Browsing: Public Sector

A Pivotal Review of India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure Aims to Untangle Decades of Delays

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India begins Defence Procurement Procedure (DAP 2020): New Delhi, India – In a move signalling a determined push for efficiency and self-reliance, India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a comprehensive review of its critical Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. This significant undertaking, initiated under the banner of 2025 being declared the ‘Year of Reforms’, aims to meticulously align the nation’s defence procurement mechanisms with broader government policies, particularly those championing indigenous capabilities and streamlined processes.

India Takes Historic Leap: Defence Minister Clears Path for Indigenous 5th-Gen AMCA Fighter

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India Clears 5th Generation AMCA Fighter: NEW DELHI – In a move poised to fundamentally transform India’s aerial combat capabilities and bolster its strategic autonomy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today officially approved the “execution model” for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This landmark decision greenlights the indigenous development of India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, signaling a robust commitment to self-reliance in advanced defense technology.

DRDO QTRC: India Unlocks Quantum Future With Inauguration of Quantum Technology Research Centre

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DRDO Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC):  DELHI – In a significant stride for India’s strategic technological advancement, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today inaugurated the Quantum Technology Research Centre (QTRC) at Metcalfe House in Delhi. The state-of-the-art facility, unveiled by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, is set to bolster India’s indigenous quantum capabilities for a wide array of strategic and defense applications.

India Achieves Hypersonic Breakthrough: DRDO Tests Scramjet Combustor for Over 17 Minutes

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DRDO Tests Scramjet Combustor for Hypersonic Missiles: HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI – April 26, 2025 – In a landmark achievement that significantly advances India’s ambitions in next-generation weaponry, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a long-duration test of a critical scramjet engine component, pushing the boundaries of its hypersonic technology development.

India Joins Elite Club: DRDO’s Laser Weapon Successfully Neutralizes Drone

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DRDO CHESS Unveils Laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) – CUAS: Kurnool, India – In a significant technological breakthrough, India has successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its indigenously developed laser-based directed energy weapon (DEW), catapulting the nation into an exclusive club of global powers possessing this advanced technology. The Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), conducted a successful field demonstration of the Land version of the Vehicle Mounted Laser Directed Weapon MK-II(A) at Kurnool on Sunday (April 13, 2025).

India Bolsters Air Power with $7.32 Billion Light Combat Helicopter Order

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India’s Light Combat Helicopter: New Delhi, India – In a move that significantly strengthens India’s aerial combat capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized a substantial order for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) “Prachand” from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This procurement, valued at approximately ₹62,700 crore (approximately $7.32 billion USD), marks a major milestone in India’s drive for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

India’s GRSE Wins Additional MPV Order from German Firm

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GRSE Bags MPV Contract from Germany’s Carsten Rehder: Kolkata/Hamburg, Germany – Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. has signed a contract with Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, on March 24, 2025, for the construction and delivery of the 7th and 8th Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) of 7,500 DWT. The agreement, signed in Hamburg, Germany, represents a continuation of the “Option Agreement” between the two parties, bringing the total order to eight vessels with an approximate value of US $108 million.

India clears defence procurement worth $6.5 billion

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India clears defence purchase worth $6.5 billion (Rs 54,000 crore): New Delhi, March 20, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) to eight capital acquisition proposals totaling over Rs 54,000 crore (approximately $6.5 billion USD). The approvals, announced on March 20, 2025, signal a major push towards modernizing the Indian armed forces and streamlining the procurement process.

India Bolsters Tank Fleet with $248 Million Engine Deal with Russia

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India signs $248 million Tank Engine Deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport: New Delhi, March 7, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance its armored capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence has finalized a $248 million contract with Rosoboronexport (RoE) of the Russian Federation for the procurement of 1000 horsepower (HP) engines for its T-72 main battle tanks. The agreement, announced today, marks a substantial upgrade for the Indian Army’s mainstay tank fleet, promising improved battlefield mobility and offensive power.

Indian Army Unveils Xploder, MRMS Mine Warfare Systems at Aero India 2025

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Indian Army displays Xploder Kamikaze Drone and MRMS System at Aero India: BENGALURU – The Indian Army showcased its commitment to indigenous innovation and technological advancement at Aero India 2025, unveiling two remarkable systems developed by Major Rajprasad RS of the Corps of Engineers. The “Xploder-Kamikaze and IED Disposal RoV” and the “MRMS- Mobile Reactive Munition System” were presented at the India Pavilion, drawing the attention of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Service Chiefs, and other senior military and civilian dignitaries.

