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In a significant milestone for indigenous defence sustainment, the Indian Navy and domestic industry have successfully stabilised the performance of the MiG-29K fighter fleet’s Zhuk-ME radar, effectively resolving chronic reliability issues that had plagued the platform for over a decade. This breakthrough follows the quiet lapse of the original Russian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certification in 2019. The expiration of this vendor agreement, rather than hindering operations...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has introduced a significant design update to its HLFT-42 Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) programme, marking a decisive shift in the aircraft's aerodynamic configuration. The most notable modification is the complete redesign of the air intakes, moving away from the earlier concept inspired by the HF-24 Marut to a configuration that closely mirrors the Tejas Mk2. This strategic realignment aims to enhance aerodynamic efficiency, lower development risks...

India’s pursuit of a modernised fighter fleet has reached a potential turning point, with Russia confirming that negotiations for the Su-57 stealth aircraft have moved into a critical new phase. Speaking to the press at the Wings India 2026 air show in Hyderabad, Vadim Badekha, the Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), revealed that discussions with New Delhi are now in a "deep technical stage," signalling a move beyond general interest toward concrete...

India’s regional aviation landscape is poised for a significant transformation following a strategic announcement by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). In a move to bolster domestic civil aviation capabilities, the two entities have formalised a plan to introduce the SJ-100 Superjet to the Indian market. The initiative will commence with the import of fully assembled aircraft for testing, eventually leading to the assembly of...

As India moves closer to finalizing what could be the largest single fighter aircraft acquisition in the world, the Rafale programme is poised to reach historic financial and strategic heights. Negotiations are currently advancing for the procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), a deal estimated to exceed $35 billion. When aggregated with the Indian Air Force’s previous induction of 36 jets and the imminent order of 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for the Indian Navy, the total...

Recent media reports linking the performance upgrades of the Indian Air Force’s Astra air-to-air missile to Chinese PL-15 technology have highlighted the rapid spread of unverified narratives. Speculation has suggested that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved the Astra’s new capabilities by reverse-engineering propellant from a Chinese PL-15E missile allegedly recovered on Indian soil. However, defence officials and scientists have firmly rejected these...

In a development that could redefine the standards for mobile heavy artillery, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL) has confirmed the successful creation of a 155mm/52-calibre artillery gun mounted on a 4×4 wheeled chassis. Cited as a world first, this engineering feat integrates the firepower of a long-range heavy howitzer with the agility of a compact vehicle—a combination previously viewed as structurally unfeasible. ad Breaking the Weight Barrier with Hybrid Recoil The primary...

In a recent assessment, Germany-based aviation and defence writer Thomas Newdick has underscored the transformative potential of India’s new Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM). According to his analysis, this advanced weapon system is poised to fundamentally reshape naval strike dynamics within the Indo-Pacific region. Newdick emphasises that the missile’s defining characteristic—its extreme hypersonic velocity—renders it exceptionally lethal. The destructive power of the...

A future fighter aircraft combining the aerodynamic prowess of Russia’s Su-57 with India’s advanced avionics and mission software could ostensibly surpass the combat capabilities of the American F-35 Lightning II. This assessment comes from Group Captain (Retd.) Dr. M. J. Augustine Vinod, a former Indian Air Force fighter pilot and military analyst, who suggests such a hybrid platform would offer a decisive advantage in modern aerial warfare. ad The "Potent Combination" of Hardware and...

A new geopolitical concept is gaining traction within diplomatic circles, raising the prospect that the existing trilateral cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Israel could expand into a broader "Mediterranean QUAD" or "Med QUAD". Strategic analysts suggest this proposed alignment is designed to serve as a counterbalance to an emerging bloc led by Turkey, often referred to as an "Islamic NATO," which reportedly draws support from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that Athens...

In a landmark development for India’s defence aerospace sector, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has invited Indian industry to partner in the production of a high-power indigenous fighter jet engine. This move marks a definitive shift from research-focused development to industrial-scale manufacturing, aiming to secure long-term technological independence for the nation’s air power. ad From Laboratory to Shop Floor Through a newly released Expression of Interest (EoI), GTRE—a...

India’s indigenous air defence architecture has achieved a critical milestone with the successful validation of the Akash-NG (Next Generation) missile system. Senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have confirmed that the system’s operational range has been extended to 50 km, significantly bolstering its ability to neutralise modern aerial threats. Ankathi Raju, Chief of the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), stated that these...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently evaluating a strategic decision regarding the replacement of two Tejas Mk1 fighter jets lost in recent accidents. High-level discussions are underway to determine whether to commission new aircraft of the existing Mk1 standard or to transition the affected squadron directly to the advanced Tejas Mk1A variant. This deliberation follows the loss of two Final Operational Clearance (FOC) standard aircraft within a two-year period: a crash in Jaisalmer...

While the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) recently secured ₹15,000 crore to initiate the manufacturing phase of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter is only just transitioning from blueprints to physical reality. However, even as the AMCA project gains necessary speed, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is signalling a critical urgency: the countdown for the subsequent technological leap has already begun. Recent statements by Air Chief...

The schedule for the maiden flight of India’s indigenous Tejas Mk2 fighter jet has become a subject of intense speculation following conflicting updates from top defence officials. While earlier projections suggested the aircraft would fly by mid-2026, recent statements from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) indicate that the milestone may slip to early 2027, leaving observers questioning the precise status of the critical programme. ad Conflicting Timelines from Top Officials The...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has revealed a decisive advancement in the Tejas Mk1A programme, confirming that five fighter jets have been fully manufactured and have successfully cleared critical weaponry and firing evaluations. Mr D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, stated that the organisation is now poised to formally present these aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) for acceptance before the close of the current financial year. This development signifies a...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed a significant capability leap in India’s indigenous air combat arsenal. The Astra Mk2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) now boasts a validated strike range of 240 kilometres. This development was announced by Perina Devi, a senior official at DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), during an interaction with India TV. This confirmation marks a critical milestone for the programme...

In a significant development for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) procurement, US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has announced major upgrades to its bid. The company has confirmed that the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft offered to India will feature a newly developed range-extension capability and an open architecture design, aimed at meeting New Delhi's requirements for long-range logistics and domestic defence production. ad Extended Reach for...

As India advances its negotiations for the procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), clarity is emerging regarding the "Make in India" component of the deal. While recent reports have highlighted an initial indigenous content figure of approximately 30 per cent for the first India-made Rafale jets, defence officials and industry insiders clarify that this is merely a starting point. The ultimate objective is to scale localisation to over 60 per cent by the conclusion of the...

In a major development for India’s private defence manufacturing sector, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), a subsidiary of the Kalyani Group, has released comprehensive design details for its new Light Tank project. The platform, engineered specifically for high-altitude warfare and rugged terrain, marks a rapid advancement in indigenous armoured vehicle technology, having moved from concept to detailed design in just one year. ad Advanced Firepower and Crew Protection The centrepiece...