Aerospace

Indian Defence Ministry greenlights Rafale purchase, France ready to offer naval SCALP missile

The Indian defense ministry has given preliminary approval to buy 26 Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene class submarines built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in collaboration with France’s Naval Group. The news comes during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day trip to the western region. France has apparently agreed to arm the Scorpene submarines with air-independent propulsion with a naval cruise missile.

According to an official statement from the Defence Ministry, three recommendations were approved today during a meeting convened by Rajnath Singh.

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The Indian Navy will receive four trainer aircraft in addition to 22 single-seat Rafale Marine aircraft under the proposals. Due to shortages brought on by the nation’s security concerns, the Navy has been advocating for the rapid acquisition of these fighter planes and submarines.

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To satisfy urgent needs, the Indian Navy has been granted approval to purchase 26 Rafale M combat jets. Meanwhile, a formal signing of the agreement was scheduled because negotiations would take time. The claimed jets are projected to cost roughly 5.5 billion euros.

According to the report, India would build six submarines at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, with authorization for another three. The additional submarines are projected to cost roughly 4 billion euros.

France is also anticipated to announce a technology transfer of helicopter engines to India, reflecting the trust and depth of the strategic alliance. This will enable India to achieve technological self-sufficiency in a crucial field and pave the way for Indo-French cooperation in engines over the next three to four decades.

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Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.