cooperation between diehl defence and hensOLdT within the framework of iRis-T sLM involves the multifunctional radar TRML-4d and the optional passive radar Twinvis, in addition to the launcher with missiles and the command center. iRis-T sLM already provides highly effective protection against enemy aircraft, helicopters, missiles and drones and, unlike alternatively discussed solutions, meets all range and performance requirements. Based on their cooperation in a joint export program, diehl defence and hensOLdT are now deepening their cooperation, taking into account the threat situation in Germany. Joint projects for other customers of diehl defence with further partners in other countries remain unaffected. in view of threats from missiles and rockets, new air defence systems will be needed in the future to protect the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany within the framework of naTO's integrated air defence. This requires the equipment with ground-based air defence systems, whose interceptor missiles have a range of 40 km and can engage targets up to an altitude of 20 km. in addition, 360° all-round protection shall be achieved, which will also take into account attacks with cruise missiles. Full interoperability with the existing naTO-integrated air defence architecture is also equally essential. a performance upgrade of the existing iRis-T sLM system in the form of iRis-T sLx is under development at diehl defence and hensOLdT to supplement the existing air defence system by providing greater range (up to 80 km) and altitude coverage (up to 30 km) against airborne targets to improve response and warning times.

Ga-asI seLeCted For JaPan Coast Guard rPas ProJeCt

San DieGo. General atomics aeronautical systems, inc, the global leader in Remotely Piloted aircraft systems (RPas), is pleased to be selected to support the Japan Coast Guard’s (JCG) RPas Project. Operations will feature Ga-asi’s MQ-9B seaGuardian® and begin in October 2022. seaGuardian will be used to conduct wide-area maritime surveillance to support JCG’s missions, which include search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime law enforcement. This project follows a series of successful JCG flight trials in 2020 that used seaGuardian to validate the same JCG missions in accordance with Japan’s “Policy on strengthening the Maritime security systems,” using unmanned aerial vehicles to perform maritime wide-area surveillance. seaGuardian features a multi-mode maritime surface-search radar with an inverse synthetic aperture Radar (isaR) imaging mode, an automatic identification system (ais) receiver, and high-definition – Full-Motion video sensor equipped with optical and infrared cameras. This sensor suite enables real-time detection and identification of surface vessels over thousands of square nautical miles and provides automatic tracking of maritime targets and correlation of ais transmitters with radar tracks. skyGuardian® and seaGuardian® are revolutionizing the long-endurance RPas market by providing all-weather capability and full compliance with sTanaG-4671 (naTO Uas airworthiness standard). This feature, along with our operationally proven, collision-avoidance radar, enables flexible operations in civil airspace.

suCCessFuL hIGh aLtItude test oF LoIterInG MunItIon deveLoPed by soLar IndustrIes

new Delhi: in keeping with its commitment to contribute in atmanirbharta in defence, economics explosives Ltd (eeL), a 100 % subsidiary of solar industries india Ltd, has achieved another milestone in developing “Loitering Munitions” and successfully testing it in high altitude conditions in Ladakh in association with Z Motion autonomous system Pvt Ltd, Bangalore. all 3 newly developed Loitering Munitions (LM0, LM1 and hexacopter) have successfully been tested in nubra valley area of Ladakh last month during March 21-23, 2022. While LM0 and LM1 achieved full endurance of 60 minutes, the hexa-copter did 30 mins flight, making it for the first time in the world that the Man Portable Loiter Munitions with 4 kg warhead have successfully tested at flight ceiling of 4500 m, thanks to the facilitation by army design Bureau.

For development of these high technology end systems solar has been working closely with Z Motion autonomous system Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore having expertise in the design and development of drones, Uavs, control and communication systems etc. in a strategic decision solar has announced an acquisition of 45% equity stake for an undisclosed consideration in Z Motion autonomous system Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore. This investment will strengthen the solar’s initiative of developing weaponized Unmanned aerial vehicles (Uav) for offensive and Counter drone systems for defensive role. all these products are having more than 80% indigenous contents and will meet global quality and safety standards. Moreover, these indigenous products will be economical by 40% compared to import which is the only option available as on date.

Battlefield is changing very rapidly with more technologically advanced and innovative systems being inducted by armed forces worldwide. drones and Uavs based surveillance and loiter munitions have given new dimensions to warfare.

