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In a significant step towards bolstering India's self-reliance in defence technology, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced plans to integrate the indigenously developed Uttam AESA Fire Control Radar into the LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jets starting from 2026. This move marks a major milestone in India's journey towards equipping its frontline fighter aircraft with domestically produced cutting-edge radar systems. ad While orders for the Tejas Mk1A are anticipated later this year...

India's ambitious Tejas Mk1A program is facing potential setbacks due to the ongoing delays in the supply of F404 engines from GE Aerospace. These delays, stemming from supply chain constraints, are predicted to push back the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by 10-12 months. ad A critical concern lies in the lack of a readily available alternative engine for the Tejas Mk1A. The aircraft was specifically designed around the F404 engine, and other options are either not feasible or...

DRDO has confirmed Project Virupaksha, an ambitious endeavor to modernize the Su-30MKI fighter jets with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars. This upgrade is set to significantly bolster the fighter's capabilities, including enhanced air surveillance, air-to-ground targeting, and weapon control. ad A key highlight of this project is the inclusion of an antenna repositioner, enabling the radar's antenna to be maneuvered in both elevation and azimuth planes. This will...

In a significant boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to receive a major order for around 230 AL-31FP engines, destined to power the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi 30-MKI fighter fleet. The deal, valued at approximately Rs 21,000 crore, will see HAL manufacture these engines domestically, replacing the ageing ones nearing the end of their operational life. ad Deliveries of the engines are expected to be staggered over several years...

The Mirage 2000, a venerable workhorse of the skies, is facing its twilight years as several air forces transition to more advanced platforms. India, with its existing Mirage 2000 fleet and recent Rafale acquisition, finds itself at a crossroads – should it acquire these secondhand jets, or is it becoming a dumping ground for outdated technology? ad The Mirage 2000, developed by Dassault Aviation, has been a mainstay in numerous air forces since the 1970s, known for its performance...

India's agreement with GE for F-404 engines is facing significant challenges, highlighting the urgent need for India to secure Transfer of Technology (ToT) for these critical engines. Delays in the supply chain and a shrinking order book from other manufacturers are threatening the timely delivery of the remaining 99 engines, potentially impacting the production of Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. ad South Korea's successful FA-50 program, which benefited from ToT for the F-404 engine, serves as a...

TOKYO - Japan is set to supply advanced naval ship antennas to India, in a move aimed at enhancing defense capabilities and deterrence within the Indo-Pacific region. This development, expected to be announced at the upcoming two-plus-two meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of both nations in New Delhi, marks a significant step in deepening defense cooperation between the two Quad allies. ad The antennas, developed by Japanese companies including NEC, are currently deployed on...

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) acquisition of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A has encountered another setback due to delays in engine deliveries from General Electric (GE). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft's manufacturer, is now preparing to install used engines as a temporary solution, casting further doubt on the November delivery timeline. ad A defence official revealed, "Not a single engine has been received so far. They are now expected to be delivered from September...

The Indian Navy is set to significantly bolster its submarine fleet with talks advancing to acquire three more Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines. State-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is reportedly in the final stages of negotiation for a deal estimated at a substantial ₹35,000 crore (US$4.19 billion). While the final price remains subject to negotiations, the projected cost per submarine falls between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion. This marks a substantial 62% increase...

In a move that could significantly bolster India's indigenous defense capabilities, Rolls-Royce has proposed a revolutionary collaboration for the development of the engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Alex Zino, the company's future programs chief, has committed to a complete transfer of intellectual property (IP) rights to India for a jointly developed engine. ad This unprecedented offer is a departure from traditional models, empowering India with full ownership of...

In a bid to replace India's aging MiG-29 fleet, Russia has intensified its efforts to attract India's interest in its Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet. The single-engine, lightweight stealth fighter, unveiled in 2021, is being positioned as the ideal successor to the MiG-29s, which India and several other nations are looking to replace. ad Russia is particularly focused on India, a long-standing partner with a pressing need to upgrade its fighter jet fleet. A 2021 promotional video for the...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to miss its target of adding nine new squadrons to its fleet by 2025-26, despite ongoing efforts to address its fighter jet deficit. The original plan was to induct nine additional squadrons, but only two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets and one squadron of the Tejas Mk1A are confirmed for induction at this time. The delivery of the Tejas Mk1A has been hampered by production challenges, further hindering the IAF's plans. ad Hindustan Aeronautics Limited...

The Indian Army is on the brink of a substantial artillery upgrade as the government prepares to approve the procurement of an additional 100 K9 Vajra tracked, self-propelled howitzers. The decision, expected to be finalized in a cabinet committee meeting this month, will significantly enhance India's firepower capabilities, particularly along the sensitive border with China. ad This repeat order comes in the wake of the successful delivery of the initial 100 K9 Vajras by Larsen & Toubro...

India and the United States had previously initiated discussions on co-developing an engine for AMCA program. These talks had stalled due to disagreements over technology transfer. However, last month, during the second meeting of iCET between NSA Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan, US officials have expressed renewed enthusiasm for the collaboration, signaling a willingness to reconsider India's demands for greater technology sharing. ad US officials have privately conveyed that American engine...

India's burgeoning aerospace industry continues to push boundaries with the development of its indigenous fighter jet, the Tejas Mark 1A. While the aircraft boasts impressive capabilities and advanced avionics, a persistent challenge lies in its reliance on foreign engine suppliers. A supply agreement with GE for their GE-404 engines has faced delays due to supply chain issues, prompting HAL to explore alternatives. One option under consideration is the Safran M-88-3 engine, which powers...

India and China, both significant military powers in Asia, have taken contrasting paths in their acquisition and utilization of the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet program. While China opted to reverse-engineer the less advanced Su-30MKK variant to develop its own indigenous versions, India pursued a different approach focused on technology transfer and long-term self-reliance. ad India's decision to engage in a complex technology transfer agreement with Russia for the Su-30MKI program aimed to...

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) Marshal Anil Chopra's recent suggestion to revisit the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program has ignited discussions within the defence community. However, credible sources within the industry have confirmed that there are no plans to reconsider the FGFA program for procurement. ad Experts reiterate that India's decision to withdraw from the FGFA program, which was based on the Russian Su-57 platform, was justified due to significant...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) are collaborating on Project-76, an ambitious endeavor to design and develop a new generation of indigenous conventional submarines for the Indian Navy. This project is expected to significantly bolster India's self-reliance in underwater warfare capabilities. By late 2025, the DRDO and WDB are anticipated to finalize the design of these 3,000-4,000-ton submarines. The project approval is expected...

India's ambitious plans for acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) under a new "Make in India" policy may face challenges due to the reluctance of Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale fighter jet, to comply with technology transfer requirements. The Indian government's new policy mandates that the chosen aircraft for the MRFA program not only be purchased but also fully manufactured within India. This shift in policy signifies a strong push for self-reliance in the defence...

India's ambitious plan to jointly produce Stryker armored vehicles under the 'Make in India' initiative is facing a significant hurdle due to the steep estimated cost. Sources suggest that the initial cost of the project could exceed $1.5 billion, with each unit carrying a substantial $5 million markup. A key element of the deal involves a transfer of technology (ToT) from the United States, facilitating local production and assembly of the vehicles. This includes transferring technical...