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In a significant leap for India's naval prowess, the first of the Project 17A (Alpha) stealth frigates, INS Nilgiri, has commenced its sea trials. This marks a major milestone in the modernization of the Indian Navy, as INS Nilgiri represents the most advanced frigate in its fleet. Designed as a derivative of the indigenous Shivalik class stealth frigates, the Nilgiri class boasts an array of cutting-edge technology. It is already equipped with MF-STAR radar, Terma Scanter radar, and...

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted India's plans to procure KA-31 helicopters from Russia for its new indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Despite discussions to purchase 10 KA-31 Airborne Early Warning helicopters, the proposed $520 million deal faces significant uncertainty. Sources indicate that sanctions imposed on Russia have complicated payment, even as India and Russia explore ways to circumvent them. Furthermore, there are concerns about Russia's ability to...

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), fresh from the successful delivery of India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, has put forth an ambitious proposal to the Indian Navy. The shipyard believes it can construct a sister ship to INS Vikrant in a significantly reduced timeframe of just seven years. INS Vikrant's construction was a complex and lengthy process, spanning nearly 13 years from keel-laying to sea trials. CSL attributes its confidence in accelerating the construction of the...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is forging ahead with its unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) ambitions, expanding beyond its initial CATS Warrior "loyal wingman" concept. The state-owned aerospace giant is now developing the CATS Warrior II, a significantly larger UCAV designed for high-altitude, long-endurance combat missions. ad This near 5-ton behemoth will be a game-changer, boasting a substantial weapons payload of 400-500 kg. It's expected to be powered by the domestically...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to embark on a significant fleet modernization initiative, starting with the phased retirement of approximately 60 Jaguar aircraft equipped with the DARIN-II avionics suite by 2030-31. These aircraft, which have served the IAF since the late 1970s, will gradually be replaced by more advanced models as part of the force's ongoing modernization efforts. ad The retirement process is expected to begin in 2028, initially targeting older batches of Jaguars...

In a notable move, the Indian Army has recently opted for the indigenously developed ASMI submachine gun (SMG) over the globally recognized Israeli Uzi. This decision reflects India's growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, coupled with the ASMI's specific advantages over the Uzi. ad The ASMI, an acronym for "pride, self-respect, and hard work," is a 9x19mm caliber SMG designed in 2020 by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and Lt Col Prasad Bansod...

In a major stride towards technological self-reliance, the Indian Army today announced the successful transfer of technology for its indigenously developed "Xploder" UGV and "Agniastra" detonation system to private Indian firms. This landmark development, part of the Army's "Year of Tech Absorption," underscores its unwavering commitment to modernization and operational excellence. The ToT ceremony, graced by Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Rajasubramani, highlighted the strategic...

India is gearing up to achieve complete self-sufficiency in the manufacturing of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles by the end of 2025. This ambitious goal was revealed by Major-General Sudhir Kumar Sharma, the managing director of Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between India and Russia, in an interview with TASS. ad The production process in India is planned in five stages, each marked by an increased percentage of locally sourced components. Sharma expressed...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing the development and acquisition of affordable air-to-air missile systems to counter the increasing prevalence of low-cost aerial threats, including drones, loitering munitions, subsonic cruise missiles, and rockets. Recognizing the evolving tactics of modern warfare, the IAF acknowledges the financial and strategic limitations of using expensive surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) against these budget-friendly threats. Adversaries often utilize...

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...

In a move signalling a bold shift in its defense acquisition strategy, India's government has seeking a new policy mandating complete fighter jet production within the country for its upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. This decision signifies a significant departure from previous 'Make in India' initiatives that focused on partial domestic production. ad Under this revised policy, any company bidding for the lucrative MRFA contract, estimated at $23 billion, must be willing...

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...