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In a major boost for India's self-reliance in the aerospace sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a complete transfer of technology (ToT) for the Shakti 1H1 engines from Safran. This landmark achievement empowers HAL to take full control of the manufacturing process for these crucial engines that power a variety of Indian helicopters, including the ALH MKIII (Dhruv), MK IV (Rudra – WSI), and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter). ad The Shakti engine, a derivative of Safran's...

In a significant advancement for India's defence capabilities, Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) has unveiled a new Truck-Mounted Howitzer (TMH), leveraging their renowned Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This innovative artillery system enters the arena to compete directly with the Kalyani Group's MGS, both built upon the foundation of the ATAGS gun. The Tata TMH stands out due to its utilization of the Tata LPTA 3945 / 3138 8×8 Truck platform, ensuring remarkable mobility and...

GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are nearing finalization of a landmark deal for the transfer of technology (ToT) for the F-414 engine, set to be concluded later this year. This agreement will grant HAL access to nearly 80% of the ToT, facilitating local production of the engine in Bangalore. GE Aerospace has emphasized that this ToT package surpasses any previous agreement for the F-414 engine. Notably, South Korea, utilizing the same engine for its KF-21 fighter jet...

India's growing geopolitical ambitions necessitate a robust and versatile air transport capability for its Air Force. The aging Ilyushin IL-76 fleet, a cornerstone of India's strategic airlift since the 1980s, faces mounting challenges in terms of maintenance, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity. This underscores the urgent need for modernization. ad China's Xian Y-20A, with its advanced avionics, impressive payload capacity, and extended range, serves as a relevant benchmark. Its ability...

A retired Naval Aviation Commodore and former Chief Test Pilot for the LCA-Navy program, Jaideep Maolankar, has raised concerns about the slow progress of the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program and its impact on India's Second Aircraft Carrier (IAC2). Maolankar, in a post on X, questioned the government's plans for the IAC2 in the absence of a sanctioned TEDBF program, highlighting the fighter jet's crucial role in the carrier's capabilities. ad He criticized the government for...

As Brazil seeks to strengthen its air defence capabilities, the competition between India's Akash and China's Sky Dragon-50 missile systems has intensified. Both systems offer advanced technology and formidable defence capabilities, but several factors tip the scales in favor of India's Akash for the Brazilian contract. ad Firstly, Akash's proven operational history with the Indian armed forces sets it apart. While the Sky Dragon-50 boasts impressive specifications, it lacks the extensive...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to complete all trials for the advanced Astra Mk-2 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile by 2026, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) within the next two to three years. This significant development, confirmed by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, marks a major stride towards India's self-reliance in defence technology. The Astra Mk-2, with its...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is finally set to receive a much-needed boost to its fighter strength as the first of the 83 Tejas Mk 1A combat aircraft is scheduled for delivery by October-end. This comes as a relief to the force, which has been grappling with depleting fighter squadrons for several years. The Tejas Mk 1A project has faced several delays, with the initial delivery target of March 2024 being pushed back due to a combination of factors, including necessary software iterations and...

Brazil, a nation rich in uranium and possessing advanced nuclear technology, is actively seeking India's expertise and technical assistance in the development of nuclear-powered submarines. This strategic collaboration was highlighted during the recent visit of Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, to New Delhi. ad Admiral Olsen, in discussions with senior Indian Navy officials, emphasized Brazil's keen interest in working with India in the nuclear submarine...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to embark on an extensive testing schedule next month, aimed at propelling its missile program to new heights. The trials will encompass a diverse range of missile systems, encompassing both conventional and strategic weapons, further solidifying India's commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities. ad These tests hold significance beyond mere performance enhancement of existing systems. They are also poised to usher...

Jodhpur: In a move that will provide relief to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), American engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) has assured India of a revised delivery schedule for the crucial F404-IN20 engines that power the Tejas Mk1A aircraft. The new schedule, set to commence in November this year, aims to address the significant delays that have hampered the delivery of these advanced fighter jets. ad The commitment from GE comes after Defence...

Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has called for a significant ramp-up in the production of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft (LCA). This move aims to fulfill the air force's growing requirements and capitalize on potential export opportunities. Chaudhari suggested that the defense and aerospace industry could play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. ad "The issue is matching production capacity with our requirements," Chaudhari stated...

Dr. Devanahalli Krishnamurthy Sunil (DKS) has taken the helm at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), assuming the role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the state-owned aerospace behemoth, as it navigates challenges surrounding the delivery timeline of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet and the concurrent development of the Tejas MkII. ad Dr. Sunil's immediate focus will be on mitigating the delays in the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule and...

In a significant development signaling closer defence ties between India and Brazil, Brazil's Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, has expressed interest in India's Tejas fighter jets as a potential replacement for its aging F-5 fleet. This comes amidst India's consideration of the Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for its own air force, highlighting a potential reciprocal defence procurement arrangement between the two nations. ad Damasceno, during...

Brazilian aerospace giant, Embraer, is actively seeking to expand its supply chain footprint in India, recognizing the country's robust aviation and defense industry. Embraer's Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain, Roberto Chaves, highlighted the potential for Indian manufacturers to become key suppliers across Embraer's diverse portfolio, encompassing defense, commercial aviation, and executive jets. ad A high-level Embraer delegation recently concluded a visit...

Dassault Aviation, the prominent French aerospace manufacturer, has announced the resumption of new contract signings following a strategic reorganization of its production and supply chain. Among the anticipated agreements, a major deal with India for 26 Rafale M carrier-based fighters, estimated at Rs 50,000 crore, is nearing finalization. This procurement will establish the Indian Navy as the second operator of the Rafale M, following the French Navy. ad Dassault has outlined its...

In an effort to bolster its long-range unmanned surveillance capabilities, India is aiming to finalize a substantial Rs 32,000 crore deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States by October 31. The urgency stems from the impending expiration of the American proposal, which, if not signed by the deadline, would necessitate fresh proposals and paperwork, potentially causing significant delays. ad The Indian Navy is spearheading efforts to expedite the agreement, aiming to secure all...

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache helicopter, stranded in the challenging terrain of Ladakh since an emergency landing in April, has finally been recovered following a complex and arduous operation. The Boeing Apache, forced to land north of the towering Khardung La pass at an altitude of 12,000 feet, has been meticulously dismantled and is now being transported by road to Leh. ad The rescue mission, which spanned several months, showcased the IAF's unwavering resolve and technical expertise...

The annual India-U.S. bilateral Army exercise, "Yudh Abhyas 2024," kicked off at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan on September 9th. This year's exercise boasts an extensive range of military activities, including live-fire drills and various training exercises. Notably, the U.S. Army contingent participating in the exercise has brought Stryker infantry vehicles and, more significantly, the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). This deployment of HIMARS in India...

The allure of developing cutting-edge 6th generation fighter jets is undeniable. However, India should proceed with caution, considering the significant strategic and economic challenges such an endeavor presents. The United States Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program offers a sobering reality check. With an estimated cost of $300 million per unit, 6th generation jets represent an astronomical leap from the current generation of fighters. To put this in perspective, they...