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A former Indian Air Force (IAF) navigator with experience on IL-76 transport aircraft has voiced concerns over the IAF's decision to combine the tenders for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and the replacement of the aging IL-76 heavy transport fleet. This approach, he argues, risks creating a significant gap in the IAF's cargo-carrying capabilities. ad The IL-76 has been a cornerstone of the IAF's heavy lift capacity, capable of transporting large payloads over long distances. In contrast...

Russia is making a renewed push for its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-75 "Checkmate," hoping to attract international customers, particularly India. Recent updates to the aircraft, including an increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 26 tons and a planned upgrade to the AL-51FI engine, aim to make it a more competitive offering. However, despite these improvements, the Su-75 faces an uphill battle in the Indian market, where the indigenously developed Advanced Medium Combat...

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is poised to receive a significant order for 100 more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers from the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD). This follows the successful delivery of an initial 100 units in 2021, a project valued at ₹4,500 crore that showcased India's growing indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The K-9 Vajra, a collaborative effort between L&T and South Korean defense firm Hanwha Defense, has proven its effectiveness within the Indian Army. This...

The Indian Army's next-generation main battle tank (MBT), developed under the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, will be officially known as "Ranjeet." The name, steeped in history, honors Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a legendary Sikh ruler renowned for his military acumen and staunch defence of sovereignty. This choice reflects the tank's intended role in bolstering India's defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a key goal of the Atmanirbhar Bharat...

In the hotly contested race to supply India's Air Force with 114 new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Saab has presented a compelling offer: the Gripen E fighter jet equipped with the capability to carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) simultaneously. This, Saab asserts, will provide the IAF with a decisive tactical advantage in aerial combat. ad The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is considered one of the most advanced BVRAAMs currently available...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is rapidly expanding its fleet of indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) with plans to procure 66 more units of the HAL-developed Prachand, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. This announcement comes on the heels of the successful induction and operationalization of the first ten Prachand helicopters, which have already demonstrated their capabilities in various operational scenarios, including the recent international exercise Tarang Shakti. ad During...

The 5.56mm Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC), developed in India for close-quarters combat, has been praised by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel for its effectiveness and lightweight design. However, feedback suggests that the weapon's charging handle requires further refinement. ad Veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan recently reported on the experiences of CISF personnel using the JVPC, which was procured in 2019. While the carbine has been generally...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is pushing forward with the development of its Dual Band Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH) platform, issuing two Requests for Information (RFI) for advanced radar systems. These RFIs seek to equip two DBMRH variants with specialized radar capabilities: an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar for the DBMRH-AEW and a Surveillance radar for the DBMRH-S Special Operations variant. ad The first RFI targets an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar system for the...

In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Russia continues to be a favored defence partner for India, largely due to its willingness to share advanced military technology and support local production. Unlike many Western nations, particularly those in NATO, who often prioritize the sale of finished defence products, Russia has actively pursued joint development and technology transfer agreements with India. This approach has been crucial in supporting India's drive for...

India's indigenously developed Light Battle Tank (LBT), named "Zorawar", is gearing up for extensive Army trials in 2025. This marks a crucial step in India's modernization of its armored forces, specifically for deployments in challenging high-altitude regions like Ladakh. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the Zorawar represents a significant stride towards India's self-reliance in defence technology. ad...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reactivating its Nashik plant to fulfill a $1.3 billion order for 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets. This move comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to replenish its fleet and strengthen domestic aircraft production. The Nashik facility, once a dedicated Su-30MKI production site, will now play a crucial role in delivering these essential aircraft, bolstering India's air capabilities. ad Beyond this immediate order, HAL is proposing an ambitious plan to the...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is aiming to procure over 200 Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in the long term, offering a significant incentive to private sector companies to join the ambitious indigenous stealth fighter program. This commitment was highlighted during a recent supplier meeting organized by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), where IAF officials emphasized both domestic requirements and potential export opportunities. ad The ADA recently issued an Expression of...

India achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology with the successful test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) yesterday. This test was particularly noteworthy as it featured the indigenously developed Manik engine, marking a breakthrough for domestic missile propulsion systems. ad The Manik engine, a product of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a...

A leading defence expert has called upon the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to accelerate the development of the indigenous Kaveri engine, suggesting its integration into future Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This call to action comes in light of ongoing delays in the supply of F404 engines from GE Aerospace, highlighting India's vulnerability to disruptions in the global supply chain. ad The expert emphasized the urgent need for a reliable domestic engine solution to avoid setbacks in India's...

India's pursuit of long-range strategic bombers has led to discussions about potentially acquiring the Russian-made Tupolev Tu-160 "Blackjack." While the Tu-160 boasts impressive capabilities with its supersonic speed, vast payload capacity, and long range, the acquisition and operation of this formidable bomber come with a hefty price tag. ad Acquiring a single Tu-160 could cost India an estimated $270 million to $300 million, based on previous procurement data and adjusted for inflation...

India faces a potential delay in the delivery of the remaining two S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, a critical component of its national security strategy. Originally slated for delivery in 2025, the fourth and fifth S-400 squadrons are now expected to arrive in early and mid-2026 respectively, according to recent reports. This delay, attributed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, has prompted the Indian Air Force (IAF) to explore alternative solutions to ensure continued...

India's air power is facing a critical juncture as the Indian Air Force (IAF) grapples with a dwindling number of fighter squadrons. Aviation historian and analyst Angad Singh, in a recent interview with ThePrint, warned that the IAF's squadron strength is projected to fall below 30 and could even dip to 28 soon if urgent measures are not taken. This decline would bring the IAF to its lowest force level since the post-1965 era, raising serious concerns about India's air defence...

India's advancements in unmanned naval technology have taken a significant leap forward with the Matangi Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), developed by Sagar Defence. This versatile vessel, designed for coastal defense and low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), recently completed a groundbreaking 1,500-kilometer autonomous journey from Mumbai to Thoothukudi. This feat, supported by the Indian Navy, highlights the Matangi's potential to revolutionize India's maritime security strategy...

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots are expressing admiration for the manufacturing quality and production scale of China's J-20 stealth fighter, urging India to learn from its neighbor's success in indigenous defence production. While acknowledging India's progress in indigenous defence development, experts are urging the nation to learn from China's long-term commitment and strategic investments in its aerospace sector. ad Retired IAF pilot Sameer Joshi, who flew Mirage-2000s, recently...

The Indian Navy's acquisition of the Akula-class nuclear attack submarine, INS Chakra III, has been delayed by three years and is now expected to join the fleet by 2028. Initially scheduled for delivery in 2025, the submarine's arrival has been pushed back due to challenges stemming from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. India and Russia signed a $3 billion deal in 2019 for the ten-year lease of the Akula-1 class submarine after two years of negotiations. This acquisition is crucial for...