India is rapidly advancing its aerial warfare capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) accelerates the timeline for the Astra Mk3, a next-generation air-to-air missile.
Also known as the 'Gandiva'—named after the legendary bow of Arjuna—this weapon system is being fast-tracked for production clearance, with the agency targeting operational induction by 2029.
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Imminent Trials to Validate Propulsion
According to defence sources, the development programme has...
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In a move that could significantly bolster India’s electronic warfare capabilities, Russia has reportedly offered to supply the Indian Armed Forces with the Krasukha-2, a formidable electronic warfare (EW) system designed to blind the "eyes" of enemy air power.
This proposal highlights a strategic shift in modern defence planning, moving beyond reliance solely on kinetic interceptors (missiles) toward layered, non-kinetic countermeasures that neutralize threats before they can engage.
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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken a decisive step forward in the development of India's fifth-generation fighter jet.
By officially releasing a comprehensive Statement of Work (SoW), the agency is seeking competent industrial partners to execute the detailed design and engineering of the rear fuselage for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
This development marks a significant transition for the programme, moving it from the initial configuration definition phase...
Plans to bolster the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities have encountered a significant obstacle as negotiations between India and the United States for six additional Boeing P-8I surveillance aircraft have stalled. The primary cause of this deadlock is a sharp disagreement over pricing.
Reports indicate that the cost of the proposed deal has escalated by nearly 50 per cent, rising from an earlier estimate of $2.42 billion to approximately $3.6 billion. American officials have refused to...
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing for a significant milestone in India’s indigenous military aviation programme.
According to recent reports, fresh trials for an enhanced version of the Astra Mk2 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) are scheduled for early 2026.
This upgraded variant will feature an advanced dual-pulse rocket motor designed to extend the missile's strike range to nearly 200 kilometres.
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Boosting Range and Performance
The...
In a strategic move to balance immediate operational requirements with long-term indigenisation goals, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering a "dual-track" modernisation strategy for its frontline Su-30MKI fleet.
While the comprehensive, domestically developed "Super-30" programme progresses through its development cycle, the IAF may upgrade a select number of squadrons with direct Russian assistance to ensure combat readiness in the interim.
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Bridging the Gap: The Interim...
Following the tactical success observed during the recent "Operation Sindoor," the Indian Army is reportedly considering the acquisition of additional Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH).
The operation served as a critical proving ground for the M777 155mm artillery guns, validating their mobility and precision in high-altitude combat zones.
This combat validation has reinforced the Army's strategic requirement for lightweight, long-range artillery platforms capable of operating in the challenging...
The Indian Navy has strongly reiterated its dedication to the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) programme, ending recent speculation regarding the future of the indigenous carrier-borne aircraft.
In a significant clarification, the Chief of Naval Staff has confirmed that the project remains a top priority and is poised for substantial progress in the immediate future.
This announcement highlights the Navy’s resolve to secure a "Made in India" fighter jet specifically designed to meet...
In a significant development that could reshape India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition, a senior official from Russia’s Rostec defence conglomerate has claimed that the Su-57E stealth fighter could be procured by India at nearly half the total package cost of the French Rafale jets.
The claim, shared exclusively with sources, targets the ongoing competition for 114 fighter jets—a deal estimated to be worth over ₹2 lakh crore (approximately $24 billion).
While the official...
The Indian Army’s proposed acquisition of the US-manufactured Stryker armoured fighting vehicle appears to have hit a definitive roadblock.
According to a recent report by Times Now, enthusiasm for the platform within the military establishment has significantly waned, casting serious doubts on whether the deal will proceed.
While the Stryker was initially viewed as a strong contender to enhance the Army’s rapid deployment and amphibious capabilities, recent assessments indicate the...
As the Indian Air Force (IAF) moves closer to finalising its requirements for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is reportedly gaining significant traction as a leading contender.
A recent assessment by Bharat-Shakti indicates that the American platform’s established operational history, combined with the IAF’s extensive familiarity with the type, has placed it in a formidable position against rivals from Brazil and Europe.
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The MTA...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided against placing follow-on orders for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet beyond the recently concluded contracts, signalling a strategic shift towards stabilizing current inductions and accelerating the development of the more advanced Tejas Mk2.
Following the recent approval for 97 additional Tejas Mk1A jets, the total order book for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme—comprising earlier Mk1 and Mk1A deals—now stands at 220 aircraft.
This significant...
In a development that signals a pivotal transformation for the global aviation sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).
The agreement, finalised in Moscow on October 27, 2025, authorises HAL to manufacture the Sukhoi Superjet 100—now redesignated as the SJ-100—within India.
This collaboration marks India’s re-entry into comprehensive civil aircraft manufacturing after a gap...
The Indian Army has secured a decisive breakthrough in its quest for strategic autonomy, successfully indigenising 159 of the 175 ammunition variants currently in its stockpile.
This achievement, representing a 91 per cent self-sufficiency rate, drastically lowers the nation's reliance on foreign imports.
The milestone comes at a critical juncture, as volatile geopolitical conditions continue to fracture global supply chains, highlighting the severe risks associated with depending on...
Russia has significantly intensified its efforts to market the Su-57E stealth fighter to India, presenting the aircraft not merely as an immediate purchase but as a long-term strategic platform capable of remaining relevant for half a century.
Vadim Badekha, the Chief Executive Officer of United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has formally articulated that the Su-57E is uniquely positioned to satisfy the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) future combat needs.
He emphasised that the aircraft boasts a...
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has established a strict 2026 deadline for the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to finalise the certification of the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine.
This propulsion system is viewed as the linchpin for the ambitious Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) project.
Senior officials indicate that meeting this timeline is a mandatory condition to secure final sanction from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before the current financial approval...
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant headway in developing a lighter, more agile variant of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS).
Sources close to the programme confirm that this new iteration, designed to weigh under 15 tons, is on track to commence internal trials by late 2026.
This development specifically addresses the Indian Army’s requirement for a high-mobility gun system capable of operating in difficult terrain, offering a...
Following the formal notification by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 19 November 2025, confirming that the US Department of State has authorised a potential Foreign Military Sale to India, New Delhi is poised to initiate concluding discussions for the procurement of the Javelin Missile System.
The approved package, estimated at $45.7 million (approx. ₹380 crore), includes 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles and 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLUs).
Sources indicate that...
The French Army has demonstrated a sustained and serious interest in acquiring India’s indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system.
This attention is particularly focused on the next-generation guided variants currently being advanced by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
French military officials are closely monitoring the development of the Pinaka Mk3 program, which aims to achieve extended ranges of 120–130 km with high-precision guidance, as they...
In a significant move to secure the skies over the nation's capital, India is set to deploy a dedicated, multi-layered air defence architecture informally known as the "Capital Dome".
This ambitious project aims to shield New Delhi from a vast spectrum of aerial threats, ranging from high-speed missiles to low-cost hostile drones, by creating an impenetrable defensive envelope over the National Capital Region (NCR).
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A Multi-Layered Indigenous Shield
According to defence sources, the...
