IIT Madras Pioneers Next-Gen Ammunition System for Main Battle Tanks

In an innovative leap that could transform the landscape of armored warfare, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is developing a state-of-the-art ammunition system designed specifically for main battle tanks. Spearheaded by Major General Rajiv Narayanan, a Professor of Practice at the institute, the project collaborates closely with Lieutenant General Shankar to create a groundbreaking type of ramjet-powered Fin Stabilized Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) shells.

Currently, traditional FSAPDS rounds are recognized as the most effective kinetic energy ammunition for tanks; however, they face inherent limitations in both range and velocity. These conventional rounds are increasingly challenged by advanced Active Protection Systems (APS) deployed on modern armored vehicles, which are engineered to intercept incoming projectiles, thus diminishing the threat posed by standardized tank ammunition.

The IIT Madras initiative aims to address these shortcomings through the utilization of ramjet technology, significantly enhancing the speed and effective range of FSAPDS rounds. With potential capabilities extending the lethal range to between 6 to 9 kilometers, these innovative shells promise to provide several tactical advantages. Notably, they enable tank crews to engage enemy targets from a safer distance, considerably reducing their exposure to counter-fire. Furthermore, the increased velocity of the projectiles minimizes the reaction time for ASP systems, making successful interception a far greater challenge.

Ramjets, known for their ability to generate thrust using the oxygen in the atmosphere, offer sustained propulsion over longer distances, an approach that IIT Madras is successfully implementing in this project. The development team is currently immersed in rigorous testing and validation processes to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of this new ammunition system.

The project also entails addressing intricate engineering challenges, particularly in the integration of advanced materials and precision manufacturing techniques needed to withstand the extreme forces that FSAPDS rounds experience in flight.

As IIT Madras continues its pioneering work on this revolutionary ammunition, the initiative not only showcases India’s growing capabilities in defense technology but also holds the potential to redefine the dynamics of armored combat on the battlefield.

India’s Navy Chooses US Drones Over Indigenous Alternatives Amid Operational Imperatives

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, revealed significant insights into India’s defence procurement challenges during a press conference on Tuesday. He stated that the US-made MQ-9B Reaper drones have proven to be more suitable for the Navy’s maritime surveillance needs compared to the domestically developed TAPAS UAV.

The MQ-9B Reaper, manufactured by General Atomics, offers extended range and endurance capabilities that are essential for monitoring India’s vast ocean territories. This assessment comes just a week after a landmark $4 billion deal was finalized for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B drones, with 15 units designated for the Indian Navy, while the Army and Air Force will each receive eight.

Vice Admiral Swaminathan remarked, “The TAPAS drones in its current form do not entirely meet our requirements,” emphasizing the need for reliable, sustained surveillance over extensive maritime regions, a capability wherein the TAPAS UAV reportedly falls short. Despite recognizing TAPAS as having "very good capability," he acknowledged that its development needs further refinement to meet the Navy’s operational standards.

The Vice Chief underscored the importance of developing multiple variants of TAPAS to achieve full combat effectiveness. He expressed optimism for future iterations of the drone, stating, "We hope the next version of TAPAS will be much better … We look forward to that day when we can make such drones like the MQ-9B and maybe TAPAS is the right way to go."

As the Navy continues to assess its needs in light of growing security challenges, particularly from increasing Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean Region, the decision to prioritize the acquisition of the MQ-9B drones highlights the balancing act between promoting indigenous defence production and addressing urgent operational requirements.

The Navy plans to maintain a dialogue with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to provide feedback aimed at improving the TAPAS program. This collaboration emphasizes the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology even as it acknowledges the necessity of integrating proven systems into India’s military arsenal.

MNF Opposes ZPM Plan to Transfer Control of Lengpui Airport to IAF

In a strong rebuke to the current government’s plans, former Chief Minister Zoramthanga of the Mizo National Front (MNF) declared on Tuesday that his party will vigorously oppose any move by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government to transfer control of Lengpui Airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Speaking at the MNF headquarters during the party’s 63rd raising day celebrations, Zoramthanga emphasized the airport’s critical role in maintaining connectivity and its significance for the state.

Zoramthanga pointed out the airport’s importance as a "lifeline" during the COVID-19 pandemic and in situations of interstate border disputes. He highlighted its pivotal role when the state was faced with economic blockades and communication disruptions due to the cutting off of railway lines. "When the state faced the pandemic, Lengpui Airport was our only link to the outside world," he stated.