India’s ISRO scores historic century with 100th satellite launch

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ISRO’s 100th successful satellite launch: Sriharikota, India – In a momentous achievement for the Indian space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched its 100th satellite mission. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carrying the NVS-02 navigation satellite lifted off flawlessly from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Indian Navy inducts INS Vaghsheer, INS Nilgiri, INS Surat

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Indian Navy inducts INS Vagsheer, INS Nilgiri, INS Surat: Mumbai, January 15, 2025 – In a historic event that underscores India’s growing naval prowess and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, the Indian Navy today commissioned three frontline combatants: INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project.

Indian Navy Set to Commission Three Frontline Fleet Assets in Historic Milestone

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Indian Navy to induct three weapons platforms: Mumbai, January 15, 2025 – In a historic event that underscores India’s growing naval prowess and indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to commission three frontline combatants later today: INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project.

India’s DRDO Celebrates 67 Years of Innovation and Self-Reliance in Defence

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DRDO 67th Foundation Day: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is celebrating its 67th foundation day on January 2, 2025. Established in 1958, DRDO has grown from a small organisation with 10 laboratories to a network of around 52 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) across the country. These laboratories and establishments are dedicated to developing defence technologies covering a wide range of disciplines, including aeronautics, armaments, electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials, naval systems, life sciences, training, information systems, and agriculture.  

Cochin Shipyard Cuts Steel For Indian Navy’s First Next-Generation Missile Vessels

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Cochin Shipyards Performs Steel Cutting Ceremony of Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV): Kochi, India – A significant milestone in India’s naval modernization efforts was achieved on December 16th, 2024, as the steel cutting ceremony for the first Next-Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) commenced at the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). This marks the formal commencement of construction for these advanced warships, designed to enhance India’s maritime security and defense capabilities.

India Will Procure 12 More Indigenous Sukhoi 30-MKI Jets from HAL

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MoD orders 12 more Sukhoi 30-MKI Jets from HAL:New Delhi, December 12, 2024: In a significant move to bolster India’s air power and support the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets. The deal, valued at approximately Rs 13,500 crore, includes associated equipment and is aimed at enhancing the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities.

ISRO’s PSLV-C59 Successfully Launches ESA’s Proba-3 Mission

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ISRO Successfully Launches Proba-3 Mission: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another significant milestone on December 5, 2023, by successfully launching the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission. ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C59) lifted off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India, propelling the Proba-3 satellites into a highly elliptical orbit. This successful launch further solidifies India’s position as a reliable launch service provider and highlights its growing collaboration with international space agencies.

India clears defence purchase worth $2.56 billion

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Defence Acquisition Council clears defence procurement worth Rs 21,772 crores: In a significant move to bolster India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved a slew of capital acquisition proposals worth over INR 21,772 Crores ($2.56 billion) on December 3, 2024. These acquisitions are aimed at enhancing India’s naval, air, and land forces, particularly in areas of coastal security and surveillance.

Sajid Farid Shapoo Joins as Chief Vigilance Officer of BEML Ltd

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Sajid Fareed Shapoo, IPS joins BEML as CVO: Bangalore: BEML Limited has announced the appointment of Dr Sajid Farid Shapoo as its new Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO). Dr Shapoo is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1998 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Dr Shapoo has served in key leadership roles, including as Superintendent of Police in Bhind, Satna, Shivpuri, and Dewas districts of Madhya Pradesh.

India Joins the Hypersonic Missile Club

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India’s DRDO testfires Hypersonic Missile: New Delhi, India – November 18, 2024 – India has made a significant stride in its defense capabilities by successfully test-firing a long-range hypersonic missile. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted the flight test on November 17, 2024, from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

DRDO LRLACM: India Tests Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile

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DRDO’s Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM): New Delhi, India – November 12, 2024 – India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone in its indigenous missile development program with the successful maiden flight-test of the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM). The test was conducted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

India-China Border: Rajnath Opens 750 Infrastructure Projects

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opens 750 projects on China border: New Delhi, India – In a significant move to strengthen its border infrastructure and enhance national security, India has inaugurated 750 new projects undertaken by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). These projects, spread across 11 states and union territories, have been dedicated to the nation by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.

INS Nirdeshak: Indian Navy inducts Second Large Survey Vessel

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INS Nirdeshak Yard 3026 Survey Vessel: Kolkata, India – The Indian Navy has further bolstered its maritime capabilities with the delivery of the second Survey Vessel (Large), INS Nirdeshak, on October 8, 2024. The ship, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, is the second of four such vessels being constructed for the Navy. The contract for the four Survey Vessels (SVL) was signed in October 2018, with the first ship, INS Sandhayak, commissioned in February 2024. The SVL ships are designed and built to meet the highest standards of classification rules set by the Indian Register of Shipping.

Indian Army Bolsters Air Defense Capabilities with BEL’s Akashteer Systems

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Indian Army Akashteer Missile Defence System: New Delhi, India – The Indian Army has significantly enhanced its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of 100 Akashteer systems, advanced Air Defense Control and Reporting Systems (ADCRS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). These systems will serve as a crucial asset in safeguarding the country from aerial threats, including missile and rocket attacks.

