Featured News

India Prepares for Fast-Tracked Rafale F4 Acquisition with G2G Deal, Contract Signing Expected Next Year
India is reportedly preparing to advance its long-standing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme by finalising a deal with France for up to 90 Rafale F4 fighter jets. Sources suggest a decision could be made by the end of 2025, with a formal contract expected to be signed in 2026. The procurement is anticipated to follow a government-to-government (G2G) framework, a direct agreement between the two nations designed to accelerate the acquisition process. This move aims to urgently...
AVNL's Indigenous Bharat Tank, a Lightweight Powerhouse for High-Altitude Defence, Set for 2026 Prototype Debut
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a leading state-owned defence manufacturer, has announced a significant advancement in India's quest for military self-reliance. The company is developing a new, entirely indigenous lightweight tank, named 'Bharat', with the first prototype scheduled to be ready by the end of 2026. The announcement was made during the AeroDefCon 2025 event held at the Chennai Trade Centre. ad AVNL, a Government of India enterprise, is expanding its product line while...
DRDO Fast-Tracks Hypersonic RudraM-III, Boosting Su-30MKI’s Long-Range Strike Capabilities with Modular Warhead and Anti-Radiation Tech
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has revealed significant advancements in the development of the RudraM-III, a state-of-the-art hypersonic missile. Designed to be launched from the Indian Air Force's (IAF) frontline Su-30MKI fighter jets, this long-range weapon is set to substantially enhance the country's aerial strike capabilities and promote self-reliance in critical military technologies. ad The RudraM-III is primarily an air-launched anti-radiation missile...
HAL Faces a Defining Moment to Innovate on Indigenous Designs for IAF's Transport Fleet Replacement, or Risk Being Sidelined by Private Rivals
State-owned aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is confronting a critical challenge that could define its future in India's military transport sector. As the Indian Air Force (IAF) urgently seeks to replace its ageing fleet of Antonov An-32 and Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, HAL must present viable indigenous designs or risk losing multi-billion dollar contracts to increasingly competitive private Indian firms. ad The IAF is facing a significant shortfall in its...
IAF Sees Direct Su-57E Acquisition as Crucial Stopgap to Counter China-Pak Stealth Threat Until AMCA is Ready
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly re-evaluating its procurement strategy, showing renewed interest in a direct, off-the-shelf purchase of Russia’s Su-57E fifth-generation stealth fighter. This potential acquisition is being viewed as a critical interim measure to counter emerging aerial threats in the region, particularly Pakistan’s reported interest in acquiring the Chinese J-35A stealth jet, while India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program progresses towards...
As IAF Pushes for 114 Rafale, Experts Warn of a Mirage-2000-like Fate with Recurring High Costs and Delays on Indigenous Weapons Integration
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is moving forward with a major proposal to acquire 114 new Rafale fighter jets, a plan that has revived a critical debate about the long-term costs and technological independence of foreign military platforms. While the IAF has reportedly recommended the procurement to the Ministry of Defence, defence analysts are raising serious concerns about India's ability to equip these advanced aircraft with its own indigenous weapons and systems in a cost-effective and...
India's Two New S4-Class Nuclear Subs Prepare for Induction by Early 2027, Fortifying Second-Strike Capability with Enhanced Stealth and K-4 SLBM
In a major development for its strategic defence capabilities, India is on track to commission its two newest domestically-built nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) by 2027. The vessels, INS Aridhaman (S4) and its yet-to-be-named sister ship (S4*), will significantly enhance the nation's sea-based nuclear deterrent and second-strike capability, a crucial component of the country's nuclear policy. ad The two advanced submarines are scheduled for a near-simultaneous entry into...
HAL to Deliver First Two Tejas Mk1A Fighter Jets to IAF on Oct 17, Defence Minister to Attend Handover Ceremony
In a significant milestone for India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver the first two Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 17. A formal handover ceremony will take place at HAL's production facility in Nashik, which will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This event marks a major step forward for the nation's indigenous aerospace industry under the Atmanirbhar Bharat...
After Losing Significant Assets in Op Sindoor, Pakistan Plans Underground Airbases to Enhance Survivability in Future Indian Strikes
Following a devastating series of Indian airstrikes that inflicted heavy losses on its air assets, Pakistan is reportedly planning a major strategic shift towards constructing underground airbases. This move aims to protect its valuable combat aircraft from future attacks and ensure the long-term survivability of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), a response to vulnerabilities exposed during India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’. ad The consideration for subterranean facilities comes after an Indian...
Anadrone Delivers 80% Indigenous ABHAY Anti-Radar Drone to IAF Three Months Early, Boosting India's SEAD Capabilities
In a major development for India's self-reliant defence sector, Gurgaon-based firm Anadrone Systems has successfully delivered its cutting-edge ABHAY anti-radar drone to the Indian Air Force. The delivery was completed three months ahead of the projected schedule under the government's Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, marking a significant achievement in indigenous military technology. ad The ABHAY drone is a specialised unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for...
