[🇮🇳] India's weapon development, Testing, Purchase, sale, upgrade, Collaborations and Joint venture in Defense sectors.

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Date of Event: Mar 5, 2025 Source : https://www.PKDefense.com

World’s top turret-making company to manufacture in India. Signs joint venture for light tanks’ turrets​

Story by Snehesh Alex Philip
• 15h•
2 min read

World’s top turret-making company to manufacture in India. Signs joint venture for light tanks’ turrets© Provided by ThePrint
New Delhi: Belgium-based John Cockerill Defense, one of the world’s top turret-making companies, has tied up with an Indian firm to manufacture, assemble and commission the critical component for the Indian Army’s Indian Light Tank (I.L.T) programme, Project Zorawar.

The company has formed a 60:40 joint venture with Indian firm Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd to manufacture turrets in Chakan, Pune.



This will be the first time that the Belgium company will set up a manufacturing facility for turrets outside its country.

The DRDO and private firm L&T have come up with the Zorawar light tank, which is currently undergoing tests in-house.

For the tank, L&T used the John Cockerill turret.

Under Project Zorawar, the Indian Army will buy 59 light tanks if found satisfactory, and then L&T will compete with other firms for a larger order.

The initial demand of the Army is roughly 350 light tanks to take on the Chinese in the mountainous borders.

“The joint venture that we have is not limited to just the 59 light tanks. Our reading is that the overall demand will be much higher than 350 … Moreover, as the joint venture stabilises, we will look at other programmes of the Indian Army—like the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and the futuristic main battle tank called the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV),” Thierry Renaudin, Chief Executive Officer, John Cockerill Defense, said in the national capital responding to a query by ThePrint.


Project Zorawar, he said, is not just limited to manufacturing the light tanks for Indian orders but eventually making them at the Chakan plant and exporting them around the world.

Ingrid Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director, Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd, said the company plans to roll out the first India-made turret in 2027.

The company has made the launchers for the Akash Next Generation, and the same, along with the hydraulics for the Indian Advanced Towed Artillery Gun (ATAGS), are under trial.

Ashley Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director of the Indian firm, said the joint venture would look at exports, as the John Cockerill executive pointed out that the company already sells turrets to nearly half a dozen countries.

Vivek Bhide, Regional President, India and Group Transformation Officer, John Cockerill, said the defence sector is critical to national security. “And therefore, it is important to encourage and develop India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. This JV aims to equip India’s armed forces with advanced defence solutions for diverse and challenging combat environments. Importantly, it also answers the ‘Make in India’ call in a sector where India is working to embellish its global credentials,” he said.

(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)

MSN

 

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DRDO & Indian Navy successfully conduct flight-trials of first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile​

Posted On: 26 FEB 2025 7:45PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy carried out successful flight-trials of first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR) from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on February 25, 2025. The trials demonstrated the missile’s capability against ship targets while launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter.

The trials have proven the missile’s Man-in-Loop feature and scored a direct hit on a small ship target in sea-skimming mode at its maximum range. The missile uses an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance. The mission also has demonstrated the high bandwidth two way datalink system, which is used to transmit the seeker live images back to the pilot for in-flight retargeting.

The missile was launched in Bearing-only Lock-on after launch mode with several targets in close vicinity for selecting one among them. The missile initially locked on to a large target within a specified zone of search and during the terminal phase, the pilot selected a smaller hidden target resulting in its being hit with pinpoint accuracy.

The missile uses an indigenous Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS and Radio Altimeter for its Mid-course guidance, an Integrated avionics module, Electro-Mechanical actuators for Aerodynamic and Jet vane control, thermal batteries and PCB warhead. It uses solid propulsion with an in-line ejectable booster and a long-burn sustainer. The trials have met all the mission objectives.

The missile is developed by different labs of DRDO including Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and

Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory. The missiles are currently being produced by Development cum Production Partners with the help of MSME’s, start-ups and other production partners.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and the industries for the successful flight tests. The tests for Man-in-Loop features is unique as it gives the capability of in flight retargeting, he said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the entire DRDO team, users and the industry partners.


https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2106482

 

[Saif]

I have heard that Russia has transferred its hypersonic anti ship missile Zircon's tech to India. It it true?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

I have heard that Russia has transferred its hypersonic anti ship missile Zircon's tech to India. It it true?

Had it been the case, we would have made it operational by now. We have multiple hypersonic programs. We want to bring existing BRAHMOS to near hypersonic speed. We have successfully tested hypersonic glide vehicle. We have HSTDV program of DRDO in which we are developing hypersonic missile using scram jet propulsion. In project Vishnu, we are developing 2 hypersonic missiles. ISRO has also successfully tested its hypersonic test vehicle. We have many non-scramjet hypersonic missile program which includes Rudram, Pralay, Sagarika, and Shaurya missiles.

