The Indian government is considering the purchase of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets from allied nations as a stopgap measure to counter growing regional threats.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed this significant policy consideration, highlighting the urgent need to address the Indian Air Force's (IAF) decreasing squadron strength while its indigenous stealth fighter program is under development.
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This move is intended to bridge a critical capability gap as the IAF's...
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In a major boost to India's indigenous military aviation capabilities, the Ministry of Defence is on track to award the development contract for the advanced fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) within the next three to six months.
The confirmation came directly from Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, signalling a firm timeline for the nation's most ambitious combat aircraft project to date.
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The AMCA programme is a critical strategic initiative aimed at developing a...
In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has revealed it will invest approximately Rs 4,000 crore from its own resources to fund the initial development of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
The state-owned aerospace and defence company's chairman, DK Sunil, confirmed that this substantial internal funding will cover the critical design, prototyping, and testing stages of the advanced, medium-lift helicopter.
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The IMRH...
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly developing a new, conventionally-armed variant of the Agni-5 ballistic missile.
This strategic project is intended to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a powerful deep-strike weapon capable of destroying heavily fortified and underground targets, addressing a significant gap in the nation's military capabilities.
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The primary motivation for this new missile is the IAF's long-standing need for a weapon that...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is evaluating a new-generation Russian jet engine as a transformative upgrade for its Su-30MKI fleet, which forms the backbone of its combat aircraft wing.
The engine, known as Izdeliye 177S, was presented by Russia's United Engine Corporation (UEC) at the Aero India 2025 exhibition.
While initially offered for India’s future fifth-gen AMCA fighter program, the engine has captured the IAF's attention for its potential to significantly enhance the capabilities of...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of its indigenous Tejas fighter jet fleet by equipping them with the next-generation Astra Mk2 missile.
The integration process for this advanced, long-range air-to-air missile is scheduled to commence later this year on the Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A aircraft, with critical firing trials anticipated by mid-2026.
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Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra Mk2 is a...
The Indian government is currently evaluating a proposal to acquire the advanced Russian R-37M long-range hypersonic air-to-air missile.
This move aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) frontline Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighter jets.
The offer from Russia is made more attractive by the inclusion of local production rights, a feature that aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative in the defence sector.
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Developed by Russia's Vympel Design Bureau...
The Indian Air Force's (IAF) formidable Su-30MKI fleet, the backbone of its fighter squadrons, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade with the integration of a new indigenous 64-bit mission computer.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this enhancement is a core part of the "Super-30" program, designed to elevate the jet's combat capabilities to near fifth-generation levels and ensure its dominance in the skies for decades to come.
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The Su-30MKI...
The delivery schedule for the indigenous Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft is facing significant delays caused by a combination of factors, including engine supply chain disruptions, software development hurdles, and challenges with integrating radar and missile systems.
The admission came directly from D.K. Sunil, the Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned firm responsible for manufacturing the jet.
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In a statement on July 5, 2025, Mr. Sunil...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a critical need to upgrade the firepower of its time-tested Mirage-2000 fighter jets to maintain combat relevance against the advanced aerial threats posed by China and Pakistan.
Experts and defence analysts suggest that equipping the fleet with the indigenous Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is a crucial and immediate step to counter the superior missile capabilities of regional adversaries.
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The IAF currently operates a fleet...
In a significant move that could deepen India-Europe defence cooperation, a customized version of the Eurodrone has been offered to India.
The proposal, extended by Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), includes the potential for integrating technologies from India's indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programmes, creating a unique hybrid platform tailored to the nation's specific operational needs.
The offer has gained momentum following India's decision to...
In a significant move towards self-reliance in defence technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to commence extensive mobility trials for its new, domestically developed tank engine.
The Datran 1500, a 1500-horsepower engine with 90% indigenous content, has successfully completed most of its ground-based evaluations, paving the way for integration into an Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) for on-field testing.
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This development represents a major...
In a major boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to roll out the first Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) from its Nashik production facility by the end of July 2025.
This milestone marks a significant expansion of the Tejas manufacturing ecosystem, aimed at accelerating deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to HAL Chairman and Managing Director, DK Sunil, the Nashik plant is on schedule to deliver an additional three...
India's landmark initiative to develop a homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is facing turbulence as private defence firms raise alarms over a perceived bias towards state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Despite government assurances of a level playing field, industry sources claim that the terms laid out in the initial tender documents effectively sideline them from meaningfully competing for the prestigious project.
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The...
Progress on India's futuristic Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior drone is accelerating, with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirming the completion of critical engine integration tests.
In a recent update, HAL's leadership affirmed that the program is on schedule for the unmanned aerial vehicle's (UAV) maiden flight in 2027, marking a major step forward in the nation's indigenous military aviation capabilities.
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HAL Chairman and Managing Director, DK Sunil...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing plans to significantly enhance its strategic reach by wet leasing one Airbus A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from the French Air and Space Force.
Negotiations for the government-to-government agreement are in their final stages and are expected to conclude in the coming months, providing a crucial boost to India's mid-air refuelling capabilities.
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This strategic move follows the recent induction of a leased KC-135 Stratotanker from a...
The Indian Army has identified a critical requirement for a new generation of medium-lift helicopters equipped with advanced stealth features, specifically for its elite special forces units.
A senior Army official has clarified that these specialised aircraft are needed for high-risk operations, including deep penetration missions behind enemy lines, a capability distinct from the military's more conventional transport needs.
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This demand comes as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing its modernisation and self-reliance goals with a planned follow-on order for 97 Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
This new batch of the indigenous fighter jet will feature a higher percentage of Indian-made components and upgraded software, incorporating feedback from the initial batch of aircraft set for delivery.
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The formalisation of the order for the additional 97 jets is anticipated in the coming year, with production scheduled to...
In a significant step to enhance its strategic strike capabilities, India is equipping its domestically developed long-range cruise missile with an advanced self-protection system.
The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), a subsonic weapon with a range of 1,500 kilometres, will be integrated with flare-dispensing technology to defend against heat-seeking projectiles, according to official sources.
This crucial upgrade is designed to improve the missile's survivability during...
A landmark agreement for the co-production of advanced F-414 jet engines in India, a cornerstone of the nation's military modernisation, is facing significant delays, with the final deal now expected to be signed by March 2026.
This revised timeline was confirmed by DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), more than two years after a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with US-based GE Aerospace in June 2023.
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The prolonged...