The MNF President warned that there would be widespread opposition from civil society, church leaders, and the educated youth of Mizoram against any proposal to transfer control of the airport. He underscored the necessity of maintaining the facility for civilian use, asserting its strategic importance for the state’s residents.

The ZPM government, which took office in December last year, had proposed turning over the airport’s operations to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) or the IAF, citing operational losses as the reason. This proposal has faced significant opposition from various stakeholders, including the influential NGO Coordination Committee, which consists of key civil societies and student organizations. They argue that such a move would negatively impact the civilian population dependent on the airport.

In response to the backlash, Chief Minister Lalduhoma established a committee to review the airport’s future, chaired by his adviser TBC Lalvenchhunga. While an initial report has been submitted, the committee continues its work amid growing concerns over the airport’s management and its ramifications for the people of Mizoram.

India’s Future Ready Combat Vehicle Program Draws International Praise for Innovative Design

India’s Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program is making waves on the global stage, with Serbian military experts highlighting its advanced design and technology. Aiming to replace the aging T-72 main battle tanks in the Indian Army, the FRCV is seen as a critical enhancement to India’s armored capabilities.

A recent analysis by RedEffect, a Serbian YouTube channel focused on military technology, points out that the FRCV innovation borrows elements from Russia’s T-14 Armata tank while integrating unique modifications to meet India’s operational needs. Two distinct turret configurations are being developed for the FRCV: a manned variant and an unmanned variant.

The manned version features a low-profile turret design, which bolsters crew protection by positioning personnel lower within the hull. In contrast, the unmanned version places the crew entirely within the hull, further safeguarding them from threats by isolating them from the turret.

One remarkable feature of the unmanned turret variant is its dual autoloader system—a combination of a carousel autoloader in the hull and a bustle autoloader in the turret. This innovative design promises to enhance ammunition capacity and enable the use of longer APFSDS projectiles, addressing previous challenges encountered in Russian tank designs.

The manned turret variant, however, will utilize a traditional manual loading system, with ammunition conveniently stored near the driver for quick access. Additionally, the FRCV’s impressive gun elevation angles are tailored for operations in mountainous regions, offering a strategic advantage, particularly along the sensitive India-China border.

Weighing between 45 to 55 tons, the FRCV will be powered by a domestically developed 1,500 horsepower engine, ensuring robust mobility. It is set to be equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun as part of its arsenal—a significant shift from the rifled guns featured in India’s Arjun main battle tank. While the origin of the gun remains uncertain, RedEffect speculates it could either be obtained from an international manufacturer or developed locally.

In terms of defense, the FRCV is expected to encompass composite armor and advanced Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), offering protection against various anti-tank threats. The vehicle is also poised to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, such as automatic target tracking powered by artificial intelligence, along with a sophisticated battle management system and remote weapon stations, reflecting the modern trend towards enhanced battlefield awareness and firepower control.

RedEffect concluded its analysis with a positive outlook on the FRCV’s ability to meet India’s future combat requirements. Following the recent approval of the FRCV program by India’s Defence Acquisition Council, the project appears to be gaining momentum. The Indian Army now faces the decision of whether to initially adopt the manned turret variant before potentially transitioning to the unmanned version in the future. Regardless of the configuration chosen, the FRCV is set to emerge as a significant asset within India’s armored forces.

Army Chief Advocates Trust-Building with China Following Border Agreement

In a significant statement on Tuesday, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi called for the need to rebuild trust between India and China, following the recent announcement of a border patrolling agreement. Speaking at an event titled "Decade of Transformation: Indian Army in Stride with the Future" at the United Service Institution, General Dwivedi provided his first comments on the agreement, which seeks to address ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Gen. Dwivedi outlined that restoring trust will be a gradual process aimed at reverting to the status quo established in April 2020. "We are working to rebuild trust, and restoring that trust will take time," he stated, emphasizing the importance of disengagement, de-escalation, and management of buffer zones to ease tensions.

He further elaborated on the phased nature of this process, indicating that each step is designed to reduce friction in a measured way. "This normal management of the LAC will not just stop there. There are phases in that as well," he added. The General highlighted that mutual understanding will be key in reinstituting trust. “It will get restored once we can see each other and convince each other,” he said, referring to the need for both sides to adhere to the new buffer zones created.

