Latest news with #Astra
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Hypersonic missiles, next-gen BrahMos, new air defence: DRDO chief reveals long list of India's future-ready weapons
India is advancing a wide range of indigenous defence technologies including hypersonic missiles , long-range air defence systems, and next-generation fighter aircraft, according to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat. In an interview to NDTV, Dr. Kamat outlined DRDO 's current and future projects that aim to enhance India's strategic deterrence and battlefield capabilities across air, land, and sea. BrahMos and its smaller successor A key focus area is the BrahMos missile , co-developed with Russia and currently launched from Su-30MKI fighter jets. To increase deployment flexibility, DRDO is working on BrahMos-NG, a next-generation variant designed to fit into more fighter platforms. BrahMos-NG is lighter and smaller, allowing wider deployment across India's air fleet. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo India's hypersonic weapons programme India is also developing two types of hypersonic weapons — a cruise missile and a glide vehicle. The glide vehicle project is at a more advanced stage. Dr. Kamat said, 'We should be able to complete developmental trials in two to three years and then we can go for induction.' For the hypersonic cruise missile, scramjet propulsion has already been successfully tested for 1,000 seconds. Full-scale development awaits government approval. Once cleared, it may take five to seven years to reach operational status. Live Events Air-to-air and air-to-ground missile upgrades DRDO is extending its missile capabilities with new variants of the Astra air-to-air missile. The existing Mk-1 is in service, while Mk-2 and Mk-3 with longer range are under development. Meanwhile, the Rudram series of air-to-ground missiles is being upgraded. Rudram-2, Rudram-3, and Rudram-4 are in different stages of development. Surface-to-air defence and anti-drone technologies Under the Kusha programme, India is developing long-range surface-to-air missiles to match capabilities like the Russian S-400. The system is internally known as 'Sudarshan Chakra'. In parallel, DRDO is also developing directed energy weapons including high-powered lasers and microwave systems to neutralise drones and other aerial threats. Mobile artillery and light tanks India's indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is being adapted into a mobile version. Last year, the government approved a proposal for 814 truck-mounted, self-propelled 155mm gun systems costing around ₹15,000 crore. Apart from defence PSUs, private firms like Tata, L&T, Bharat Forge , and Mahindra Defence have been approached for participation. Dr. Kamat also shared details about the light tank project named Zorawar. Built with L&T for high-altitude deployment along the border with China, the 25-tonne tank is expected to see 354 units inducted by the Indian Army. Naval weapons nearing induction For the Indian Navy, DRDO is developing torpedoes, naval mines, and other undersea warfare technologies. Dr. Kamat said many of these systems are 'close to induction,' signalling near-term deployment of several indigenous maritime platforms. Fifth-generation fighter response to China-Pakistan axis Dr. Kamat commented on reports that Pakistan may receive 40 J-35 stealth aircraft from China by next year. India's response is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA ), which received formal sanction in 2024. In a previous interview, Dr. Kamat said, 'The AMCA will take 10 years to complete and would be ready by 2035.' According to an Economic Times report, the Indian Air Force is expected to procure six squadrons — around 120 aircraft. Unlike the Tejas programme where HAL led manufacturing, AMCA will follow a new production model. The government has issued an expression of interest to bring in either HAL, a private firm, or a public-private joint venture as the lead production partner. Lessons from recent operations Dr. Kamat stressed the need for future weapons to operate without external support. Citing lessons from Operation Sindoor, he said, 'All weapons must function without GPS or communication,' highlighting DRDO's focus on autonomous systems that can work in electronically denied environments. India's defence strategy is moving towards greater self-reliance and operational flexibility through indigenous technologies. The DRDO's ongoing work across multiple platforms reflects a long-term commitment to building modern, multi-domain defence capabilities.
Techday NZ
15 hours ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Acron Aviation launches Astra app to boost airline efficiency
Acron Aviation has announced the launch of its new iOS application, Astra, which is designed to provide pilots and management teams with personalised performance data and insights before and after each flight. The app is described as a tool for transforming how flight performance data is accessed and used by pilots and airline operators. Astra incorporates modules that focus on safety and efficiency, making use of advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to deliver tailored intelligence to end-users. Designed to be customisable, Astra integrates with both Acron Aviation's own Flight Data Monitoring platform and third-party systems, enabling seamless adoption across fleets. Data-driven flight operations Astra's safety module offers pre- and post-flight insights, prioritising safety and fostering continuous improvement for pilots and operations teams. Key features include the monitoring of fuel consumption, aircraft wear-and-tear, and performance metrics, all available through an intuitive dashboard that provides management teams with comprehensive oversight at fleet level. Mitesh Patel, Vice President and General Manager Flight Data Intelligence at Acron Aviation, commented on the launch: "With Astra, we're closing the gap between Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and actual flight performance." Patel continued, "by leveraging Machine Learning algorithms and our database of 45 million flights, we're delivering personalised, timely, and engaging feedback directly to pilots. Astra represents a significant advancement in how airlines can monitor and optimise fuel consumption and reduce wear-and-tear. This approach not only enhances safety it also improves operational effectiveness and reduces costs." The comprehensive information provided by Astra empowers both pilots and management. For pilots, critical data is consolidated in one application, aiming to reduce the burden of switching between tools while in the cockpit or during pre-flight preparation. Efficiency partnership Astra was developed through a strategic partnership between Acron Aviation and FuelVision, a company with a focus on flight efficiency and data-driven performance. Elena Escrivá de Romaní Pérez, Chief Executive Officer of FuelVision, explained: "Astra increases awareness and engagement with efficiency programs by providing pilots with individual feedback and coaching, as well as providing detailed analytics on fuel consumption patterns, identifies potential savings opportunities, and offers actionable recommendations to optimise flight operations." She continued, "FuelVision was founded by pilots, which means we do things in a fundamentally different way and our starting point is always through the lens of a pilot." The Efficiency module in Astra enables airlines to benchmark performance, track adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, and tailor training programmes based on observed areas for improvement. Customisable parameters also make it possible to inform and adapt fleet-wide pilot training aligned to the latest performance data and trends. Key features Astra processes over 25,000 flights daily, ensuring that debriefs and feedback are delivered to pilots within 15 minutes of landing. Its features include a dashboard for monitoring fuel usage and wear indicators, machine learning-driven analysis of operational effectiveness, unified performance views covering safety and efficiency metrics, and the development of individualised training plans targeted at specific needs. The app can provide pre-flight briefings to pilots with route-specific operational data, enhancing preparation and situational awareness. Following each flight, pilots receive a debrief based on rapid analysis of flight data. Comparative benchmarking allows crew members to measure performance relative to peers within their fleet, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement and team-based oversight. For management, Astra adds value by highlighting both strong performance and areas that require additional support or intervention. The ability to monitor adherence to company procedures and assess return on investment is designed to support both efficiency and risk management objectives. Industry integration Astra is compatible with Acron Aviation's Flight Data Connect platform, which processes large volumes of flight information in a matter of minutes. This integration supports broader safety and operational initiatives, including contributions to IATA's Flight Data eXchange programme. The application is available for further demonstrations at key industry events, with Acron Aviation continuing to showcase Astra's capabilities to prospective users from the global aviation community.