To meet the aspiration of our armed forces solar has diversified into the design and development of weaponised drones and Uavs as the strategic ammunition delivery systems. The systems under development includes drone based Gravity drop Bombs, Loiter Munitions, Missiles on drones etc., which can carry a variety of explosive warheads to neutralize soft skinned targets in open, tanks & combat vehicles, civil fortifications, etc. in addition to this, solar industries is also developing Counter drone systems for engaging swarm of hostile drones through kinetic kill using killer drones and micro-missiles.

haL, beL to JoIntLy deveLoP IndIGenous searCh and traCk systeM-Irst For su-30 MkI, sIGn ContraCt

Bengaluru: hindustan aeronautics Limited (haL) signed a contract with Bharat electronics Limited (BeL) for co-development and co-production of long range dual band infra-Red search and Track system (iRsT) for sukhoi su-30 Mki fighter jets on april 26.

The contract was signed by suneel kumar srivastava, GM, haL and Loyola Pedro vianney G, GM, BeL. The two defence PsUs will co-develop the Long Range dual Band infra-Red search and Track system (iRsT) for the su-30 Mki under the Make-ii procedure. Projects under the ‘Make-ii’ category will involve prototype development of equipment/ system/platform or their upgrades or their subsystems/ sub-assembly/ assemblies/components. n o government funding is provided for prototype development purposes.

The system will enhance the indian air Force’s air superiority. The joining of hands of the two defence PsUs for development of technologicallycritical iRsT gives impetus to self-reliance in the defence sector. This initiative also opens a future path in the field of indigenous defence manufacturing for development of high-end strategic technology products of iRsT for various platforms in a global competitive environment, haL added.

bIrd aerosysteMs Gets another order For kInG-aIr 350 sPeCIaL MIssIon MarItIMe PatroL aIrCraFt t

el Aviv: Israeli company BIRD Aerosystems has received another order for a King-Air 350 Special Mission Maritime Patrol Aircraft from an undisclosed customer. Under the contract, BIRD will purchase the aircraft and transfer it to a Maritime Patrol Aircraft using its renowned ASIO solution.

According to the company, BIRD's ASIO Special Mission Aircraft is an end-to-end airborne Information, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) solution ideal for maritime and ground surveillance, search and rescue, patrol and monitoring. ASIO offers decision-makers and field commanders accurate, real-time terrestrial and maritime information that dramatically enhances situational awareness. A true force multiplier, ASIO enables even small crews to deliver detailed and comprehensive surveillance information covering large geographic areas.

The Israeli company says that the ASIO maritime solution provides customers with an integrated Aerial-NavalLand solution. It facilitates maritime and coastal surveillance, patrol and survey of borders and strategic assets, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring capabilities. Leveraging BIRD's advanced mission management system (MSIS), information gathered from the various sensors is autonomously prioritized and automatic alarms of suspicious activities are provided in real-time to the ASIO Maritime Patrol Aircraft enabling an optimized airborne mission.

The ASIO aircraft provides all the participants in the mission operation with an effective, integrated, real-time situational awareness overview over land and water, enabling efficient detection, tracking and interception of any suspicious activity.

steadICoPter and sMart shooter unveIL the FIrst-ever unManned heLICoPter WIth PreCIse hIt CaPabILItIes - GoLden eaGLe

tel aviv: Two israeli companies have joined forces to offer the defence market a rotary unmanned Uav equipped with an automatic weapon. steadicopter and smart shooter, have unveiled the Golden eagle - the first-ever unmanned helicopter with precise hit capabilities. Based on the combat-proven Black eagle 50e platform, the Golden eagle incorporates ai-based technology and smart shooter’s sMash dragon system. The ai-based technology enables superior situational awareness and autonomous multi-target classification and tracking. The sMash dragon, a remotely-operated robotic weaponry payload, locks on the target, tracks it and ensures precise target hit. The companies say that sMash dragon integrates a unique stabilization concept with proprietary target acquisition, tracking algorithms and sophisticated computer vision capabilities that allow accurate hitting of static and moving targets while mounted onto the Golden eagle. The system can employ various types of assault rifles, sniper rifles, 40mm and other munitions with great precision. Through advanced data processing, the ai system autonomously identifies and distinguishes between different types of targets, such as person or vehicle, whether they are in motion or stationery, and whether they have previously been present in the field. Lightweight and thereby enabling long mission endurance, extremely cost-effective, simple to operate, and easy to maintain, the Golden eagle has vertical take-off and landing capability for successful mission completion.