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As India continues its comprehensive military modernization efforts, the American-made Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II has re-emerged in strategic conversations as a potential candidate for the Indian Air Force (IAF). While no official proposal has been made, defence analysts suggest that any potential acquisition would be contingent on India securing a highly customized version of the stealth fighter, rather than an off-the-shelf export model. The success of such a deal would depend on...

India's long-standing ambition for self-reliance in critical aerospace technology is advancing, as the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is in the final stages of completing a new jet engine testing facility. Located in Rajanukunte near Bengaluru, this advanced site is designed to support the development of crucial indigenous military power plants. ad The facility, which began construction in September 2023, is a 130-kilonewton (kN) Twin Engine Test Bed. Officials project that with...

In a significant development for India's indigenous military aviation sector, a powerful new jet engine being co-developed for the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is now expected to power the Indian Navy's future carrier-based fighter jet. The alignment offers a unified, high-performance propulsion solution for the next generation of fighters for both the Indian Air Force and the Navy. The engine, which will produce 120 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust, is the focus of a...

A landmark defence collaboration between India and Israel is facing uncertainty amid allegations that Israel is independently marketing a jointly developed missile system, potentially excluding key technologies contributed by India. The system in question, known as Barak-8 or the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM), was created through a partnership between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), marking a high point in...

A debate over the future of India's air combat strategy has emerged following recent remarks by Dr. Kota Harinarayana, the celebrated chief designer of the LCA Tejas aircraft. He suggested that India possesses the technological capability to develop a sixth-generation unmanned fighter based on a "flying wing" design, similar to the prototype tested under the Ghatak UCAV program. This concept, notable for its complete lack of a conventional tail, offers exceptional stealth characteristics...

The Indian Army is advancing its aviation modernisation plans with the proposed procurement of 126 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) from the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This significant acquisition, which has now entered the final stage of cost negotiations, is set to replace the military's decades-old Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, marking a major boost for the Army Aviation Corps' capabilities in high-altitude environments. ad The HAL LUH is a new-generation...

In a significant advancement for India's indigenous military aviation sector, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has successfully delivered the first set of wings for the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). This achievement marks a major milestone, demonstrating the increasing role of private industry in strengthening the nation's aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities. The delivery is crucial for accelerating the production of the advanced fighter jet for the Indian Air Force (IAF). ad...

In a significant move to bolster India's aerial combat capabilities and advance its self-reliance goals, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are set to finalise a major contract for an additional 97 Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft. The agreement, valued at an estimated ₹67,000 crore (approximately $8 billion), is expected to be signed by the end of 2025. This new order will supplement an existing 2021 contract for 83 aircraft, which included 73 Tejas Mk1A...

The Indian Navy's plan to procure eight Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Navy Trainer jets is facing significant delays as the service insists on the successful completion of extensive trials before finalising the acquisition. These indigenous aircraft are considered essential for establishing a robust, in-house training programme for pilots learning to operate from the decks of India's aircraft carriers. ad The proposed acquisition aims to form at least two squadrons of the naval trainers...

India's indigenous long-range air defence system, known as Project Kusha, is making significant progress with the finalisation of two highly specialised canister designs for its missile launchers. According to recently revealed tender documents, these advanced canisters are engineered to house three different types of interceptor missiles, enhancing the system's operational flexibility and durability. This development marks a crucial step in India's ambition to create a homegrown air...

India's long-standing effort to develop an indigenous jet engine has received a major boost, as the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has reportedly secured new government funding. This financial injection is aimed at completing the final certification stages for the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), with a target to have it flight-certified by 2026 for its intended role as the powerplant for the upcoming Ghatak stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). To achieve this critical...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly in the final stages of defining the framework for its long-awaited procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), a critical step that could soon set the massive acquisition project in motion. Defence sources indicate that once this "Execution Model" is approved, the tender, valued at over $20 billion, will be formally advanced, aiming to bolster the nation's air power through a major 'Make in India' initiative. ad The urgency for this...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to acquire two to three squadrons of fifth-generation fighter jets from foreign sources to strengthen its combat capabilities until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project becomes operational. A fighter squadron typically consists of 18 to 20 jets. The IAF recently made a detailed presentation to the government outlining its future requirements for maintaining an edge over adversaries, defence sources told ANI. They said the IAF...

In a major development for India's indigenous defence capabilities, private sector giants Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have emerged as the frontrunners to lead the manufacturing of the nation's futuristic fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Their strong positioning highlights a strategic shift towards greater private industry participation in flagship military projects. The AMCA programme, which recently received...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recommended the urgent acquisition of approximately 60 fifth-generation fighter aircraft to counter growing and advanced aerial threats from China and Pakistan. According to senior officials, this proposed procurement of at least three squadrons is considered a critical interim measure to ensure India maintains a combat edge in the region. ad This move comes as India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is reportedly considering offers for two of the world's leading...

In a major enhancement to its armoured warfare capabilities, the Indian Army is set to equip its new, indigenously developed Zorawar light tank with Israel's globally acclaimed Trophy Active Protection System (APS). This advanced defensive shield will be installed on the initial batch of 59 tanks, which are scheduled to begin army trials in 2025. The move signals India's strategy to rapidly deploy combat-ready technology to address immediate security challenges, even as its own domestic...

India's withdrawal from a landmark joint venture with Russia to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet represented a major shift in its military aviation strategy. The project, known as the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) or Perspective Multi-role Fighter (PMF), was an ambitious collaboration between India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's Sukhoi Design Bureau. While the program has been shelved by New Delhi, ongoing discussions about India's air power...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is navigating a critical period of modernisation, facing the urgent task of replacing its ageing fleets of Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 fighter jets. To maintain its combat edge, a growing consensus suggests that the current commitment to procure 120 indigenous Tejas Mk2 aircraft may be insufficient, with compelling strategic arguments favouring an expanded order of at least 200 units. ad A primary concern for the IAF is its declining number of fighter...

In a significant move to strengthen India's indigenous military manufacturing, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited has joined the competition for a major Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract. The company, an arm of the industrial explosives giant Solar Industries, is vying to produce 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones for the Indian Armed Forces, a project valued at approximately ₹20,000 crore. This development highlights the growing capabilities of India's private sector in...

Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer has presented a strategic proposal to the Indian Air Force (IAF), suggesting its C-390M Millennium aircraft as a common platform for both its future Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and its next-generation Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) requirements. This offer provides a potential solution to the significant hurdles the IAF faces in acquiring additional ERJ-145 jets for its Netra Mk1A surveillance program, as the aircraft has been out of...