Russia Agrees to Transfer Critical S-400 Tech to India’s Private Sector, Solidifying IAF's Plans to Acquire 5 More Squadrons
In a major boost for India's domestic defence manufacturing, Russia has reportedly agreed to a critical transfer of technology (ToT) for its advanced S-400 'Triumf' air defence missile system to a private Indian company. This landmark agreement is part of a broader plan for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to procure five additional S-400 squadrons, significantly strengthening the nation's air defence shield along its borders. ad The move marks a substantial step forward for the 'Make in India'...
Greek Media Champions India's Brahmos and Future Dhvani Hypersonic Missile as Keys to Maritime Dominance Against Turkey
A prominent Greek defence publication has issued a strong recommendation for Athens to deepen its strategic ties with New Delhi by acquiring advanced Indian missile systems. In an article highlighting regional tensions with Turkey, the outlet Penta Postagma urged the Greek government to procure India's proven BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and to closely watch the development of the forthcoming "Dhvani" hypersonic missile, framing them as crucial tools for securing maritime dominance in...
With Russian Deal Stalled, HAL Aggressively Pushes Its Light Utility Helicopter for Domestic Order of Up to 400 Units
India's Ministry of Defence has officially revived its long-delayed effort to acquire modern light helicopters, launching a formal search for approximately 200 new rotorcraft. The move, initiated through a Request for Information (RfI) in August 2025, is a critical step towards replacing the military's obsolete Cheetah and Chetak fleets, which have been in service for over half a century. This procurement process gains added significance as it prioritises indigenous manufacturing, creating...
Building on Su-30MKI Success, HAL Signals Readiness to Build Russian Next-Gen Fighters Like Su-57 for India
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's state-owned aerospace and defence company, has formally expressed its readiness to deepen its long-standing partnership with Russia by collaborating on new, advanced military aircraft. Citing a successful history of joint projects, a company representative confirmed that HAL is prepared to extend its manufacturing legacy to include next-generation platforms, potentially including Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter. This announcement comes as the...
How India’s Stalled TEDBF Naval Fighter Could Have Solved the IAF’s Expensive MRFA Dilemma
India's ambitious plan to develop a homegrown, carrier-based fighter jet, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), is currently facing significant delays, pushing its development timeline into uncertainty. Envisioned as a cornerstone of the nation's Atmanirbhar Bharat policy in defence, the state-of-the-art aircraft was intended for the Indian Navy. However, defence analysts argue that this stalled program represents a major missed opportunity for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which could...
After Receiving 7 Bids, Defence Ministry and ADA to Select Production Partner for AMCA Program by Mid-2026
The Ministry of Defence, alongside the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is set to make a crucial decision by the middle of 2026, selecting the industrial partners who will help build India’s first indigenous stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This selection follows the submission of seven bids from leading defence firms for the aircraft's Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) phase. Valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore, this phase is critical for moving...
Brazil Eyes Defence Barter Deals with India, Trading C-390 MTA with Tejas Mk1A Fighters and Prachand Helicopters
A landmark defence agreement between India and Brazil may be on the horizon, centered on a reciprocal barter deal that could reshape their strategic partnership. Under the proposed arrangement, India would acquire a fleet of Brazilian-made transport aircraft in exchange for Brazil purchasing an equivalent value of India's domestically produced fighter jets and attack helicopters. The proposal comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks a modern replacement for its aging Soviet-era Ilyushin...
India to Transform 75% of Su-30MKI Fleet into Super Sukhoi, Targeting 80% Indigenisation with Next-Gen Combat Capabilities
In a landmark announcement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed its plan to upgrade a vast majority of its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet to the advanced "Super Sukhoi" standard. Speaking ahead of the 93rd Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed that approximately 75% of the fleet, numbering over 200 aircraft, will be equipped with next-generation indigenous technology. This ambitious initiative aims to significantly enhance the jet's combat capabilities and...
India Requests Pricing for 114 Rafale Jets from Dassault, Aims for Direct G2G Deal to Fast-Track Induction in IAF
In a major move to bolster its air power, the Indian Ministry of Defence has formally requested pricing information from French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation for a potential large-scale purchase of Rafale fighter jets. A report from French publication La Tribune indicates that a letter was sent in early August 2025, inquiring about the cost for a minimum of 40 to a maximum of 114 aircraft. This initiative represents a new strategy for fleet expansion, separate from the country's ongoing...
Amid IAF's Depleting Airlift Capabilities, Defence Ministry to Pit Global Giants for $5B 'Make in India' MTA Contract
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to launch a global tender for the acquisition of 60 to 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) in a deal estimated to be worth over $5 billion. This significant procurement aims to urgently address the Indian Air Force's (IAF) critically declining transport capabilities and bolster the nation's self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative. The program, revived after years of delay, will seek strategic partnerships between...
Back
Top