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CVRDE and Private Players to Master Local Spares Production for Arjun Tank Engines After German MTU’s Shocking Exit
In a significant move towards self-reliance in defence, Indian public and private firms have begun indigenously manufacturing critical components for the Arjun Main Battle Tank’s (MBT) engines. This development follows a decision by the original German manufacturer, MTU Friedrichshafen AG, to cease production of spares for the engine model used in the tanks. The German company stated that the production lines for the Arjun's MTU MB 838 Ka-501 diesel engine are now defunct. Citing the...
As IAF Eyes 114 More Rafale, Can Op Sindoor's Success Downplay Its Crippling Cost, Limited ToT, and Source Code Dependence?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing to acquire 114 new Rafale fighter jets directly from France, submitting a formal proposal to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This move signals a desire to bypass the long-delayed competitive bidding process, known as the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, in favour of a faster government-to-government deal to address urgent operational needs. This push comes at a critical time. The IAF's combat readiness is strained, with its squadron numbers at...
India Pressures Russia for S-400 Timely Delivery as Potential $1.1 Billion Deal for Additional Units Hangs in the Balance
India has increased pressure on Russia, urging Moscow to provide a firm and achievable delivery timeline for the final two squadrons of the S-400 Triumf air defence system. The original $5.43 billion deal, signed in 2018, has been hit by significant delays, prompting India's Ministry of Defence to warn that a potential $1.1 billion follow-on deal for additional units now hangs in the balance. Sources within the defence establishment report that the ongoing delays, largely attributed to...
Safran Commits to 100% Local Supply Chain for 120-140kN AMCA Engine, Promising to End All Foreign Dependency
In a significant boost to India's defence self-reliance goals, French aerospace giant Safran has proposed to co-develop a next-generation jet engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The offer includes a 100% transfer of technology (ToT) to manufacture the engine entirely in India, promising to establish a complete domestic supply chain and end all foreign dependency for its components. ad This landmark proposal, which follows initial talks with India's Gas Turbine...
ADA Eyes Indian Private Firms' Help to Integrate Critical IRST, SDR, and CIT Sensors into Tejas Mk2
India's primary agency for fighter jet development, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is inviting private industry to assist in developing and integrating three critical sensor systems for the upcoming Tejas Mk2 aircraft. In a recent call for collaboration, the ADA outlined the need for complete support to install, test, and certify the new technologies. This move aims to accelerate the jet's readiness, ensuring its ground integration, flight testing, and airworthiness...
HAL May Seek Original French-Russian SaM146 Engine to Power Indian-Made Superjet 100 Amid New PD-8 Engine's Reliability Concerns
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reportedly considering the original French-Russian PowerJet SaM146 engine for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100) aircraft it plans to produce in India. This strategic move would diverge from Russia's current "Russified" version of the jet, which uses the new, domestically-produced PD-8 engine. Sources suggest this decision is aimed at making the aircraft a more reliable and attractive option for India's private airlines, which are often cautious about...
With 30% Local Content Promise and High Familiarity in IAF, Lockheed C-130J Emerges as Front Runner for India's 80-Unit MTA Tender
Lockheed Martin is positioning its C-130J Super Hercules as the leading candidate for India's upcoming procurement of up to 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). As the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares for the landmark tender, the American aerospace company is highlighting the aircraft's proven reliability and the IAF's existing experience with the platform. Roderick M. McLean, Vice President for Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, recently emphasized that this familiarity...
After Loaded Weapons Bays Reveal, Could Su-57 Become India's Go-To SEAD Fighter to Counter to China’s S-400 and HQ-9 Air Defences?
New images and footage from Russia, emerging in early November 2025, have provided the first-ever public view of the Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" stealth fighter with its internal weapons bays open and armed. The demonstration, which comes just ahead of the Dubai Airshow 2025, is seen as a significant signal of the program's increasing operational maturity and Russia's readiness to actively market the jet for export. The new visuals clearly show the aircraft configured for a high-risk mission: the...
Indian Navy to Arm MiG-29K and Rafale M with 160km+ Range Astra Mk2, Aims to Nullify China-Pak Long-Range Missile Threats
In a major advancement for India's defence self-reliance, the Indian Navy is accelerating to equip its carrier-based fighter jets with the indigenous Astra Mk2 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). This advanced, long-range missile will be integrated into the Navy’s existing MiG-29K squadrons and the new fleet of 26 Rafale M fighters, significantly boosting their combat power. ad The Astra Mk2, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a...
India's Twin Defence Bombshells: Defence Minister Confirms Pursuit of More S-400s and Imminent Jet Engine Breakthrough
In a significant update on India's defence preparedness and self-reliance goals, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed two major strategic developments on Friday. Speaking at the Defence Investors Summit in Lucknow, the minister announced that India is prepared to procure additional S-400 'Triumf' air defence systems from Russia. In a parallel announcement boosting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, Mr. Singh revealed that the nation is "on the cusp" of a...
