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India's recent approval for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for its Su-30 MKI aircraft highlights a pressing need for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to boost the indigenous content in these engines. While the acquisition, valued at over Rs 26,000 crore, is a step towards maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30 MKI fleet, the current level of indigenous content in the AL-31FP engines, at less than 54%, raises concerns about India's...

Former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has given a resounding endorsement to the export potential of India's indigenously developed light combat aircraft, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A. The former Air Chief, who also has experience as a test pilot on the LCA-Tejas program, believes that the Tejas Mk1A, with its world-class capabilities and competitive pricing, is poised to make a significant mark in the global fighter jet market. ad Bhadauria has described the LCA-Tejas Mk1A as a...

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Air Marshal Anil Chopra has made a strong case for India to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jet as a crucial interim solution to counter China's growing air power, particularly the rapid deployment of its J-20 fighters. ad In a recent interview, Chopra emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing to China's plans to have 1,000 J-20s operational by 2035. While he acknowledged the significance of India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft...

Renowned defence analyst Bharat Karnad has issued a clarion call for the Indian government to take decisive action in accelerating the production of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). In his recent column, Karnad, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, advocates for a bold strategy to break free from India's dependence on foreign military equipment. ad Karnad's proposal centers on transferring the Tejas source codes from the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and the...

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) ambitious quest for a new Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) is gaining momentum, with early indications suggesting the Embraer C-390 Millennium might present a cost-effective solution compared to its rivals. Sources reveal that Embraer's proposal for the IAF includes not only the C-390 aircraft but also a comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) package, enabling local manufacturing. ad This offering comes with an estimated per-unit cost of $140-160 million...

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has issued a tender inviting bids for a state-of-the-art Engine Performance Measurement and Monitoring System (PMMS). This advanced system is intended for use in GTRE's Mobile Test Facility (MTF), where it will play a critical role in evaluating the performance of various gas turbine engines under real-world operating conditions. ad The PMMS is envisioned as a comprehensive and integrated solution, capable of acquiring, recording, and analyzing...

The Indian Army's acquisition of the highly anticipated Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters faces an unexpected delay due to safety concerns arising from recent US Army crashes involving the platform. Investigations have pinpointed potential issues with the AH-64E's electrical power generator, which could result in hazardous smoke accumulation in the cockpit, endangering pilots. ad In response, Boeing has temporarily halted all new AH-64E Apache deliveries until these concerns are...

The Indian Navy is poised to take a significant leap forward in its naval capabilities with the acquisition of the P17B frigates. As the successors to the Nilgiri-class frigates, these vessels are expected to bolster the Navy's frontline combat strength. However, the project has raised eyebrows due to the staggering cost of $1.19 billion per ship, marking a 50% increase compared to the preceding P15B frigates. ad This substantial price hike has ignited discussions among defence analysts...

The Indian Navy is poised to take a significant step towards modernizing its fleet by seeking approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to construct 8 to 10 advanced Project 18 class destroyers. These cutting-edge warships are envisioned to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including anti-ballistic missile systems and the capability to launch drones, further bolstering India's maritime defence capabilities. ad Emerging concept details provide a tantalizing glimpse into...

India's defence capabilities are set for a major boost with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) developing the Long Range Radar (LRR), "SASTRA." This radar, with a range exceeding 2000 kilometers, is designed to detect and track both conventional and stealth aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), providing crucial early warning and situational awareness. ad The SASTRA radar, originally a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) project, is now in its fabrication stage...

GE Aerospace is poised to begin delivering F-404 engines to India this month, with two engines already scheduled for shipment. This development is expected to significantly accelerate the production of Tejas light combat aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The US aerospace giant has committed to delivering an additional six F-404 engines by the end of March 2025. This timely supply will enable HAL to provide at least eight Tejas Mk1 Trainer and Mk1A jets to the Indian Air Force...

Delhi-based defence firm Bhumi Entech has introduced a game-changing mobile Anti-ARM (Anti-Radiation Missile) decoy system designed to protect vital radars from enemy attacks. The system, successfully inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) after rigorous testing, provides a robust defence against the growing threat of anti-radiation missiles. ad The Mini-Truck based Anti-ARM Decoy system operates on the principle of deception. It emits a powerful electromagnetic signal that mimics the...

After facing a period of economic downturn due to the closure of the Su-30MKI production line, the Nashik region is experiencing a renewed sense of optimism. The inauguration of the third Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas production line in Nashik is not only expected to produce the first LCA-Tejas Mk1A later this year but also to revitalize the local economy, breathing new life into the region. ad Nashik's selection as the location for the new production line is strategic. With a...

The Indian Navy is poised for a significant expansion with 50 warships currently under construction, out of a total of 66 contracted. These vessels, ranging from early fabrication stages to those nearing sea trials, are being built across six Indian shipyards and two in Russia. Representing a combined tonnage of over 200,000 tons and a value exceeding 1.1 lakh crore INR ($13 billion), this undertaking showcases India's commitment to bolstering its maritime capabilities. ad Notably, 12 of...

NEW DELHI: Amidst ongoing concerns about the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fighter squadron strength, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by the Prime Minister, approved a significant deal on Monday. This over Rs 26,000 crore deal aims to procure 240 AL-31FP aero-engines, critical for powering and maintaining the IAF's Sukhoi-30MKI fleet. ad With the current squadron count at 30, well below the required 42 to effectively counter threats from both China and Pakistan, this move is crucial...

In a move to bolster its military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with China, the Indian Defence Ministry is poised to approve two major projects: the procurement of 1,700 Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) to replace its aging T-72 tanks and the construction of seven advanced stealth frigates. A high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled for today at South Block, where top officials including the Chief of Defence Staff, the three service chiefs, the...

Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), under the leadership of Dr Sanjay Kumar Jha, is set to play a pivotal role in fueling India's indigenous engine development for its advanced fighter jet programs - the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Tejas MkII. The company is collaborating with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to develop high-performance materials crucial for the 110kN thrust engine, the powerhouse of the AMCA. These discussions with GTRE, alongside potential...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to undergo a major upgrade in its offensive capabilities with the imminent acquisition of 500 units of the indigenously developed Gaurav Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB). This precision-guided weapon system, with its impressive range and accuracy, has the potential to significantly alter the dynamics of aerial warfare for the IAF. ad The Gaurav LRGB's standout feature is its remarkable range of over 80 kilometers. This extended reach allows IAF fighter jets...

The MiG-27, known as the 'Bahadur' in India, served a prominent but troubled role in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over three decades. Despite plans to extend its life and enhance its capabilities, including a proposal to re-engine the aircraft with the more powerful and reliable AL-31F, the IAF ultimately decided to retire the MiG-27 fleet prematurely. Operational Challenges and the AL-31F Proposal Inducted in the mid-1980s, the MiG-27 was envisioned as a powerful ground-attack aircraft...

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is reportedly working with Chinese partners to develop a significantly upgraded version of its JF-17 fighter jet, known as the JF-17 PFX. Recent reports suggest this new variant could be significantly larger than the current JF-17, with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) potentially comparable to India's Tejas MkII program, which is estimated at around 17.5 tons. ad This increase in size and weight would position the JF-17 PFX in a different weight class compared...