The Indian Air Force (IAF) is marking the end of an era as it prepares to phase out its fleet of iconic MiG-21 fighter jets, with the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas poised to take its place as a cornerstone of the nation's air defence.
This strategic shift was highlighted by a symbolic final sortie on a MiG-21 Bison by Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal AP Singh, signalling a confident transition towards self-reliance in military aviation.
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The LCA Tejas...
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India's flagship fifth-generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has achieved a significant manufacturing milestone.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the lead design agency for the project, has officially begun issuing work orders for the structural components of the first AMCA prototype.
This development marks a critical transition for the program from the design board to the factory floor.
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According to official sources, the release of these...
India is on the verge of finalising a historic agreement with General Electric (GE) Aerospace that will significantly enhance its indigenous military aviation capabilities.
A team from the American conglomerate is scheduled to arrive in India shortly to conclude negotiations with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on the transfer of technology for the powerful F414 jet engine, which will equip India's future fighter aircraft.
The final discussions are expected to be completed by the end...
India is developing a new-generation hypersonic missile, the Rudram-IV, designed to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an unprecedented capability to strike high-value targets deep inside enemy territory from a safe distance.
This Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSOW) is being engineered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and represents a significant advancement in the country's indigenous missile programme.
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The Rudram-IV is the latest and most advanced...
In a major step toward military aviation self-reliance, India has solidified a partnership with French aerospace leader Safran to co-develop a next-generation fighter jet engine.
This collaboration with India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) aims to produce a powerful 120 kilonewton (kN) thrust engine destined for the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2 and the naval Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).
The new engine's specifications signal a monumental leap in...
In a landmark development for its aerospace and defence sector, India is moving forward with a plan to develop a new-generation jet engine with 100% Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
The powerful 120kN thrust class engine will be developed in collaboration with French aerospace giant Safran, marking a pivotal step in India’s quest for self-reliance in critical military technology.
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The new engine, capable of generating approximately 12 tons of thrust, is being developed primarily to...
A significant debate is emerging within India's strategic circles as defence analysts are advising the government to prioritise the development of an indigenous 50-ton manned stealth bomber over acquiring Russia’s formidable Tu-160M ‘White Swan’.
The core argument is that a domestically produced aircraft, evolved from the existing Ghatak stealth drone program, would provide a crucial strategic edge in modern warfare.
Such a platform, designed for covert operations deep inside enemy...
India's indigenous military drone program is poised to take a significant leap forward, with the TAPAS BH-201 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) scheduled to conduct its first flight powered by a locally developed engine.
According to information shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, this crucial test is expected to take place in late September or October 2025.
The flight represents a major milestone in the nation's push for self-reliance in critical defence technology, a...
Following its landmark acquisition of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Philippines is now exploring a new defence partnership with India, showing keen interest in acquiring advanced Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Reports indicate that the proposal goes beyond a simple purchase, with discussions focused on establishing local manufacturing and maintenance facilities in the Philippines, marking a significant step in the...
In a landmark strategic shift aimed at accelerating the production of fighter aircraft, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the nation's leading aerospace and defence corporation, is set to outsource the complete assembly of major aircraft modules to private Indian companies.
This move is expected to dramatically reduce manufacturing timelines for the Tejas Mk1A and potentially Tejas Mk2 and AMCA.
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Under the new model, private firms that already supply key structural components—such as...
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is actively promoting the development of an Indian Air Force (IAF) variant of a new naval fighter jet to ensure the programme's financial viability and boost indigenous manufacturing.
The proposal aims to secure a combined order of over 150 aircraft, which officials believe is necessary to justify the high development costs of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).
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The TEDBF is being designed by the government's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)...
In a major endorsement of India's domestic defence capabilities, the upcoming procurement of 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) will feature the indigenously developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
This decision aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and signals a growing trust in locally engineered advanced military technology.
To ensure production schedules are met, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expediting the purchase of a large quantity of Israeli-made 'Rampage' precision missiles, following their effective performance in recent cross-border strikes.
Defence sources confirm that the successful use of these weapons during 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025 has spurred the move to bolster the nation's long-range strike capabilities through a fast-tracked acquisition process.
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The decision comes after the missiles, designated as HSLD-Mark 2 (High-Speed...
A potential collaboration between India and France to develop a new engine for the nation's future stealth fighter jet may prioritise production timelines over incorporating the most advanced, next-generation technology from the outset.
The proposed engine, intended for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is expected to be co-developed by India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and French aerospace leader Safran.
According to individuals familiar with the negotiations...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing for a significant expansion in the production of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, anticipating that the final order from the Indian Air Force (IAF) could surpass 200 aircraft.
This development marks a major step forward in India's push for military modernization and self-reliance in the defence sector.
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The IAF is preparing to phase out its aging fleets of MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and Jaguar jets over the next decade. To fill this critical...
In a powerful address to the nation on Independence Day, August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a clear directive for India's scientific community and defence industry: to develop and build Indian jet engines for the nation's fighter aircraft.
This call for technological self-reliance, part of the overarching Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision, has sharply focused attention on a critical ongoing project—the Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25) program.
Developed...
In a major strategic announcement during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Sudarshan Chakra Mission.
This ambitious initiative aims to develop a multi-layered, indigenous system by 2035 that combines both offensive and defensive capabilities to secure India against emerging threats.
Named after the legendary discus of Lord Krishna, which was known for its precision and unfailing return, the system is designed to be...
In a major development for India's indigenous military aviation program, the United States has given a firm commitment to ensure a regular and uninterrupted supply of GE Aerospace's F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet.
This assurance has resolved previous production bottlenecks and given the Indian government the confidence to approve the purchase of 97 additional aircraft.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), India’s top body for military procurement, cleared the order for...
A former head of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.), has stated his personal belief that India should have pursued the more advanced Tejas Mk2 fighter jet instead of the recently approved purchase of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
In a recent interview, he argued that the superior capabilities of the Mk2 are better suited for the nation's long-term security challenges.
This perspective comes as the Ministry of Defence has formally approved the...
In a significant move to enhance the nation's air defence capabilities, India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, has officially approved the acquisition of six advanced Netra Mk2 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
The project, valued at approximately ₹19,000 crore, will provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a critical edge in airborne surveillance and battle management.
The new systems will be integrated onto pre-owned Airbus A321...
