India is making a significant change in its naval strategy, prioritizing the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) over the acquisition of more aircraft carriers.
This shift, confirmed by reports that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has paused plans for a third aircraft carrier, underscores a focus on bolstering undersea warfare capabilities.
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Experts, including Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, a Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), view this decision...
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The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is facing a significant operational challenge as a large portion of its fighter jet fleet approaches retirement age. The PAF is under pressure to modernize its capabilities while facing the impending obsolescence of many of its aircraft, in order to maintain readiness against evolving regional threats.
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A considerable number of the PAF's aircraft are reaching the end of their operational lifespan. The force currently operates over 150 French-made Mirage III/V...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is undertaking a significant redesign of its proposed Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42), incorporating feedback from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and expanding its potential roles beyond advanced pilot training.
The aircraft, initially presented at Aero India 2023, is now envisioned as a versatile platform capable of serving as a light combat aircraft and a command center for unmanned aerial systems.
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The HLFT-42, a next-generation supersonic...
India's domestically developed UTTAM radar has demonstrated a significant capability by successfully tracking a Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) at a range of 140 kilometers.
The test, conducted at Aero India 2025, showcases the radar's potential to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) air combat capabilities. The UTTAM radar was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
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The successful tracking of the Tejas Mk-1, a relatively small...
The Indian Navy has strengthened its underwater warfare capabilities by ordering Kalibr-PL anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles are designed to significantly enhance the firepower of the Navy's Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) submarine fleet, improving India's maritime deterrence, especially within the crucial Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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The Kalibr-PL, specifically the 3M-14K variant, is engineered for launch from submarines. This is distinct from the 3M-14T Kalibr-NK, a land-attack...
The potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet by India has raised significant questions about the nation's long-term strategic autonomy.
Unlike other fighter aircraft options, the F-35 is deeply integrated into a US-controlled operational and logistical network, prompting concerns that purchasing the jet could significantly limit India's independent military capabilities.
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The F-35 is not designed to be a standalone platform. Its operation relies heavily...
A new, indigenously developed radar system is vying to become a key component of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet upgrade program.
DATA Patterns, a prominent Indian defence electronics firm, showcased its "Hawk I 2700" X-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar at the recent Aero India 2025 exhibition.
Company representatives stated that the Hawk I 2700 is not a modified version of the existing "Virupaksha" AESA radar, but rather a direct competitor...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to propose the purchase of fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft to the government, according to a senior government official.
This move is primarily in response to a changing security landscape in the region, where neighboring countries are quickly improving their air forces.
Acquiring such advanced aircraft is considered crucial for India to maintain its air dominance and address emerging threats, especially from China and its increasing military...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is at a critical juncture in its modernization efforts, seeking to replace its aging aircraft in response to evolving regional security challenges and advancements in military technology.
India's strategy involves a combination of domestic development and international collaborations, leading to several potential scenarios for acquiring new fighter jets.
These scenarios primarily focus on the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, aiming to procure 114 new...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is setting its sights on the international defense market with "Yashas," a significantly upgraded and weaponized version of its Intermediate Jet Trainer-36 (IJT-36).
Formerly known as the HJT-36 "Sitara," the redesigned aircraft was unveiled at the Aero India 2025 show, held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 10-14. The airshow serves as a major event for demonstrating India's progress in the aerospace and defense sectors.
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A leading Pakistani defense analyst has cautioned that India's potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet could present significant logistical and financial difficulties, mirroring some of the challenges Pakistan has faced with its F-16 fleet.
Retired Air Commodore Zia Ul Haque Shamsi, in comments to regional media, suggested the F-35 could become a costly burden for the Indian Air Force (IAF) due to high operational costs and ongoing availability concerns...
India's domestically-produced Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is set to undergo a crucial test within the next 15 days, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirmed. The test will involve firing the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) while utilizing the aircraft's new, advanced radar system.This confirmation was made by HAL Chairman, D.K. Sunil, on February 18, 2025.
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The upcoming test represents a vital step towards full certification and operational deployment of the Tejas...
India is reviewing a significant proposal from Russia for the domestic production of the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This potential agreement could reshape the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries.
Dmitry Shugaev, Director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), revealed this development at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The proposal falls under India's "Make in...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is undertaking a significant initiative to increase the production rate of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, aiming for an ambitious 30 aircraft per year by 2027.
In a statement released on February 18, 2025, HAL Chairman DK Sunil said that the company is engaging private sector firms to provide fully assembled fuselages, complete with internal components, to streamline the final assembly process.
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To achieve this increased production rate, HAL is...
India is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring a limited number of F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft from the United States as a temporary measure to address potential capability gaps while its domestic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program matures.
The acquisition, if pursued, is expected to mirror the government-to-government (G2G) framework employed in the 2016 purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France.
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Sources indicate that any potential F-35...
India's ongoing efforts to modernize its Air Force (IAF) have brought two advanced fighter jets into focus: the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Dassault Rafale F4.
A detailed cost analysis, considering both acquisition and 40-year life cycle costs (LCC), reveals a significant financial disparity between the two platforms if India were to procure 110 units of either aircraft.
Life cycle costs provide a holistic view of the long-term financial implications, encompassing not only...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is taking proactive steps to prepare for a potential order of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF), officials said at the Aero India 2025 exhibition, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.
The state-owned aerospace and defence company has initiated discussions with its supply chain partners to expedite the procurement of necessary materials and equipment. This forward-looking approach is intended to ensure a...
The Indian Navy's ambitious project to develop a next-generation, carrier-borne fighter jet, the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), is making significant progress.
An official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) confirmed that the program is on schedule to achieve its Critical Design Review (CDR) by 2026. This information was shared during the Aero India 2025 exhibition, which took place from February 10-14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station.
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The TEDBF is envisioned as an...
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has announced that India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will undergo a further critical design review (CDR) following the results of recent stress and load testing.
This development was revealed by an ADA project official during Aero India 2025, held from February 10-14, where a full-scale model of the fifth-generation fighter jet was a key attraction.
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Initial stress and load tests, conducted using the finite element method (FEM), a...
Former Indian Army Chief, General MM Naravane (Retd), has offered a critical perspective on the progress of India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.
In a recent commentary, Gen. Naravane highlighted the project's protracted design phase and suggested that the fighter jet may not achieve full operational status until 2035-2040, a decade or more from now.
He drew a parallel with the F-35 program, which required 16 years from initial concept to operational deployment...
