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India, Germany Set to Finalise $8B Project-75I Deal for Type 214NG Subs During Chancellor Merz’s Visit Next Week
India and Germany are on the verge of sealing a historic defence industrial pact that will see the construction of six next-generation conventional submarines for the Indian Navy. The deal, estimated to be worth approximately $8 billion (₹70,000 crore), involves a strategic partnership between German defence major ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and India’s state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). This agreement marks the decisive conclusion of the long-pending Project-75...
HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) Fails to Meet Indian Navy's Maritime Standards, Chief Confirming No Induction Planned
The Indian Navy has ruled out the induction of the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, confirmed that the platform does not meet the service’s specific maritime standards. In a recent interview with Vayu Aerospace Review, Admiral Tripathi stated that the Navy has completed its evaluation of the helicopter. The findings indicated that the LUH, in its current configuration...
India May Abandon Second Akula-Class SSN Lease Plans Due to Persistent Delays and Indigenous Program Focus
India is reportedly moving away from plans to lease an additional Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) from Russia. Sources within the defence establishment indicate that persistent delays in the delivery of the previously contracted INS Chakra III have forced a strategic rethink. Planners now believe that a further lease would offer limited value, as the delivery timeline would clash with the arrival of India’s own indigenous nuclear submarines. ad Delays in the Chakra III...
Bharat Forge Negotiates with European Giants to Relocate Defence Production Lines to India for Global Markets
In a significant development for India's defence manufacturing sector, Bharat Forge is currently in advanced negotiations with several leading European defence companies to shift a portion of their production capabilities to India. Mr Baba Kalyani, the Chairman of Bharat Forge, revealed these details during an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18. He stated that the company is engaged in active discussions with two to three major European entities. The primary objective of these talks is to...
Indian Army to Begin User Trials of Indigenous Zorawar Light Tank Across Diverse Terrains in Early 2026, Confirms DRDO Chief
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed that the much-anticipated user trials of the indigenous 'Zorawar' light tank will commence this year. Dr Samir V Kamat, the Chief of DRDO, stated that the Indian Army is prepared to begin operational evaluations of the tank, marking a pivotal shift from the development phase to induction-oriented testing. Speaking on the Ministry of Defence’s official podcast, Raksha Sutra, Dr Kamat stated that the programme has matured...
How India's Astra Mk2 with 200km Extended Range is Poised to Dominate South Asian Skies, Countering China-Pak BVR Threats
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to undergo a major transformation in its aerial combat capabilities with the planned acquisition of nearly 700 Astra Mk2 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAM). Reports indicate that this new variant boasts an extended engagement range of approximately 200 kilometres. This is not just a routine purchase of ammunition; it represents a fundamental shift in the geometry and tempo of air warfare in South Asia. By arming the formidable Su-30MKI...
AMCA to Adopt F-35-like Built-In Telescopic Ladder to Boost Sortie Rates and Operational Independence
India’s forthcoming fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is set to feature a built-in telescopic boarding ladder, marking a significant departure from the design philosophy of the country's legacy combat jets. This integrated access system, similar to that found on the American F-35 Lightning II, is not merely a convenience but a strategic design choice intended to enhance operational autonomy, protect sensitive stealth coatings, and ensure rapid...
Why HAL Must Leverage F414 Deal to Pursue 116 kN EPE Variant Development for Future Indian Fighters
With Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having successfully secured a landmark agreement for the indigenous manufacture of the 98 kN F414 engine, strategic focus is now shifting toward how India can maximise the long-term value of this partnership. Defence analysts and industry experts are increasingly arguing that HAL should actively explore the feasibility of developing the higher-thrust F414 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE)—rated at approximately 116 kN—a powerful variant that GE...
Russian Analyst Praises Pralay Missile’s Hypersonic Maneuvers with Sharp Terminal Flight to Counter Modern Air Defences
Russian military analyst Evgeny Damantsev has offered a detailed technical assessment of India’s Pralay tactical ballistic missile, focusing on its distinctive launch capabilities, sophisticated guidance systems, and terminal agility. His analysis suggests that the weapon occupies a specialized niche, sitting between standard quasi-ballistic missiles and advanced maneuvering hypersonic systems, making it highly effective against contemporary air and missile defence networks. This...
Like in Pakistan, Chinese Anti-Stealth Radars Again Prove Ineffective During US Raid in Venezuela
In a landmark military operation on 3 January 2026, United States forces successfully executed 'Operation Absolute Resolve', resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The three-hour mission, which involved a massive coordination of over 150 aircraft and special operations units, has drawn international attention not only for its political implications but for the total collapse of Venezuela’s air defence network. Once touted as one of the...
