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DRDO's 'Netra' AEW&C Program Nears Full Operational Status by Year End after 7 Years of Development
India's domestically developed Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C), known as NETRA, is close to achieving Final Operational Configuration (FOC) after nearly seven years of development and rigorous testing. This milestone, expected by the end of the year, will signify that the system is fully operational and ready to fulfill the Indian Air Force's (IAF) strategic surveillance and defense requirements. ad The NETRA program, spearheaded by the DRDO, received Initial Operational...
DRDO Unveils Algorithm-Driven Camouflage Tech to Make Assets Appear as Decoys, Successfully Tested on T-90 Tanks
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a breakthrough in military camouflage technology. The newly developed system uses a combination of special paint and algorithm-driven multi-spectral stickers to make military assets like tanks, artillery, and missile systems appear as decoys, effectively concealing them from enemy surveillance. ad This innovative technology allows military equipment to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, making it difficult for...
India to Export Retiring T-72 Tanks, But Experts Urge Caution Against Shell Companies and Rerouting to Ukraine War
The Indian Army is preparing to retire hundreds of its aging T-72 main battle tanks, opening up the possibility of exporting them to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. However, defence experts are urging caution, warning against the potential for these tanks to be acquired by shell companies and ultimately rerouted to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. ad India currently operates a fleet of approximately 2,500 T-72 tanks, some of which have been in service since the...
Russia Proposes PS-90 Engine Upgrade for India's Ageing Il-76 Transport Aircraft
In a bid to modernize India's aging fleet of Il-76MD transport aircraft, Russia has proposed an upgrade featuring its Aviadvigatel PS-90 engines. This offer comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing plans to overhaul and extend the service life of its 17 Il-76MDs, which currently rely on older Soloviev D-30KP-1 turbofans. ad The IAF's history with the Il-76 platform dates back to 1983, when the Indian government first approved the induction of the Il-76MD. Between 1983 and...
Why Indian Army Prioritizes Indigenous LCH "Prachand" for High-Altitude Deployment, While "Apaches" Head to Desert
The Indian Army is strategically deploying its attack helicopters, with the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) "Prachand" taking the lead in high-altitude regions, while the recently acquired Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardians are slated for desert operations. This decision comes as the delivery of the first three Apaches has been delayed to December 2024 due to supply chain issues, with the final delivery expected by early 2025. ad The Apaches, renowned for their anti-armor capabilities...
IAF's 42 Squadron Goal Remains Distant Due To Aging MiGs & Stalled Deals, Air Chief Calls for Accelerated LCA Production
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with a critical shortage of combat aircraft, with its squadron strength plummeting to its lowest point since 1965. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh addressed the issue at his annual press conference, acknowledging the severity of the situation and emphasizing the IAF's commitment to "fighting with whatever we have." ad The IAF's current strength stands at a concerning 31 squadrons, a significant drop from the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, a...
Indian Army Successfully Overhauls T-90 Bhishma Tank, Reducing Dependence on Foreign Support
In a significant stride towards self-reliance in defence technology, the Indian Army has successfully completed the comprehensive overhaul of a T-90 Bhishma tank at the 505 Army Base Workshop in Delhi Cantonment. The achievement was marked by a rollout ceremony attended by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, on Monday. This breakthrough, announced in a press release from the Indian Army, highlights the growing capabilities of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers...
IAF Fast-Tracks Procurement of 12 New AEW&C Aircraft with 4D AESA Radar and 360-Degree Coverage
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is moving swiftly to address its shortage of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a crucial component of modern aerial warfare. The IAF plans to procure 12 new AEW&C systems under two distinct programs, significantly enhancing its surveillance and command capabilities. ad One program involves acquiring six more Embraer-based AEW&C aircraft, similar to the three Netra systems already in service. These upgraded systems, designated Mk1A, will feature...
How IAF Possesses Edge in Mountain Warfare Against China Despite Lagging Behind in Tech and Numbers
The skies above the Himalayas have become a critical arena in the strategic competition between India and China. While both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) possess formidable capabilities, key differences in operational strengths and weaknesses give India a distinct edge in the challenging high-altitude environment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China's PLAAF has made significant strides in modernization, boasting a vast fleet of...
MRFA and Tejas MkII Programs are Most Critical for IAF to Ensure Full Combat Readiness, Asserts IAF Chief
In a press conference held friday, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, underscored the critical importance of both the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) and Tejas MkII programs for the Indian Air Force's modernization and combat readiness. He emphasized the need to maintain the timelines of both projects to avoid any detrimental impact on the IAF's operational capabilities. ad While expressing the IAF's commitment to the indigenous Tejas MkII, slated to begin production by...
