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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expediting the purchase of a large quantity of Israeli-made 'Rampage' precision missiles, following their effective performance in recent cross-border strikes. Defence sources confirm that the successful use of these weapons during 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025 has spurred the move to bolster the nation's long-range strike capabilities through a fast-tracked acquisition process. ad The decision comes after the missiles, designated as HSLD-Mark 2 (High-Speed...

A potential collaboration between India and France to develop a new engine for the nation's future stealth fighter jet may prioritise production timelines over incorporating the most advanced, next-generation technology from the outset. The proposed engine, intended for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is expected to be co-developed by India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and French aerospace leader Safran. According to individuals familiar with the negotiations...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing for a significant expansion in the production of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, anticipating that the final order from the Indian Air Force (IAF) could surpass 200 aircraft. This development marks a major step forward in India's push for military modernization and self-reliance in the defence sector. ad The IAF is preparing to phase out its aging fleets of MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and Jaguar jets over the next decade. To fill this critical...

In a powerful address to the nation on Independence Day, August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a clear directive for India's scientific community and defence industry: to develop and build Indian jet engines for the nation's fighter aircraft. This call for technological self-reliance, part of the overarching Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, has sharply focused attention on a critical ongoing project—the Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25) program. Developed...

In a major strategic announcement during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Sudarshan Chakra Mission. This ambitious initiative aims to develop a multi-layered, indigenous system by 2035 that combines both offensive and defensive capabilities to secure India against emerging threats. Named after the legendary discus of Lord Krishna, which was known for its precision and unfailing return, the system is designed to be...

In a major development for India's indigenous military aviation program, the United States has given a firm commitment to ensure a regular and uninterrupted supply of GE Aerospace's F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. This assurance has resolved previous production bottlenecks and given the Indian government the confidence to approve the purchase of 97 additional aircraft. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), India’s top body for military procurement, cleared the order for...

A former head of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.), has stated his personal belief that India should have pursued the more advanced Tejas Mk2 fighter jet instead of the recently approved purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft. In a recent interview, he argued that the superior capabilities of the Mk2 are better suited for the nation's long-term security challenges. This perspective comes as the Ministry of Defence has formally approved the...

In a significant move to enhance the nation's air defence capabilities, India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, has officially approved the acquisition of six advanced Netra Mk2 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The project, valued at approximately ₹19,000 crore, will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a critical edge in airborne surveillance and battle management. The new systems will be integrated onto pre-owned Airbus A321...

In a major strategic proposal, Russia has offered to equip the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets with the advanced AL-41 engine, the same powerplant used in its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter. According to defence sources, the proposal includes licensed production of the engine in India, aiming to significantly enhance the capabilities of the IAF's primary combat aircraft. The plan suggests that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would manufacture the new...

In a major development for India's military aviation programme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has confirmed an upcoming collaboration with the French engine manufacturer Safran to jointly develop and produce a new jet engine. This engine is slated to power India's futuristic fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The revelation, made at the ET World Leaders Forum, marks a critical step forward in India’s long-standing goal of achieving self-reliance in...

India's Tejas Mk2 programme, a crucial step in modernising the nation's air power, is fundamentally linked to its choice of the American General Electric (GE) F414 engine. While discussions occasionally arise about alternative powerplants like the Eurojet EJ200 or the French Safran M88, experts indicate that switching engines at this stage would be a complex, costly, and time-consuming process that could severely delay the fighter jet's deployment. ad The Tejas Mk2 is being developed as a...

India's domestically developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A is emerging as a highly advanced asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Equipped with stealth characteristics, a state-of-the-art radar system, and long-range missiles, the aircraft is positioned to offer a significant tactical advantage over established fighters in the IAF's fleet, such as the French Mirage-2000 and the Russian-made Su-30MKI, particularly in beyond-visual-range combat. The Tejas Mk1A is engineered around...

The Indian Navy is actively evaluating advanced submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM) from European and Russian suppliers to equip its submarine fleet with a crucial long-range strike capability. This move comes as the indigenous SLCM program, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), faces a timeline that extends towards the end of the decade, creating a need for an interim, proven system. ad Recent reports indicate that European consortium MBDA has offered...

The Dassault Mirage-2000, a highly respected and proven combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF) since its induction in 1985, is facing an uncertain future. Despite its celebrated service history, including pivotal roles in the 1999 Kargil War and the 2019 Balakot airstrike, the fleet of around 50 aircraft, known as 'Vajra' in India, is not receiving the advanced weaponry being integrated onto other frontline jets, raising questions about its role in the nation's future air defence...

India is poised to significantly enhance its strategic defence capabilities with the upcoming induction of its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Aridhaman. The 7,000-tonne vessel is in the final phase of extensive sea trials and is anticipated to be formally commissioned into the Indian Navy by the end of 2025. The successful completion of these trials will mark a major step forward in strengthening India’s nuclear triad and ensuring a robust, sea-based nuclear...

In a major boost to India's military self-reliance, India and Russia have entered into a significant agreement to manufacture small aircraft piston engines on Indian soil. The deal, which was reportedly finalised in July 2025, is set to directly support the nation's rapidly expanding fleet of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions. While the specific engine models to be produced under this agreement have not been publicly disclosed, the partnership reinforces the...

India's domestically developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the 'Prachand', is slated for a significant capability enhancement that will expand its operational role from a ground-attack specialist to a versatile aerial platform designed to hunt and destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This strategic upgrade for the helicopter, which is being procured in large numbers for the Indian Army (90 units) and the Indian Air Force (66 units), aims to address new and evolving threats on the...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is undertaking a significant technological challenge by adapting its Pralay surface-to-surface ballistic missile to be launched from an aircraft. This ambitious project aims to integrate the five-ton, nine-meter-long missile with fighter jets like the Indian Air Force's Su-30 MKI, a move intended to greatly enhance the nation's tactical strike capabilities. If successful, India would join an exclusive group of nations with the...

A landmark engine technology deal between the United States and India, crucial for the nation's next generation of fighter jets, is facing uncertainty following cautionary remarks from a key adviser to US President Donald Trump. Peter Navarro's recent statements have ignited concern within India's defence establishment over the future of the General Electric (GE) F-414 engine agreement, a cornerstone for the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs. The controversy...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly evaluating the acquisition of Russia’s advanced R-37M Vympel long-range air-to-air missile. According to news agency reports, this move is a key part of India's strategy to significantly enhance its air combat capabilities and secure a decisive advantage over the air forces of neighbouring China and Pakistan. ad Known by its NATO designation AA-13 'Axehead', the R-37M is among the world's most capable long-range air-to-air missiles. It is...