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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has revealed a redesigned version of its CATS Warrior drone, showcasing a full-scale demonstrator with significant modifications aimed at improving performance and stealth. These changes underscore HAL's commitment to advancing India's indigenous drone technology, particularly for the Indian Air Force (IAF). ad One of the most noticeable alterations is the redesign of the air intake. Previous iterations featured a more angular, stealth-focused intake...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking decisive steps to counter the growing threat of swarm drones by initiating the acquisition of specialized "Kamikaze" drone systems. These systems are designed to protect vital installations from attacks by enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The IAF has expressed an initial requirement for 20 such systems to bolster its defences against this emerging threat. The term "Kamikaze" in this context refers to drones designed for one-way missions, where...

Defence analysts are urging the Indian Air Force (IAF) to forge its own path in defining what constitutes a sixth-generation fighter jet. By establishing its own standards, the IAF can tailor its Air Staff Requirements (ASR) to meet specific operational needs, rather than adopting definitions set by global powers like the USA and China. This perspective comes at a time when the global aerospace community is actively debating the characteristics of a sixth-generation fighter. Traditionally...

The Tejas Mk2, the next generation of India's indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is poised to significantly enhance situational awareness and combat efficiency through advanced information fusion capabilities. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Tejas Mk2 will integrate a suite of sensors and sophisticated algorithms to create a comprehensive and dynamic tactical picture for its pilots. ad The Tejas Mk2 will be equipped with a diverse array of...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to unveil an innovative Optionally-Manned Combat Aircraft (OMCA) at Aero India 2025, based on a modified Kiran Mk2 Stage-II Trainer aircraft. This development is a key component of HAL's Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), which aims to revolutionize aerial warfare through advanced unmanned and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. The OMCA project involves transforming the venerable Kiran Mk2 trainer, a long-serving workhorse of the Indian Air...

Following the successful export of the Akash-1S Air Defence System to Armenia, India is now in talks with another potential buyer, further solidifying the growing interest in Indian defence technology on the global stage. The Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is capable of detecting and tracking enemy aircraft at long ranges and engaging them effectively within a 25-kilometer radius. The...

India's aerospace industry is poised for a significant leap forward with ambitious projects like the Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA-90), Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA), Tejas Mk2, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program in development. However, to successfully navigate the complexities and challenges of these endeavors, the industry needs strong, decisive leadership reminiscent of the late Manohar Parrikar, whose strategic vision revitalized indigenous defence...

India's defence sector stands at a critical juncture, poised to become a major exporter of weapons systems. However, to fully realize this potential, India needs a revamped public relations (PR) strategy. This strategy must not only help Indian defence exports penetrate global markets but also cultivate a positive international perception. Turkey's success with its Bayraktar TB2 UAV offers valuable lessons in effective PR for defence exports. ad Weapons systems often carry negative...

The Indian government is poised to finalize four major defence agreements worth over ₹1.5 lakh crore before the end of the current fiscal year on March 31st. These deals aim to significantly bolster the capabilities of the Indian armed forces across various domains. First on the agenda is a ₹63,000 crore contract with France for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets. These advanced aircraft, comprising 22 single-seat and four twin-seat trainer variants, will operate from the INS Vikrant aircraft...

Just days before Indian Army Day, China conducted a combat drill in a high-altitude plateau area, underscoring its military focus on preparedness and logistical support in extreme conditions. This exercise comes at a delicate time, as India and China navigate a fragile peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) following a breakthrough disengagement agreement reached in October 2024. ad The drill, spearheaded by a regiment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Xinjiang Military Command...

Aero India 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the world of aviation, with the exciting prospect of a faceoff between two of the world's most advanced fighter jets: the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35. The Su-57, Russia's cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighter, has already confirmed its participation in the airshow. Meanwhile, the F-35, the stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, made a notable appearance at Aero India 2023 and is expected to...

As India's defence sector pushes towards modernization and self-reliance, the potential role of private companies in manufacturing military aircraft, particularly fighter jets, has become a subject of intense debate. A key question looms: if the private sector is entrusted with producing fighter jets, will the Indian Air Force (IAF) be willing to pay a premium for these indigenously assembled aircraft? ad Defence analysts have raised concerns about the potential cost implications of such an...

India, with its extensive coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, faces a unique set of maritime security challenges. Protecting these vast shores against military threats, natural disasters, and accidents is paramount to safeguarding national interests. Saab, a global leader in defence and security solutions, offers a comprehensive suite of unmanned underwater systems tailored to enhance India's maritime security capabilities. These systems are designed to address a wide range of...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) sources have confirmed a growing backlog of F-404 engines crucial for India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program. The backlog, attributed to ongoing supply chain challenges faced by engine manufacturer General Electric (GE), has reached 26 units and is projected to climb to 30 by mid-2025. Despite plans to deliver the first lot of two engines in March 2025, GE's production ramp-up is not expected to significantly alleviate the backlog in the near...

India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program has achieved another significant milestone with the successful first flight of the eighth Tejas Trainer aircraft (LT-5208). This aircraft, part of an 18-trainer order from the Indian Air Force (IAF), took to the skies powered by F-404 reserve engines, marking a step forward in India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence capabilities. This achievement follows the first flight of the initial series production trainer aircraft, LT5201...

India's defence procurement policy could undergo a significant transformation in 2025. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering a new reform that may prohibit the procurement of foreign license-manufactured weapons systems unless Indian firms hold the Intellectual Property (IP) rights. This potential shift is part of a broader effort to advance the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) initiative, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment and boost domestic...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant progress in developing its next-generation Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), known as the Astra Mk3. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Astra Mk1 and Mk2, this new variant aims to significantly enhance India's air combat capabilities by incorporating cutting-edge technology and achieving extended engagement ranges. ad The Astra Mk3 introduces a ramjet engine, a propulsion system...

Retired Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik has launched a scathing critique of India's acquisition of Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), calling them "costly toys" that lack the necessary capabilities for operating in contested airspace. His comments, made during a candid interview with ANI, raise serious concerns about the strategic and tactical utility of these drones in the context of India's regional security challenges. ad Patnaik, a decorated officer with extensive experience in...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to extend the operational life of its Mirage 2000 fighter jet fleet by tapping into the potential of India's private sector. The focus is on establishing domestic manufacturing of spares for the SNECMA M53 engine, crucial for keeping the Mirage 2000s flying until at least 2035. ad The Mirage 2000, a multi-role fighter jet, has been a cornerstone of the IAF since its induction in the 1980s. Powered by the SNECMA M53 afterburning turbofan engine, these...

India is taking a significant step towards boosting regional air connectivity with a proposed public-private partnership for the development of an indigenous regional aircraft. The Ministry of Aviation has held discussions with various Indian airline companies, and there is strong support for a made-in-India aircraft designed for short-haul flights with a range of 600-800 kilometers. This initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to expand India's Regional Connectivity...