HAL Progressing IMRH Design Steadily, Eyes CCS Nod by March 2026 for Timely Induction
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making significant strides in developing its next-generation helicopters, the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant. An official from the state-owned aerospace company indicated that HAL aims to seek final approval for the IMRH program from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) by March 2026. The CCS, chaired by the Prime Minister, is India's highest authority on defence procurement. This effort is part of a broader strategy to...
Indian Defence Minister Remains Non-Committal on Russian Su-57 Deal, Prioritizing Indigenous AMCA for 5th-Gen Superiority
India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has maintained a cautious stance on the potential co-production of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. In a recent wide-ranging interview, Mr. Singh confirmed that while discussions with Moscow are in progress, no immediate announcement is forthcoming, stating that "talks are ongoing, but no announcement will be made for now." This non-committal position comes as India aggressively pursues its 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India)...
Battle of the Aerial Middleweights: IAF's MTA Program Stacking Up the Medium Airlifters...
The Indian Air Force's (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program has outlined its major procurement initiative to acquire up to 80 new, medium transport aircraft to replace its ageing fleets of Antonov An-32 and Ilyushin Il-76 planes. The program also aims for indigenous manufacturing in line with the "Make in India" initiative with the selected OEM to establish a local manufacturing facility in India in collaboration with a local industry player.. Key Details Objective: The program...
How Indigenous Tejas Mk2 at $70 Million Offers Double the Fighters for IAF under MRFA's Bloated $24 Billion Budget
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a critical strategic decision as its fighter squadron strength has fallen to approximately 31, well below the 42 squadrons required to manage potential threats on two fronts. This challenge is compounded by a global market where the cost of advanced fighter jets is escalating rapidly. This situation forces a choice: pursue costly and elusive foreign aircraft or commit fully to the indigenous Tejas Mk2, a platform that promises a more self-reliant and...
Lessons from Op Sindoor: Why India Urgently Needs 500km Range Pinaka Mk5 and Mk6 to Counter Pakistan's Fatah-II
A significant strategic imbalance is emerging on India's western front following Pakistan's induction of the Fatah-II guided multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS). With a confirmed range of 400 kilometres, this new system gives Pakistan the ability to strike deep-strike targets from a mobile platform, creating an urgent asymmetry that Indian defence planners must address. Strategic analyses, particularly following the lessons learned during 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025, suggest that...
Brazil Exploring Co-production of India's Akash-NG Missile System After ToT Offer, Signals Intent to Dispatch Evaluation Team
Following an Indian proposal to export its indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, Brazil has reportedly expanded its interest to include the advanced, next-generation variant, the Akash-NG. According to sources, Brazilian defence officials are now seeking detailed information on the newer system. They have also signalled their readiness to dispatch an evaluation team to India, should New Delhi’s offer of co-production and full Transfer of Technology (ToT) be extended to the...
Data Patterns' Indigenous HAWK AESA Gathers Strong Interest among Su-30 and MiG-29 Operators amid Russian Radars Failures
Chennai-based Data Patterns (India) Limited has captured significant international attention following the showcase of its indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars at Aero India 2025. Sources report a surge of inquiries from international operators of Russian-made Su-30 and MiG-29 fighter jets, who are seeking viable upgrades as traditional Russian radar systems face obsolescence and supply chain disruptions. The company's new HAWK I 2700 and HAWK I 900 radars are...
India Plans Military Variant of 200 MW Nuclear Propulsion for Future S5-Class SSBNs and Project-77 SSN Subs
India is actively developing an advanced 200-megawatt (MW) nuclear reactor, marking a significant leap in its maritime technology ambitions. This new reactor is being designed with a dual-use purpose: to power large civilian container ships and to serve as the heart of the Indian Navy's next generation of strategic submarines. The military variant is slated for integration into the future S5-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and the forthcoming Project-77 nuclear-powered attack...
Beyond Civil Aviation, How HAL's SJ-100 Deal with Russia Could Boost India's Future ISR and Transport Military Ambitions
India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Moscow on October 27. The agreement paves the way for the manufacturing of the SJ-100 regional passenger jet in India. This aircraft is a revised model of the Sukhoi Superjet 100, specifically re-engineered with domestic Russian components, such as the PD-8 engine, to bypass Western sanctions that had targeted its original foreign parts. The...
IAF Seeks 100 'Made in India' Self-Protection Jammer Pods for Su-30MKI, Sets 36-Month Delivery Time for Faster Integration
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a significant procurement process to enhance the electronic warfare (EW) capabilities of its frontline fighter fleet. A Request for Information (RFI) has been issued for 100 Aircraft Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) pods specifically designed for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft. This move is part of a dedicated push under the 'Make in India' initiative to equip the aircraft with advanced, domestically-produced technology for survival in contested...
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