Tejas Mk2 to Feature External Gun Pod, Optimising Internal Volume for Next-Gen Mission Systems and Avionics
India’s upcoming medium-weight fighter, the Tejas Mk2, is undergoing a significant design evolution with the decision to adopt an external podded gun configuration. This move represents a departure from the internal cannon layout seen in the earlier Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants. Engineers have opted to remove the fixed internal gun to create vital space within the airframe, which will now be utilised for a new multipurpose internal station. This shift highlights a strategic focus on...
India May Seek French SaM146 Engine for Locally Manufactured Sukhoi SJ-100 to Ensure Commercial Viability
India is reportedly considering a strategic partnership with France to secure a viable engine option for the locally manufactured Sukhoi SJ-100-95B Superjet. According to industry sources, the propulsion system has emerged as the defining factor for the programme’s success, with Indian operators expressing concern over the long-term efficiency and supportability of existing options. The discussions centre on the PowerJet SaM146 turbofan, a powerplant originally developed by PowerJet, a...
IAF Eyes Ecuador’s Remaining Grounded Jaguar Airframes to Extend Its Jaguar Service Life Through 2035
In a strategic move to ensure the operational availability of its deep-penetration strike fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated discussions with the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) to acquire its remaining stock of grounded Jaguar combat aircraft. This development is the latest step in a broader global effort by the IAF to secure essential spares for the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar, ensuring the fleet remains combat-ready through its planned service life until 2035. ad Global Hunt for...
Indian Navy Accelerates Push for Indigenous AESA Radars for MiG-29K to Replace Failing Russian Zhuk-ME Systems
The Indian Navy is rapidly moving to replace the radar systems on its MiG-29K fighter jets with indigenous alternatives following a significant security breach that has exposed severe performance issues with the Russian-made equipment. A high-profile data leak in October 2025 revealed that the Zhuk-ME radars, intended to be the "eyes" of the fleet, are suffering from critical failures in India's humid maritime environment. This revelation has prompted defence officials to look towards the...
Safran Confirms AMCA Engine Will Be Scalable to 140 kN, Capable of Powering Future Heavier Variants
In a significant boost to India’s aspirations for a state-of-the-art indigenous fighter ecosystem, Safran CEO Olivier Andries has confirmed the capabilities of the new turbofan engine being co-developed with India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). Mr Andries revealed that the joint propulsion system will possess a scalable thrust envelope of 120–140 kN. This crucial clarification not only solidifies the propulsion roadmap for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme...
DRDO Chief Confirms AMCA Programme on Track for 2028 Prototype Rollout and 2029 Maiden Flight
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed a concrete timeline for India's most ambitious aviation project to date. Dr Samir V Kamat, the Chairman of DRDO, announced that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)—India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter—is scheduled to roll out its first prototype by the end of 2028. This major milestone will be followed by the aircraft's maiden flight in early 2029. These critical updates were shared during the...
Rolls-Royce Leverages Historical F-35 Engine Development Experience to Challenge Safran for India’s AMCA Engine Contract
As India approaches a critical decision on selecting an international partner to co-develop a high-powered engine for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), British aerospace major Rolls-Royce has intensified its campaign. The company is now explicitly highlighting its direct involvement in fifth-generation fighter propulsion to counter the strong position held by French competitor Safran. While reports suggest that the Indian Ministry of Defence may be leaning towards Safran for the...
Russia Pushes S-350 Vityaz to India with Full Tech Transfer to Supplement Existing S-400 Air Defence Shield
Amid evolving regional security dynamics, Russia has renewed its proposal to supply the Indian Armed Forces with the S-350 Vityaz air defence system. According to defence sources close to Rostec, this latest offer is significantly sweetened by the inclusion of comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) provisions. Moscow is positioning the system not as a standalone solution, but as a critical "force multiplier" designed to protect and supplement India's existing S-400 Triumf regiments. A...
GE-HAL Expected to Finalize F414 Engine ToT Deal by March 2026, First Indigenous Unit Targeted for 2029
India is on the verge of cementing a pivotal defence agreement with the United States, with the technology transfer deal for General Electric (GE) F414 engines expected to be formally signed by March 2026. According to sources close to the development, negotiations for the prospective USD 1.5 billion contract have been concluded, establishing a framework for an unprecedented 80 per cent Transfer of Technology (ToT). This agreement represents a cornerstone of India’s aerospace ambitions...
DRDO Chief Confirms June–July 2026 First Flight Window for Indigenous LCA Mk2 Fighter Jet, Signalling Rapid Development Progress
The timeline for India’s ambitious Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme has received a major boost following a confident assertion by the country’s top defence scientist. Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has officially stated that the indigenous fighter jet is expected to make its maiden flight between June and July 2026. This significant update was shared during the latest episode of Raksha Sutra, the Ministry of Defence’s...
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