ABHED Bulletproof Jacket: India’s DRDO, IIT Delhi Develop Lightweight Bulletproof Jackets

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ABHED Bulletproof Jacket: New Delhi, India – A breakthrough in ballistic protection has been achieved by India’s apex defence research body – the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, a premier engineering institute in New Delhi. The joint effort has resulted in the creation of the ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat) lightweight bulletproof jackets. ABHED means impregnable in Hindi.

India’s DRDO tests second phase of anti-ballistic missile system

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DRDO tests Phase 2 of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence System: New Delhi, July 24: In a significant boost to its national security against long range ballistic missiles, India Wednesday successfully conducted the Phase II test of its indigenously developed Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) defence system. The trial, conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Odisha’s Chandipur, marks a crucial milestone in India’s strategic deterrence capabilities.

LCH Prachand: India to buy 156 locally made combat helicopters

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HAL to supply 156 LCH Prachand Combat Helicopters: India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing takes a significant leap forward with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for a staggering 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) christened “Prachand.” This large-scale order marks the culmination of a long-standing program aimed at developing a potent attack helicopter specifically designed for the nation’s demanding high-altitude borders.

India’s GRSE bags $16.6 million Bangladesh order for Advanced Dredger

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GRSE wins Advanced Dredger order from Bangladesh: India’s leading public sector defence shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, has secured a $16.6 Million Contract for Advanced Dredger from Bangladesh. The advanced dredgeder to be built by the GRSE will be supplied to the Bangladesh Inland Waterways Transport Authority (BIWTA). The contract, signed on June 2nd in Dhaka, Bangladesh, marks another milestone for GRSE’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and delivering high-quality maritime solutions.

India’s DRDO testfires supersonic missile-assisted Smart Torpedo

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India DRDO’s Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested a new missile system designed to revolutionize the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system was launched from a ground-based mobile launcher off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday (May 1, 2024).

India awards defence contracts worth $469.5 million to local defence companies

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Self-reliance in defence: In a significant boost to the local defence and aerospace companies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India initiative, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed five major capital acquisition contracts worth $469.5 million on Friday (March 1, 2024) in New Delhi. The contracts were exchanged in the presence of defence minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane.

LCA Tejas: Indigenous Digital Flight Control Computer tested successfully

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Indigenous Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control System for Tejas: In a major step towards achieving self-reliance in defence sector, Indian scientists and engineers have successfully integrated indigenously developed Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC) in prototype LSP7 on Monday (February 19, 2024). The digital fly-by-wire flight control computer has been indigenously developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru for the Tejas Mark-1A fighter jet.

India’s ISRO launches seven satellites for Singapore in PSLV-C56 mission

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ISRO’s PSLV-C56 launches 7 satellites in space: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched seven satellites for Singapore in its PSLV-C56 mission on Sunday. The launch took place at 6.30 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota. The primary satellite, DS-SAR, is a Radar Imaging Earth Observation satellite developed by Singapore’s DSTA and ST Engineering. It will be used for various applications such as disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

India signs Rs 3700 crore order for radars and radar warning receivers for IAF

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BEL bags Rs 3,700 order for supply of radars to IAF: India’s ministry of defence Thursday signed two contracts worth over Rs 3,700 crore with the state owned defence electronics company Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for supply of radars and radar warning receivers, which will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force. The first contract worth over Rs 2,800 crore includes supply of Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’ for the IAF, and the second order, with an overall cost of around Rs 950 crore, relates to 129 DR-118 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR).

India’s defence electronics manufacturer BEL achieves a record turnover of $2 billion

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BEL’s Financial Results FY 2021-22: India’s state owned defence electronics manufacturer Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)  achieved a turnover of about Rs 15,000 crore  ($1.98 billion), during the Financial Year 2021-22 that began in April last year and ended in March this year. “As per the provisional and unaudited results, this is an increase of 8.55% against the previous year’s turnover of Rs 13,818 crore, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global semiconductors shortage,“ said the company.

Indian Navy receives fourth Scorpene class submarine INS Vela

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Indian Navy Scorpene Class Submarine INS Vela: The Indian Navy got its fourth Scorpene class submarine INS Vela, which will be commissioned this month. Scorpene class submarine Vela, which was launched on May 6, 2019, completed all major harbour and sea trials including weapon and sensor trials despite COVID restrictions, said the Defence Ministry on Tuesday.

Russia waives royalty for Kalashnikov rifle production in India

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Kalashnikov Rifles India: Russia has waived royalty in favour of technology transfer for AK 203 assault rifle. The plan to manufacture famous Russian Kalashnikov series rifles has been under discussion for almost two years, with the contract stipulating 100% transfer of technology. Though the factory in Amethi was inaugurated in 2019 but production has not yet started due to differences over the issue of pricing and royalty to be paid to the Russian side.