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Irish Post
Appeal after human remains found in burnt-out vehicle in Yorkshire
POLICE in Yorkshire have said they are supporting a family in Ireland following the discovery of human remains in a burnt-out vehicle. North Yorkshire Police said formal identification of the remains is yet to take place following the discovery on Marishes Lane, around 15 miles from Scarborough, at around 4am on Monday. The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are at an early stage to establish the full circumstances. Detectives are investigating a possible link to an earlier collision, which occurred at around 11.10pm on Sunday, June 15 on the A169 Malton Road between the A64 interchange at Malton and Marishes Low Road. This incident involved a black Vauxhall Astra and an unknown vehicle. The occupants of the Astra were not injured. Anyone who may have seen either incident, or who has relevant information or dash-cam footage from the area at the time, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of PT Asuransi Astra Buana
SINGAPORE, June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent), the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" (Excellent) and the Indonesia National Scale Rating (NSR) of (Exceptional) of PT Asuransi Astra Buana (Asuransi Astra) (Indonesia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Asuransi Astra's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also factor in a neutral impact from Asuransi Astra's ultimate parent, Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (Bermuda). Asuransi Astra's balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level as of year-end 31 December 2024, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and is expected to remain at this level over the medium term. The company's capital adequacy is supported by its consistently robust internal capital generation and low net underwriting leverage. AM Best views Asuransi Astra's investment portfolio to be of moderate risk, with a majority of investments allocated to bonds and mutual funds, comprising mainly domestically rated bond funds. An offsetting balance sheet strength factor is the company's elevated counterparty credit risk due to its exposure to domestic reinsurance companies not rated on an international FSR scale. AM Best also views Asuransi Astra's operating performance as strong, demonstrated by its five-year average combined ratio of 87.9% and return-on-equity ratio of 17.4% (2020-2024). Underwriting performance remained favourable in 2024, with the company reporting a combined ratio of 87.2%, supported by profitable business from its parent group, PT Astra International Tbk (Astra group). Investment returns remain a stable contributor to the company's overall earnings. Prospectively, AM Best expects Asuransi Astra to continue delivering a strong operating performance, supported by favourable underwriting performance and robust investment income. AM Best assesses Asuransi Astra's business profile as neutral. Asuransi Astra is a large insurance organisation in Indonesia, ranking second in the country's general insurance market based on 2024 gross premiums written. Asuransi Astra benefits from being a subsidiary of the Astra group, having preferential access to business from it, especially in the motor line of business. The company's portfolio is viewed to be diversified by line of business with key lines being motor, personal accident and health, and fire insurance, although with geographic concentration in Indonesia. Asuransi Astra has moderate distribution channel concentration to a financial leasing company, mainly in respect of its motor insurance business. Notwithstanding, distribution channels are viewed to be broadly diversified for the non-motor insurance business. Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on Contacts Ong Xin Ya Associate Financial Analyst +65 6303 5024 Victoria Ohorodnyk Director, Analytics +65 6303 5020 Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fatal blaze in car linked to Irish person may have been sparked by a cigarette
North Yorkshire police suspect a fatal blaze in a car registered to an Irish person may have been accidentally sparked by a cigarette. The remains of a body in a burnt out car were discovered on Marishes Lane, Malton, North Yorkshire at around 4am on Monday, June 16. North Yorkshire Police said formal identification 'may take some time' but a family in Ireland is being supported by specially trained officers. The death is currently treated as unexplained. However, it is understood they are investigating whether the fire was accidental and not suspicious with sources saying a cigarette may have caused the car to go on fire Sources also say the connection to an Irish family was made as the car is registered to an Irish person. Police also say the discovery of a body in a burnt out car may be linked to an earlier crash. A spokesperson for the force said: 'Detectives are also investigating a possible link to an earlier collision, which occurred at around 11.10pm on Sunday 15 June on the A169 Malton Road between the A64 interchange at Malton and Marishes Low Road. 'This incident involved a black Vauxhall Astra and an unknown vehicle. The occupants of the Astra were not injured.' Anyone with information should contact the force.
