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Can Rebranded F-21 Compete with Other Advanced Contenders for India's MRFA Fighter Jet Tender?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to procure 114 new multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) to modernize its fleet and address growing regional security challenges. While the United States is eager to secure this lucrative contract with its F-21 fighter jet, a rebranded and upgraded version of the F-16, questions linger about whether this aging platform can truly compete with more modern rivals. ad Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-21, is highlighting the aircraft's affordability...
Indian Army Tests 50+ New Technologies in "Swavlamban Shakti" Exercise to Prepare for Future Warfare
The Indian Army's Southern Command has launched a major military exercise, "Swavlamban Shakti," at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi. The exercise, which began on Friday and will continue until October 22nd, focuses on integrating cutting-edge technologies into the Army's offensive strategies to ensure combat readiness for future warfare scenarios. ad Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh, General Officer Commanding the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, is overseeing the exercise, which involves...
India to Receive First MQ9B Predator Drone in Jan 2029, with Final Delivery Expected by Sept 2030
New Delhi, India - The Indian armed forces are set to bolster their surveillance and strike capabilities with the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics, a major U.S. defence contractor. The nearly $3.5 billion deal, finalized under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, will see the delivery of these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) between January 2029 and September 2030. ad This acquisition marks a significant step in modernizing India's defence...
India's Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) to Feature Indigenous 120mm Smoothbore Gun Developed by ARDE
In a significant advancement for India's armored capabilities, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) is developing a new 120mm smoothbore gun for the highly anticipated Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV). This move marks a departure from the 120mm rifled gun currently employed in the Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) and aligns India with the global trend towards smoothbore technology in modern tank design. ad The FRCV program, envisioned as a successor to the aging T-72...
IAF Seeks Private Sector Production Lines for Tejas Mk2 as High Orders of Tejas Mk1A May Overwhelm HAL Facilities
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to accelerate the production of its indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter jet by enlisting the help of private sector manufacturers. This move comes as the IAF anticipates a potential production bottleneck stemming from high demand for the Tejas Mk1A, which may strain the capacity of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). ad HAL, the state-owned aerospace and defence company, had initially planned to produce the Tejas Mk1A using three production lines, with a...
Safran Commits to "Make in India" M-88 Engine Production to Boost Dassault's Rafale Jet Bid for MRFA Tender
In a move aimed at bolstering Dassault Aviation's bid for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Medium Range Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, Safran, a leading aerospace and defense company, has announced its commitment to manufacturing M-88 engines entirely in India. This strategic decision aligns with the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative and promises significant benefits for both countries. ad The M-88 engine, renowned for its power and reliability, is the driving force behind the...
Saab Reiterates Gripen E/F Jet Offer to India with 3-Year Delivery and Full Technology Transfer under $20 Billion MRFA Deal
Bengaluru, India – Swedish defence giant Saab has thrown its hat into the ring for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal, offering its Gripen E/F fighter jet with a compelling proposition: delivery of the first indigenously-built aircraft within three years and complete technology transfer. This comes as the IAF looks to procure 114 new fighter jets under the 'Make in India' initiative, a contract estimated to be worth $20 billion. ad Saab is emphasizing its...
Why India Chose US LM2500 Engines for Naval Ships Despite Having Indigenous Kaveri Engine or Other European Alternatives
The Indian Navy's recent agreement with GE Aerospace for the supply of LM2500 gas turbine engines has ignited a debate across the country, particularly on social media. While the deal aims to bolster the Navy's capabilities and promote local assembly by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), critics have voiced concerns about India's continued reliance on US defence technology amidst recent Pannun row. ad This decision comes at a time when India is striving for self-reliance in defence...
Germany Plans to Boost Security Ties with India, Aiming to Reduce Delhi's Reliance on Russian Arms
Berlin, Germany - In a move signaling a significant shift in its strategic approach, Germany has unveiled a new policy paper, "Focus on India," outlining its ambition to bolster security, economic, and energy ties with New Delhi. This initiative, approved by the German cabinet on Wednesday, aims to reduce India's reliance on Russian arms and deepen collaboration across multiple sectors. ad The announcement comes ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to India, scheduled for later...
L&T to Build Hull and Assist in Integration of Systems for India's Next-Gen Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarines
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a leading Indian engineering and construction firm, has been awarded a crucial role to build the hulls and assist in systems integration for two cutting-edge nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. This landmark project, recently approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) with an estimated budget of Rs 45,000 crore, signifies a major leap forward for India's naval capabilities and its drive for self-reliance in...