 

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Like Rudram, K-series, Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR) is a family of missile in which lightweight, upto medium range, low-cost sea skimming anti-ship cruise missiles are produced to target small ships. They can be carried in numbers on choppers and fired at enemy ships. It has 2 way data link which transmit the pictures of area. Pilot can change target anytime in midway. This is exactly what was tested in this particular test. This is an excellent missile with lots of utility of low cost operations. You can not fire a 25 crore Brahmos to target a 2 crore ship.

The other such low cost missile which India just tested was Bhargavastra. A very low cost missile with Iron dome sort of function. Low cost engagement of low cost target.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

This NASM-SR is a great missile. It just weighs 350 k.g but carries 100 k.g payload. Sufficient to sink small ships.

 

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Experts decode significance of $450 million BrahMos deal India is set to ink with Indonesia​

India is on the verge of finalising a $450 million deal to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia. See less
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Advanced light tank Zorawar to feature world's best turret, trials in final stage​

Story by Shivani Sharma
• 1d•
2 min read

Advanced light tank Zorawar to feature world's best turret, trials in final stage
India's most advanced light tank, Zorawar, which is currently undergoing trials and is set to be inducted into the Army soon, will feature the world's best turret, developed through a joint collaboration between India and Belgium, according to the Defence Ministry.

The turret, a rotating armoured structure that houses the tank's main armament, will be manufactured in India by Belgium's John Cockerill Defence (JCD) in collaboration with Pune-based Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (EPH).


These companies will not only produce the turret for Zorawar but also aim to export it to other countries, the Ministry added.

The Belgian company will provide the technology, while its Indian counterpart will handle production under a joint venture with a 60:40 partnership.

On Tuesday, Belgium's Princess Astrid, accompanied by Foreign Minister Maxime Prvot and Defence Minister Theo Francken, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visiting leaders announced that Belgium is looking to establish a broad-based defence pact with India and will soon appoint a military attach to its embassy in New Delhi as part of efforts to expand overall bilateral strategic ties.


This ambitious light tank project was conceived after the Galwan clash and is now in its final phases, with the tanks undergoing advanced trials. Construction of the indigenous Zorawar light tank will commence soon after the trials are completed.

The entire project is being carried out by DRDO and L&T at Hazira in Gujarat.


Zorawar, an indigenous light tank equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will be handed over to the Army for user trials this year. The Indian Army is expected to receive its first light tank by 2027. Under Project Zorawar, the Army plans to induct 350 light tanks weighing 25 tonnes to maintain combat readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China has already deployed its ZTQ-15, or Type 15, light tanks across the LAC. These lightweight tanks are designed for high-altitude operations. In response, the Indian Army is preparing to deploy the third-generation Zorawar light tank.

The Zorawar tank has been designed to meet the specific needs of the Indian Army. Its design enables easy transportation by road and rail. All its systems are engineered to function effectively in extreme temperature conditions, ranging from high-altitude cold regions to scorching deserts.


This light tank will be operated by a crew of two to three personnel and will feature advanced protection against aerial threats. A key strength of this new tank is its capability to target UAVs and armoured vehicles, in addition to enemy tanks. It will also be equipped with gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles and advanced multi-purpose smart munitions.

MSN

 

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ULPGM FAMILY OF COST EFFECTIVE MISSILES. CAN BE FIRED FROM DRON. LOW WEIGHT, LOW COST, ACCURACY 0.1 METER.

 

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India And Mauritius In Advanced Talks For Transfer Of Warship: Sources​

Story by Times Now Digital
• 1d•
2 min read

india and mauritius in advanced talks for transfer of warship: sources
India and Mauritius are in discussion about the transfer of a warship, possibly a OPV or an offshore patrol vessel. The transfer could happen as part of the line of credit India has given Mauritius. The warship is likely to be manufactured in India, two of the options being Goa Shipyard and the Garden Reach Shipyard. Naturally, the ship will time to build after the decision by Mauritius, perhaps three-four years, highly placed sources said.


Asked about the transfer, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said there is a lot being done in the security area. Already, two Coast Guard ships and a number of fast interception craft have been provided and if there is a further requirement, it will be looked at. A technical agreement on white shipping is likely to be signed. This will prevent illegal activity and ensure sharing of data. An MOU on ocean-related research between the two countries will be signed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the chief guest for the National Day as he was in 2015. This time an Indian Army contingent will participate in the march past, an Indian Navy will be in Mauritius for the occasion and the Indian Air Force’s skydiving team— Akashganga— will participate as well. During his stay, the PM will call on the President of Mauritius, Dharam Gokhool and meet Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam as well as other leaders. Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering will be on the agenda and both countries, with the Indian Enforcement Directorate being part of the process, will work together.

