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DRDO Commences TARA Precision-Guided Bomb's Captive Trials on IAF Jaguar, Enhancing Deep-Strike Potential Beyond Enemy Air Defence Reach
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the nation's primary agency for military research and development, has initiated a crucial phase in strengthening the country's aerial strike capabilities. Captive flight trials for the indigenously developed Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) precision-guided bomb have begun, utilizing the Indian Air Force's (IAF) dependable Jaguar strike aircraft. This development signifies a major step towards providing the IAF with a...
Despite Vast Coastline and IOR Duties, India's 13 Destroyers Critically Lag Behind China's 50 and Japan's 42, Urgent Call for Accelerated Project-18
Destroyers, known for their speed, agility, and powerful armaments, are crucial warships for protecting naval fleets and projecting maritime power. However, a current assessment of global naval strengths reveals a significant challenge for India. As of late March 2025, India operates 13 destroyers, placing it numerically far behind the United States (81), China (50), and Japan (42), and tying it with South Korea (13). ad The Indian Navy's destroyer force comprises four classes: the modern...
Indigenous LCH Prachand Showcased Directing Warrior Loyal Wingman Drones, Hinting at MUM-T Capabilities for India's Helicopter Fleet
A recently released computer-generated video has sparked considerable interest within India's defence circles, offering a glimpse into the potential future of aerial warfare integration. Shared on March 28 by Harsh Vardhan Thakur, the Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the imagery depicts India's indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand operating in coordination with HAL's Warrior Loyal Wingman unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This visualization suggests a...
How IAF's Upgraded Su-30MKI with Virupaksha Radar and Astra MkIII 'Gandiva' Poised to Outmatch Pakistan's Potential J-35A Jets
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is confident that its upcoming upgrades to the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet will provide a decisive edge over potential acquisitions by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), specifically the Chinese J-35A stealth aircraft, according to a recent statement by an IAF official. The official suggested that while the J-35A incorporates design elements to reduce visibility to radar, it may not possess the true all-aspect stealth capabilities required to effectively...
Parliamentary Committee Slams HAL's Systemic Inefficiencies Fueling Tejas Delays and Dhruv Groundings, Jeopardizing National Defence Readiness
India's state-owned aerospace manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), faced sharp criticism from the parliamentary committee on public undertakings this past Thursday, March 27. The committee delivered a critical report highlighting significant operational shortcomings at HAL, particularly concerning delays in the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program and the recent grounding of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet. These issues, the report suggests, stem from...
Why India Sidelined HF-24 Marut Upgrade for Jaguar? A Pattern of Undervaluing Indigenous R&D over Quick Imports
The history of Indian military aviation includes the significant chapter of the HF-24 Marut, the nation's first domestically designed and built jet fighter. However, its journey was cut short when the decision was made to acquire the British-French SEPECAT Jaguar strike aircraft instead of pursuing upgrades for the Marut. Recent reflections, including accounts from pilots who flew both aircraft, suggest that the imported Jaguar may have been less suited than the Marut for certain key...
IAF Seeks F-22 Like Supercruise Capability for AMCA's New Engine, Demanding Sustained Mach 1.3 Speed Without Afterburners
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has set specific and ambitious requirements for a new engine being developed for India's future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), tasked with this crucial development, must engineer an engine capable of achieving "supercruise" – sustained supersonic flight without engaging fuel-intensive afterburners. The IAF mandates this capability at a speed of Mach 1.3 (approximately 1,600 km/h) at an altitude of 12...
Will India Weigh GCAP Partnership, Seeking Engine Synergy for AMCA to Counter China's Accelerating 6th-Gen Fighter Advancements?
The rapid advancements in sixth-generation fighter aircraft development by nations like China and the United States are prompting strategic recalculations globally. Within India's defence circles, a significant debate is emerging regarding potential participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), spearheaded by the UK, Italy, and Japan. A key consideration is whether aligning the engine technology for India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) with the GCAP could...
Russia Offers F-22 Style Stealth Flat Nozzle Co-development for India's AMCA, Contingent on Selecting its 5th-Gen Izdeliye 177S Engine
In a potentially pivotal move for India's futuristic fighter jet program, Russia has proposed a joint effort to develop an advanced flat engine nozzle for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This offer, however, is conditional upon India selecting Russia's new Izdeliye 177S engine to power the aircraft. The proposal, stemming from talks initiated during the Aero India 2025 exposition and continuing through subsequent negotiations, highlights Russia's keen interest in deepening its...
HAL Seeks Global Expertise Through Urgent RFQ to Address Critical Internal Noise Issues Discovered in LUH Prototypes
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's leading aerospace and defence company, has issued an urgent Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeking international expertise to tackle unexpected internal noise levels discovered in its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) prototypes. The RFQ, published in late March 2025 by HAL's Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre (RWR&DC) in Bangalore, invites bids for consultancy services focused on noise reduction within the helicopter. With a tight submission...
