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India is strategically adjusting its roadmap for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) to ensure industrial steady-state while waiting for a high-thrust indigenous engine to mature. Recent reports indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering nearly doubling its initial order of the Mk1 variant to maintain production momentum and supply chain stability. ad Strategic Shift in Production Planning The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently indicated that a...

Recent analysis from prominent United States military analyst and veteran Wes O’Donnell suggests that India possesses the technical capability to significantly upgrade the Russian Su-57 "Felon" fighter jet. By integrating domestic sensors and software, India could transform the aircraft into a formidable long-range strike platform, even if its fundamental design prevents it from achieving true "stealth" status. ad Addressing Technical Shortcomings The Su-57 has frequently faced criticism...

In a major development for India’s aerial combat capabilities, French aviation giant Dassault Aviation has been directed to submit a comprehensive formal proposal by late April 2026 for the supply of 114 Rafale fighter jets. This request follows the recent "Acceptance of Necessity" (AoN) granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, effectively greenlighting one of the world's most significant military procurement programmes. ad Strategic Shift...

As India prepares to significantly expand its fleet of Rafale fighter jets through domestic production, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is spearheading a critical technological initiative to enhance the aircraft's sovereign capabilities. Officials have confirmed that India is developing a "plug-and-play" software interface that will allow the integration of home-grown weaponry and electronic systems without the need for the aircraft's highly restricted original source code. Overcoming Technical...

The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India this week marks a pivotal moment in international aerospace politics. While the AI Impact Summit and high-level diplomatic talks are on the agenda, the centerpiece of the visit is the anticipated finalisation of the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. Following years of strategic planning and bureaucratic navigation, the Indian government recently cleared the proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with formal agreements expected...

India’s potential acquisition of the Russian Su-57E fifth-generation fighter jet is expected to remain on hold until the conclusion of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This strategic pause is primarily driven by New Delhi's intention to shield itself from significant economic and diplomatic sanctions currently imposed by the United States and European nations. Strategic Deliberations and Technical Dialogues While high-level procurement remains frozen, technical and exploratory discussions...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed the expansion of its Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM) project. Originally designed to bolster the Indian Navy's maritime security, the programme is now evolving into a multi-service platform with specialized ground-strike versions being developed for both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. ad Technical Advancements and Flight Profile The LRAShM is a sophisticated boost-glide hypersonic weapon designed to...

Despite renewed efforts by Moscow to pitch the Tu-160M "White Swan" strategic bomber to India, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially declined interest in the platform. High-ranking officials have confirmed that the IAF is not looking to acquire the supersonic bomber through direct purchase, leasing, or any "wet-lease" arrangements, effectively ending long-standing speculation regarding a major shift in India’s aerial doctrine. Strategic Focus on Regional Deterrence The IAF’s refusal...

India’s pursuit of a homegrown high-performance jet engine is reaching a decisive turning point. Recent reports indicate that the French bid is emerging as the frontrunner in a competitive field that includes major British and American aerospace firms. This shift in preference is attributed to the comprehensive nature of the French offer, which focuses on providing India with unprecedented levels of technological autonomy and industrial involvement rather than relying solely on historical...

India’s premier Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is transitioning the acclaimed Pinaka rocket system from a ground-based artillery powerhouse into a sophisticated air-to-surface weapon. This strategic evolution aims to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a high-precision, extended-range strike option launched directly from fighter jets. Engineering for Aerial Superiority While the new aerial variant will leverage the proven guidance and navigation systems of the...

As negotiations for India’s acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft progress, the framework for the Rafale deal is drawing significant parallels to the successful Su-30MKI programme. This strategic approach aims to replicate the domestic manufacturing achievements of the Russian-origin fleet while demanding more comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT) and deeper industrial integration. ad A Proven Blueprint for Strategic Autonomy The current Indo-French negotiations reflect a...

In a strategic move to fast-track the induction of indigenous fighter jets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence have agreed to provide Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with specific waivers regarding their contractual agreements. This decision is intended to ensure that the delivery of the Tejas Mk1A aircraft commences early in the upcoming financial year, addressing the critical shortage of fighter squadrons. Prioritising Combat Readiness While the IAF has permitted...

India's military capabilities could soon experience a major upgrade, as Israel has reportedly extended an exclusive offer to supply New Delhi with the Golden Horizon Air-Launched Ballistic Missile (ALBM). Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, this advanced weapon system is intended to target heavily fortified, high-value assets rather than ordinary battlefield positions. If finalised, this deal would make India the first and only nation to receive this specific strategic...

India is preparing for a monumental technological leap in its combat aviation sector. The upcoming follow-on order of 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets will do more than simply expand the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet; it will completely revolutionise the primary sensory network of the aircraft. Supplementing the initial order of 73 Mk1A fighters, this new ₹62,370 crore agreement signed in September 2025 will help replace the nation's ageing MiG-21 platforms while fundamentally upgrading the jet's...

According to recent reports, Russia is preparing to pitch its advanced Il-76MD-90AE strategic airlifter to India, complete with a comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement. This proposal comes at a critical time, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly reconsidering the payload specifications for its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement programme. If the IAF decides to increase its cargo capacity demands, the modernised Russian heavy-lifter could become a...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is anticipating the completion of 16 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fighter jets by the close of the current financial year in March 2026. However, the final delivery rhythm to the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently being dictated more by the integration of sophisticated software than by the physical construction of the airframes. This development comes at a critical time for the Ministry of Defence, which is urgently looking to bolster the...

The evolving aerial power dynamics in South Asia are prompting the United States to consider bold strategies. According to Dr Marcus Hale, a senior strategist at the Institute for Strategic Air Studies, Washington is highly motivated to present India with the Lockheed Martin F-35A. The primary objective of this diplomatic push is to steer New Delhi away from purchasing Russia’s advanced Su-57E stealth fighter. ad This urgency from the US is largely driven by reports surrounding Pakistan's...

The quest for self-reliance in India's aerospace sector has reached a crucial milestone. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a Bengaluru-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has released a formal Expression of Interest (EoI). The goal is to collaborate with Indian industries to create a robust domestic manufacturing base for aero gas turbine engines. This ambitious move aims to transition advanced engine concepts from experimental...

The 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict served as a harsh lesson for the Armenian armed forces. Facing a technologically superior Azerbaijani military equipped with modern drones and precision artillery, Armenia was forced to rely on its older, Soviet-era stockpile for retaliation. This included Scud-B and OTR-21 Tochka-U systems, which were fired at targets like Ganja, resulting in tragic civilian casualties and international criticism. As the battlefield situation worsened, Yerevan eventually...

During the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue held in Bengaluru on February 17, 2026, bilateral maritime security took centre stage. French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin engaged with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to explore the expansion of their underwater military cooperation. A pivotal point of this discussion was France’s proposal for the Indian Navy to acquire additional Scorpene-class conventional submarines to strengthen its fleet. ad Under the...