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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the nodal agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for designing India’s combat aircraft, has initiated a significant recruitment drive to strengthen the human resource backbone of its flagship projects. In a notification released on 19 December 2025, the agency announced openings for programme-based manpower to accelerate the execution of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft...

Capitalising on the strategic advantages demonstrated during the recent Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has accelerated a proposal to procure approximately 850 kamikaze drones, formally known as loitering munitions. This move is designed to bolster the force's offensive and counter-terror capabilities across diverse operational theatres. According to a report by ANI, the acquisition proposal is currently in an advanced stage. It is anticipated to receive final approval shortly during a...

Facing critical airframe fatigue across its fleet and stringent operational restrictions from Washington, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has initiated advanced technical negotiations with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The proposed partnership aims to secure a comprehensive survival package for Pakistan’s ageing F-16 ‘Viper’ fleet, a move necessitated by the refusal of the United States to authorise offensive upgrades. While the US State Department recently approved a $686 million...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively engaged in a significant modernisation programme to overhaul its rotary-wing combat capabilities. In a strategic move to align with contemporary warfare requirements, the IAF is preparing to retire its fleet of Soviet-origin Mi-35 attack helicopters. These legacy machines will be replaced by the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), formally known as the Prachand, which is designed specifically for high-altitude warfare. ad End of the 'Flying...

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is actively evaluating a significant proposal to revise the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) authorised fighter squadron strength, potentially raising the benchmark from the long-standing 42 to 50 or higher. This strategic reassessment is largely driven by critical operational insights gained during Operation Sindoor, the intense conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025. While the IAF’s retaliatory strikes during the operation displayed commendable precision...

A dedicated hypersonic missile defence layer will form a critical pillar of ‘Operation Sudarshan Chakra’, India’s ambitious multi-layered air and missile defence initiative. Sources familiar with the development have confirmed that this advanced capability is being designed to counter next-generation aerial threats and is targeted for completion under the programme's second phase by 2035. Operation Sudarshan Chakra was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2025. The...

US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has formally outlined a comprehensive "Make in India" proposal for its C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. The company has committed to establishing a phased manufacturing and sustainment ecosystem within the country, contingent upon the aircraft’s selection for India’s future tactical airlift requirements, specifically the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. A Phased Transition from Georgia to India Senior Lockheed...

The acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets by India has once again become the target of a sophisticated online disinformation campaign. A new report by Viginum, the French government agency dedicated to detecting foreign digital interference, has flagged a series of forged letters designed to create confusion regarding the multi-billion dollar defence deal. The operation was first brought to light by the French satirical weekly Le Canard enchaîné. ad The malicious campaign began on...

In a significant boost to India’s defence self-reliance, Russian defence major Almaz-Antey has agreed to collaborate with an Indian partner to establish a comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 Triumf air defence system. This critical infrastructure project is scheduled to become fully operational by 2028, aiming to secure the long-term serviceability of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) most potent surface-to-air missile shield. ad The new facility will be...

India’s strategic strike capabilities are poised for a significant transformation as the indigenous Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) and its naval counterpart, the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), edge closer to operational deployment. Sources confirm that both programmes, powered by the domestically developed Manik turbofan engine, are progressing on schedule and are expected to be inducted into the Indian Army and Indian Navy within the next three years. ad Unified...

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has confirmed that the naval force remains open to acquiring more foreign helicopters beyond the 24 MH-60R Seahawks recently inducted. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the second MH-60R squadron, INAS 335 'Ospreys', at INS Hansa in Goa, the Admiral highlighted that while the current fleet addresses immediate gaps, the Navy is simultaneously evaluating long-term requirements against the progress of domestic development programmes. This...

In the wake of heightened geopolitical tensions, Tel Aviv is fundamentally restructuring its defence supply chains to decrease its reliance on European markets. This strategic shift comes as several European nations—including Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands—have imposed stricter controls or outright bans on the export of military sub-systems to Israel citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While these nations are often not the primary suppliers of complete weapon platforms, they have...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated a significant step towards accelerating the certification of indigenous fighter jet sensors. The organisation has issued a tender for the development of a sophisticated Test Rig explicitly designed for airborne Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems. This standalone platform will be capable of conducting comprehensive functional testing by replicating all aircraft interfaces, thereby recreating the...

India’s quest for indigenous aero-engine sovereignty has taken a definitive leap forward following the conclusion of advanced talks between the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and French aerospace major Safran. According to sources privy to the discussions, the two entities have finalized a roadmap to co-develop a "clean-sheet" next-generation engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2. This new propulsion...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) continues to expand the frontiers of unmanned aerial technology with a pioneering initiative under its Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. This new project aims to develop sophisticated "close formation flying" capabilities, allowing multiple drones to coordinate with such precision that they effectively function as a single, massive aerial system. ad A Floating "Virtual" Antenna The core objective of this ambitious programme is...

In a significant move to sustain its frontline combat capabilities, India is set to receive over 20 retired Jaguar fighter aircraft from the Sultanate of Oman. According to sources familiar with the development, these aircraft will not be inducted for flying duties but will instead be dismantled in Oman and shipped to India in sections. This logistical strategy is designed to reduce transportation costs while securing a vital supply of spare parts for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) aging...

The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its deep-strike artillery capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) prepares for the crucial long-range validation of the Pinaka Mk3 rocket system. Initially scheduled for late 2025, these trials have been rescheduled to early 2026. The successful completion of these tests is expected to trigger a fast-track procurement process for the next-generation indigenous rocket system. Pivotal Trials for Next-Gen...

India’s military procurement framework is preparing for a significant overhaul as the Ministry of Defence finalises the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2025. A high-level committee, tasked with reviewing the existing DAP 2020, has proposed a series of industry-friendly reforms designed to speed up modernisation and deepen the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative. ad Committee Recommendations The review committee, established in June 2025 under the chairmanship of the...

The Tejas Mk2 programme is marking a significant shift in how the Indian Air Force (IAF) approaches indigenous fighter acquisition. Moving away from its traditional position as a strict buyer, the IAF is stepping into the role of an active co-developer. This strategic pivot aims to ensure the aircraft enters operational service within a tight four-year window following its maiden flight. With the first flight anticipated in roughly 2026, the target is to have the aircraft joining squadrons...

In a significant move to address the Indian Navy’s looming underwater capability gap, Russia has proposed the transfer of three refurbished Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines to India. The offer, reportedly valued at under $1 billion, aims to provide an interim solution for the Navy’s depleting fleet while the ambitious Project 75I (P-75I) continues to face procedural delays. A Strategic Stopgap The proposal comes shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi in...