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HAL's HJT-36 Sitara Trainer Overcomes Hurdles Following Design Overhaul, Full-Scale Production of 85 Aircraft for IAF Expected by 2028
India's indigenous Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) HJT-36, known as the Sitara, is finally on track to enter full-scale production by 2028, according to a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) official. This positive development comes after years of rigorous trials and design modifications aimed at meeting the stringent requirements set by the Indian Air Force (IAF). ad The Sitara program faced significant challenges, particularly with the aircraft's spin characteristics. In 2017, IAF...
Why Govt Shifted UCAV Development Program from ADA to ADE: Potential for Morale Decline and Inter-Agency Disputes
The recent decision to transfer the Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has sparked controversy and raised concerns within India's defence and aerospace sectors. This shift has not only disrupted the collaborative dynamic between these two key organizations but also raised questions about its potential impact on morale and inter-agency cooperation. ad To understand the implications...
DRDO to Initiate Phase 3 of BMD Program with AD-AH and AD-AM Interceptors to Neutralize Hypersonic Glide Vehicles and Cruise Missiles
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to take its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program to the next level with Phase 3, focusing on countering advanced hypersonic threats. The development of two new interceptor missile systems, AD-AH and AD-AM, will place India among a select group of nations with the capability to neutralize hypersonic projectiles. ad While details of the program remain classified, the introduction of these interceptors signifies India's...
ADA Affirms Tejas Mk2's Continued Development Crucial for AMCA and TEDBF Amidst Global Trend Towards 6th Gen Fighters
As the world shifts its focus towards sixth-generation combat aircraft, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has strongly defended the continued development of India's 4.5+ generation Tejas Mk2. Responding to critics who question the platform's relevance in an era of rapidly advancing technology, ADA emphasizes the Tejas Mk2's crucial role as a stepping stone and technology testbed for future indigenous fighter aircraft programs. ad The Tejas Mk2, or LCA Mk2, is not merely another...
MoD Considers Integrating Indian Air Force into Navy's TEDBF Program to Achieve 200+ Order Size and Potential AMCA Synergy
In a strategic move aimed at optimizing defence resources and bolstering indigenous manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering integrating the Indian Air Force (IAF) into the Indian Navy's Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program. This decision seeks to address the substantial funding and production requirements of the TEDBF project, which are comparable to those of the IAF's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. ad The TEDBF program, intended to replace the...
BrahMos Aerospace in Talks with Indian Army for Ground-Based BrahMos-NG Missile System to Meet High-Altitude Needs
BrahMos Aerospace is engaging in discussions with the Indian Army to develop a ground-based variant of its upcoming BrahMos-NG cruise missile, specifically tailored to meet the challenges of high-altitude warfare. This variant would incorporate a booster stage and could be mounted on 8×8 Heavy Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), offering a lighter and more agile configuration compared to the existing BrahMos systems. ad While the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy have already expressed strong...
Russia's Su-57 "Felon" Confirmed to Perform at Aero India 2025 in Bid for India's Potential 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Procurement
Aviation enthusiasts and defence analysts have reason to be excited as the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced that the Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon," Russia's advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter, will perform a full-fledged flying display at Aero India 2025. This event, scheduled for February 10th to 14th at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, is set to be a showcase of cutting-edge aerial technology. ad UAC's decision to bring the Su-57 to Aero India is widely seen as...
"We Need to Do Something About It", IAF Chief Reiterated Private Sector Role to Fast-Track Tejas Production Amid HAL's Delays
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, has voiced concerns over the slow production rate of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1, emphasizing the need for private sector involvement to bolster production. ad Speaking at a press conference, the Air Chief revealed that less than 40 Tejas Mk1 jets have been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 2016, a figure significantly lower than anticipated. This shortfall contributes to the IAF's ongoing...
French Suffren-Class Submarine Showcases Pump-Jet Propulsion Tech in India, Could Make India's P-75 and P-76 Subs Quietest in IOR
The recent visit of the French Navy's nuclear-powered attack submarine, Suffren, to India alongside the Charles de Gaulle carrier battle group has presented a unique opportunity for technological exchange. Beyond the display of military cooperation, France has offered India access to its cutting-edge Pump-jet propulsion technology, a key feature of the Suffren-class submarines. This technology could significantly enhance the stealth capabilities of India's future submarine fleet, including...
Sukhoi Plans Russia's First 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Program with High-Thrust, Low-Consumption Engine
Russia is forging ahead in the development of its sixth-generation fighter aircraft, with the Sukhoi Design Bureau leading the charge. In a recent announcement, the head of Sukhoi's Design Bureau revealed key details about this ambitious project, emphasizing the critical need for a revolutionary power plant. This next-generation engine must deliver high thrust while maintaining exceptionally low specific fuel consumption, essential characteristics for meeting the demanding requirements of...
