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The Philippines has initiated discussions with India regarding the acquisition of an indigenous medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. This potential procurement is aimed at replacing the Philippine Air Force’s aging inventory of MIM-23 Improved HAWK batteries, which were originally sourced from the United States during the 1990s. Reports suggest this move aligns with Manila's broader efforts to secure modern defence capabilities under its ongoing modernization programme...

In a revelation that highlights the critical dangers of relying on foreign nations for military maintenance, a retired Indian Navy officer has disclosed a significant handicap faced by India during the 1999 Kargil conflict. Vice Admiral Kishore O. Thakare (Retd.), speaking on The Sandeep Unnithan Show, detailed how the United States refused to return essential submarine periscopes to India during the height of the war, despite the payments having already been processed. This historical...

A diplomatic misunderstanding regarding a major defence acquisition briefly took centre stage earlier this week, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding India’s military procurement processes. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces was compelled to withdraw a public statement that prematurely confirmed an Indian order for 114 Rafale fighter jets, following a swift intervention by New Delhi. Premature Celebration and Swift Retraction On 2 December 2025, French officials released a...

In a significant development for infantry modernisation, India is currently in advanced discussions to manufacture a revolutionary Israeli small arms technology domestically. Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a premier private defence manufacturer, has developed a system known as 'ARBEL', which promises to dramatically enhance the accuracy and lethality of standard rifles. A Leap in Infantry Technology According to recent reports, including coverage by NDTV, the ARBEL system is being...

As the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) prepares to issue the long-awaited Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, the Russian defence industry has signalled a strong intent to re-enter the competition. Officials from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state intermediary for military exports, have confirmed they will conduct a detailed examination of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirements. Moscow aims to propose a platform that directly addresses previous...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reinforced its confidence in the scalability of its indigenous Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, confirming its readiness to power India’s next-generation Project-76 (P-76) submarines. While originally designed for the compact Kalvari-class (Scorpene) vessels, DRDO sources state the fuel-cell-based system is fully adaptable for larger platforms, promising enhanced stealth and endurance for the Indian Navy’s future...

Fresh images emerging from a recent aerospace exhibition have provided defence analysts with their clearest look yet at the future of India’s air superiority. Photographs released by Vayu Aerospace display high-fidelity mockups of the Astra Mk2A, a next-generation air-to-air missile. These visuals suggest significant design evolutions aimed at extending the weapon's strike range beyond 200 kilometres, directly challenging the capabilities of regional adversaries. A Larger, More Potent...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to launch a groundbreaking research initiative aimed at mastering sixth-generation fighter jet technologies. Moving beyond the current standards of fifth-generation aerial warfare, sources indicate that the organisation plans to develop futuristic capabilities such as shape-shifting wings, self-repairing stealth coatings, and photonic flight control systems. These innovations are intended to secure India's air dominance...

In a significant development for the Indian aviation sector, ATR, the world’s leading manufacturer of turboprop aircraft, has indicated a strong willingness to establish a final assembly line in India. The Franco-Italian aerospace giant is exploring the local production of its flagship ATR 72-600 aircraft to cater to the country’s rapidly expanding regional market. This strategic consideration comes as demand for short-haul connectivity surges across India, driven largely by the...

In a significant development for Southeast Asian regional security, India is in the final stages of dispatching the third and concluding batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines. This shipment, anticipated to arrive before the end of 2025, will complete the historic $375 million (approximately ₹3,100 crore) defence contract established between the two nations in January 2022. As New Delhi’s inaugural major export of lethal weaponry, this successful delivery not only...

In a significant disclosure regarding India's future combat aviation roadmap, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed it is actively exploring options to acquire fifth-generation fighter capabilities to bridge a critical operational gap. The admission came from Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, during the inaugural ANI National Security Summit. During the summit, Air Marshal Dixit provided a candid assessment of the IAF’s modernisation trajectory. He acknowledged...

India’s indigenous fighter jet programme is approaching a defining moment. The Tejas Mk2, a next-generation Medium Weight Fighter (MWF), has formally entered a decisive phase of development, with the first prototype currently subjected to rigorous ground-based testing. According to the latest programme schedules, the aircraft is on track for a formal rollout between March and June 2026, provided the current workflow proceeds without interruption. ad Critical Testing Phase Begins Engineers...

Following the severe operational losses sustained during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reportedly suspended plans to acquire additional Saab 2000 Erieye airborne warning and control systems (AWACS). Instead, defence sources indicate a strategic pivot towards a new indigenous program, "Project Zarb-e-Samaa," which seeks to develop a jet-powered surveillance platform using commercial airliners. This initiative mirrors the approach taken by the Pakistan...

In a significant development for India’s indigenous aviation capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to receive the fifth General Electric (GE) F404-IN20 engine by the second week of December 2025. Sources close to the supply chain have confirmed that this delivery marks a pivotal moment in stabilizing the production line for the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Boosting Indigenous Production The arrival of this engine is a critical step in overcoming recent...

In a significant strategic pivot, India has reportedly opened fresh deliberations regarding the acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-57 ‘Felon’, Russia’s flagship fifth-generation fighter jet. This renewed interest comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to bolster its long-range strike capabilities and stealth profile. Defence sources indicate that New Delhi is currently evaluating the potential purchase of at least two squadrons of the heavy fighter, with discussions also extending to a...

Despite the Indian Navy initiating aircraft carrier operations in 1961—more than half a century before China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)—the significant advantage of decades of operational experience has been effectively nullified. This shift in maritime power dynamics became undeniably clear last week when the PLAN commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian. While China inducted the 80,000-tonne vessel, equipped with a sophisticated, locally developed Electromagnetic...

In a significant development for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme, France has indicated a willingness to move beyond standard "off-the-shelf" solutions, offering to co-develop a bespoke, operationally tailored Rafale fighter for the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, this deepening strategic partnership faces a critical hurdle: the IAF’s firm demand for access to the aircraft’s proprietary source codes to enable the independent integration of indigenous weapons systems. ad A...

The race to shape the future of the Indian Navy’s maritime power has intensified, with major European defence contractors from the United Kingdom and France presenting rival proposals for India’s third aircraft carrier. As New Delhi aims to operationalise a three-carrier strike group by 2035, BAE Systems and Naval Group are actively vying to co-develop the 65,000-ton supercarrier, tentatively named INS Vishal. This strategic contest comes at a critical juncture. The Indian government is...

In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s self-reliance in missile technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has initiated the selection process for a pivotal industrial partner. The organisation has released a Request for Information (RFI) to appoint a 'Development-cum-Production Partner' (DcPP) for its ambitious Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) engine programme. This advanced propulsion system is a critical building block for the country's upcoming line of...

In a potential milestone for India’s defence manufacturing sector, Rolls-Royce has revealed its readiness to transfer complete technology, including Intellectual Property (IP) rights, for the indigenous production of tank engines in India. The British engineering giant has partnered with two Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and is currently awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to operationalise the agreement. ad A Major Shift in Defence Manufacturing...