The Ministry of Defence has returned a key proposal from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), labelling the plan "incomplete."
According to reports, the ministry has instructed the IAF to hold fresh consultations, primarily with French aviation firm Dassault, to ensure the multi-billion dollar project strictly aligns with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' policy.
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At the heart of the issue is the government's demand for a substantial...
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In modern aerial warfare between India and Pakistan, the critical "first shot" advantage is dictated by beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs). This technology allows a pilot to engage an enemy aircraft from dozens of kilometres away, long before a visual dogfight can begin.
For a brief period, the Indian Air Force (IAF) held this technological edge, but a combination of procurement delays and rapid advancements by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reversed the situation. The 2019...
The development of a fifth-generation fighter jet is one of the most complex challenges in modern defence, and selecting the right engine is critical to success.
India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, which aims to deliver a domestically built stealth fighter to the Indian Air Force by the mid-2030s, recently concluded a high-stakes search for its advanced Mk2 variant engine.
Among the top contenders was a technologically advanced proposal from Japan. In...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has affirmed its confidence in the new Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, stating that the aircraft's basic design is complete and fully prepared for future software-based enhancements.
However, this optimistic outlook is shadowed by significant delays in integrating India's indigenous Astra Mk1 missile. Reports indicate these challenges stem from software compatibility issues with the aircraft's Israeli-supplied radar, which require a "green light" from the foreign...
New details emerging from a reported May 2025 aerial engagement, codenamed "Operation Sindoor," suggest a significant intelligence windfall for India.
Defence sources indicate that while the Indian Air Force (IAF) publicly displayed a small number of recovered Chinese-made PL-15E missiles, the actual number retrieved was at least 10 intact or minimally damaged units.
These missiles, recovered from Indian territory after being fired by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), provide India's Defence...
In a significant move to enhance India's air combat capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly planning to extend the operational range of its indigenous Astra Mark-2 air-to-air missile to over 200 kilometres.
According to new proposals under review, this upgrade pushes the missile's range significantly beyond its previous 160 km target.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to place an initial order for approximately 700 units of the upgraded...
Following a review of the strategic lessons from Operation Sindoor, a cross-border strike in May 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly proposing a significant expansion of its fleet to counter the combined threat from China and Pakistan.
The proposal urges increasing the sanctioned combat strength from the current 42 squadrons to a new benchmark of 55 or even 60 squadrons, aiming to re-establish decisive air superiority in the region.
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This internal push, detailed in assessments...
India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is set to feature a groundbreaking, indigenously developed non-toxic green coating, marking a significant stride in the nation's push for self-reliance in defence.
This innovative technology represents a major leap, combining state-of-the-art military capabilities with environmental responsibility.
The adoption of this eco-friendly stealth coating underscores a commitment to sustainable...
In a significant recalibration of global military strength, India has been ranked as the world’s third most powerful air force, surpassing the People's Republic of China.
A new comprehensive assessment places India behind only the United States and Russia, highlighting a strategic shift in Asia's defence landscape.
The evaluation was conducted by the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA), which annually ranks the air capabilities of 103 nations.
The ranking is not based...
The selection process for the production partner of India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has reached a critical phase.
With seven consortia in contention, the decision will determine the future of the nation's air combat capabilities and its journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which leads the aircraft's design, is overseeing a rigorous two-stage evaluation of the bids...
India's journey in developing indigenous fighter aircraft is set to take a significant leap forward with the Tejas Mk2 programme.
Drawing from the extensive and lengthy development of its predecessor, the Tejas Mk1, the new aircraft is slated to complete its complex flight development phase in a remarkably short four-year window.
This accelerated timeline is not just a milestone for the Mk2 but also serves as a crucial foundation that reduces risks for India's even more ambitious...
In a significant strategic move to accelerate the development of the indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced plans to outsource crucial testing and development tasks to private Indian companies.
A detailed Statement of Work (SoW) has been issued, inviting private sector expertise for a three-year contract focused on Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing and the development of the aircraft’s antenna systems...
The Indian Navy is reportedly re-evaluating its submarine acquisition strategy, considering a shift away from procuring three additional French-designed Scorpene-class submarines.
Instead, a more ambitious plan to build six advanced German-designed stealth submarines, equipped with next-generation technology, is gaining preference to bolster India's underwater combat capabilities.
This potential strategic pivot involves cancelling the follow-on order for Scorpene submarines from Mazagon...
A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official has made a significant proposal for greater collaboration between services, urging the Indian Navy to consider a carrier-based version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) for its future needs.
This suggestion challenges the Navy's ongoing plan to develop its own distinct fighter, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF).
The IAF's position is that creating a naval variant of the fifth-generation AMCA would prevent the duplication of...
The Chief of Staff of the French Army, General Pierre Schill, has expressed significant interest in acquiring Indian-developed long-range rocket systems, loitering munitions, and anti-drone technology.
This announcement follows the reported success of these indigenous systems during a recent military engagement with Pakistan, highlighting a major validation for India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities.
The high-level discussions, held in New Delhi, signal a potential new chapter...
In a major enhancement to its air combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is moving forward with plans to equip its frontline fighter jets, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the indigenous Tejas aircraft, with the highly advanced Meteor beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile.
European missile manufacturer MBDA has given its approval for the integration, contingent on the use of locally developed Indian radar systems, a move that resolves long-standing technical and...
Recent high-resolution satellite imagery has confirmed the operational status of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) advanced S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems at three strategic locations.
The key surveillance radars of the system are clearly visible at airbases in Adampur, Bhuj, and Jodhpur, directly contradicting claims made by Pakistan in May 2025 that its forces had successfully destroyed one of the units.
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During the cross-border military exchanges in May 2025, referred to as...
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...
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.
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AVNL, a Government of India enterprise, is expanding its product line while...
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.
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The RudraM-III is primarily an air-launched anti-radiation missile...
