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A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official has revealed that the Su-57E, Russia's export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, is facing significant delays. According to the official, the Su-57E equipped with the advanced AL-51F engine and 2D Thrust Vector Control (TVC) nozzles is at least 4-5 years away from being production-ready. ad While Russia has showcased the Su-57E with a stealth engine casing and other enhancements, it remains uncertain whether the export version offered to...

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has commenced production of the second prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank, marking significant progress in India's indigenous defence capabilities. This development comes as the Indian Army prepares to conduct extensive trials on the first prototype of this new light tank, specifically designed for high-altitude warfare. ad The production of the second prototype signifies an acceleration in...

The Indian Navy is setting its sights on developing long-range, jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance its surveillance capabilities across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This initiative reflects a broader strategy to bolster maritime domain awareness and improve the Navy's ability to monitor naval activities in the region, ensuring quicker reaction times to emerging situations. ad While the Navy is already in the process of acquiring MQ-9 Reaper drones...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is experiencing a surge in inquiries from countries operating Su-30 fighter jets seeking spare parts for the AL-31F engines. This increased demand stems from disruptions in Russian supply chains, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the heavy operational use of the Su-30SM in frontline combat. ad The AL-31F, developed by Russia's Ufa Engine Industrial Association (UMPO), is a crucial component of the Su-30 aircraft, including the Indian...

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a crucial part of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is reportedly seeking approval to develop an upgraded Kaveri engine with a significantly increased thrust of 90kN. This ambitious project aims to power the Tejas Mk1A fighter program and potentially the Tejas MkII, but it requires substantial advancements, including a completely redesigned core and significant funding. ad The current Kaveri engine core can only...

A former Indian Air Marshal has sharply criticized the decision to scrap the 126-aircraft Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal and opt for a smaller purchase of 36 Rafale jets in flyaway condition. Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (retired), who oversaw the MMRCA tendering process, argues that this move was a costly mistake that hindered technology transfer and industrial growth in India. ad The MMRCA saga began in 2007 and spanned nearly 15 years of evaluations, negotiations, and...

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a flagship program of India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, recently marked 24 years since its maiden flight on January 4, 2001. While the platform represents a significant step towards self-reliance in defence technology, the program has faced criticism for its slow pace of development, production delays, and limited induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) even after two decades. ad Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency...

The race to develop advanced fighter jets in South Asia is intensifying, with both Pakistan and India pushing the boundaries of their respective indigenous programs. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is poised to introduce the JF-17 Block 4 under its PF-X (Pakistan Fighter Experimental) program, with a projected debut in 2028. This development raises questions about how India's Tejas Mk2 could have potentially evolved beyond its current 4.5 generation designation. ad The JF-17 Block 4 is...

In a significant move to bolster its naval defence capabilities, the Indian Navy is actively planning to integrate Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) onto its aircraft carriers. This initiative is in direct response to the evolving threat landscape, particularly the increasing proliferation of loitering munitions and subsonic cruise missiles, which pose a significant challenge to naval assets worldwide. ad Loitering munitions, often referred to as "suicide drones," and subsonic cruise missiles...

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Defense has highlighted the rapid and extensive military modernization underway in China, raising concerns about the shifting balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region and posing a significant challenge to India's national security. The report, coupled with recent developments like speculation surrounding a new Chinese combat aircraft and China's ambitious dam project on the Brahmaputra River, underscores the urgent need for India to accelerate...

India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkII program is poised to significantly boost the nation's defence self-reliance, with HAL and ADA targeting 90% indigenous content by 2033. This fifth-generation fighter jet, designed with advanced stealth, cutting-edge avionics, and high-performance capabilities, represents a major leap forward in India's quest for technological independence in the defence sector. ad The AMCA MkII program aims to roll out its first prototype by late...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made a significant commitment to the Tejas Mk2 program, a cornerstone of India's push for indigenous defence capabilities. According to an IAF official, the service has committed to procuring 120 Tejas Mk2 jets, with the potential for this number to climb to over 250 units within the next decade. ad This commitment is part of the IAF's broader strategy to modernize and enhance its combat fleet. The IAF has already placed orders for 220 Tejas Mk1/Mk1A aircraft...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a significant step towards bolstering its aerial combat capabilities with the limited procurement of Astra Mk2 missiles.This move marks the commencement of production for this advanced Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), showcasing the IAF's commitment to integrating cutting-edge indigenous technology into its arsenal. ad The Astra Mk2 represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Astra Mk1, which is already operational on IAF...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a strategic shift in its approach to long-range strike missions, increasingly favoring air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs) over traditional subsonic cruise missiles. This change is driven by the recognition that even stealthy cruise missiles are becoming more susceptible to interception by modern air defence systems due to their predictable flight paths. ad To bolster its deep-strike capabilities, the IAF has integrated the Rampage and ROCKS...

The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), a leading laboratory under India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has revealed plans to develop a new 700HP engine specifically designed for the Zorawar Light Tank. This initiative comes as the Zorawar project progresses towards full-scale production, aiming to optimize the tank's performance in India's challenging terrains. ad Currently, the Zorawar Light Tank prototype and the first batch of 59 units...

India's indigenous drone program is poised for a significant leap forward as the Archer NG, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), prepares for its maiden flight. Sources indicate that the UAV, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully completed both low-speed and high-speed taxi trials, paving the way for its first sortie, likely in February. ad These successful taxi trials represent a crucial milestone in the...

India is strategically positioned to accelerate its development of a 6th-generation fighter jet by building upon the technological advancements achieved through its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. Experts suggest that transferring and evolving key technologies from the AMCA could significantly reduce development time and costs, allowing India to join the elite group of nations fielding these cutting-edge aircraft. ad The AMCA, a 5th-generation multirole fighter under...

Satellite imagery analysis reveals a concerning trend of Chinese encroachment into Bhutanese territory. Over the past seven years, Bhutan has lost approximately 2% of its land to these incursions. This erosion of sovereignty is further evidenced by the construction of at least 22 villages and settlements within Bhutanese territory by China over the last eight years, with eight of these villages built since 2020 alone, particularly near the strategically important Doklam plateau. ad This...

India's DRDO is making significant headway in the development of its indigenous Astra Mk3 air-to-air missile, with recent data indicating a substantial performance advantage over its European counterpart, the Meteor. Analysis reveals the Astra Mk3 possesses a 20% higher ramjet specific impulse and an 18% longer burn time than the Meteor, positioning it as a leading contender in the next generation of beyond-visual-range (BVR) aerial combat. ad The Astra Mk3's enhanced performance is...

A retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, Air Marshal Rakesh Vaidya, has voiced concerns over Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) ability to meet production targets and delivery commitments for critical aircraft programs. He warns that continued delays, particularly in the Tejas light combat aircraft program, could jeopardize HAL's position as India's primary aircraft manufacturer and open the door for greater private sector involvement in fighter jet production. ad Vaidya's critique...