India places $1.02 billion order for 118 locally developed Arjun tanks

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Indian Army Arjun Mk-1A Main Battle Tank: In a big boost to Indian Army’s firepower, the ministry of defence Thursday placed a formal order with the government owned Ordnance Factory for procurement of 118 Arjun Mk-1A battle tanks, which have superior firepower, all-terrain mobility and night-fighting capabilities, among other features. The order is worth over $1.02 billion dollar (INR 75 billion).

India’s new aircraft carrier completes maiden sea trial

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IAC-1 INS Vikrant Sea Trial: Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant has successfully completed its five day long maiden sea trial successfully and came back to the yard in Kochi in Southern Indian state of Kerala, the defence ministry said. The ship had sailed from the Cochin Shipyard Limited’s yard in Kochi on Wednesday (August 4) and returned to the CSL’s yard on Sunday (August 8).

Indian Navy inducts 3 long-range maritime reconnaissance helicopters

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HAL ALH MK-III Helicopter:  Indian Navy Monday inducted three advanced light helicopters in the Eastern Naval Command that is responsible for safety and security of the country’s eastern sea-shores, including Bay of Bengal. The three HAL ALH MK-III helicopters are built by state owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and capable of long range reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue operations.

Akash missile manufacturer BEL logs over 6% revenue growth

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BEL: India’s state owned defence manufacturer Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) clocked a turnover of about $1.84 billion (Rs 13,500 crores) during the financial year 2020-21 (April-March period), an increase of 6.6% over the BEL’s turnover during the previous financial year, when it was $1.72 billion (Rs 12,608 crores), the company said on Thursday.

India’s HAL, Israel’s Elbit Systems sign agreement for HUD helmets

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HAL-Elbit Systems HUD Display System: India’s state owned aircraft manufacturing giant HAL has signed an  agreement with Israel’s high technology defence company Elbit Systems for supply of Digital Overhead Head Up Display Systems (DOHS) during the recently concluded Aero India-2021, the company announced on Monday. The agreement for supply of HUD display has been signed between HAL and Elbit Systems Electro Optics Elop Ltd.

India clears $6.25 billion deal to acquire 83 LCA Tejas combat jets

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LCA Tejas News: In a major boost to domestic defence industry, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today approved the largest ever indigenous defence purchase of 83 combat jets manufactured by the state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. This deal will be a game-changer for self-reliance in Indian defence manufacturing, said the defence minister.

DRDO ready to supply 200 made in India howitzer guns to Indian Army in 2 years

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India DRDO ATAGS Howitzer: India’s apex Defence Research and Development Organisation – DRDO is ready to supply over 200 Made in India Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) howitzers to Indian Army within 18-24 months of placement of the order. DRDO’s offer comes in the backdrop of a choice between an indigenous and foreign option to fulfill Indian Army’s requirement for over 400 howitzers.

Firepower: India’s DRDO testfires long range Pinaka rocket system

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“Development of Enhanced Pinaka system was taken up to achieve longer range performance compared to an earlier design with a reduced length,” the defence ministry said. The design and development of this advanced version of Pinaka rocket system has been carried out by Pune based DRDO laboratories, namely  Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).

India’s HAL tests Light Utility Helicopter LUH in high Himalayas

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India’s state owned aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Wednesday announced completion of the testing process of its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in hot and high weather capabilities in high Himalayas. HAL’s LUH is a new generation helicopter in the 3-ton class helicopters, incorporating the state of the art technology features like a glass cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFD).

India’s DRDO successfully testfires Hypersonic Missile HSTDV

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In a big boost to India’s offensive military capabilities, India Monday successfully flight-tested a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), India’s apex defence research and development organisation, DRDO, announced in a a tweet. The test of Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which is a new frontier in cutting-edge defence technology.

India’s BEML launches heavy trucks, electric excavators and dozers

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BEML unveils heavy electrical trucks, excavators: In a big push to manufacture of heavy vehicles in the country, India’s state owned BEML Tuesday launched several heavy vehicles designed and developed in the country. It includes a 150 tonne dump truck BH150E, 180 tonne electrical excavator BE1800E 180, Heli-Portable Dozer called BD50HST, and Medium Bullet Proof Vehicle (MBPV) called GAUR.

Self-reliant India: Home-built missile carrier, anti-material rifle, heavy trucks unveiled

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Make in India in Defence: Of these 15 defence equipments, four each have been developed by India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and state owned heavy equipment maker BEML, two products have been developed by public sector electronics major BEL, and one each by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Dynamics Limited, Mazhgaon Dock Limited, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and GSL.

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