MSN

 

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India's defence sector set for major expansion amid global geopolitical shifts: Report​

2d•
2 min read
Markets today

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India's defence sector set for major expansion amid global geopolitical shifts: Report
India's defence sector is poised for substantial growth amid global shifts according to a report by Nuvama. Defence exports are expected to reach Rs 203 billion in FY25, with a government target of Rs 500 billion by FY29. European defence orders could begin flowing as early as the first half of FY26, marking a major milestone for the sector. Given Europe's manufacturing constraints, Indian defence companies are well-positioned to capitalize on rising export opportunities.

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Europe's limited local manufacturing capacity and workforce shortages are opening doors for Indian defence manufacturers to step in. "Europe's defence expansion is constrained by limited local manufacturing capacity and skilled workforce shortages, especially in aerospace and missile supply chains. As a result, European nations are increasingly looking at partnerships and collaborations with Indian defence manufacturers" says the report.

On the domestic front, India is set for a substantial defence push. The government has announced plans to place Rs 1.5 trillion worth of large-scale defence orders by March 2025. This move, aimed at addressing slow ordering momentum in FY25, is expected to provide a significant boost to defence stocks.

The US decision to reduce military aid to Ukraine has exposed NATO's heavy reliance on American defence funding. Historically, the US has contributed around 70 per cent of NATO's total defence expenditure, averaging 3.4 per cent of its GDP over the past decade.


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With the Pentagon proposing USD 50 billion in annual cuts, European nations are under pressure to enhance their own defence capabilities. "The U.S. actions highlight Europe's potential weakness without the US support. Historically, only four out of 32 NATO members (excluding the U.S.) have met the 2 per cent GDP defence spending target. Meanwhile, the U.S. has contributed ~70 per cent of NATO's total defence expenditure, averaging 3.4 per cent of its GDP from 2014-24. With the Pentagon now proposing USD 50 billion in annual cuts, Europe faces mounting pressure to bolster its own defence capabilities," said the report.

Defence exports of India touched a record Rs 21,083 crore in the FY2023-24, a growth of 32.5 per cent over the previous fiscal year when the figure was Rs 15,920 crore. The figures indicated that defence exports grew by 31 times in the last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14. The defence industry, including the private sector and DPSUs, have significantly contributed in achieving the highest-ever exports. The private sector and DPSUs contributed about 60 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

With rising global defence demand and a strong domestic push, India's defence sector is at an inflection point, poised for robust growth in the coming years says the report.

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Defence ministry clears key ‘eye in the sky’ project to catch up with Pakistan​

Story by Snehesh Alex Philip
• 14h•
2 min read

Defence ministry clears key ‘eye in the sky’ project to catch up with Pakistan
New Delhi: The Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the procurement of six additional Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), which would be an upgraded version of the current two in-service India-developed systems called the Netra.

The new system is likely to be fitted on board six Embraer aircraft like the existing two. India operates three AEW&C, of which one is operated by the Centre For Air Borne System (CABS), which comes under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).


Known as the ‘eyes in the sky’, the AEW&C can detect and track all flying objects, including incoming fighters, cruise missiles and drones, faster than ground-based radars. They can also act as an aerial control room for missions while also keeping track of ships out at sea.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) clearance for AEW&C is significant as the Indian Air Force (IAF) needs to induct more systems at the earliest.

The air force plans to induct six more Netra systems including Netra Mk1A, besides possible replacement for the two it currently operates. Also, there are plans to induct another six AEW&C systems being developed by the DRDO and to be mounted on Airbus A321 aircraft, which will be known as Netra Mk2.

Six of these aircraft for Mk2 have been procured from Air India and are currently with the communications squadron of the IAF. These aircraft will be fitted with India made indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.


India also operates three Air Borne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), which are integrated with the Russian Il-76 aircraft.

Pakistan, on the other hand, operates nine state-of-the-art Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&Cs, besides the four Chinese ZDK03 Karakoram Eagle AWACS. Given its size, Pakistan has the capability to carry out round-the-clock surveillance, a capability not present with India currently.

The criticality of the AEW&C was felt during the aerial duel between India and Pakistan on 27 February 2019. Pakistan, which then had six Saab 2000, took advantage of IAF’s changeover of the ‘eye in the sky’, when launching the attack.

While India’s Netra currently has a range of about 200 km, the Il76-based system has a range of 400 Km and has a 360 degree coverage to a slightly lesser one for the former. It is understood that the Netra Mk 1A and the Mk2 will have much higher range and capabilities.

This is an updated version of report. RAW has been replaced with Centre For Air Borne System (CABS) in the second para.

MSN

 

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DRDO awards Rs 142 crore order to BSE SmallCap defence company for anti drone laser system​

Story by ET Now Digital
• 12h•
2 min read
In this article

BEAMDropping fast

drdo awards rs 142 crore order to bse smallcap defence company for anti drone laser system
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded a small cap company with an order of worth Rs 142 crore for anti drone laser system. The project involves development of a laser source module and integration with beam control system on mobile platform, meant for anti drone/UAV and anti-missile applications, the company said.