In the Age of Rafale and Tejas, IAF Doesn't Need 42-Squadron Strength to Counter China-Pakistan Simultaneously, Says Ex-Air Marshal
The Indian Air Force's (IAF) long-held goal of achieving a 42-squadron strength, a benchmark set in the 1980s to counter a simultaneous two-front war with China and Pakistan, may no longer be necessary, according to Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd.), former Vice Chief of Air Staff. In a recent interview on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Khosla argued that advancements in aviation technology and the changing geopolitical landscape have significantly altered India's defense needs. ad The 42-squadron...
Indian Army May Ditch Stryker Armored Vehicle Deal for Domestic WhAP Amidst India-Canada Diplomatic Row
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have cast a shadow over the Indian Army's proposed acquisition of Stryker armored vehicles, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada (GDLS-C). While initial talks between India and the US suggested a potential deal for the Canadian-made vehicles, with the possibility of co-production under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, the escalating diplomatic row has put the brakes on the procurement process. ad Sources indicate...
India Should Procure Rafale Jets in Phases, Not in Bulk under MRFA due to Rapid Change in Fighter Jet Tech: Former Air Marshal
Former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Anil Khosla, has recommended a phased approach to procuring Rafale fighter jets, rather than a bulk purchase under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This advice, given during a recent podcast appearance, echoes earlier suggestions by former Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. ad The core of Khosla's argument lies in the rapid advancement of...
F-35 Not a Viable 5th Gen Jet Option for India Due to Complex Supply Chain and Order Backlog, Says Former Air Marshal
Former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal Anil Khosla, has voiced significant concerns regarding the suitability of the F-35 fighter jet for India's defence needs. In a recent interview on The Gaurav Arya Podcast, Khosla cited the aircraft's complex international supply chain and extensive order backlog as major obstacles to its integration into the IAF. ad Khosla highlighted the F-35's reliance on components sourced from multiple countries, creating...
India Explores Creation of National Aerospace Testing Establishment (NATE) to Streamline Military Aviation Development
New Delhi - The Indian Ministry of Defence is considering a proposal to establish a National Aerospace Testing Establishment (NATE) to centralize and streamline the testing and evaluation of military aircraft, helicopters, drones, and airborne weapons. This move aims to enhance efficiency, reduce delays in project timelines, and foster greater collaboration between the armed forces, research organizations like the DRDO, defense public sector undertakings (PSUs) like HAL, and the burgeoning...
India Emerges as Major US Arms Buyer with $15 Billion Spent in Last 7 Years
India has solidified its position as a significant purchaser of US military equipment, having acquired nearly $15 billion worth of arms in the past seven years, according to data compiled by Forum Arms Trade from Foreign Military Sales (FMS) notifications. This surge in arms purchases underscores India's ongoing efforts to modernize its military and bolster its strategic capabilities amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. ad A recent analysis reveals that the Biden and Trump administrations...
Indian Engineers to Gain Crucial Drone Tech Experience with Partial Assembly of 21 MQ-9B Predators Domestically
India's recent agreement with the United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones signifies a major advancement in the country's defence capabilities. Beyond the immediate military benefits, this deal carries significant implications for India's burgeoning domestic defence industry. As part of the agreement, 21 of the 31 drones will be partially assembled in India using kits provided by General Atomics, the American manufacturer. This strategic move aims to facilitate technology transfer...
Safran Expands India Presence in Strategic Move to Secure AMCA Engine Contract and Tap India's Engineering Talent
French aerospace and defence giant Safran is strengthening its presence in India, a move widely seen as a strategic effort to secure the coveted contract to power India's ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This expansion also allows Safran to leverage India's growing pool of engineering talent. Safran Data Systems, a subsidiary of Safran, recently inaugurated a new office in Chennai. This facility will serve as a hub for design...
How India Finally Secured MQ-9B Drone Deal After Nearly a Decade of Negotiations Full of Twists & Turns
India's acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, a deal valued at USD 3.99 billion, marks the culmination of nearly a decade of complex negotiations and shifting priorities. The journey to secure these advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) began in 2015, driven by the Indian Navy's need for persistent surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in light of China's growing naval presence. Initially, India sought High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones...
Why India Needs An Independent Coast Guard from Navy Amidst Quad Coast Guard Initiative to Counter China
The recent Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, USA, has brought a new dimension to regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Aimed at countering China's growing assertiveness in the region, the Quad nations – the USA, India, Japan, and Australia – announced a landmark initiative: the first-ever joint Coast Guard mission at sea. This move signals a shift towards a more collaborative approach to maritime security, with Coast Guards taking a leading role. The planned "Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer...
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