Moreover, Gen. Dwivedi noted that the ongoing patrolling activities present an opportunity for both nations to reassure one another, stating, "Patrolling gives you that kind of advantage, and as trust is rebuilt, other stages will also follow through."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had announced the border patrolling agreement on Monday, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kazan, Russia, for the upcoming BRICS summit. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri explained that the agreement is the result of extensive discussions with Chinese officials at both diplomatic and military levels, indicating a significant step towards disengagement and addressing the tensions that have persisted since 2020.

Misri highlighted the grim backdrop of the discussions, recalling the violent clashes that occurred between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army of China, particularly the deadly encounters in June 2020 that resulted in fatalities on both sides. He reinforced that the newly reached agreement aims to stabilize relations and manage border disputes to prevent further military confrontations.

"Now, as a result of the discussions over the last several weeks, an agreement has been reached on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border areas," Misri stated, marking this development as a crucial advancement in the pursuit of resolvement from earlier confrontations.

In light of these developments, officials and analysts remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for improved relations between the two neighboring nations, as they endeavor to navigate the complexities of their significant terrain disputes.

Navy Vice Chief Welcomes India-China Agreement on Eastern Ladakh Patrolling

Kota House — Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan expressed satisfaction over the recent agreement between India and China regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Speaking to media ahead of the Navy’s flagship seminar, Swavlamban, he acknowledged the complexities involved in reaching such a settlement, particularly in the realm of national security.

“The path to resolving national security issues is fraught with difficulty. It’s not easy,” Vice Admiral Swaminathan stated. “Various factors including differing views, perceptions, and emotive issues complicate matters. Nonetheless, the fact that a settlement is in place is a positive development.”

His remarks followed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s announcement on Monday, revealing that the agreement was the result of ongoing negotiations over several weeks. Misri indicated that the deal aims to address challenges that arose during the tensions of 2020.

During the media interaction, Vice Admiral Swaminathan emphasized the importance of negotiation in resolving such disputes. “When you engage in discussions, you address multiple elements of national consciousness,” he noted. “While I may not know the specifics, I am pleased to recognize that an agreement has been reached, which has been well-received.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced this sentiment, stating that Indian and Chinese soldiers would be able to resume their previous patrolling routines along the LAC. He also confirmed that the disengagement process with China has been successfully completed.

As the naval force looks forward to enhanced stability in the region, Vice Admiral Swaminathan’s comments underscore the significance of diplomatic efforts in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. The agreement represents a crucial step towards mitigating tensions and fostering peace along the contested border.

Farooq Abdullah Condemns Pakistan Over Terror Attacks in Jammu and Kashmir

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the National Conference (NC), Farooq Abdullah, strongly condemned Pakistan for its continued involvement in terror attacks within the region, emphasizing that any hope for friendly relations between India and Pakistan hinges on Islamabad’s willingness to cease such violence.

In his statements on Monday, Abdullah asserted that "there can be no talks" between New Delhi and Islamabad until Pakistan halts its terror activities, particularly the recent killing of innocent civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks were in response to a tragic terror attack at a construction site in Ganderbal district on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including a local doctor and six non-local laborers.

"This is a very painful incident," Abdullah lamented, describing the victims as poor laborers who came to the region seeking work to support their families. He passionately criticized the attackers, labeling them as "beasts" who seek to impose a Pakistani presence in the region through violence. "If these terrorists think they can establish Pakistani writ in Jammu and Kashmir, they are mistaken," he stated.

Further addressing Pakistan, Abdullah urged its leadership to prioritize the welfare and dignity of the people of Kashmir, urging them to "focus on their own country’s development" rather than perpetuating misery and conflict in the region. He expressed disbelief that after 75 years of conflict, Pakistan would still attempt to assert influence in the area.

"For Allah’s sake, look after your own country and focus on development and leave us at the mercy of our God," he implored, emphasizing a desire for peace over ongoing violence. Abdullah concluded with a stark warning regarding the implications of continued bloodshed, suggesting that the consequences will be dire if the violence persists.

Abdullah’s comments reflect the ongoing tensions in Jammu and Kashmir and the broader relationship between India and Pakistan, reiterating the call for an end to violence as a prerequisite for dialogue and peace.