Leading defence company Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited bagged new order from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

On Thursday, March 20, the defence engineering company Paras Defence & Space Technologies announced that it has secured a contract worth Rs 142.31 crore from DRDO’s arm CHESS to develop a high-powered anti-drone laser system.
https://www.etnownews.com/news/ani-...gency-told-delhi-high-court-article-119199029

“Paras Defence and Space Technologies Limited (“the Company”), has received an order from Center for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Hyderabad valued at approximately ₹ 142.31 crores (incl taxes) for Development of Laser Source Module and Integration with Beam Control System (BCS) on Mobile Platform,” the company said in the regulatory filing.



Paras Defence also added that this is a part of the order of “High-Power Laser System meant for Anti Drone and Anti Missile applications.”

The project is set to complete in 24 months, as per the filing.

https://www.etnownews.com/real-esta...delhi-ncr-take-centre-stage-article-119097671

Additionally, the total addressable market (TAM) for high-power laser defence systems is projected to be Rs 25,000 crore, as per PTI.

"Securing this contract from DRDO underscores our commitment to advancing India's defence capabilities through homegrown innovation," said Munjal Sharad Shah, Managing Director, Paras Defence & Space Technologies, as cited in a PTI report.


According to Shah, high-power laser technology represents a pivotal advancement in modern warfare. This technology offers precise, cost-effective and rapid-response solutions to emerging aerial threats, as cited in a PTI report.

The BSE smallcap company commands a market cap of Rs 4,002.77 crore, as of last close. On Thursday, March 20, the stock closed in the positive bias at Rs 993.40 per share up 39.80 points or 4.17 per cent.

MSN

 

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Frontline T-90 tanks upgrade to Varunastra, DAC clears defence purchases worth Rs 54,000 crore​

Story by Smruti Deshpande
• 14h•
2 min read

Frontline T-90 tanks upgrade to Varunastra, DAC clears defence purchases worth Rs 54,000 crore
New Delhi: The upgrade of India’s frontline T-90 tanks—following the lessons learnt from the military stand-off with China—are among the eight proposals worth Rs 54,000 crore approved Thursday by the Ministry of Defence.

The T-90 tanks, which are currently powered by 1000 horsepower (hp) engines, will be upgraded to 1350 hp engines. The project is likely to be bagged by the Russian Rosoboronexport, which is doing a similar power upgrade for the T-72 tank.

The new engine will help the T-90s operate more effectively in high-altitude areas of Ladakh and Sikkim, where thin air tends to affect the engine performance. The upgrade will enhance the battlefield mobility of these tanks especially in high-altitude areas by increasing the power-to-weight ratio.

Explaining what this means, sources in the defence and security establishment said that the upgrade would allow faster repositioning during combat and reduces vulnerability to enemy fire.

The new engine will increase the power output by improving acceleration, climbing ability, and manoeuvrability in challenging terrains like deserts, mountains, and riverine regions. The upgraded engine, according to the sources, would make the T90 tanks more agile.

Developed by Russia, the T-90 is a third-generation main battle tank (MBT), primarily designed to replace the older T-72 series. The T-72 tanks, too, have undergone such an upgrade—from 780 hp to 1000 hp for all the same reasons that T90s are being upgraded.



The Indian Army is already scouting for protection gear to boost the survivability of its T-90 tanks for which an active protection system (APS) will be selected for countering threats from loitering munitions and top-attack missiles.

Other Acceptance of Necessities (AoNs)—the official approval granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for a specific capital acquisition proposal for the armed forces—include the procurement of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The airforce currently operates two of these platforms known as Netra. In addition, one other such system is operated by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).

The AEW&C systems are capability enhancers that can change the complete spectrum of warfare and exponentially increase the combat potential of every other weapon system, the ministry said in a statement.


Sources in the air force said that previously, there was a projected requirement for 12 such systems—make this as—the IAF needs 12 such systems, and the current procurement is likely to be for six Mk1A AEW&C systems. The IAF will in the near future go in for six MkII AEW&Cs.

On Thursday, the DAC also approved guidelines to reduce the timeline of various stages of the Capital Acquisition Process, to make it faster & efficient.

For the Indian Navy, the DAC gave nod to procurement of Varunastra torpedoes (combat) to enhance the force’s capability against threat from enemy submarines. “The Varunastra torpedo is an indigenously-developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by Naval Science & Technological Laboratory,” the statement reads.


Also Read: What is 155 mm/52 calibre barrel DRDO is offering to private players as transfer of technology

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Use the existing 1000 HP engines to upgrade T 72 from 780 to 1000 BHP. Use existing T 72 engines of 780 HP engine to power WhAP which uses 600 HP engine.