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The MiG-27, known as the 'Bahadur' in India, served a prominent but troubled role in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over three decades. Despite plans to extend its life and enhance its capabilities, including a proposal to re-engine the aircraft with the more powerful and reliable AL-31F, the IAF ultimately decided to retire the MiG-27 fleet prematurely. Operational Challenges and the AL-31F Proposal Inducted in the mid-1980s, the MiG-27 was envisioned as a powerful ground-attack aircraft...

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is reportedly working with Chinese partners to develop a significantly upgraded version of its JF-17 fighter jet, known as the JF-17 PFX. Recent reports suggest this new variant could be significantly larger than the current JF-17, with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) potentially comparable to India's Tejas MkII program, which is estimated at around 17.5 tons. ad This increase in size and weight would position the JF-17 PFX in a different weight class compared...

India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is charting a new course for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, opting for a dual public-private production model with two development-cum-production partners (DcPPs) - one public (most likely HAL) and one private. This move aims to ensure a competitive and resilient supply chain for India's first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Originally, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model was proposed, where state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics...

NEW DELHI: India is set to further enhance its naval capabilities and nuclear deterrence with the upcoming commissioning of its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman. This development follows closely on the heels of the formal induction of the second SSBN, INS Arighat, into the Strategic Forces Command at Visakhapatnam. INS Aridhaman, currently undergoing trials, is expected to be commissioned early next year. Slightly larger than its predecessors, INS...

The Electronics Corporation of India Limited's (ECIL) latest innovation, the ECAUV 500 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), is set to significantly enhance the Indian Navy's underwater surveillance capabilities. This advanced AUV, designed for a range of underwater tasks, offers a potent combination of endurance, depth rating, and adaptability, making it an invaluable asset for both military and scientific applications. ad Boosting Underwater Surveillance The ECAUV 500's impressive 20-hour...

State-run Chinese tabloid Global Times has issued a cautionary message to India, urging the responsible handling of its growing nuclear power following the recent induction of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arighat. The article referenced the insights of an anonymous Beijing-based military expert, who underscored that while India's nuclear deterrence capabilities have been bolstered with the addition of more SSBNs (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines), it is...

In a significant stride towards enhancing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, India's Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) has developed the Advanced Light Torpedo (ALWT), which is slated for integration with the P-8I maritime patrol aircraft. This move will notably augment India's aerial ASW prowess. ad The ALWT, a lightweight, dual-speed torpedo, has been designed for versatility, enabling deployment from ships, helicopters, and now fixed-wing aircraft like the...

In an era where warfare is becoming increasingly digital, the Indian Air Force's Tejas MkII program is placing a high priority on adaptable software, recognizing it as a key factor in maintaining the fighter jet's combat effectiveness and longevity. Unlike traditional software development for military aircraft, which often involves lengthy development and testing cycles, the Tejas MkII's software is designed for rapid adaptability. This allows the IAF to update and iterate functionalities...

India's air power capabilities are facing a critical challenge in the face of China's growing military might. According to senior journalist Vishnu Som, India needs to make significant investments to achieve parity with China or risk facing a precarious security situation. China's possession of nearly 300 J-20 stealth fighters underscores the urgency of India's situation. The acquisition of 50 additional Rafales, while a valuable addition, would not be sufficient to neutralize this threat...

In a significant leap for India's naval prowess, the first of the Project 17A (Alpha) stealth frigates, INS Nilgiri, has commenced its sea trials. This marks a major milestone in the modernization of the Indian Navy, as INS Nilgiri represents the most advanced frigate in its fleet. Designed as a derivative of the indigenous Shivalik class stealth frigates, the Nilgiri class boasts an array of cutting-edge technology. It is already equipped with MF-STAR radar, Terma Scanter radar, and...

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted India's plans to procure KA-31 helicopters from Russia for its new indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Despite discussions to purchase 10 KA-31 Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the proposed $520 million deal faces significant uncertainty. Sources indicate that sanctions imposed on Russia have complicated payment, even as India and Russia explore ways to circumvent them. Furthermore, there are concerns about Russia's ability to...

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), fresh from the successful delivery of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, has put forth an ambitious proposal to the Indian Navy. The shipyard believes it can construct a sister ship to INS Vikrant in a significantly reduced timeframe of just seven years. INS Vikrant's construction was a complex and lengthy process, spanning nearly 13 years from keel-laying to sea trials. CSL attributes its confidence in accelerating the construction of the...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is forging ahead with its unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) ambitions, expanding beyond its initial CATS Warrior "loyal wingman" concept. The state-owned aerospace giant is now developing the CATS Warrior II, a significantly larger UCAV designed for high-altitude, long-endurance combat missions. ad This near 5-ton behemoth will be a game-changer, boasting a substantial weapons payload of 400-500 kg. It's expected to be powered by the domestically...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to embark on a significant fleet modernization initiative, starting with the phased retirement of approximately 60 Jaguar aircraft equipped with the DARIN-II avionics suite by 2030-31. These aircraft, which have served the IAF since the late 1970s, will gradually be replaced by more advanced models as part of the force's ongoing modernization efforts. ad The retirement process is expected to begin in 2028, initially targeting older batches of Jaguars...

In a notable move, the Indian Army has recently opted for the indigenously developed ASMI submachine gun (SMG) over the globally recognized Israeli Uzi. This decision reflects India's growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, coupled with the ASMI's specific advantages over the Uzi. ad The ASMI, an acronym for "pride, self-respect, and hard work," is a 9x19mm caliber SMG designed in 2020 by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and Lt Col Prasad Bansod...

In a major stride towards technological self-reliance, the Indian Army today announced the successful transfer of technology for its indigenously developed "Xploder" UGV and "Agniastra" detonation system to private Indian firms. This landmark development, part of the Army's "Year of Tech Absorption," underscores its unwavering commitment to modernization and operational excellence. The ToT ceremony, graced by Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Rajasubramani, highlighted the strategic...

India is gearing up to achieve complete self-sufficiency in the manufacturing of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles by the end of 2025. This ambitious goal was revealed by Major-General Sudhir Kumar Sharma, the managing director of Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between India and Russia, in an interview with TASS. ad The production process in India is planned in five stages, each marked by an increased percentage of locally sourced components. Sharma expressed...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing the development and acquisition of affordable air-to-air missile systems to counter the increasing prevalence of low-cost aerial threats, including drones, loitering munitions, subsonic cruise missiles, and rockets. Recognizing the evolving tactics of modern warfare, the IAF acknowledges the financial and strategic limitations of using expensive surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) against these budget-friendly threats. Adversaries often utilize...

In a significant step towards bolstering India's self-reliance in defence technology, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced plans to integrate the indigenously developed Uttam AESA Fire Control Radar into the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets starting from 2026. This move marks a major milestone in India's journey towards equipping its frontline fighter aircraft with domestically produced cutting-edge radar systems. ad While orders for the Tejas Mk1A are anticipated later this year...

India's ambitious Tejas Mk1A program is facing potential setbacks due to the ongoing delays in the supply of F404 engines from GE Aerospace. These delays, stemming from supply chain constraints, are predicted to push back the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by 10-12 months. ad A critical concern lies in the lack of a readily available alternative engine for the Tejas Mk1A. The aircraft was specifically designed around the F404 engine, and other options are either not feasible or...