Embraer Vows Consistent Parts Supply and 90%+ High Serviceability of C-390M if India Chooses it Under MTA Program
In a bid to secure a major contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF), Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer has made firm commitments regarding the operational readiness of its C-390M transport aircraft. The IAF is currently evaluating the C-390M as a potential contender for its Medium Tactical Transport (MTA) program, a deal that could see the acquisition of 60-80 aircraft. ad Embraer is emphasizing the high serviceability rate of the C-390M, a critical factor for the IAF. To ensure...
How DRDO Boosting Fire Rate of India's Next-Gen Tanks with Dual-Flow Automatic Loader
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is revolutionizing India's armored capabilities with the development of a cutting-edge dual-flow automatic loader for its next-generation main battle tank. This innovative system promises to significantly enhance the tank's firepower while prioritizing crew safety. ad The dual-flow automatic loader employs a unique two-conveyor system. The first conveyor, housed in the hull, carries 24 rounds of ammunition, while a second conveyor in...
IAF's Rafale Jet Now Capable of Shooting Down Chinese "Spy Balloons" Like US F-22 Raptor Did in 2023
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully demonstrated its capability to eliminate high-altitude surveillance balloons, similar to the one downed by a US F-22 Raptor in early 2023. This achievement places India among a select group of nations with the capacity to counter such threats. Sources reveal that a few months ago, an IAF Rafale fighter jet neutralized a balloon target over the Eastern Air Command's area of responsibility. The balloon, smaller than the one downed by the US, was...
Why MoD Rejected Uttam AESA Radar for Rafale M Jets Despite Having Integration Plans for MiG-29K and TEDBF
The Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has declined a proposal by the Indian Navy to equip its Rafale M fighter jets with the domestically developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR). This decision has ignited a debate within the defense community regarding the balance between cost, technological advancement, and strategic autonomy in India's military modernization efforts. ad The Navy had advocated for the Uttam radar to ensure commonality with its...
How Tata WhAP Win Over China's NORINCO Type 08 to Secure Morocco Royal Army's 150 Unit Contract
In a major win for India's burgeoning defence industry, Tata Motors has secured a contract with the Moroccan Royal Army for the production of 150 WhAP (Wheeled Armoured Platform) 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This deal marks a significant shift in the North African nation's defense procurement strategy, traditionally dominated by Chinese suppliers. The WhAP outperformed its main competitor, Chinese NORINCO Type 08 (also known as ZBL-08 or VN-1 in its export version), in a closely...
IAF Seeks "Jaguar Model" for MRFA Fighter Jet Tender, Prioritizing Autonomy in Upgrades and Weapon Integration
In a move that could redefine India's defence acquisition strategy, the new Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has indicated a preference for the "Jaguar model" in the upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This signifies a major shift towards self-reliance and could have significant implications for global aircraft manufacturers. ad The MRFA tender, seeking to procure 114 advanced fighter jets, is crucial for modernizing the IAF's combat...
Rafale a Strong Contender for India's MRFA Tender Due to IAF Familiarity, But US Govt Pressuring India to Choose F-16 Viper: French Media
The Indian Air Force's (IAF) quest for 114 new multi-role fighter aircraft under the Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program has intensified, with Dassault Aviation's Rafale and Lockheed Martin's F-16V Viper emerging as the key contenders. While the Rafale appears to be favored by the IAF, reports suggest the US government is actively lobbying India to select the American fighter jet. ad French online military portal Avions Legendaires suggests that the IAF's familiarity with the...
Why a Russian Su-57 Shot Down Its Own S-70 Okhotnik Stealth Wingman Drone: Friendly Fire Accident or Loss of Control?
In a potentially embarrassing incident for the Russian military, reports have emerged that a cutting-edge Russian S-70 Okhotnik (Hunter) stealth drone was downed on October 5, 2024, over the Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. While initial reports misidentified the aircraft as a Su-25 jet, analysis of the wreckage confirmed it to be the advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). ad The incident, first reported on Telegram channels, has sparked speculation about the...
How 3-4 Months of Grueling Trials During 2022 Helped Tata 8x8 WhAP Win Morocco Royal Army's 150 Unit Contract
In a major boost to India's defence industry, Tata Advanced Systems has secured a significant contract with the Royal Moroccan Army for 150 units of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP 8x8). This indigenously developed armored vehicle, a product of collaboration between Tata and DRDO, has proven its mettle in rigorous trials conducted in Morocco during 2022. ad The journey to this landmark deal began over a year ago when Tata Advanced Systems, at their own expense, shipped a WhAP 8x8...
Tejas MkII R&D Phase to Conclude by Dec 2027, with First Flight Next Year and Initial Unit Induction by 2028: IAF Chief Reaffirms
India's indigenous fighter jet program received a significant boost as Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), announced a firm timeline for the Tejas MkII. During a press briefing on Friday, the CAS confirmed that the Tejas MkII is scheduled for its inaugural flight next year, with the research and development phase concluding by December 2027. The Indian Air Force (IAF) anticipates inducting the first units of this advanced fighter jet by...
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