Guided Pinaka MBRL System with 75km Range to Enter Indian Army Service Later This Year, Boosting Border Security with 12 Rockets per Salvo
The Indian Army's artillery is set for a major upgrade with the introduction of the Guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system later this year. This advanced system, boasting a range of over 75 kilometers and pinpoint accuracy, successfully completed its final flight tests in November 2024, paving the way for its induction into service. ad Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Guided Pinaka represents a significant leap in India's...
DRDO's New Submarine-Launched Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT) Boasts 40km Range, 40 Knot Speed, and Stealth for ASW
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in bolstering India's naval capabilities with the development of the Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT). This advanced torpedo, designed for submarine launch, marks a crucial step towards achieving self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the national vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. ad The EHWT is a cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon system, building upon the success of...
DRDO Set to Test Adani Defence-Manufactured ULPGM V3 Precision Strike Drone Missile
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to conduct trials of the third iteration of its Unmanned Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM V3), marking a significant leap forward in unmanned aerial warfare capabilities. This latest variant promises enhanced range, precision, and adaptability compared to its predecessors, further strengthening India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. ad The ULPGM V3 is a product of collaboration between DRDO and...
IAF and MoD Aim for MRFA Tender Decision by May 2025, Eyeing Interim Rafale F4 Purchase and 5th-Gen Options with G2G Deal
In a decisive move to address its dwindling combat strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are establishing a committee to expedite fighter jet procurement. This committee will prioritize the long-delayed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, with a major decision expected by May 2025. This urgency stems from the critical need to prevent the IAF's squadron strength from falling to a precarious low of 28 by year's end, a mere 3-4 squadrons more than the...
India Set to Acquire 26 Rafale-M Jets, 3 Scorpène Submarines from France, Deal to be Finalized During PM Modi's February Visit for AI Summit
India-France defence relations are poised for a significant boost as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to finalize the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three additional Scorpène-class submarines during his visit to Paris in February. This visit coincides with the AI Action Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, which aims to leverage artificial intelligence for global development. ad Last month, India's Ministry of Defence approved the acquisition of these 26...
Ultra Maritime US and BDL to Co-Produce Sonobuoys for Indian Navy to Enhance Indian Ocean Undersea Domain Awareness
In a significant boost to undersea surveillance capabilities, India and the U.S. have announced a partnership for the co-production of American sonobuoys for the Indian Navy. This initiative, a first-of-its-kind collaboration, will see U.S.-based Ultra Maritime (UM) and India's Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) jointly manufacture these critical underwater surveillance devices. ad Sonobuoys are a key technology for tracking submarines in deep seas and oceans, playing a vital role in...
Why India Ditched FGFA 5th-Gen Fighter Jet Program with Russia? $25B Price, Limited Control and Stealth Shortcomings Were Major Factors
India's decision to withdraw from the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program with Russia was a significant turning point in its pursuit of advanced fighter capabilities. While concerns about the aircraft's technical limitations, particularly its stealth capabilities, were widely reported, the program's exorbitant cost appears to have been the decisive factor in India's withdrawal. ad Initially, the FGFA program, based on Russia's PAK-FA or Sukhoi T-50 platform, was envisioned as a...
GTRE Targets Weight Reduction for 46kN Kaveri Dry Engine with Lighter Alloys as 1180kg Not Viable for Manned Fighter Jets
India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is actively working to optimize the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), also known as the Kaveri Dry engine. This non-afterburning engine variant generates 46 kN of thrust but currently weighs approximately 1180 kg, considered heavy for its class, even without an afterburner. ad The KDE's weight is a concern because it is comparable to, or even exceeds, the weight of some engines...
DRDO Fast-Tracks Development of HALE UAV with 35k+ Ft Altitude, 25+ Hour Endurance and 2T Payload for Enhanced ISTAR Operations
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is accelerating the development of a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed specifically for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations. This advanced UAV is poised to significantly enhance India's aerial surveillance capabilities with its impressive specifications. ad The UAV boasts a robust 5-tonne platform, enabling it to carry a substantial payload of 2...
BrahMos-NG Missile Progresses Towards Development Phase as Design Blueprint Finalized, Trials Anticipated by Late 2027
India's next-generation BrahMos-NG missile program has reached a critical milestone with the finalization of its design blueprint. The program is now progressing towards the development phase, with trials anticipated to commence by late 2027 or early 2028. This advancement signifies a major step in bolstering India's aerial strike capabilities with a versatile missile designed for deployment across a wider range of fighter jet platforms. ad An official closely associated with the program...
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