Indian Defense
Army Picks 34 In-House Innovations To Develop Operational Solutions
The Indian Army has picked up 34 of 80 inhouse innovations powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and software applications, unmanned aerial platforms and counter drone systems for further development to fuel self reliance initiatives in the defence sector.
The Indian Army said that it intends to build on the innovations by “thinking warriors” over the last one year by collaborating with academia and industry partners to develop military grade ruggedized solutions.
Of them, 22 were displayed at Tuesday’s idea and innovation competition and seminar, ‘Inno Yodha 2023’, at the Manekshaw Centre. They included, an AI-based information collation and analysis software that emerged as a response to the labour-intensive and time-consuming manual approach for gathering and analysing intelligence data and enemy activities, the Army said in a statement. In addition, the software offers dynamic graphical representation, generating informative graphs that unveil concealed trends and patterns, thereby enriching situational comprehension.
Another AI-based solution offered was Military Objects Detection System in Satellite Images. As per the Army, it facilitates automatic detection and classification of military objects in satellite imagery in real time. The developed AI module enhances Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability and efficacy, facilitating commanders at all levels to take timely decision.
The technology for “Vidyut Rakshak- an IOT-based Generator Monitoring and Control System” was transferred to the indigenous industry for mass production, informed the Army. During the event, an MoU was signed between the Indian Army and the Foundation of Innovation and Technology Transfer for technological collaboration and consultation.
Multipurpose Octocopter was another key solution that emerged from inhouse R&D stable. It has a payload capacity of 25 kg in High Altitude Area (HAA) and can be used to drop essential supplies to forward posts. The Octocopter, which can also undertake surveillance operations providing live camera feed to the operator, also has a platform for firing assault rifles and dropping grenades, pointed out the Army officials.
Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande during his address at Inno Yodha 2023 appreciated the creativity and ingenuity of the innovators and exhorted his Thinking Warrior colleagues to continue conceptualising practical and innovative solutions for the nation and the land force. Innovators, senior Army officials, and academia and industry representative were present at the event.
The Army said that its Army Design Bureau has taken path-breaking initiatives for connecting capabilities of the entire defence industry ecosystem to fulfil operational requirements of field formations. “Last year, for the first time, the expertise of premier Academia was harmonised, and fifteen niche tech innovations were identified to be taken forward with Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT-Delhi to benchmark their technology levels,” elaborated the Army.
Likewise, Intellectual Property Rights applications for eight of them have already been filed and four niche tech innovations are being developed under the guidance of faculty from IIT Delhi through the Army Technology Board route.
Indian Defense
INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’
The solid-fuelled K-4 missile is being developed by DRDO to arm the country’s nuclear-powered submarines in the shape of INS Arihant and its under-development sister vessels. INS Arihant, which became fully operational in November 2018 to complete India’s nuclear triad, is currently armed with the much shorter K-15 missiles with a 750 km range.
“The K-4 is now virtually ready for its serial production to kick-off. The two tests have demonstrated its capability to emerge straight from underwater and undertake its parabolic trajectory,” said a source.
India has the land-based Agni missiles, with the over 5,000-km Agni-V inter-continental ballistic missile now in the process of being inducted, and fighter jets jury-rigged to deliver nuclear weapons. But INS Arihant gives the country’s deterrence posture much more credibility because nuclear-powered submarines armed with nuclear-tipped missiles are considered the most secure, survivable and potent platforms for retaliatory strikes.
Once the K-4 missiles are inducted, they will help India narrow the gap with countries like the US, Russia and China, which have over 5,000-km range SLBMs. The K-4 missiles are to be followed by the K-5 and K-6 missiles in the 5,000-6,000 km range class.
The 6,000-ton INS Arihant, which is propelled by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor at its core, in turn, is to be followed by INS Arighat, which was launched in 2017. The next generation of nuclear submarines, currently called S-4 and S-4*, will be much larger in size.
Indian Defense
After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78%
India has received clearance to upgrade 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, which will result in 78% indigenization after the upgrade
In a significant step towards bolstering its military might with indigenously developed technology, India is poised to witness its Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets evolve into a domestic platform. Speaking at a recent lecture.
The upgrade program is being led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in partnership with the Indian Air Force and other partners. The upgrade is expected to cost US$7.5 billion.
This initiative is a part of a larger effort by the Indian Air Force to modernize its ageing fleet. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari asserted the critical role of an offensive air force as demonstrated in current global conflicts and emphasized India’s move towards an indigenized arsenal. To this end, the IAF has been proactive, from upgrading its Mirage 2000 to enhancing its MiG-29 fleet.
In summary, the IAF’s commitment to updating their combat forces with the latest technology, including shifting to fifth-generation fighter jets, ensures operational preparedness and a strong deterrence capability. The gradual indigenization of its air fleet marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence landscape, reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering technological sovereignty.
Indian Defense
Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace
According to unconfirmed reports, Armenia is a top contender for an export order for Akash SAM system manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
The Akash export version will also be slightly different from the one inducted by the armed forces. The 100-km range air-to-air Astra missiles, now entering production after successful trials from Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, also have “good export potential”, said sources.
Akash is a “tried, tested and successfully inducted systems”. Indian armed forces have ordered Akash systems worth Rs 24,000 crore over the years, and MoD inked a contract in Mar 2023 of over Rs 9,100 crores for improved Akash Weapon System
BDL is a government enterprise under the Ministry of Defence that was established in 1970. BDL manufactures surface-to-air missiles and delivers them to the Indian Army. BDL also offers its products for export.
Akash Weapon System
The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In order to meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has Seeker Technology, Reduced Foot Print, 360° Engagement Capability and improved environmental parameters.
The project will give a boost to the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a whole. The project has overall indigenous content of 82% which will be increased to 93% by 2026-27.
The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability. This project will play a role in boosting the overall economy by avoiding outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries, increasing employment avenues in India and encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing. Around 60% of the project cost will be awarded to the private industry, including MSMEs, in maintaining the supply chain of the weapon system, thereby creating large scale of direct and indirect employment.
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