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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has quietly shelved its proposal to procure six additional C-130J Super Hercules aircraft through a direct foreign military sale, marking a significant pivot in its procurement strategy. Instead of expanding its existing fleet of 12 tactical airlifters via a standalone deal, the service has decided to consolidate its requirements under the upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender. This massive programme, estimated to be worth over $5 billion, envisages the...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reportedly reached a critical decision point regarding its future fighter fleet. Following a series of strategic reviews throughout 2025, the requirement for the Tejas Mk2—a medium-weight fighter jet—has solidified well beyond initial estimates. While earlier projections suggested a procurement of around 120 aircraft, sources indicate that the IAF has now communicated a firm necessity for at least 220 to 250 airframes over the next decade and a half. Senior...

In a significant development for India’s defence exports, officials from the Hellenic Army General Staff met with representatives of the Tata Group on 12 December 2025 to discuss the potential induction of the WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicle. The primary focus of the meeting in Athens was to arrange a temporary deployment of the vehicle to Greece, enabling the Greek Army to conduct rigorous technical and operational trials. The proposed evaluation aims to test the Tata Wheeled Armoured Platform...

India and Russia have formally commenced diplomatic and technical consultations regarding the acquisition and domestic manufacturing of the R-37M very long-range air-to-air missile (VLR AAM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). These discussions mark a significant step towards bolstering the long-range interception capabilities of the IAF's frontline Su-30MKI fleet. According to defence sources, Moscow has proposed a comprehensive package that includes the immediate off-the-shelf supply of the...

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Indian Army to procure the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR), a system also referred to as Pinaka-III. This approval marks a pivotal shift in India’s artillery capabilities on the western front, enabling the Army to deliver precise, high-volume strikes at ranges previously covered only by expensive missiles. By extending the reach of the indigenous Pinaka system to 120 km, India is set to...

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a premier nodal agency under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has initiated high-level internal research into a sixth-generation tailless fighter jet. This ambitious undertaking aims to define the technological parameters for the future of India’s aerial warfare capabilities, focusing heavily on stealth, adaptability, and network-centric operations. ad While currently classified as an in-house initiative, these...

The year 2026 is poised to become a definitive turning point in the roadmap for India’s defence modernisation. A host of long-awaited acquisition programmes and strategic capability initiatives are expected to either secure formal government clearances or advance to the crucial contract-signing phase this year. Collectively, these impending decisions will shape the operational posture of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Navy, and air-defence wings well into the 2040s. Furthermore, they will...

A fresh diplomatic row has erupted following claims by the Chinese government that it played a decisive role in brokering peace during the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, known as Operation Sindoor. While Beijing attempts to position itself as a peacemaker, Indian citizens and defence analysts have taken to social media to dismantle this narrative. The online backlash suggests that the ceasefire was not the result of Chinese diplomacy, but rather a consequence of the catastrophic...

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has formally granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of over 36 additional Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This approval serves as a definitive endorsement of the missile's strategic value and signals the government’s intent to address immediate inventory requirements, even as negotiations for a separate, long-pending follow-on contract continue. By decoupling this specific procurement...

In a significant stride towards bolstering the Indian Army’s armoured capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially cleared financial support for the indigenous development of a high-performance 1,350 horsepower (HP) engine for the T-90 ‘Bhishma’ Main Battle Tank (MBT). Operating under the robust MAKE-I (Government Funded) procurement framework, the initiative aims to deliver a complete indigenous power pack, including the engine and essential automotive peripherals. To...

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has officially cleared a ₹9,000 crore project to acquire six mid-air refuelling tankers, moving the Indian Air Force (IAF) a step closer to modernising its fleet with the Boeing 767 platform. This acquisition will be executed through a collaborative effort between Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This decision represents a strategic pivot towards more efficient, multi-role refuellers designed to meet India’s...

In a landmark development for Indian naval self-reliance, the nation’s fourth ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), designated as S4*, has begun its sea trials, setting a new benchmark in domestic defence production. The vessel has achieved an indigenous content ratio of nearly 80 per cent, the highest figure recorded among the four nuclear-powered platforms developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme to date. This accomplishment underscores the increasing maturity of...

India is rapidly advancing its aerial warfare capabilities as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) accelerates the timeline for the Astra Mk3, a next-generation air-to-air missile. Also known as the 'Gandiva'—named after the legendary bow of Arjuna—this weapon system is being fast-tracked for production clearance, with the agency targeting operational induction by 2029. ad Imminent Trials to Validate Propulsion According to defence sources, the development programme has...

In a move that could significantly bolster India’s electronic warfare capabilities, Russia has reportedly offered to supply the Indian Armed Forces with the Krasukha-2, a formidable electronic warfare (EW) system designed to blind the "eyes" of enemy air power. This proposal highlights a strategic shift in modern defence planning, moving beyond reliance solely on kinetic interceptors (missiles) toward layered, non-kinetic countermeasures that neutralize threats before they can engage. ad...

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has taken a decisive step forward in the development of India's fifth-generation fighter jet. By officially releasing a comprehensive Statement of Work (SoW), the agency is seeking competent industrial partners to execute the detailed design and engineering of the rear fuselage for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This development marks a significant transition for the programme, moving it from the initial configuration definition phase...

Plans to bolster the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities have encountered a significant obstacle as negotiations between India and the United States for six additional Boeing P-8I surveillance aircraft have stalled. The primary cause of this deadlock is a sharp disagreement over pricing. Reports indicate that the cost of the proposed deal has escalated by nearly 50 per cent, rising from an earlier estimate of $2.42 billion to approximately $3.6 billion. American officials have refused to...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing for a significant milestone in India’s indigenous military aviation programme. According to recent reports, fresh trials for an enhanced version of the Astra Mk2 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) are scheduled for early 2026. This upgraded variant will feature an advanced dual-pulse rocket motor designed to extend the missile's strike range to nearly 200 kilometres. ad Boosting Range and Performance The...

In a strategic move to balance immediate operational requirements with long-term indigenisation goals, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering a "dual-track" modernisation strategy for its frontline Su-30MKI fleet. While the comprehensive, domestically developed "Super-30" programme progresses through its development cycle, the IAF may upgrade a select number of squadrons with direct Russian assistance to ensure combat readiness in the interim. ad Bridging the Gap: The Interim...

Following the tactical success observed during the recent "Operation Sindoor," the Indian Army is reportedly considering the acquisition of additional Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH). The operation served as a critical proving ground for the M777 155mm artillery guns, validating their mobility and precision in high-altitude combat zones. This combat validation has reinforced the Army's strategic requirement for lightweight, long-range artillery platforms capable of operating in the challenging...

The Indian Navy has strongly reiterated its dedication to the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) programme, ending recent speculation regarding the future of the indigenous carrier-borne aircraft. In a significant clarification, the Chief of Naval Staff has confirmed that the project remains a top priority and is poised for substantial progress in the immediate future. This announcement highlights the Navy’s resolve to secure a "Made in India" fighter jet specifically designed to meet...