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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...

The Indian Navy's Project-75I submarine tender, aimed at acquiring six advanced diesel-electric submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, has reached a critical juncture. While anticipation builds around the announcement of the winner between Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Spain's Navantia, the program faces potential legal hurdles due to non-compliance with the AIP system standards specified in the Request for Proposal (RFP). ad Both contenders, TKMS with...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to significantly increase production of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by establishing a fourth assembly line at its Nashik plant. This move aims to accelerate production and compensate for lost time once General Electric (GE) begins delivering F-404 engines in March 2025. The inability of the GE to deliver these engines on schedule has hampered HAL's production of the Tejas Mk-1, impacting the Indian Air Force's (IAF) efforts to...

In a pioneering move for India's aerospace sector, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is outsourcing the repair and overhaul of its Mi-17 V5 helicopter engines to the private industry. This initiative not only addresses the IAF's maintenance needs but also provides a significant boost to the domestic aerospace industry. Air Headquarters has issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking bids from Indian firms for the overhaul of 50 aero engines. A key stipulation is that the engines must be overhauled...

The Indian Army's recent introduction of tractor-mounted Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) has sparked a lively debate, with discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) questioning whether this move represents resourceful "Jugaad" or a calculated strategy to evade drone detection in potential border conflicts. ad The term "Jugaad," meaning an innovative fix or makeshift solution, often describes India's talent for improvisation in challenging situations with limited resources. Some...

In a major boost to India's defence industry and its strategic partnership with the US, the Biden administration has approved technology proposals that will enable India to manufacture Stryker combat vehicles within its borders. This landmark decision makes India the first global producer of these advanced armoured vehicles. The announcement came alongside another significant development: a collaboration between the US and India to manufacture sonobuoys, crucial for tracking submarines. US...

India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is gaining momentum with the anticipated finalization of a contract for the joint development of a 6th generation jet engine. While French aerospace giant Safran appears to be the frontrunner in this high-stakes collaboration, Rolls-Royce from the UK and General Electric (GE) from the US remain strong contenders. ad This collaborative project is estimated to cost around $5 billion, a significant investment that will not only...

At the 21st Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh expressed his concern over the continued delay in the delivery of the first 40 Tejas aircraft, an order placed over a decade ago. This statement comes at a time when regional adversaries, especially China, are rapidly advancing their aerial warfare capabilities, with recent reports confirming China's test flight of a highly advanced sixth-generation fighter jet. ad The situation has triggered reactions...

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5.5-generation stealth fighter under development, may be getting a second seat, but not for the reasons you might expect. Instead of training or conversion purposes, this potential modification is geared towards enhancing the AMCA's ability to control combat drones. ad This intriguing possibility was hinted at by an official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), who neither confirmed nor denied the potential for a two-seater AMCA...

India's acquisition of the Rafale M naval fighter jet is poised to give the Indian Navy a significant edge over China's carrier-based aircraft, according to an Indian Navy official. In a candid assessment, the official stated that the Rafale M significantly outclasses China's modernized J-15B and J-15D fighters in all key combat capabilities. ad The Rafale M, a naval variant of the renowned French Rafale fighter, is purpose-built for carrier operations. It boasts advanced avionics...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to impress at Aero India 2025 with a scale model of the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, designed for the Tejas MkI and MkII fighter jet programs. This event, held in Bengaluru, will serve as a prominent showcase for India's advancements in indigenous defence technology. ad The Uttam AESA Radar represents a significant leap forward in radar technology for the Tejas light combat aircraft. Developed by...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a potential challenge to its regional air superiority with the news that Pakistan is set to acquire 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets from China. This development puts Pakistan ahead of India in deploying these advanced combat aircraft, as the IAF's own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkI, is not expected to enter service for another 7 to 9 years. ad The introduction of J-35A jets into the Pakistan Air...

India is poised to make a significant leap in unmanned combat aerial vehicle technology with its ambitious Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) project. As preparations for the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) papers gain momentum, the project stands at a pivotal juncture, awaiting the final approval that could propel it forward. ad The RPSA's journey towards becoming a reality involves rigorous scrutiny at the highest levels of government. CCS approval is not merely a...

In a decision with significant implications for the Indian Air Force (IAF), India has opted to retain the existing AL-31FP engines for its fleet of 84 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, declining an offer from Russia to upgrade them with the more advanced AL-41F engines. While the AL-41F offers superior thrust and improved Mean Time Between Overhauls (MTBO), the IAF's choice reflects a prioritization of logistical efficiency and training continuity. ad An official from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited...