Indian Defence Updates : Rafale F4 with Uttam MK2,IAF 60 Su-57 Final,TEDBF Swash-Plate,CIWS Upgrade

Summary

The transcript covers recent developments in India's defense sector and global strategic dynamics. Key highlights include the U.S. urging G7 nations to impose tariffs on India and China over Russian oil, significant naval and army exercises enhancing operational readiness, and advancements in indigenous defense technology. India is scaling up ammunition production, acquiring advanced electronic and aerial systems, and progressing with domestic fighter jet programs like the Rafale, AMCA, and hybrid naval defense systems. Challenges in engine procurement and the emphasis on self-reliance in defense manufacturing are also noted, reflecting a comprehensive push for modernization, strategic preparedness, and technological independence.

Takeaways

• 🌍 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged G7 nations to impose tariffs on India and China for purchasing Russian oil.
• 🚢 Garden Reach Shipbuilders delivered the second anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft to the Indian Navy.
• ⚓ Tiger Rail Systems Limited launched the third diving support craft for the Indian Navy.
• 🪖 Indian Army conducted Exercise Jal Shakti to enhance water obstacle crossing, mobility, and battlefield effectiveness.
• 🌳 Indian Army executed Exercise Debangshi to showcase advanced jungle warfare tactics and combat freefall drills.
• 👮 CISF quick reaction team, NSG commandos, and Delhi Police carried out a joint counterterrorism exercise at Delhi airport.
• 🔫 SSS Defense plans to increase annual small arms ammunition production from 60 million to 150 million rounds within two years.
• 💣 Ministry of Defense awarded an 8 crore INR contract to Premier Explosives Limited for countermeasure supplies.
• 🛰️ Paris Defense and Space Technologies secured a 26 crore INR order from India Optel Limited for electronic control systems in thermal imaging fire control for tanks.
• 🚀 DRDO launched a project to develop a reusable high-speed expendable aerial target with advanced guidance and parachute recovery.
• ✈️ India’s upcoming twin-engine deck-based fighter will feature advanced AESA radar with a 100° field of view.
• 🛡️ IDFOGE unveiled a UAV integrated with smart guided munitions, offering 6 hours endurance, 10 kg payload, and 50 km operational range.
• ⚔️ Indian Navy plans to induct a hybrid close-in weapon system combining artillery gatling guns and very short-range air defense missiles.
• 🛫 Indian Air Force prepared a four-track plan to address fighter gaps, including induction of 114 Made-in-India Rafale jets, fast-tracking AMCA stealth fighter program, and acquiring 60 SU57 jets.
• 📡 Proposal to replace French RBE2 radar with India’s Utam M2 gallium nitride radar for longer detection range and better electronic countermeasure resistance.
• ⚙️ L&T director revealed that German firm MTU delayed delivery of Zorawar light tank engine due to export controls, prompting a shift to American Cummins engines as a stopgap.

Q & A

What did US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urge the G7 nations to do regarding India and China?

Scott Bessent called on G7 nations to impose tariffs on India and China for purchasing Russian oil.

Which Indian Navy vessel was recently delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders?

Garden Reach Shipbuilders delivered the INS, the second anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft, to the Indian Navy.

What is the focus of the Indian Army's Exercise Jal Shakti?

Exercise Jal Shakti focuses on water obstacle crossing drills to enhance mobility, operational preparedness, and battlefield effectiveness.

Which exercises showcased the Indian Army's capabilities in jungle warfare and combat freefall?

Exercise Debangshi demonstrated the Indian Army's advanced jungle warfare tactics and combat freefall drills for operational preparedness in challenging terrain.

What joint counterterrorism exercise was carried out in Delhi?

The CISF Quick Reaction Team, NSG commandos, and Delhi Police conducted a joint counterterrorism exercise at Delhi Airport.

How is SSS Defense planning to scale up small arms ammunition production?

SSS Defense plans to increase annual production from 60 million rounds to 150 million rounds within the next two years.

What notable contracts were awarded by the Indian Ministry of Defense recently?

Premier Explosives Limited received a contract worth 8 crore rupees for countermeasures supply, and Paris Defense and Space Technologies secured a 26 crore rupees order from India Optel Limited for electronic control systems for thermal imaging fire control in tanks.

What are the key features of India's upcoming twin-engine deck-based fighter?

The fighter will feature an advanced AESA radar with a swashplate mechanism, giving it a 100° field of view.

What advancements are being made in Indian UAV capabilities?

IDFOGE unveiled an older UAV integrated with smart guided munitions, offering 6 hours endurance, a maximum payload of 10 kg, and an operational range of over 50 km.

How is the Indian Navy strengthening its frontline warships against modern threats?

The Navy plans to induct a locally developed hybrid close-in weapon system combining 4 km range anti-aircraft gatling guns with 6 km range very short-range air defense missiles to counter sea-skimming missiles, drones, and low-flying aircraft.

What is the Indian Air Force's four-track plan to address its fighter gap?

The plan includes induction of 114 Made-in-India Rafale jets, accelerating Mark 1A and Mark 2 production, fast-tracking the AMCA stealth fighter program, and acquiring 60 SU-57 fighter jets as a stopgap measure.

What radar upgrade is proposed for the Indian Rafale fighter jets?

A proposal exists to replace the French RBE2 radar with India's Utam M2 gallium nitride radar, which would offer longer detection range, better tracking against stealth targets, and stronger resistance to electronic countermeasures.

What issue did L&T face with the Zorawa light tank engines?

German firm MTU withheld delivery of the Zorawa light tank engine for 13 months due to export controls, causing a shift to American Cummins engines for prototype trials.