GE Commits to Delivering 11 More F404 Engines to HAL in 2025, 20 Annually After That, Stabilizing Production for IAF's Tejas Mk1A
GE Aerospace has initiated a significant step in supporting India's indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme by beginning deliveries of the F404-IN20 engines. The first engine was formally handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 25, 2025. Underscoring its commitment, the US-based company plans to supply an additional 11 engines by the close of 2025. This steady supply aims to ensure uninterrupted production of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jets at HAL, marking a...
Experts Question HAL's HLFT-42 Relevance for Fighter Trainer Needs, Advocating for A Stealth LIFT Leveraging AMCA and Tejas Mk2 Techs
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's state-owned aerospace and defence company, has unveiled a concept for a new supersonic trainer aircraft, the Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42). This proposed aircraft draws design inspiration from the HAL HF-24 Marut, India's first indigenously developed jet fighter which first flew in the 1960s. While HAL intends the HLFT-42 to honour India's aviation heritage and meet the Indian Air Force's (IAF) requirement for modern training jets...
After ATAGS, Kalyani Group's Bharat-52 Emerges as Potential Frontrunner in Indian Army's 400 Towed Gun (TGS) Tender worth ₹6,500 Cr
The Indian Army is moving forward with a significant procurement process for 400 new 155mm/52 caliber Towed Gun Systems (TGS), valued at approximately ₹6,500 crore. This tender is part of a larger plan to eventually acquire nearly 1,500 such units under the Army's Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan (FARP). Amidst intense competition from major Indian defence manufacturers, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), part of the Kalyani Group, is reportedly gaining an edge with its Bharat-52...
IAF Secures MoD Approval for Crucial Lease of One French Airbus A330 MRTT Amidst Ageing Ilyushin Il-78 Fleet's Serviceability Crisis
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to lease a single Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft from the French Air and Space Force. This arrangement, set for a duration of three years, is intended to supplement the IAF's current aerial refuelling capabilities, which are under strain due to issues with its existing tanker fleet, while also allowing personnel to gain experience with the modern A330 MRTT. ad While the lease marks a...
IAF Plans Major Indigenous Upgrades for Su-30 MKI Fleet in 2025-26, Focus on Avionics, Long-Range Weapon Systems, and EW Capabilities
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to embark on a significant modernization program for its Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, the backbone of its combat fleet, beginning in the financial year 2025-26. A recent report presented to Parliament by the Standing Committee on Defence outlines plans to integrate domestically developed avionics, advanced weaponry, and electronic warfare (EW) systems onto these aircraft. This initiative aims to sharpen the IAF's operational capabilities while...
HAL Increases Tejas Mk1 FOC Contract with IAF to Rs 6,542.20 Cr, Citing Production Hurdles and Delivery Delays
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's state-owned aerospace and defence company, has formally adjusted the value of its contract with the Indian Air Force (IAF) concerning the supply of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 jets in their Final Operational Clearance (FOC) configuration. Originally valued at Rs 5,989.39 crore when signed in December 2010, the contract amount has been increased to Rs 6,542.20 crore primarily due to alterations in the delivery timeline. ad In an official...
HAL Rolls Out 7th Tejas Mk1A LA-5039
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) marked a significant advancement in India's indigenous military aviation capabilities with the official rollout of the seventh Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A variant on March 25, 2025. The aircraft, identified by the serial number LA-5039, represents the latest addition to the enhanced Mk1A series being produced for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This rollout occurred just over twelve months after the maiden flight of the first Tejas Mk1A (serial...
Defence Ministry Signs ₹2,500 Cr Contracts for Anti-Tank Nag Missiles and Light Vehicles
The Indian Ministry of Defence has finalized significant contracts totalling ₹2,500 crore aimed at strengthening the nation's military capabilities. Announced on Thursday, these agreements involve the procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS), a sophisticated anti-tank weapon, and numerous light vehicles for the armed forces. ad A major part of this initiative is a ₹1,801-crore contract awarded to Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL) for the supply of NAMIS. This deal facilitates the...
First Tejas Mk2 Fighter Jet Assembly Surpasses 60%, HAL Intensifies Final Stage Integration of Critical Systems for Oct 2025 Rollout
Significant progress is being made on India's indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter jet program, with assembly of the first aircraft now reportedly exceeding 60 percent completion. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace and defence company manufacturing the aircraft, is pushing forward to meet a target rollout date by the end of October 2025. This development represents a crucial step in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) initiative, aimed at providing the Indian Air Force (IAF)...
HAL Initiates Search for Engine to Power New HLFT-42 Supersonic Trainer, 95-100 kN Thrust and 6,000 Hours Technical Life Key Requirements
State-owned aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially launched its search for a suitable jet engine to power its developmental supersonic trainer, the Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42). HAL issued a Request for Information (RFI) on March 17, 2025, outlining the core requirements for the powerplant. The document specifies the need for an engine capable of producing a maximum thrust between 95 and 100 kilonewtons (kN) and possessing a...
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