Monthly Archives: June, 2024

Indian Army’s new Chief of Staff takes charge

General Upendra Dwivedi takes charge: The new Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, has operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan. He has also served as Vice Chief of the Army and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command. General Dwivedi, who has vast operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan, was serving as the Vice Chief of the Army.

India defence startup SpacePixxel bags MoD order for miniaturized satellites

SpacePixxel gets contract for IAF’s miniaturized satellites: India’s ministry of defence Tuesday signed a contract with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd. for the design and development of a miniaturized satellite capable of carrying multiple advanced payloads weighing up to 150 kilograms. This project is specifically led by the Indian Air Force, highlighting the importance of this technology for national defence.

Rheinmetall wins historic $9.6 billion Bundeswehr ammunition order

Bundeswehr awards record €8.5 billion ammunition order to Rheinmetall: In a landmark deal, German defense company Rheinmetall has secured the largest order in its history – a $9.6 billon (€8.5 billion) framework contract to supply the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) with 155mm artillery ammunition. Signed on June 20th, 2024, the agreement significantly expands upon an existing framework and aims to replenish ammunition stocks for Germany, its allies, and Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts.

LCH Prachand: India to buy 156 locally made combat helicopters

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.

United against drone threat: Rheinmetall, Anduril to build advanced anti-drone system

Rheinmetall-Anduril to build Europe’s most advanced C-UAS: In a move to combat the growing threat of drone warfare, German defense company Rheinmetall and American defense technology firm Anduril Industries announced a partnership at the Eurosatory trade show. Their goal: to develop the most sophisticated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) defense system specifically for European militaries.

Nagastra Loitering Munition gives Indian Army massive offensive boost

EEL’s Nagastra Loitering Munitions: In a significant step towards self-reliance in defense technology, the Indian Army recently received its first batch of Nagastra loitering munitions. This delivery marks a crucial milestone in the nation’s efforts to equip its armed forces with cutting-edge, domestically produced weaponry. The Nagastra, developed by Solar Industries’ subsidiary Economics Explosives Limited (EEL), is a testament to India’s growing prowess in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).  This loitering munition, also known as a “suicide drone,” offers a potent offensive capability for the Indian Army, particularly in high-altitude border regions.

Kelly Horan Succeeds Kim Kinsley as President of IAE International Aero Engines

Kelly Horan Succeeds Kim Kinsley at IAE International Aero Engines: EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (June 13, 2024) – IAE International Aero Engines AG (IAE), a multinational consortium comprised of shareholders including RTX’s Pratt & Whitney, Pratt & Whitney Aero Engines International GmbH, Japanese Aero Engines Corporation, and MTU Aero Engines AG, has announced the appointment of Kelly Horan as its new president. Horan succeeds Kim Kinsley, who held the position since June 2023.

US awards $73 million contract to UVision, Mistral for Hero-120SF loitering munitions

ARLINGTON, VA (June 10, 2024) – In a move to bolster its capabilities, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has awarded a $73.5 million contract to UVision Inc. and Mistral Inc. for the procurement of Hero-120SF Loitering Munitions. The contract encompasses not just the munitions themselves, but also spare parts, engineering modifications, training for new equipment, and the conversion process to integrate these loitering munitions into medium-range precision strike systems.

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

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.

Rheinmetall, SES join hands for aircraft maintenance

Bremen, Germany – June 6, 2024 – Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH (RAS) and Science and Engineering Services LLC (SES) have joined forces to provide comprehensive maintenance, repair, and modification services for military helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft across Europe. This new alliance will offer a wide range of solutions, from routine maintenance to complex modifications.